In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee speaks with Henry Gao, architect turned digital creator, educator, and founder of Draw With Gao, a platform that teaches architects and designers how to leverage iPad sketching as both a creative outlet and a new revenue stream. Henry’s path offers a rare glimpse into how an architectural background can evolve beyond the profession into entrepreneurship, storytelling, and scalable creative business.

Henry shares his journey from sketching historical buildings as a child in China to navigating a traditional architecture education in Canada and the U.S., and eventually stepping away from firm life after realizing it didn’t align with his values. Along the way, he experimented with freelance renderings, ran an Etsy shop, studied architectural photography, and slowly built an ecosystem of content that now supports a global audience of designers.

Together, Evelyn and Henry explore the challenges of leaving the traditional architecture path, the role of mentors and paid coaching, and what it takes to build a sustainable business around content, courses, and community. They also discuss Henry’s evolution from side hustles to a full-time educational platform, the power of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and why he believes teaching is a form of service that architects are well-equipped to offer.

“When I stopped trying to fit into traditional architecture roles, I started to see all the ways my training could serve people. Teaching, drawing, storytelling, those are still architectural skills. But now I use them to empower others, and in doing so, I’ve built a business that’s both creative and sustainable.”

- Henry Gao

The episode concludes with a reflection on ikigai - the Japanese concept of purpose, and how Henry’s work sits at the intersection of what he loves, what he’s good at, what people need, and what can be monetized. It’s a conversation about reimagining the future of architecture as something broader than buildings - something designed to fit the life you want to live.

Henry Gao is a designer, educator, and the founder of Draw With Gao, an online platform offering courses, tools, and coaching for architects and creatives interested in mastering digital hand drawing. Trained in architecture at Carleton University and Cornell, Henry transitioned from working in design firms to building a business rooted in teaching and storytelling. His work focuses on helping creatives turn their skills into impactful, scalable offerings in the creator economy.

This episode is for you if:

✅ You’re an architect curious about alternative career paths

✅ You want to learn how to monetize creative skills beyond the billable hour

✅ You’ve considered launching an online course, product, or content platform

✅ You’re exploring ways to build freedom and sustainability into your design career

What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

📍 Show Links:

• Connect with Henry on LinkedIn
• Follow Henry on Instagram
• Learn more about Draw with Gao
• Subscribe to Henry’s Youtube Channel 

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How can virtual architecture expand the role of the architect?

In this week’s episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee talks with Ryan Scavnicky, better known as Scav, about the future of architectural education, immersive digital environments, and redefining what it means to design space. As the Assistant Professor at Marywood University and creator of its new Bachelor of Virtual Architecture (BVA) program, Scav is imagining an architectural education rooted in video games, virtual reality, live streaming, and spatial storytelling.

Dubbed the “Godfather of Architecture Memes” by Architectural Digest, Scav’s journey is anything but traditional. After training at the University of Cincinnati and working internationally at firms like Coop Himmelb(l)au, he pivoted to academia and new media, exploring how digital space can be as meaningful and architectural as physical buildings. He shares how Twitch streaming, immersive crit sessions, and real-time collaboration have reshaped his understanding of design and pedagogy.

Evelyn and Scav explore the implications of this new degree program and what it means for the future of practice. They discuss how architecture has historically overlooked virtual space, how the profession might embrace new tools without losing its critical rigor, and how graduates of this program might expand into careers in game design, XR, storytelling, and tech, while still thinking like architects. The episode also examines the deeper cultural implications of space in games and film, and how architects can reclaim authorship in those expanding frontiers.

“To me, this is still just architecture. We’re reaching a new medium of space, one that lives on screens, through headsets, inside games - and we have the tools to shape that with the same intentionality and care we bring to buildings.” - Ryan Scavnicky

The episode concludes with a reflection on accessibility, immersion, and how virtual environments can be both technically and emotionally meaningful. Scav offers insight into how the profession can evolve, starting in the studio, and why it’s time to take digital spatial design seriously as a legitimate architectural practice.

Ryan Scavnicky (Scav) is a designer, educator, content creator, and Assistant Professor at Marywood University, where he leads the newly launched Bachelor of Virtual Architecture program. With a background spanning traditional architecture, theory, memes, and digital media, Scav is known for translating architectural thinking into new formats, including Twitch, TikTok, and game engines. His work reclaims virtual environments as spaces for critical design, connection, and immersive storytelling.

This episode is for you if:

✅ You’re curious about the intersection of architecture and video games

✅ You’re an educator thinking about how to evolve studio culture

✅ You’re wondering what the future of licensure, pedagogy, or spatial experience might look like

✅ You believe architecture should expand beyond buildings and engage new mediums

What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

📍 Show Links:

• Connect with Scav on LinkedIn
• Follow Scav on Instagram
• Learn more about Marywood’s Virtual Architecture Program

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This week on Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee talks with Kate Aoki, architect, educator, and founding partner of Golden Egg Creative, to explore how designers can blend architecture, storytelling, and community to create immersive, intentional experiences. With a career path that’s taken her through fine arts, museum design, architecture firms, and now entrepreneurship, Kate shares what it means to craft spaces not just for use, but for memory, meaning, and delight.

Kate opens up about her nonlinear journey, starting with a degree in textile design, before eventually returning to her lifelong goal of becoming an architect. Along the way, she worked in galleries, lived abroad, and built a foundation in public and nonprofit spaces. Her deep love for fine art and interpretive design led her back to the Dallas Museum of Art as Head of Exhibition Design, fulfilling a long-held dream. But after four years, she realized the bureaucracy of nonprofit work wasn’t a long-term fit. What came next was a leap into co-founding Golden Egg, a firm focused on designing transformative experiences rooted in cultural storytelling and visitor connection.

Evelyn and Kate discuss what it takes to launch a niche practice, how to build authentic partnerships with architects and civic institutions, and why experience design is growing in relevance across sectors. Whether developing mobile exhibits for aerospace education or reimagining museum installations, Kate brings a holistic and thoughtful approach to every detail, from lighting and circulation to the words on the wall.

“This felt like putting on a pair of shoes that fit perfectly. It’s the kind of work I’ve always been meant to do - blending fine art, architecture, and storytelling into experiences that connect people to something larger than themselves.”

– Kate Aoki

The episode concludes with reflections on growth, creative courage, and how designers can prototype career pivots by following their curiosity and leaning into interdisciplinary collaboration.

Kate Aoki, AIA, NOMA, is an architect and founding partner at Golden Egg Creative, a design firm specializing in exhibition and experience design. With a background in fine arts, architecture, and interpretive planning, Kate’s work bridges storytelling, culture, and space. She previously served as Head of Exhibition Design at the Dallas Museum of Art and has over a decade of experience working across firms and institutions. Her practice centers on community engagement, accessible design, and building memorable experiences for public audiences.

This episode is for you if:

✅ You’re a designer interested in museum, exhibition, or experience design

✅ You’re navigating a nonlinear or interdisciplinary career path

✅ You want to integrate storytelling and interpretation into your design work

✅ You’re thinking about starting a small practice aligned with your values

What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

📍 Show Links:

• Connect with Kate on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Golden Egg

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How does a personal passion project become the world's largest archive for modernist residential design?

In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with George Smart, founder and CEO of USModernist, to explore how a personal interest blossomed into a vital national resource for architecture enthusiasts and professionals alike. George's journey takes us from a late-night internet search inspired by his own house hunt to leading a nonprofit that documents, preserves, and promotes modernist homes across America—and along the way, he offers insights into the importance of architectural heritage and community building.  

George opens up about the origins of US Modernist, starting 18 years ago as a local website cataloging houses in North Carolina's Triangle area after rediscovering childhood memories linked to his architect father. He details the organization's organic growth to national prominence and the pivotal moment a realtor's call about magazines in a wet basement led to the creation of a massive, freely accessible digital library of over 5 million pages. George discusses US Modernist's unique approach of archiving by architect, the critical role documentation plays in saving homes often dismissed as "that weird house down the street," and shares compelling stories of preservation successes, including moving an entire house to prevent its demolition.  

He and Evelyn discuss the surprising makeup of the modernist fan base (mostly non-architects!), the challenges realtors face with these unique properties, and how architects can better connect with potential clients by engaging with the communities that celebrate this architectural style.  

"The vibe in these homes is wonderful for living. It's more relaxed, it's more open, with light and air. The improvements in glass and steel and insulation and technology have made these great houses from the 50s even better now when they're remodeled." - George Smart  

The episode concludes with George's advice for architects looking to connect with this passionate audience and his thoughts on the future stewardship of USModernist.

Guest:

George Smart, HAIA, is the Founder and CEO of USModernist, the world's largest nonprofit archive dedicated to documenting, preserving, and promoting modernist residential design. What started as a personal project cataloging local houses has grown into a major national resource under his leadership. He is also the host of the popular US Modernist Radio podcast. Driven by a lifelong passion for modernism, partly inspired by his architect father, George has applied his background in strategic planning to build a dedicated community and extensive digital archive ensuring these unique homes are recognized and saved. He himself built and lives in a modernist home.  

Is This Episode for You?  

This episode is for you if: 

✅ You're an architect or designer interested in modernism, preservation, or connecting with passionate potential clients 

✅ You're a fan of modernist architecture and history

✅ You work in historic preservation, architectural history, or archives

✅  You're curious about how nonprofit organizations focused on architecture are built and sustained 

✅  You own or aspire to own a modernist home  

What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

📍 Show Links:

• Connect with George on LinkedIn
• Follow George on Instagram
• Learn more about USModernist
• Listen to UsModernistRadio

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In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Nima Balasubramanian, Director of Architecture at the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), to explore how architects can deepen their material knowledge, challenge industry norms, and find joy in alternative career paths. Nima’s story takes us from long nights at overworked firms to welding workshops and global entrepreneurship, and along the way, she invites us to imagine a better way of practicing architecture.

Nima opens up about her early days in traditional firms where overwork was rewarded, not questioned. She speaks candidly about the toll it took on her health, family, and sense of purpose, and how two pregnancy losses ultimately pushed her to reexamine her future in the profession. After launching her own practice in the Netherlands and experiencing a radically different approach to work-life balance, Nima returned to the U.S. with a new perspective -and an openness to roles that extended beyond conventional practice.

Today, she leads AISC’s Architecture Center, where she works to bridge the gap between architects and the steel industry. Through hands-on learning experiences like job site tours and welding workshops, Nima is helping architects reconnect with material craft and access information in ways that are practical, visual, and engaging. She and Evelyn discuss what it means to build collaborative cultures, the power of small shifts in firm leadership, and how designers can advocate for healthier, more sustainable ways of working.

“When we give architects the chance to pick up a welding torch, to walk a steel mill, to actually feel the material - that’s when real learning happens. It’s not about memorizing data sheets. It’s about creating experiences that stay with you and inform your design choices.”- Nima Balasubramanian

The episode concludes with encouragement for anyone exploring nontraditional paths: your architecture education is not wasted, it’s a foundation. Nima shares how skills like communication, empathy, and project management translate far beyond firm life, and offers advice for others navigating career transitions, burnout, or culture misalignment in their current roles.

Nima Balasubramanian is the Director of Architecture at the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), where she leads the Architecture Center in creating tools, events, and resources that connect architects more deeply with the steel industry. Trained as an architect in India and the U.S., Nima has worked across three continents, founded her own practice, and held leadership roles in both design and operations. Her mission today is to champion hands-on, human-centered approaches to material education and professional development.

This episode is for you if:

✅ You’re an architect curious about career paths outside of traditional practice

✅ You’re burned out and wondering what else is possible

✅ You want to reconnect with materials and craft in your work

✅ You’re thinking about how firm culture affects health, happiness, and retention

What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

📍 Show Links:

• Connect with Nima on LinkedIn
• Learn more about the AISC Architecture Center

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In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Rochelle Mills, President and CEO of Innovative Housing Opportunities (IHO), to explore how architecture and development intersect with justice, memory, and transformation. Rochelle’s story weaves together the worlds of design, cultural tourism, housing equity, and personal grit. From running a groundbreaking architecture tour company to leading one of California’s most creative nonprofit housing developers, her career is a masterclass in reinvention—with purpose.

Trained as an architect, Rochelle brings a design-first mindset to affordable housing. But her journey to leadership has been anything but linear. She shares how she and her husband co-founded Mills Studio, launched their cultural tourism company ArchiTours, and weathered the instability of early professional life—all while raising a family and fighting to stay connected to the work that inspired her most.

Together, Evelyn and Rochelle unpack what it means to build communities that truly support people. They talk about the emotional power of architecture, the harm of neglectful design, and how seemingly small spatial choices—like the width of a hallway or placement of a window—can dramatically impact lives. Rochelle also reflects candidly on her personal and professional path, the guilt she once felt around licensure, and the many ways architects can lead—even outside of traditional roles.

“There’s this misconception that affordable housing should feel temporary or ‘less than.’ But what if we designed spaces that said, ‘You belong here. You’re valued.’ That’s the standard we should be holding ourselves to.” – Rochelle Mills

The episode concludes with a look at what it means to lead with empathy and vision in a mission-driven business, and why Rochelle believes architects are uniquely suited to solve the complex challenges of housing today.

Rochelle Mills is the President and CEO of Innovative Housing Opportunities, a California-based nonprofit developer focused on creating high-quality, affordable housing. With a background in architecture and deep experience in cultural tourism, she brings a design-driven, equity-minded approach to development. Rochelle is a tireless advocate for beauty, dignity, and belonging in the built environment, and her leadership is reshaping what affordable housing looks and feels like.

This episode is for you if:

✅ You care about housing justice and community impact

✅ You’re exploring career paths beyond traditional architecture

✅ You want to understand how design shapes lives, not just spaces

✅ You’re a mission-driven leader seeking new ways to serve

What have you done to take action lately? Share your thoughts with us on social media and join the conversation.

📍 Show Links:

• Connect with Rochelle Mills on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Innovative Housing Opportunities
• Explore ArchiTours

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In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee reconnects with Robert Yuen, CEO and co-founder of Monograph, to explore what he calls radical transparency - a bold leadership approach that challenges firm owners to rethink how they share information, build trust, and lead with clarity. Drawing on his experience building a tech company tailored for architecture firms, Robert brings a refreshingly candid perspective on money, management, and culture in practice.

The conversation dives into why many firm leaders are hesitant to talk about financial performance, pay, and project metrics—and how that fear contributes to stress, misalignment, and missed opportunities. Robert makes the case that leaders can (and should) develop cultures of openness, where accountability is shared, and trust becomes a competitive advantage. From pay equity to overtime, profit sharing to performance metrics, he explains why transparency isn’t just good ethics—it’s good business.

Together, Evelyn and Robert also explore what defines effective leadership today. They contrast outdated models centered on authority and control with modern approaches rooted in empathy, delegation, and adaptability. Robert shares how Monograph is using AI to reduce time spent on repetitive tasks and empower architects to better manage their work—and their businesses.

“I believe that if you’re not transparent about how the business is doing, you’re putting all the pressure on yourself as a leader—and you’re missing the opportunity to engage your team in solving problems with you. When people understand how their work affects the bottom line, they show up differently. They become invested.” – Robert Yuen

The episode concludes with reflections on mentorship, emotional intelligence, and building teams for life, not just for business. Robert offers advice for young professionals seeking growth in firms that align with their values, and challenges current leaders to examine whether their culture fosters retention, or simply clings to control.

Robert Yuen is the CEO and co-founder of Monograph, a project management and practice operations platform built specifically for architects. Trained as an architect himself, Robert has become a leading voice in the profession for bringing data, transparency, and business strategy into practice. His work at Monograph empowers firms to better understand their performance, improve workflows, and embrace the tools and mindsets needed for long-term success.

This episode is for you if:

✅ You’re a firm leader rethinking how you run your practice

✅ You’re tired of running projects and teams on “gut feel” alone

✅ You’re interested in building a more open, financially literate culture

✅ You want to explore how AI and data can support better leadership

What have you done to take action lately? Share your thoughts with us on social media and join the conversation.

📍 Show Links:

• Check out Monograph’s Website 
• Check out Robert’s Website 
• Connect with Robert on LinkedIn
• Follow Robert on Instagram
• Follow Robert on Facebook
• Monograph Benchmark Report Download
• Listen to the past Practice Disrupted episode with Robert

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In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee talks with Clarence Kwan, an architect-turned-entrepreneur who spent three decades building a career in architecture and tech before pivoting to launch his own lifestyle concierge business, CK Curated. Together, they explore Clarence’s transition from corporate life to creative independence, and what it means to embrace reinvention with intention.

Clarence shares his personal journey from growing up in Hong Kong and the UK to building a professional foundation in architecture, design, and real estate. After decades of working at firms like NBBJ, MG2, Meta and Amazon, Clarence realized that success in traditional practice wasn’t aligned with the life he wanted to design for himself. His pivot toward food, travel, hospitality, and storytelling has opened up new pathways for joy—and redefined what a creative practice can be.

Throughout the episode, Evelyn and Clarence discuss the challenges of walking away from prestige and security, how identity evolves over time, and the value of reconnecting with your core passions. Clarence offers a behind-the-scenes look at building a solo business, developing a brand, and continuing to learn and grow after “retirement” from corporate life.

“Architecture was my foundation, but I had outgrown the way I was practicing it. I wanted to be in spaces where I could move freely, follow my curiosity, and create with intention. CK Curated is that space—it’s where I get to design not just buildings, but lives, moments, and meaning.”– Clarence Kwan

The episode concludes with reflections on how design thinking applies to life beyond architecture, and how mid-career architects can give themselves permission to explore the unfamiliar. Clarence shares advice for anyone considering a creative career reset—emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, curiosity, and trusting the process of becoming.

Clarence Kwan is a lifestyle concierge and founder of CK Curated, a solo business that helps clients design experiences through food, travel, and thoughtful living. Born and raised in Hong Kong, then the UK, Clarence received his bachelor’s degrees in Architecture and Architectural History and Master of Architecture from the University of Washington’s Seattle and Rome campuses. Prior to launching his business, Clarence worked for over 30 years in architecture, corporate real estate, and tech, leading workplace strategy and design teams. He’s now blending his love for hospitality, architecture, and storytelling into a new creative chapter—one built on joy, relationships, and intentional living.

This episode is for you if:

• You’re a mid-career architect wondering what’s next
• You’re feeling stuck in your current role and ready for a creative pivot
• You want to explore entrepreneurship rooted in passion and purpose
• You’re curious about building a life that aligns with your values  

What have you done to take action lately? Share your thoughts with us on social media and join the conversation.

📍 Show Links:

• Check out CKcurated’s Website 
• Connect with Clarence on LinkedIn
• Follow CKcurated on Facebook 
• Follo CKcurated on Instagram
• Subscribe to CKcurated’s Newsletter 

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What does it truly mean to run a regenerative business, not just design regenerative buildings?

In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Matthew Broderick, President and CEO of Ashley McGraw Architects, Susanne Angarano, Principal at Ashley McGraw and Founder of Vaysen Studio, and Josie Plaut, Associate Director of the Institute for the Built Environment at Colorado State University. They delve into the concept of building an architectural practice that is itself alive, evolving, and contributing to a greater good, moving beyond conventional business models.  

The conversation explores the crucial distinction between regenerative design and regenerative business, highlighting that regenerative business principles, rooted in living systems, developmental psychology, and transformative education, can apply to any organization. The guests discuss their journey implementing these practices at Ashley McGraw, the mindset shifts required—such as moving from a "culture fit" to an "essence contribution" approach, fostering agency throughout the firm, and reorienting client relationships towards true partnership. They challenge common assumptions and the tendency to think "we already do that," emphasizing the conscious effort needed to develop people as intentionally as projects and create genuine organizational vitality.  

"Fundamentally, regenerative business differs from conventional or progressive business practices. It's based on the science and workings of living systems. That's how the world actually works rather than these human impositions that we place on it." - Josie Plaut  

The episode concludes by touching on the deep, sometimes challenging, but ultimately rewarding work involved in transforming how a firm operates and develops its people.  

Guests:

Matthew Broderick, AIA, is a President and CEO of Ashley McGraw Architects. Matthew has been instrumental in guiding the firm's growth over three decades, expanding from 10 people to 85 across offices in Syracuse, Boston, and DC. While experienced in designing significant higher education and sustainable projects, he considers the evolution and development of the firm itself to be his greatest design project, reflecting his deep commitment to organizational health and regenerative principles. 

Susanne Angarano, CID, IIDA, Assoc. AIA, is a Principal at Ashley McGraw Architects and the Founder of Vaysen Studio, Susanne brings a rich background in educational planning, interior design, and effective stakeholder engagement. She focuses on creating architectural spaces deeply rooted in their specific culture, context, and sustainability goals. Her training as an interior designer provides a unique lens through which she approaches regenerative practice and organizational development within the firm.

Josie Plaut: Serving as the Associate Director of the Institute for the Built Environment at Colorado State University, Josie specializes in guiding organizations toward regenerative practices. Her work focuses on helping businesses align their core strategies with broader social and ecological well-being, drawing on the theory and application of regenerative business principles derived from living systems thinking and developmental psychology.

This episode is for you if:

• You lead or work in an architecture firm (especially mid-sized) and feel restless with traditional business models.  
• You're interested in organizational development and fostering a culture where everyone's creativity and initiative can thrive.  
• You want to understand the difference between regenerative design and regenerative business practices.  
• You are curious about practical ways to shift towards a more developmental, value-adding approach with both staff and clients.  
• You seek to build a practice that is resilient, adaptive, and contributes positively beyond individual projects

What have you done to take action lately? Share your thoughts with us on social media and join the conversation!

📍 Show Links:

• Connect with Matthew Broderick on LinkedIn
• Connect with Susanne Angarano on LinkedIn
• Connect with Josie Plaut on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Ashley McGraw Architects
• Learn more about Vaysen Studio

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How can architects shape cities through public service?

In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Rico Quirindongo, Director of the Office of Planning and Community Development for the City of Seattle. After spending 27 years in architectural practice, Rico transitioned into civic leadership, where he now influences urban policy and planning at a citywide scale. His journey highlights the vital role architects can play in shaping more equitable and resilient communities.

The conversation begins with Rico’s path from traditional practice to public service, including his early career at Donald King Architects, his work at DLR Group, and his passion for community-driven design. He shares how his architecture background informs his leadership in city planning and the ways design thinking can create meaningful policy change.

Evelyn and Rico explore the intersection of architecture, urban planning, and policy, discussing how architects can expand their impact beyond buildings to address systemic issues like housing, transportation, and equity. They also talk about the need for more architects in public leadership roles and how professionals can position themselves for opportunities in government.

"Most people don’t realize how much design impacts their daily lives. Architects have the skills to shape policy, influence communities, and build a more just future—we just need to step up and do it." – Rico Quirindongo

The episode concludes with a call to action for architects to get involved in civic leadership, from volunteering on committees to pursuing roles in public service, and the importance of storytelling in demonstrating the value of design in policymaking.

Rico Quirindongo AIA, is the Director of the Office of Planning and Community Development for the City of Seattle, where he leads citywide planning initiatives and equitable development strategies. Before transitioning to public service, he spent 27 years in architectural practice, including leadership roles at Donald King Architects and DLR Group. He is a passionate advocate for community-focused design and increasing the presence of architects in civic leadership.

This episode is for you if:

• You’re an architect interested in making a larger impact beyond traditional practice.
• You’re curious about how architects can influence urban planning and policy.
• You want to explore opportunities in civic leadership and public service.

What have you done to take action lately? Share your thoughts with us on social media and join the conversation!

📍 Show Links:

• Connect with Rico Quirindongo on LinkedIn
• Follow Rico Quirindongo on Instagram
• Follow Rico Quirindongo on X
• Follow Rico Quirindongo on Bluesky
• Learn more about SeattleOPCD on Facebook
• Connect with SeattleOPCD on LinkedIn
• Learn more about SeattleOPCD on Instagram
• Learn more about SeattleOPCD on X

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