Join us for a compelling conversation with Rachel Gresham, AIA Senior Director of Professional Practice, as we explore the pivotal role of business skills and professional development in elevating architectural practices. Rachel shares her journey from designing impactful community projects to advocating for equity-centered workplace cultures and practice management across the AEC industry. Discover how business acumen, mentorship, and organizational culture are crucial to the success of modern architects and firms alike.

Key Topics Covered:

• The personal journey of growth in architecture
• Developing business skills alongside design expertise
• The importance of workplace culture for retention and recruitment
• Insights from Rachel's MBA research on organizational structures in the architecture industry
• How firms can better support equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives
• Practical tips for emerging architects looking to advance their careers

Guest Speaker:

Rachel R. Gresham, AIA, MBA, WELL AP, CDT

Rachel is a Nashville-based Registered Architect and the Senior Director of Professional Practice at the American Institute of Architects (AIA). With a decade of experience managing $40+ million construction projects and a passion for mentoring emerging professionals, Rachel advocates for better workplace cultures, practice management, and social justice across the architecture profession. She is also a thought leader on organizational culture and equity within the AEC industry.

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Architecture Beyond is where architects, designers, and creative thinkers share the stories shaping life and impact beyond the studio. Since launching, we’ve released dozens of inspiring episodes and grown into a global community of listeners who care about architecture’s role in the world.

We’d love to hear from you—what topics inspire you most, or who you’d like to see as a guest. If you’re interested in sharing your own story on the show, visit Iamthestudio.com and click ArchBeyond in the menu. Join the conversation and help us continue building a platform that elevates architects everywhere.

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