Tangents by Out of Architecture
Welcome to Tangents by Out of Architecture, hosted by Silvia Lee. We’re highlighting some of our favorite stories from the amazing people we’ve met along our journey. We will hear how they created a unique career path for themselves from the variety of skills and talents they developed in and out of architecture. Out of Architecture is a career consulting firm started by two Harvard-educated professionals interested in exploring the value of their skills both in and out of the architectural profession. We’re here to help you maximize all of the expertise you have honed as a design...
From Architecture to UX: The Mental Leap That Changed Everything with Redfin's Xinran Ma
In this engaging episode of "Tangents by Out of Architecture," our guest Xinran Ma shares his inspiring journey from a traditional architecture career to the innovative field of product design at Redfin. Our conversation delves deeply into the mindset shift required for career transition, and the strategies Xinran employed to gain experience and build credibility in a new industry. From studying architecture in China and New York to fostering a passion for user experience design, Xinran's story illustrates the diverse applications of architectural skills beyond conventional practice.
Xinran elaborates on the differences between architectural education and practice...
From Aerospace to Climate Tech: Leveraging Architecture Skills to Build a Startup with Homeostasis’ Makoto Eyre
Our guest today is Makoto Eyre, cofounder and CEO of Homeostasis, a climate tech startup transforming CO2 into advanced carbon materials like graphite for lithium-ion batteries. Makoto’s story exemplifies the power of curiosity, resilience, and the ability to leverage architectural skills to navigate bold career transitions. This episode explores how interdisciplinary thinking, engineering expertise, and a service-driven mindset can lead to impactful innovation. Tune in to hear how Makoto redefined his career to tackle climate challenges and build a sustainable future.
Makoto’s career journey is a testament to the versatility of architectural skills. After star...
Redefining Success: From Architecture to Web Development with CACI's Danny Rupp
Danny Rupp (he/him) is a web development team lead who has been lucky enough to work-from-home in Maryland since 2010. With a bachelor's degree in Architecture from the University of Maryland he started his career as an architectural designer, but slowly transitioned on the job into working as a full stack web developer on software for office space planning. In 2020 he made the jump out of architecture and into full time web development as a Drupal developer and team lead.
In this enriching episode of Tangents, host Silvia welcomes Danny Rupp, a versatile expert who has navigated...
Architects' Unique Skills and Their Success in Tech with Ocado Group's Ramesh Pari
Our guest today is Ramesh Pari, Head of Design + BIM at Ocado Group. He highlights the importance of pragmatism, lifelong learning, and leveraging architectural skills in new ways. This episode explores the dynamics of tech culture, the benefits of cross-industry skills, and the courage needed to pursue fulfilling career changes. Tune in to gain insights on balancing professional aspirations with personal growth.
Ramesh is a prime example of how career pivots can lead to incredible success. After spending a decade as a project architect in the residential and commercial sectors, specializing in technical design...
Designing a New Path: Transitioning from Architecture to UX with OOA's Adrian Maldonado
Adrian Maldonado, Career Advisor at Out of Architecture, is a seasoned professional with a background in architecture who made a successful transition into the field of UX design. With a passion for design and a knack for problem-solving, Adrian brings a unique perspective to his role as a lead UX designer. He is dedicated to helping individuals navigate career transitions, leveraging his experience to guide others towards fulfilling and meaningful professional paths.
Highlights:
The importance of networking and strategic planning in transitioning from architecture to UX design.The value of transferable skills and the impact of...Navigating Career Transitions and Identity in Architecture with OOA's Jacki Schaefer
In this episode, Jacki Schaefer shares her journey in architecture, highlighting the challenges faced during her career, the importance of job security, and the impact of curiosity on personal and professional growth. She discusses the value of architecture education in developing critical thinking skills and self-awareness. Jacki emphasizes the need for individuals to align their career choices with their values and passions for long-term fulfilment.
Key insights include reflections on the architecture industry, the significance of finding one's identity beyond a profession, and the transformational power of self-exploration and authenticity in career decisions.
...
Tangents Summer Update
Get ready for Season 4 of Tangents to kick off in two weeks!
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★A Passion for Listening, Learning & Helping with OOA's Nate Steinrueck
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...
Making Your Own Path In Architecture with Matter's Erin Pellegrino
On this episode of Tangents, Erin Pellegrino, Principal at Matter, and Co-Founder of Out of Architecture, shares her journey of balancing making and thinking in architecture, leading to a fulfilling and impactful career. From rebellious tomboy to successful architect, she discusses her approach to challenging the status quo and overcoming roadblocks by adopting a mindset of perseverance and continuous improvement.
Erin's stories of building an Alpine shelter in the Alps and transforming a mid-century modern house's kitchen highlight the power of architecture to create meaningful spaces. From starting her own practice to co-founding Out of Architecture, Erin's e...
Having Confidence in Your Skills and Experiences with Adidas's Jake Rudin
Our guest today is Jake Rudin, Senior Manager Digital Technologies at Adidas, and Co-Founder of Out of Architecture.
In this episode, Jake Rudin discusses his journey from architecture to leading digital innovation at Adidas, emphasizing the importance of confidence in showcasing one's skills in job interviews. He shares insights on translating architectural skills into various industries, the power of visual representation in presentations, and the significance of treating your career like a design problem. Jake also delves into the founding of Out of Architecture and the impact it has had on helping individuals navigate career transitions.
Embracing Passion and Flexibility in Career Choices with your Tangents Host Silvia Lee
This week, we switch things up a little bit where where our host Silvia Lee is interviewed by Out of Architecture's very own Jake Rudin!
Silvia Lee is the Director of Customer Success at Layer, an adjunct instructor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and the host of this Tangents podcast by Out of Architecture. With a background in architecture and a passion for enabling others to achieve their dreams, Silvia brings a unique perspective to her various roles. Her ability to communicate effectively and create connections with people has led to successful collaborations and a...
The Power of Architects as Change Makers with SOM’s Ellen Abraham
In this Tangents episode, we speak with ELLEN ABRAHAM, Chief Pin Officer at Architect Pins, one of our amazing OOA Advisors and Senior Project Manager and Co-Founder of Equity Design Lab @ SOM.
In this episode, Ellen Abraham discusses the power of architects as change makers and the importance of thinking beyond traditional roles in the industry. She shares her background in architecture, from growing up in Dominica to pursuing her education and career in New York. Ellen also highlights her current role as a Senior Project Manager at SOM and the founding of the Equity Design Lab...
Transforming Passion Into Career Growth with OnePlan's Chi Bhatia
Our guest today is Chi Bhatia, VP of Strategy & Growth at One Plan, a SaaS start-up that builds 2D & 3D technology for events & venues. Chi is also part of the amazing career consultant team at Out of Architecture.
Hear Chi share his journey from international student to completing LA’s first NFL stadium to now working at a tech startup providing support to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
On this episode of Tangents, Chi Bhatia of OnePlan, and Out of Architecture Career Consultant, shares his experiences transitioning from an Senior Designer to VP Strategy and Growth. Hear ho...
Building a Career on Kindness and Positive Connections with Studio Ladder's Sam Anderson
Sam Anderson is an architectural visualization specialist who has carved out a unique career path beyond traditional practice. Sam shares her journey from pursuing architecture at the University of Texas to realizing her true passion lies in visualization. She discusses her experiences working in various roles, including at architecture firms, Epic Games, and ultimately starting her own visualization studio.
Sam emphasizes the importance of storytelling and using real-time rendering technology to showcase designs in more immersive ways. She highlights the potential of these tools to empower architects and democratize design by giving a voice...
Reconstructing Histories through Craft and Community with Jeffrey Yoo Warren
Jeffrey Yoo Warren, is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and crafter whose work explores themes of cultural heritage, identity, and community. Jeffrey shares his unique journey from studying architecture to finding his calling in artistic practices deeply rooted in historical research and traditional craftsmanship.
Through his residency at the Library of Congress, Jeffrey talks about the reconstruction of early Asian American communities and neighbourhoods, creating immersive virtual and physical models that invite viewers to experience and connect with these often-overlooked histories.
He also shares his passion for woodworking, papermaking, and learning traditional Korean crafts, allowing him t...
Transitioning from Architecture to Experience Design in Advertising with Edelman's Lauren Kimball
Our guest today, Lauren Kimball, Experience Design Director @ Edelman, shares her journey from architecture to advertising. She emphasizes the importance of being honest and open in client meetings and offers advice for architecture students looking to explore alternative career paths. Lauren also discusses her platform, Find by Design, which showcases black designers across various disciplines. Through her experiences, she highlights the power of collaboration and the value of pursuing work that you are passionate about.
Highlights:
Architecture students have an amazing foundation in human-centered design thinking that is applicable across industries.Having a diverse range of...What It Means When Everybody Wins with William Dodge of p-u-b-l-i-c & A Gang of Three
William Dodge shares his unique career journey, from applying to architecture school multiple times, working as a janitor, and eventually becoming a managing principal at a major architecture firm.He discusses his approach to architecture - creating community-focused spaces rather than just facilitating buildings. William talks about starting his own practice, Public, to do great work with wonderful people while getting paid his value. He also runs a public art firm called A Gang of Three. Throughout the conversation, William offers advice on being fearless, hustling, and doing your best work with what you have. He emphasizes the importance...
The Journey from Architecture to Experiential Design with Future Colossal's Jill Shah
Our guest today, Jill Shah, Production Designer at Future Colossal, shares how she capitalizes on her abilities as a generalist, asserts herself to create opportunities, and harnesses the power of storytelling in design.
Highlights:
Leverage spatial design skills from architecture in experience design by focusing on technology integration and storytelling instead of just function.As a generalist, talk confidently about your broad skillset and give examples of how you've tackled challenging, multidisciplinary projects.Be assertive in asking for opportunities to expand your role and prove yourself; people appreciate self-starters.Storytelling is key in experience design...Crafting a Career of Impact with P3 Consulting’s Ozzie Gonzalez
In this episode, I spoke with Ozzie Gonzalez, Principal and Owner of P3 Consulting, (people, planet, profit) about his fascinating journey from architecture into environmental consulting. Ozzie has applied his architecture skills to help companies develop sustainability policies and embed social responsibility into their work.
We discuss how Ozzie got started in green building, and expanded into broader corporate strategy during the recession. He shared great insights on working with clients ready for bold change and bringing more creativity into consulting.
I appreciated Ozzie’s perspective on creating rich hum...
Exploring Design and Storytelling in Animation with Freelance Designer Ben Llewellyn
Our guest today, Benjamin Llewellyn joins me to share his winding journey from graduating with an architecture degree to becoming a freelance illustrator and background artist for animated television shows. Though architecture and illustration seem different, Benjamin finds his architectural background gives him an edge in creating realistic environments and backgrounds. He enjoys the constant variety and creativity of freelance work.
See Ben's work here: https://www.vagabondsketchbook.com
Highlights:
Benjamin's journey from architecture school to working odd jobs before breaking into animationBuilding a portfolio and networking to make connections in new industriesThe Challenges a...The Future of Architecture: Shifting Towards Social and Ecological Justice with FAF’s Charlie Edmonds
Our guest, Charlie Edmonds, Co-Founder of Future Architects Front, calls for collective action to address exploitative practices and envisions a world where architecture prioritizes social needs over capital interests.
Charlie is the co-founder of Future Architects Front (FAF), a grassroots organization working to address issues like unpaid overtime, low fees, and poor construction quality in the architecture industry.
Charlie discusses how he and co-founder Priti became frustrated with the exploitative conditions in architecture and started FAF to advocate for wider political and economic shifts to prioritize social and ecological...
From Redlines – Overworked and Undervalued: A Series of Traumatic Experiences In Architecture
We're taking a break from Tangents this week for the holidays so we wanted to share with you the latest episode from Redlines, Out of Architecture's podcast where we dive deeper into the core issues that plague the design profession, and evaluate how they result in everyday conflict, discomfort, and workplace turmoil.
You'll hear from Chris (not his real name) and how he faced a series of traumatic and unfair experiences over the course of his architecture career. Despite his lifelong passion for architecture, Chris dealt with difficult bosses, excessive overwork, sexual harassment, lack of appreciation, and...
Challenging Traditional Architecture with Intelligent City’s Kristin Slavin
Ever feel traditional architecture moves too slowly to tackle crises like housing shortages?
Our latest guest Kristin set out to transform delivery for faster, quality sustainable housing. Her winding path from design into development, prefab and product led her to a mass timber housing startup reimagining solutions.
We cover:
Kristin's career from architecture to a hands-on developer role empowering new mass timber constructionTransitioning into modular construction and product development at a tech startupNow leading product design for a prefab mass timber housing company scaling impactBelief that systematizing architecture...What If We Were The Decision Makers? Creating Impact with Multi-Contextual Design with Duo Development’s Rafael Robles
Our guest today, Rafael Robles, Founder at Duo Development, shares his experiences answering the question for himself of who gets to make the decisions? His journey from real estate, to development, to business strategy consulting led Rafael to found his own innovation studio, Duo, where he practices multi-contextual design, amplifying the impact a built project can have.
Thank you for listening and I hope you feel empowered to take your own steps forward into your windy career path.
Highlights:
Leveraging Design Thinking Beyond Architecture with Brightspot Strategy’s Elliot Felix
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 l...
The Power of Designing Experiences with Odyssey Works’ Abraham Burickson
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 re...
Bonus: Redlines - Exploitative Visa Practices and Effects on Immigrant Architects
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 th...
A Passion for Listening, Learning & Helping with Outer Labs' Nate Steinrueck
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...
Choosing To Follow Happiness with Joyful's Eric Riggsbee
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.<...
Connecting the Dots Through Your Career with Adidas' Jody Broccoli-Hickey
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:
From Architecture to Exhibit Design, Exploring New Career Paths with Upswell's Ben Feicht
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 pathNetworking and using LinkedIn can lead to job opportunities in different industriesOffering ideas and showcasing skills during the application process can make you stand outWorking in a small design agency allows for skill-building and collaboration across different disciplines ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★The Value Architects Bring Beyond Design with Professor of Earth Sciences Akshay Mehra
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 geosciencesHow the skills learned in architecture, such as spatial thinking and communication, proved to be valuable in other fields.Reaching out to experts i...Embracing Chaos and Authenticity with Architecture Social’s Stephen Drew
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 industriesAcknowledge the self-doubt and fear that often accompany career transitions. but take control of your professional lifeEmbrace sales and marketing skills to better promote yourself and your workExplore different career paths and do not be afraid to deviate from traditional architecture if it doesn't align with y...The Power of Architects as Change Makers with SOM’s Ellen Abraham
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 designsHow 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 forwardCreating Architect Pins as a way for architects and designers to express and celebrate their unique journeys and valuesStaying true to yourself, embracing failure, and find...At The Intersection of Architecture and Food Systems with Stone Barns’ Caitlin Taylor
On this episode of Tangents, Caitlin Taylor, Architect, Farmer, Food Systems Designer and Managing Director at Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture, shares her experiences developing a passion and career exploring food systems through an architectural lens.
Hear Caitlin’s insights into exploring her interests deeply, finding equally passionate and driven people to work with, and the power that architects have to redesign and rebuild food systems. She describes how she looks at everything from all scales, and views everything she does as an act of love.
Listen to the end to hear our highlight on...
Finding Happy & Healthy Career Paths in Architecture with Riley Projects’ Anamika Goyal
On this episode of Tangents, Anamika Goyal, Director of Operations for Architecture & Construction at Riley Projects and OOA advisor, shares her experiences from working in more traditional architecture firms to innovative startups in the AEC industry (WeWork, Cottage, Riley Projects). Hear Anamika’s insights into leadership, management, and finding a career that fulfills a passion for building without leaving architecture.
Check out our show notes below where you’ll find recommended resources from Anamika! And listen to the end to hear Luis Velez, from the OOA community!
Highlights:
Leader, Problem Solver, ConnectorGetting Started in Archi...Building a Fulfilling Creative Career with BTTR Agency’s Ana Barros
On this episode of Tangents, Ana Barros, Creative Director @ BTTR Agency and Architectural Photographer, shares her experiences of building a fulfilling career from her passions and details the skills that enabled her to get there. She talks about the importance of being adaptable and curious and how she used tools to her advantage to further her creative process.
Listen to the end to hear from a part of the OOA team and community, Jasmine Hwang!
Highlights:
Finding something to fulfill your creative needs when your day job is not enoughBuilding a career from the e...Embracing Change and Creating Opportunity with SOM's Iben Falconer
On this episode of Tangents, Iben Falconer, Global Marketing & Business Development Leader and Senior Associate Principal @ SOM shares advice from her own experiences changing roles throughout her career and how not being afraid of change has opened up new opportunities for her.
Listen to the end to hear from a part of the OOA team and community, Noura Alhariri!
Highlights:
Curious, Driven, EmpatheticNot being afraid to change roles and careersFinding purpose in your roleMake a list of what you want in your careerBusiness Development as everything that brings in workStrategy and Storytelling ★ Support this pod...Understanding What You’re All About with TestFit and Women Architects Collective's Joann Lui
On this episode of Tangents, Joann Lui, Content Marketing Manager at TestFit and the founder of Women Architects Collective shares her experiences transitioning her interests and passions into a unplanned career switch and how personal branding helped create opportunities and time for reflection.
Listen to the end to hear from a part of the OOA team and community, Cristy Fedelai!
Highlights:
Introvert, Relatable, Ambitious Transitioning through side hustlesShare with others your accomplishmentsBuilding communities to bring people togetherFounding Women Architects CollectiveTrusting your gut and transitioningLetting go of your identityPersonal branding as personal developmentBalancing your ene...Disrupting the Building Industry with Layer's Zach Soflin
On this episode of Tangents, Zach Soflin, CEO at Layer shares his journey which began with creating a solution as an architect for one of his project’s to sharing that solution with the rest of the AEC industry as CEO of a tech startup.
Highlights:
Tinkerer, Designer, DivergentHow the solution to a project led to running a companyStepping away from a traditional path in architectureThe brave steps that an Architecture Firm tookProgression of a CEO’s day to dayRely on data and trusting your gutBeing a CEO is actually less stressful than being an architectAdvice for...
