Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

How can treating buildings as configurable products and embracing manufacturing precision rescue off-site construction from decades of unfulfilled promises?This week on Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee explores why factory-built prefabrication has always seemed "almost here" yet perpetually delayed. Evelyn sits down with Alexandra Donovan, Director of Product Design at The American Housing Corporation. Evelyn and Alexandra trace her journey from growing up immersed in the profession to cutting her teeth in Cornell's fabrication shop and helping design Anabel's Grocery, a student-run store addressing food insecurity, where she first designed to a real budget.The conversation dives into Alexandra's time at SHoP Architects and her six-year tenure at Assembly OSM, the modular startup incubated within SHoP. She details the milestone stacking of 147 St. Felix in Fort Greene, where eight modules were stacked in a single day without even needing a site dumpster, alongside the sobering on-site completion challenges she calls "death by a thousand cuts". She also shares how the Design for Freedom Summit, led by Grace Farms Foundation, shaped her work, including a tool built with SHoP that flags forced labor risk in building materials. The discussion examines why prefab struggles to scale against a risk-averse industry, high capital costs, and factory overhead, leading into Alexandra's current work at The American Housing Corporation developing panelized townhome systems using magnesium oxide (MgO) structural insulated panels.Ultimately, Alexandra envisions a future where treating buildings as high-quality products, complete with configurable libraries, continuous improvement cycles, and post-occupancy data, frees architects from tedious grunt work to focus on creative problem-solving."If some portion of the industry shifts more towards treating buildings as products, not as commodities, but as products where we really invest our time into the design details… I think that the role of the architect will shift more towards managing product libraries." - Alexandra DonovanThis episode serves as a vital blueprint for anyone curious about the intersection of design, climate, and manufacturing, showing that the handoff from factory to site, and the people on both sides of it, is where much of the work still lies.Guests:Alexandra Donovan is the Director of Product Design at The American Housing Corporation, where she works on panelized townhome systems designed for missing-middle urban density. Trained as an architect, she started her career at SHoP before spending six years at Assembly OSM, the modular startup incubated within SHoP Architects, starting as a designer across nearly every scope, then owning walls, ceilings and floors as products, before guiding overall product development. An alumna of Cornell University, where she worked in the fabrication shop and helped design the student-run Anabel's Grocery and later joined its leadership team, Alexandra is deeply passionate about systems thinking, ethical sourcing in building material supply chains, and connecting digital design to how things actually get manufactured and built.This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You want to explore why modular and prefabricated housing has historically struggled to scale and what it takes to succeed in factory-built construction.✅ You are curious about the inner workings of startup-incubated manufacturing like Assembly OSM and panelized housing at The American Housing Corporation.✅ You want to understand the critical importance of supply chain transparency and combating forced labor in building materials.✅ You are looking for practical insights on how on-site completion challenges ("death by a thousand cuts") impact off-site construction.✅ You believe that treating buildings as configurable products can free architects from grunt work and elevate design innovation.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Learn about Alexandra DonovanConnect with Alexandra on LinkedInLearn about The American Housing CorporationLearn about Assembly OSMSee the 147 St Felix projectExplore Chain DrainListen to our Chain Drain episodeRead Alexandra and Allison Bernett's article, Food, clothing, SHELTER📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can unconventional career journeys, deep community roots, and shared leadership prepare future national presidents to steer the architectural profession through turbulent times?In this special episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee reflects on her year as president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and compares notes with the two leaders about to take the helm: Yiselle Santos Rivera, who takes the chair in 2027, and Joyce Owens, who follows in 2028. Evelyn sits down with Yiselle and Joyce to explore the winding, non-traditional paths that brought them into the profession, from Yiselle pivoting away from genetics and theology after building immersive art installations in Puerto Rico, to Joyce abandoning veterinary medicine after encountering stainless steel tables and rubber gloves, defying a Catholic high school nun who barred her from a boys' drawing class, and ultimately running practices in both the US and England.The conversation dives into the behind-the-scenes realities of national leadership, including the serendipitous story of how Joyce drove to Naples intending only to say hello to Yiselle, only for Yiselle to spend the happy hour asking everyone what they thought about Joyce running for president. They speak candidly about the heavy operational pressures, the shock of public scrutiny and social media feedback, and the challenging tension between lofty campaign goals and the daily realities of steering a major national institute.The guests reflect on the profound value the AIA has on their careers as a professional village and lifelong support network. By showing up authentically, leading with neurodiversity and diverse perspectives, and building belonging, they encourage emerging professionals to dive in, take up space, and actively shape the future of the profession."Be present, ask for forgiveness, not for permission, and show up, particularly in leadership positions, in volunteer spaces, exactly how you want to show up, because that is the place where you can test out the kind of leader that you want to be without a ton of fear or risk." - Yiselle Santos RiveraThis episode offers a powerful, honest look behind the curtain of architectural leadership. By sharing their vulnerabilities, anxieties, and unwavering passion for design, Yiselle and Joyce demonstrate how embracing one's unique identity can transform the institute and empower the next generation of architects. Guests:Yiselle Santos Rivera, AIA, is the principal and owner of Santos Rivera Advisory, a Washington, D.C. consultancy focused on intercultural experience design, healthcare architecture, and organizational change, and a lecturer in architecture at Howard University. With a background spanning general sciences, architecture, and leadership psychology, she has held several leadership roles within the AIA, received the 2022 AIA Young Architect Award, and was elected 2026 President-elect and 2027 President of the AIA.Joyce Owens, FAIA, RIBA, is the founder and principal of Fort Myers-based Architecture Joyce Owens LLC and Studio AJO, bringing extensive international experience from her decade-long practice in London serving prominent clients like the V&A Museum and Alexander McQueen. Her leadership across the AIA includes serving as president of AIA Florida, sitting on the national Strategic Council, receiving the 2022 AIA Florida Gold Medal, and being elected 2027 AIA President-elect and 2028 AIA President.This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You want to go behind the scenes of national AIA leadership and hear candid reflections from incoming presidents Yiselle Santos Rivera and Joyce Owens.✅ You are curious about unconventional career entry paths.✅ You want to explore the real-world pressures, campaign journeys, and strategic visions required to steer a major national institute.✅ You want to understand how community building, mentorship, and the AIA's professional village create lifelong camaraderie and support.✅ You believe that vulnerability, authenticity, and diverse leadership are essential for driving meaningful change across the architecture profession.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Learn about AIAConnect with Yiselle Santos RiveraConnect with Joyce OwensLearn more on Yiselle’s WebsiteLearn more on Joyce’s Website📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can rethinking the handoffs between design, real estate, and construction rescue the built environment from decades of declining productivity?In this special episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee explores the systemic productivity crisis in the built environment through the lens of "Chain Drain", a paper from the University of Michigan. Evelyn sits down with co-authors Bryan Boyer, who teaches architecture at Taubman College and co-founded the studio Dash Marshall, and Greg Lindsay, an urbanist in residence at the University of Toronto School of Cities. Together, they examine how fifty years of falling productivity stems from value and intelligence leaking out at the handoffs between stakeholders, rather than failures within individual firms.The conversation covers how traditional architectural firms face immense pressure, why AI acts like a "microwave" that accelerates existing workflows without solving core strategic problems, and how accountability ultimately rests with the asset owner. The guests detail their four VCR-inspired scenarios - Play, Fast Forward, Eject, and Pause - evaluating how digital transformation, supply chain innovation, and radical reuse will dictate the future of practice.Ultimately, the discussion challenges practitioners to rethink their business models, improve decision-making workflows, and look beyond the traditional atelier. By embracing technical skills and engaging directly with the broader supply chain, professionals can reclaim their agency and help shape a more resilient built environment."We need to break the addiction to the idea of the architect's identity being an architect who is in, if not leading, an atelier. It's also limiting our ability to meet the needs of society and to produce a high quality built environment if we say that our work can only happen in this one setting." - Bryan Boyer.This episode serves as a vital wake-up call for the AECO industry, proving that addressing structural inefficiencies requires more than better tools, it demands a complete reimagining of how we organize, collaborate, and make decisions.Guest:Bryan Boyer is an architect, educator, and co-founder of the architecture and strategic design studio Dash Marshall. At the University of Michigan, he directs the Master of Urban Technology at Taubman College and is the first faculty director of the U-M Center for Innovation in Detroit. Before Dash Marshall, he co-founded Helsinki Design Lab at the Finnish Innovation Fund, and he started his career in tech, designing and programming user interfaces for early-stage startups.Greg Lindsay is an urbanist, journalist, and urbanist-in-residence at the University of Toronto’s School of Cities. A former senior fellow at Cornell Tech and co-author of Aerotropolis, he writes and researches extensively on the future of cities, technology, and the built environment, frequently collaborating with practitioners to analyze systemic trends.This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You want to understand the systemic causes of declining productivity in the built environment and the concept of "Chain Drain".✅ You are curious about how AI, productization, and new business models are reshaping the AECO industry.✅ You want to explore the four VCR-inspired future scenarios - Play, Fast Forward, Eject, and Pause - and what they mean for practices.✅ You are looking for actionable strategies to move beyond billable hours and redesign decision-making workflows.✅ You believe that the identity of the architect must evolve to meet the complex social, environmental, and economic needs of society.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.This episode is brought to you by our partner, Kestrel Labs. Get their guide, Compliance Isn't a Milestone.📍 Show Links:Explore Chain DrainConnect with Bryan BoyerConnect with Greg Lindsay📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can personal narratives and letters to future generations dismantle systemic barriers and pave the way for the thousandth Black female architect?In this special episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee steps back and hands the moderation reins to Christian Joosse, editor, co-author, and curator of Letters to Ms. 1000. This conversation marks the first of a four-part series exploring the powerful collection of letters written to and by Black women in architecture. Christian sits down with three esteemed contributors, Zena Howard, Dominique Hawkins, and Nakita Reed, to discuss their journeys, the realities of navigating a white-male-dominated profession, and the critical importance of representation.The panel reflects on the inspiration behind their letters, sharing who they wrote to, from their younger selves grappling with identity and invisibility to future students following their own unyielding curiosity. They discuss the overwhelming success of the book, which has won multiple independent publishing awards under Christian’s newly founded publishing studio, Paper Vale Studio, serving as a vital time capsule and tool for mid-career mentorship.The conversation tackles the realities of microaggressions in the workplace, such as being mansplained despite being the expert in the room, and how to approach these challenges with optimism, listening first, and maintaining focus on good work. They draw a sharp distinction between a mentor and an advocate, emphasizing that advocates, often unexpected allies, including white male firm leaders, put their own reputations and names on the line to open doors and provide opportunities.Finally, the group addresses the persistent stalls in licensure numbers and what firm leaders must put on the table to move professionals across the line. From financial incentives and bonuses to supporting NOMA’s Project Pipeline summer camps and fostering community-engaged design, the guests share actionable strategies to cultivate the next generation of architects and shape a more inclusive profession by 2040."Curiosity is the number one ingredient for design. It surpasses talent in my opinion." - Zena Howard.This episode serves as a powerful reminder that increasing diversity is not a passing trend, but the core driver of design excellence. By sharing their stories, demanding institutional support for licensure, and actively advocating for rising talent, these leaders are helping ensure that the thousandth African American woman architect, and every generation after her, finds a welcoming and transformed profession.Guest:Christian Joosse, AIA, serves as the Vice President of NOMA Columbus and is the editor, co-author, and curator of Letters to Ms. 1000. She founded her own publishing studio, Paper Vale Studio, to self-publish the book, which has since won a string of independent publishing awards. She moderates this panel discussion highlighting the stories of Black women in architecture.Zena Howard, FAIA, is a principal and the global cultural and civic practice chair at Perkins and Will. Her visionary work includes culturally significant projects that navigate social issues of equity and justice, such as the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.Dominique Hawkins, FAIA, is the founder and managing principal of Preservation Design Partnership in Philadelphia. A pioneer and the first to combine the architecture and historic preservation programs at the University of Pennsylvania, she brings over 30 years of expertise in preservation architecture, planning, and community storytelling.Nakita Reed, AIA, is an award-winning architect specializing in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and sustainability, and hosts the podcast Tangible Remnants. Holding degrees from the University of Virginia and the University of Pennsylvania, she is a LEED AP and certified Passive House consultant dedicated to following her curiosity across the built environment.This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You want to understand the profound impact of representation and the journey behind Letters to Ms. 1000.✅ You are curious about the critical distinction between mentorship and advocacy in advancing careers.✅ You want to explore practical strategies for firm leaders to support licensure and cultivate the professional pipeline.✅ You are looking for insights on how to navigate microaggressions, maintain focus, and lead with optimism in the AEC industry.✅ You believe that individual storytelling and diverse perspectives are essential for shaping the future of architecture.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.This episode is brought to you by our partner, Kestrel Labs. Get their guide, Compliance Isn't a Milestone.📍 Show Links:Explore Letters to Ms. 1000Connect with Christian JoosseConnect with Zena HowardConnect with Dominique HawkinsConnect with Nakita Reed📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can real-time cost data, web-based massing tools, and early contractor collaboration eliminate traditional value engineering and elevate architectural judgment?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee explores what happens when architects, contractors, and owners can see the real-time financial implications of design decisions long before a formal drawing set is created. Evelyn sits down with Andy Wise, Design Phase Manager with the i4 & Innovation team at Mortenson Construction, to discuss the gap between design intent and pre-construction reality, and how tightening the feedback loop around cost can fundamentally change how projects are delivered.Andy reflects on his transition to the builder's side after nearly two decades working in architecture and product design. He details the work of Mortenson’s i4 Innovation team, a dedicated research and development group focused on the "fourth industrial revolution" and viewing buildings as manufactured products. Andy discusses why traditional design intuition struggles to predict second- and third-order cost consequences, pointing to the industry's broken status quo: waiting six to eight weeks for a 70-page cost spreadsheet while dozens of subsequent design choices have already been made.The conversation dives into how web-based design platforms like Arcol are changing early-stage feasibility by putting live cost, area, and program data directly into massing models. Andy outlines three critical problems Arcol addresses: connecting financial consequences directly to model adjustments, demising floor plans to analyze granular program mix, and eliminating slow presentation updates by syncing live model data with presentation boards. He explains how multiplayer access creates "directional confidence" and radical transparency, shifting early team dynamics away from painful, late-stage Value Engineering (VE) towards proactive trade-off conversations.Evelyn and Andy also tackle the broader business and contractual shifts the AEC industry needs. As AI and automation accelerate the commoditization of production drafting and paperwork, Andy urges architects to stop defining their worth by billable hours or document output. Instead, he advocates for leveraging human judgment, spatial reasoning, and strategic problem-solving to deliver value early when decisions have the greatest impact."Architectural work is going to be more based on human decisions and human judgment and understanding the value of the design. We're gonna be designers again. We're not gonna be the person doing paperwork for eight hours a day." - Andy Wise.This episode is a powerful reminder that bringing cost transparency into early design doesn't restrict creativity; it protects it. By closing the feedback loop early and embracing multi-disciplinary collaboration on day one, architects can eliminate friction, align project goals, and reclaim their role as strategic leaders in the built environment.Guest:Andy Wise is a Design Phase Manager within the i4 & Innovation group at Mortenson Construction, an ENR top-ten contractor. With a background in product design and nearly two decades of experience in traditional architectural practice, Andy sits at the intersection of design, construction, and emerging technology. Within Mortenson's internal R&D arm, he works on early feasibility studies, design exploration, pursuits, and evaluating new technology tools to shorten the distance between ideas and field implementation.This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You are an architect or AEC professional interested in how early-stage cost transparency can improve design outcomes and client trust.✅ You want to understand how web-based massing tools like Arcol connect live cost, area, and program data to 3D design models.✅ You are curious about how contractors evaluate early feasibility and how "directional confidence" replaces traditional Value Engineering (VE).✅ You want to explore how changing business models and automation are shifting architectural value from drafting output to human judgment and strategic leadership.✅ You believe that early, transparent collaboration between architects, owners, and builders is essential for the future of project delivery.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Connect with Andy on LinkedInLearn more about Mortenson ConstructionLearn more about Arcol📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation