Immigrant Architects Coalition Podcast

Join us for this entertaining conversation between the leaders at IAC!

IAC’s 2025 Impact & What’s Next in 2026 brings together the Immigrant Architects Coalition’s Board of Directors—Yu‑Ngok Lo, Graciela Carrillo, Saakshi Terway, Oyuki Sulu, and Gloria Kloter—for a candid year-in-review and forward-looking conversation. The episode reflects on key milestones, programs, publications, and partnerships from 2025, and outlines the initiatives, priorities, and opportunities ahead in 2026.

This episode is dedicated to the community that makes IAC’s work possible: our collaborators, coauthors of past books, authors of blog’s articles, mentors and mentees, webinar speakers, podcast guests, and generous sponsors. Your collective commitment continues to expand pathways, amplify voices, and strengthen support for immigrant architects across the profession.

Tune in to The Immigrant Architects Coalition Podcast and don't miss out on the fascinating conversations that shed light on the triumphs and resilience of immigrant architects and designers. Subscribe now and join us on this incredible adventure! 

Thanks for Listening! Visit our website https://www.immigrantarchitects.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Gilberto Lozada Báez is a Mexican architect based in Mexico and the 69th President of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). Gilberto graduated in 2024 from Universidad de Monterrey, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Architecture with Magna Cum Laude honors and the CENEVAL National Award for EGEL Academic Excellence. 

As an emerging architect and designer, Gilberto is passionate about exploring architecture as a process rather than an end product—one that creates spaces that celebrate the ecological and cultural dynamics of our ways of dwelling. His work has been recognized nationally and internationally at the 39th Alberto J. Pani National Architectural Composition Award and the 2022 NYC Architecture Biennial. He has also received accolades from the VII Xignux-UDEM Prize for Alternative Energies and Sustainable Design, the National Encounter for Architecture Students (ENEA 34), and the XXII Nuevo León Architecture Biennial, among others. 

Gilberto became the first International Officer of the AIAS in 2024, and since then has continued to take on leadership and service roles in the AIAS, the ACSA Board of Directors, and, more recently, the AIA’s Strategic Council.  Through his intersectional involvement, he is committed to creating strong collaborative ecosystems across individuals, groups and borders to enhance the role of architecture and design in building stewardship for our communities.

Tune in to The Immigrant Architects Coalition Podcast and don't miss out on the fascinating conversations that shed light on the triumphs and resilience of immigrant architects and designers. Subscribe now and join us on this incredible adventure! 

Thanks for Listening! Visit our website https://www.immigrantarchitects.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

🎙️ Listen to the IAC Podcast Episode #27: From China to Dubai: Li Ren’s Global Journey as a U.S.-Licensed Architect, by Li Ren, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C

Li Ren, originally from Chengdu, China, is an Architect and Associate at Perkins Eastman in Dubai. He specializes in hospitality, senior living, and master plans. His approach to design is sustainable and inclusive. He seeks to involve the community in the design process to enhance the design's quality and social engagement.

Li is passionate about community-focused design and inclusive living. His research and practice are centered around these themes, with a particular focus on technology, sustainability, and culture. He has been recognized for his contributions to the field, including the AIA|DC Emerging Architect Award in 2021 and BD+C’s 40 Under 40 Awards in 2022.

In active involvement with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Council of Architect Registration Board (NCARB), Li currently serves as the past chair of the AIA Global Practice Committee and holds the role of AIA Middle East chapter President. In academia, Li has contributed as a visiting lecturer at Virginia Tech (WAAC), adjunct instructor at the American University in Dubai, and visiting professor at the American University in the Emirates.

Tune in to The Immigrant Architects Coalition Podcast and don't miss out on the fascinating conversations that shed light on the triumphs and resilience of immigrant architects and designers. Subscribe now and join us on this incredible adventure! 

 
Listen here: IAC Podcast , and available on all major podcast platforms.

Thanks for Listening! Visit our website https://www.immigrantarchitects.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Samia Rab Kirchner, originally from Quetta, Pakistan, makes, studies, and analyzes architecture that contributes to urban civic identity. She is currently a tenured Associate Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at Morgan State University Department of Architecture. She has previously taught architecture, urban design, historic preservation, and urban heritage management at the American University of Sharjah in the UAE, the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and Georgia Institute of Technology. She also serves as Associate Director on the Board of the Baltimore Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), as the Middle East Area Editor for the forthcoming Bloomsbury Global Encyclopedia of Women in Architecture, as Editorial Member of the Journal of Arabian Studies, and as Desk Reviewer for ICOMOS on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Tune in to The Immigrant Architects Coalition Podcast and don't miss out on the fascinating conversations that shed light on the triumphs and resilience of immigrant architects and designers. Subscribe now and join us on this incredible adventure! 

Thanks for Listening! Visit our website https://www.immigrantarchitects.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

🎙️ Listen to the IAC Podcast Episode #25: Cloudiya Ochoa, AIA, NCARB, CDT. Licensed in North Carolina and Mexico.

Cloudiya Ochoa, AIA, NCARB, CDT, is a licensed architect in the North Carolina and Mexico, with over 12 years of experience. She brings a global perspective to her work and is passionate about helping others navigate the path to licensure. As a working mom of almost three and a foreign-trained professional, Cloudiya shares her journey balancing family, career, and professional growth in hopes of inspiring the next generation of architects. 

Tune in to The Immigrant Architects Coalition Podcast and don't miss out on the fascinating conversations that shed light on the triumphs and resilience of immigrant architects and designers. Subscribe now and join us on this incredible adventure! 

Thanks for Listening! Visit our website https://www.immigrantarchitects.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

🎙️ Listen to the IAC Podcast Episode #24: Anuya Sant, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C. Licensed in Wisconsin and India.

Anuya is a seasoned health care architect, planner, and project manager with over a decade of experience in operational planning and evidence-based design. Originally from India, she brings her passion for historic preservation, sustainable and community design to her projects to create effective and long-lasting environments. Anuya has been a dedicated volunteer for the community with her involvement with the Wisconsin Architectural Board, AIA, NCARB, and AMFP organizations.

Tune in to The Immigrant Architects Coalition Podcast and don't miss out on the fascinating conversations that shed light on the triumphs and resilience of immigrant architects and designers. Subscribe now and join us on this incredible adventure! 

 
Listen here: IAC Podcast , and available on all major podcast platforms.

#ArchitecturePodcast #DiversityInArchitecture #InclusiveCommunity #ImmigrantArchitects #EmpoweringVoices #ImmigrantArchitectCoalition #Architects #IACTalks

Thanks for Listening! Visit our website https://www.immigrantarchitects.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

🎙️ Listen to the IAC Podcast Episode #23: Rajan Karmacharya, PMP®, AIA, NCARB, licensed in Texas and from Nepal.

Rajan, originally from Nepal, is a Senior Architect and Project Manager with over a decade of experience and a story that’s anything but typical. After being diagnosed with dyslexia, he didn’t just navigate the challenges of architecture school; he crushed the ARE 5.0 with just six months of preparation, earning his license in 2022.

He currently serves as the Chair of the ARE Study Program Subcommittee for the AIA Austin chapter and is on a mission to make the path to licensure more accessible. As the founder of Arniko Academy, an edtech startup focused on active learning and personalized education tools, Rajan is helping future architects tackle the AREs on their own terms.

In this episode, he shares how he turned obstacles into motivation, why traditional learning doesn’t work for everyone, and what it really takes to become a licensed architect in the U.S.

To learn more about his startup, visit https://arniko.academy.

Promo Code: IAC50 (use at the checkout)

Discount: 50% off (for all 6 months plans)

Expires: July 6, 2025 (Independence day long weekend)

Tune in to The Immigrant Architects Coalition Podcast and don't miss out on the fascinating conversations that shed light on the triumphs and resilience of immigrant architects and designers. Subscribe now and join us on this incredible adventure! 

Thanks for Listening! Visit our website https://www.immigrantarchitects.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

🎙️ Listen to the IAC Podcast Episode #22: An Immigrant Architect's Path to Giving Back with Mahbuba Khan AIA, MPA, LEED®AP BD+C

Mahbuba Khan is the founding president of MnKhan Architects, a minority-owned firm specializing in public projects across community, institutional, and municipal sectors in Coppell, Texas.

Most recently, she served as a Technical Lead Architect for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and as a Capital Project Manager for the City of Dallas, TX.

She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from a sister school of Texas A&M in Bangladesh and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of North Texas. With 25 years of experience, her expertise spans large firms, private practice, capital-funded projects, federal healthcare initiatives, and mission-critical programs.

In addition to her professional work, Mahbuba has actively contributed to various AIA and City board positions. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the Public Architects Knowledge Committee at the national level.

https://www.mnkhan.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahbubakhan/

https://www.facebook.com/MnKhanArchitects/

https://x.com/mnkhanarchitect?s=21&t=LEkvcEBqu9AAzGAmqSVt6w

Tune in to The Immigrant Architects Coalition Podcast and don't miss out on the fascinating conversations that shed light on the triumphs and resilience of immigrant architects and designers. Subscribe now and join us on this incredible adventure! 

Thanks for Listening! Visit our website https://www.immigrantarchitects.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Olga Whitmoyer is a New York-based, Russian-born architect dedicated to enhancing public education and building stronger, more equitable communities across New York City. With a professional mission focused on advancing both equity and sustainability, Olga strives to make a lasting impact through her work as a registered architect.

Olga earned her first Master’s degree in Architecture from Moscow State Academic Art Institute of Russian Academy of Arts in 2006, where she contributed to award-winning projects in educational and institutional design at a prominent Moscow-based studio. In 2008, she moved to New York State to pursue a second Master’s degree in Urban Planning at the City College of New York, under the mentorship of the renowned professor Michael Sorkin.

In 2021, Olga became a licensed architect in New York State. Over the past eight years, she has focused on higher education and public school projects, creating spaces that foster learning and community development. A LEED AP and Certified Passive House Designer, Olga is deeply committed to sustainability and strives to integrate environmentally conscious design solutions into every project she undertakes.

Tune in to The Immigrant Architects Coalition Podcast and don't miss out on the fascinating conversations that shed light on the triumphs and resilience of immigrant architects and designers. Subscribe now and join us on this incredible adventure! 

Thanks for Listening! Visit our website https://www.immigrantarchitects.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

🎙️ Listen to the IAC Podcast Episode #20: Manuel Granja, AIA, LEED Green Associate. Licensed in Florida, Ohio and Panama.

Manuel Granja, originally from Ecuador, is a Project Coordinator at Sol Design and Consult, specializing in sustainable design and occupant well-being. With a portfolio spanning over 100,000 sq ft of fitness facilities worldwide, he brings a global perspective to energy-efficient, human-centered architecture.

Manuel is the 2025 AIA National Associate Representative for Ohio and the 2023 Co-Chair of AIA Cincinnati’s Urban Design Committee. He holds an MBA from Universidad Interamericana de Panama and a Bachelor's in Architecture from Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Manuel enjoys sports, including sailing, triathlon, soccer, and passing time with friends and family.

Tune in to The Immigrant Architects Coalition Podcast and don't miss out on the fascinating conversations that shed light on the triumphs and resilience of immigrant architects and designers. Subscribe now and join us on this incredible adventure! 

Listen here: IAC Podcast , and available on all major podcast platforms.

#ArchitecturePodcast #DiversityInArchitecture #InclusiveCommunity #ImmigrantArchitects #EmpoweringVoices #ImmigrantArchitectCoalition #Architects #IACTalks

Thanks for Listening! Visit our website https://www.immigrantarchitects.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn