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.
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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.