Your Design Passport

What happens when an architecture career crosses a border? Martin Najera grew up with two architect parents in Mexico, studied architecture there, and has spent his professional career in the United States. His story is not simply about becoming licensed in another country. It's about taking the foundation you already have, learning a new professional system, and discovering a career path that tur...

What happens when a podcast about architecture, careers and global perspectives starts reaching people in places you never expected? That's the question that sent me down a rabbit hole with my Podbean analytics. I expected most of the listeners of Your Design Passport to come from South Africa, Australia and the United States—the three countries where I've lived and worked. Instead, I'm seeing dow...

Following my conversation with Samantha Flores in Episode 17 , I wanted to share something a little more personal. Rather than talking about where artificial intelligence might be heading, this episode explores how I'm actually using AI today; as an architect, podcaster, and lifelong learner balancing work, study, and everything in between. From generating meeting minutes on large construction pro...

Artificial intelligence has quickly become one of the most discussed topics in architecture. Some see it as the future of design. Others worry it could replace architects altogether. In this episode of Your Design Passport, Sam G sits down with Samantha Flores, Director of Hugo—Corgan's Research and Innovation team—to explore what AI actually means for architects working today. Rather than focusin...

Most people think networking starts at conferences, industry events, or the moment you need a new job. But what if you've actually been networking your whole life? In this solo episode, I reflect on the conversations, introductions, friendships, and unexpected acts of kindness that shaped my career across South Africa, Australia, and the United States. From landing my very first architecture job t...

Networking doesn't have to feel awkward. Architect and community leader Cassidy Jones shares how authentic relationships have shaped her career, helped her navigate career transitions, and opened unexpected opportunities within architecture. In this episode we discuss: Building professional relationships as an architect Networking as an introvert Career growth through community involvement Women i...

Most architects dramatically underestimate how transferable their skills actually are. After speaking with Neil Pann in the previous episode, I found myself reflecting on something deeper — not just how architecture careers are built, but how they expand. Because somewhere along the way, many of us forget this: being an architect is not limited to one job title. This episode is a reflection on ide...

“You’re the architect of your own career.” That single sentence from Neal Pann stayed with me long after this conversation ended. Because for so many architects, there comes a moment where the traditional path no longer feels like the full story. The profession teaches us how to design buildings — but rarely how to redesign ourselves. In this episode, Neal shares how his career evolved far beyond...

“You are not starting from zero.” And yet, that’s exactly how many internationally trained architects feel when they begin applying for jobs in the U.S.  

“I found that I couldn’t bear sitting at a desk any longer… I really needed that people connection. Every time I stepped into a client meeting, I was excited. But then I’d leave the meeting upset that I had to go back to my desk.” Rachel Davis   In This Episode, You’ll Learn • What architecture recruiters actually look for when reviewing candidates • The resume and portfolio mistakes architects co...

Am I about to undo my entire career? That was the question I couldn’t shake when I started the process of moving from Australia to the United States as an architect.

When you move countries, you don’t just change where you live — you leave an entire version of your life behind and step into uncertainty. In this episode of Your Design Passport, we talk about what it really means to find home in Australia — emotionally, practically, and personally.   My guest today is Bonnie Worth, a real estate expert and principal who has helped countless newcomers navigate re...

No one had done it before — so Emily Perna decided to figure it out herself. When her architecture school didn’t have an existing exchange program in Australia, Emily built her own path, structured her own curriculum, and spent five months studying architecture at the University of Sydney.

This is where everyone meets on the same starting line. In this episode of Your Design Passport, we’re diving deep into the Architectural Practice Examination (APE) — the final hurdle before you can officially call yourself an architect in Australia. Whether you trained locally or internationally, the APE is the great equaliser. It’s challenging, humbling, and absolutely achievable — especially wh...

This whole thing teaches you patience before you even board the plane. In this episode of Your Design Passport, I’m walking you through exactly how I transferred my architectural qualifications from South Africa to Australia — through the Overseas Qualification Assessment (OQA). If you’ve been staring at AACA documents, NSCA templates, and checklists wondering where to even begin, this episode is...

In the first episode of Your Design Passport, I share my journey across Johannesburg, Brisbane, and Dallas—exploring identity, burnout, and reinvention. From rebuilding confidence and navigating multi-country licensing to surviving high-pressure architecture, pivoting to specs during COVID, and rediscovering joy in the U.S., this story is for anyone dreaming of working abroad or starting over.

This journey is about so much more than ticking academic boxes — it shapes who you become as a designer. In this episode of Your Design Passport, I’m opening the door to what it actually looks like to begin an architecture career in South Africa — beyond prospectuses, entry requirements, and glossy studio photos. This is Part 1 of a two-part mini-series where I walk you through the real foundation...

This qualification becomes your global passport. In Part 2 of this mini-series on becoming a registered architect in South Africa, we move beyond architecture school and into the phase that transforms you into a professional — mentorship, thesis, candidacy, logbooks, the PPE exam, and finally, registration with SACAP. This episode is both a roadmap and a reflection on how these milestones shape no...

“Do not think that the Middle East is glamorous all the time. There is a lot of blood, sweat and tears in order to make six-month programs work.” In this episode of Your Design Passport, architect and project manager Carl Adams pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build a global architecture career — beyond the Instagram posts and glossy portfolios. Your Design Passport Instagram: c...

🎙️ Your Design Passport — Unlock global pathways in architecture, design, and creative leadership. Hosted by Sam G, a triple-registered architect in South Africa, Australia, and the USA. Explore international licensure, global design trends, and wellness hacks for sustainable creative careers. Brick by brick, border by border — stamp Your Design Passport, one story at a time.