Studio Nights Podcast

On this episode of Studio Nights, we sit down with Lindsey Perez to talk about her journey into architecture, from her early education to building her career in Florida. She shares what first drew her to the profession and how her experiences shaped the path she’s on today.

We explore her work across different project types and her commitment to sustainable design, discussing how environmental responsibility has evolved within the profession and what it takes to advocate for it in practice. Lindsey also reflects on leadership as she prepares to step into her role as AIA Orlando President, and how her experience teaching has shaped her perspective on the profession and the responsibility architects carry.

It’s a thoughtful conversation about career growth, women in architecture, sustainability, leadership, and the evolving role of architects in shaping the built environment.

Music audio created by @CruzControl.ofc

On this episode of Studio Nights, we sit down with Tommy James, longtime professor, mentor, and current Program Director of the UCF Architecture Program. Having taught us during our undergraduate years, Tommy shares his personal path into architecture, from where he grew up to what first inspired his passion for the field.

We discuss his academic journey, including his study abroad experience in Vicenza, Italy, and how it reshaped the way he understands design, place, and architectural education. The conversation then moves into his professional career, touching on his diverse experience across lighting design, healthcare, and theme entertainment, and how those roles inform his approach to both practice and teaching.

Tommy also reflects on stepping into program leadership, his goals for the future of the UCF architecture program, and offers thoughtful advice for students just starting their architectural careers.

Music audio created by @CruzControl.of

On this episode of Studio Nights, we sit down with Stephen Bender, Director of the M.Arch program at UF CityLab in Orlando, to talk about his journey through architecture, education, and practice.

Professor Bender shares what first drew him to architecture, how his background and education, from UF to Harvard and abroad, shaped his career, and how he navigated the transition from school to professional practice. We also discuss his path into teaching, his role at CityLab Orlando, and his goals for the program and work moving forward.

Music audio created by @CruzControl.ofc

Studio Nights is the three of us, Valeria, Alex, and Valery, friends and architecture students, wanting to create a space to connect with the community and bring in professionals to share real stories. In this episode, we give a brief introduction of who we are and how this podcast came to be.

Music audio created by @CruzControl.ofc