Tangents by Out of Architecture

What can you do with an architecture degree besides traditional practice? Is it possible to blend your design skills with other passions? 

Elliot Felix, Founder and CEO of brightspot Strategy, is an architect turned higher education strategist, shares his journey from architecture school to running his own consulting firm. 

Elliot talks about how an influential middle school teacher inspired him to study architecture, and how that led him to get his undergraduate architecture degree from UVA and a Master's from MIT. 

After practicing at a large firm for several years, Elliot realized he wanted to better understand the people that architecture serves, so he pivoted to strategy consulting focused on workplace and education. This eventually led him to found his own firm Brightspot, which was acquired by the larger firm Buro Happold. Brightspot focuses on research, vision and strategy for higher ed institutions to improve the student experience.

Elliot shares insights on making career transitions, finding meaningful work, taking risks, dealing with challenges, and building support networks. He also discusses his recent book "How to Get the Most Out of College" which contains evidence-based advice for student success.

Key Takeaways:

• Inspiring teachers can spark a career direction from a young age
• Architecture school teaches you to be a creative problem solver
• "Design thinking" skills are valuable in many fields beyond architecture 
• Making career transitions involves experimenting and testing out options
• Find opportunities to "prototype" new roles to get a feel for the day-to-day
• It's important to understand the people you're designing for
• Strategy consulting can complement architectural design 
• Look for personal role models to guide your career journey
• Concrete goals like "I want to be like X person" are most useful
• Develop a growth mindset to take risks and handle setbacks
• Build your support network before you need it

Links:

• Learn more about brightspot Strategy: https://www.brightspotstrategy.com/
• Buy Elliot’s book: https://www.amazon.com/How-Get-Most-Out-College/dp/193634257X

Guest Bio:
Elliot founded and leads brightspot, now a Buro Happold Company. brightspot is a strategy consultancy on a mission to transform the higher education experience with smart strategy that better connects people, programs, and places – on campus and online – to increase student success, improve research support, and enable staff productivity.He is an accomplished strategist, facilitator, and sense-maker who has helped transform over 100 colleges and universities, including Carnegie Mellon University, Georgia Tech, Harvard, MIT, NC State University, New York University, UCLA, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, and University of Virginia.Elliot is a prolific speaker and writer on reimagining higher education, having presented at conferences including EDUCAUSE, SXSW, SCUP, and Tradeline; having been cited in publications such as Fast Company and Forbes; and written dozens of articles in publications such as Planning for Higher Education, Library Journal, Business Officer Magazine, and Touchpoint: The Journal of Service Design.His book How to Get the Most Out of College was published in January 2022 and provides 127 evidence-based tips for success in college and beyond. It received a blue star from Kirkus Reviews, calling it "A knowledgeable, enthusiastic guide packed with strategies and encouragement."

In this engrossing discussion, Abraham Burickson elaborates on how his journey in the world of architecture led him to develop the concept of experience design. 

Having worked in various architecture firms and conducted research, Abraham discovered a gap between the promise of architecture and its practice. From tangible architectural projects to uniquely curated experiences called Odyssey Works, Abraham redefines the conventional understanding of architecture. 

Discussing his one-person tailored experiences approach, Abraham delves into the philosophy behind embracing a client's life and empathizing with their reality to create designs that reflect their authentic aspirations.

Highlights:

• Exploring Indigenous Architecture in the Amazon
• Frustrations with Traditional Architecture Practice
• The Birth of Odyssey Works: Personalized Experiences
• Impact of Odyssey Works on Participants
• Reflections on the Power of Personalized Design
• Long Architecture Project and Phase 0
• Connecting to our Humanity and Our Community
• Digging deeper to get to the WHY
• Finding Our North Star
• The Life-Changing Power of Connection
• Experience Design Certificate Program
• Experience Design, a Participatory Manifesto

Links: 

• Preorder Abraham's book: Experience Design: A Participatory Manifesto
• Experience Design Certificate Program: Odyssey Works
• Long Architecture Project
• TEDx Talks: Design Experiences, Not Things 

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Also, did you hear OOA launched another podcast? Redlines dives into the other side of architecture that is often not talked about.
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Guest Bio:
Abraham Burickson, Co-Founder of Odyssey Works and Co-Director of the Experience Design Certificate Program, has spent more than two decades exploring the relationship between what we make and how it is experienced. Trained in architecture at Cornell University and in poetry and playwriting at the Michener Center for Writers, he has also studied the transformative power of designed experience with the Whirling Dervishes of Turkey, the Shuar of the Ecuadorian Amazon, and with countless artists, designers, and students through Odyssey Works. He is also the founder of The Long Architecture Project, which rethinks architectural practice from the perspective of Experience Design. He has won prizes, lectured and taught widely, given a TEDxtalk, and was once hired by German television to kidnap an American skateboarding champion. His book Experience Design, A Participatory Manifesto, is now available from Yale University Press.

Bonus Episode! Tangents, meet Redlines - our new podcast by Out of Architecture. 

This episode shines a light on the withholding of critical information by architecture firms to create an uneven power dynamic as firms hold visa sponsorship over young, foreign workers.

Our storyteller this week is Cat - a pseudonym - who shares their personal experience with the H1B visa process in the United States and the challenges they faced while working at a reputable architecture firm. 

Cat discusses the lack of transparency, exploitation, and the difficulty of seeking a life in the US versus other countries. 

“I asked my employer, can I have my receipt number so I can go into USCIS system to look up whether or not I got selected this time. They told me that there is no longer such a thing as a receipt number. But this contradict with the official statement that USC has put out on their own website, this number obviously exists. It's just my employer decided not to disclose it.”

Key takeaways:

1. The path to sponsorship can take years with uncertain results
2. Lack of transparency in the H1B visa selection process
3. Employers can legally withhold sponsorship information from workers
4. Risk in the visa process creates opportunities to take advantage of sponsored workers
5. There are many countries that provide better options for young architects

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Our guest today, Nate Steinrueck, Product Strategist at Outer Labs, shares his journey from studying anthropology to working in architecture and eventually transitioning into the tech industry. He emphasizes the importance of being a good listener, learner, and helper in his work, and how these qualities have shaped his career. Nate also discusses the similarities between architecture and product strategy, highlighting the value of problem-solving and effective communication in both fields. He offers advice for those looking to make a career change and emphasizes the importance of finding alignment between one's strengths and passions.

Listen to the end to hear our highlight from OOA community member, Rachel Gresham, Senior Director, Professional Practice Programs at The American Institute of Architects. Connect with her on Linkedin, and let her know you found her through the Tangents podcast.

Highlights:

• Nate strives to be a listener, learner, and helper in his work, focusing on understanding the needs of others and finding ways to make their work more efficient.
• His background in architecture has provided him with valuable insights and skills that he applies to his role as a product strategist.
• Effective communication and problem-solving are essential in both architecture and product strategy.
• When making a career change, it's important to evaluate your strengths and passions and find alignment with the roles and companies you're considering. (Find out the interesting way Nate went about doing this!)

In this Tangents episode, Eric Riggsbee, a project manager at Joyful, shares his unique career path from architecture to the tech industry and back again. He discusses the transferable skills he gained from architecture, such as problem-solving and attention to detail, and how they have helped him succeed in his current role. Eric emphasizes the importance of following happiness rather than sticking to a specific career path, and how architects can bring their creativity and strategic thinking to other industries. He also highlights the need for a strong work-life balance and the value of creating a positive company culture.

Highlights: 

• Architects possess transferable skills such as problem-solving, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic that can be applied to various industries.
• Following happiness and pursuing alternative career paths can lead to fulfilling and rewarding experiences.
• Architects have the opportunity to create innovative and engaging spaces that promote learning and collaboration.
• Building a positive work culture requires trust, creativity, and a focus on employee well-being.
• The future of architecture lies in integrating technology, strategy, and creativity to create meaningful and impactful spaces.

Jody Broccoli Hickey is a 3D computational designer at Adidas. Jody shares how he leveled up his skills and understanding when making a career switch, and the joy of the creative process strengthened from pursuing opportunities that aligned strongly with his interests. 

Highlights: 

• The importance of spending time to level up your skills
• Learning the tribal language needed to communicate in different industries
• Let your unique interests be your superpowers and set you apart
• The creative snowball effect that can happen when you pursue your passions

Our guest today is Ben Feicht, Architect and Exhibit Designer at Upswell. Ben shares how and why he transitioned from architecture to exhibit design, the impact of journaling as a tool for exploration, and the exciting future of technology in design.

• How journaling can help explore ideas, identify interests and find the right career path
• Networking and using LinkedIn can lead to job opportunities in different industries
• Offering ideas and showcasing skills during the application process can make you stand out
• Working in a small design agency allows for skill-building and collaboration across different disciplines

In this Tangents episode we speak with AKSHAY MEHRA, Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington. Akshay's journey from architecture to geosciences highlights the value of curiosity, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. His experience demonstrates the potential for architects to contribute to scientific research and engage with complex issues in a rigorous and impactful manner. 

Highlights:

• How a background in architecture led to a PhD in geosciences
• How the skills learned in architecture, such as spatial thinking and communication, proved to be valuable in other fields.
• Reaching out to experts in other fields can lead to fruitful collaborations and new perspectives.
• Mentors play a crucial role in guiding and supporting career development.
• Integrating rigorous scientific research into architecture can lead to more impactful and meaningful design solutions. 

In this Tangents episode we speak with STEPHEN DREW, Founder of the Architecture Social. Through his candid and authentic perspective, we explore the importance of embracing change, selling oneself, and the untapped potential architects possess in various industries.

Highlights: 

• The importance of selling oneself and leveraging architectural expertise in different industries
• Acknowledge the self-doubt and fear that often accompany career transitions. but take control of your professional life
• Embrace sales and marketing skills to better promote yourself and your work
• Explore different career paths and do not be afraid to deviate from traditional architecture if it doesn't align with your passions

Listen to the end to hear from DAVID BERLEKAMP, AIA from the OOA Community! 

In this Tangents episode, we speak with ELLEN ABRAHAM, Chief Pin Officer at Architect Pins, one of our amazing OOA Advisors and Senior Project Manger and Co-Founder of Equity Design Lab @ SOM.

Highlights: 

• SOM’s Equity Design Lab, which focuses on creating equitable and community-focused designs
• How architects have the power to be change-makers and make a positive impact on communities
• “Always Be Pitching” and how an entrepreneurial spirit embraces risk and failing forward
• Creating Architect Pins as a way for architects and designers to express   and celebrate their unique journeys and values
• Staying true to yourself, embracing failure, and finding community to support your growth and success