Architectette

Replay!! On today’s episode of Architectette we are joined by Ming Thompson and Christina Cho Yoo, the founders of Atelier Cho Thompson (ACT), a New Haven and San Francisco based multidisciplinary practice working between architecture, interiors, graphics, and strategy.  ACT's work frequently blurs the boundaries between typologies, as they draw inspiration from their work in schools, museums,...

Bonus episode time! Today we're chatting with two Gensler architects: Pheba Thomas and Susan Han about their recent work on the architecture and design of Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) facilities. Tune in to hear more about the behind-the-scenes growth of this incredible sport and the spaces that support the athletes. >>> Connect with our guests: Pheba: https://ww...

Christele Harrouk is a French-Lebanese architect, urban designer, and Editor-in-Chief of ArchDaily. With over a decade of editorial experience, she explores architectural  and urban narratives and amplifies underrepresented voices and geographies, all while contributing to global architectural discourse. Her work focuses on making architectural knowledge more accessible, fostering broader conversa...

We're long overdue for a bonus episode, so enjoy this one! Today, Caitlin shares a few quick tips to make the most of your experience at a professional conference. Many architects and designers in our community are heading to the AIA Conference this June 10-13 in San Diego, but this advice will work for whatever conference you may be attending. >>> Connect with Architectette: - Websit...

She Builds Podcast features the seldom-told stories of women who build. These women’s stories were not taught in schools, but they have shaped the industries of architecture, construction, and development over the last century. The podcast was started by three friends who, after graduating from architecture school together, sought to fill in the gaps in their education while creating a resource fo...

Replay! On today’s episode of Architectette we feature a conversation with Julianne Peters. Julianne is an interior designer at Hellyer Lewis Smith, founder of Design Success Network, and is also a multi-term leader of her local PA/NJ/DE IIDA Chapter. We talk about: - Julianne’s early career experiences, how she navigated challenges during the pandemic, the roles and responsibilities of her curren...

Meghana Joshi is a Managing Principal at MG2 and an award-winning architect with over 25 years of experience shaping national retail and banking environments. She blends practice, leadership, and lived experience to examine how spaces quietly shape power, access, and belonging. Her work bridges architecture, economics, and culture. We talk about:  - We talk about Meghana’s career evolution, from m...

Replay! Today's guest is Ann (Annie) Rolland. Annie recently retired as a Partner from FXCollaborative where she was the Director of the firm’s Cultural and Educational practice. Annie’s work embraces the pragmatic and creative- cultivating new integrations of program and design. Her projects are practical, responsive, elegant, and enduring while respecting the essence of each client and place...

Caeley Looney is the CEO and Founder of Reinvented Inc., a nonprofit that has served STEM educational materials to over 500,000 students worldwide since its inception in 2019. Prior to starting Reinvented, Caeley earned her B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and her M.S. in Space Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. She’s worked in the aerospace i...

Replay! On today's episode of Architectette we welcome three female founders of the Philadelphia firm, FIFTEEN Architecture and Design!  We chat with Ximena Valle, AIA, LEED AP; Mary Beth Di Figlia, RA; and Jill Lavine, AIA, LEED AP about founding the firm, manifesting their dreams, connecting their diverse backgrounds in architecture, design, construction, and archaeology; and how the act as...

Shelly-Anne "Tulia" Scott is an award-winning architect at HOK, leader, and community advocate with over 20 years of experience spanning architecture, interior design, and urban storytelling.  She currently serves on the AIA Strategic Council as the Georgia Representative and is the Past President of the Atlanta chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMAtlanta). He...

Replay! This week on Architectette, we’re spotlighting the voices of recent graduates from architecture programs across the globe. We asked all of our guests the same questions to gain insight into their unique experiences as they transition from academia to professional practice. From how the pandemic shaped their academic experience to the movie that best describes their studio life, we dive dee...

Erike De Veyra, Assoc. AIA, SEED, is a designer, seasoned project manager, and the founder of Design Gym. Her career spans architecture, public programming, and design education; bringing together creative practice with a strong focus on community impact. She recently earned a Master of Science in Design Thinking and Entrepreneurship, further shaping her interdisciplinary approach to design and le...

Replay! On today’s episode of Architectette we share a conversation with Jill Bergman, FAIA, FACHA. Jill is a Senior Health Strategist at HDR, based in San Francisco, California. She has focused on healthcare facility design for her entire career, mostly working on large projects and medical planning.  We talk about:  - The power of focusing her career on one specific project type and how her afte...

Cari White is currently an Outsourced Controller with BlueStone Accounting Solutions. She has almost two decades worth of experience in the accounting industry where she has built meaningful relationships with her clients and colleagues. She prides herself on presenting financial information in an easily digestible format.  When not working, Cari is spending time with her family; watching the Rave...

Replay! On today’s episode of Architectette we are branching out from the AEC industry to welcome our friend Tigress Osborn! Tigress is the Board Chair of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance. NAAFA is a non-profit, volunteer, fat rights organization dedicated to protecting the rights and improving the quality of life for fat people.  We talk about: - Tigress’ leadership at NAAFA and...

Alicia Ponce, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, is the Founder and Design Principal of APMonarch, an award-winning Chicago based architecture firm celebrated for its leadership in sustainable design and adaptive reuse architecture. Guided by her ethos of “Lift as you Climb,” Alicia is the founder of Arquitina, a national nonprofit with a mission to go above and beyond the 1% of licensed Latina architects...

Replay! On today’s episode of Architectette we welcome a dynamic duo! Aya Shlachter and Jing Lauengco are two outstanding women who connected over their mutual tenacity for entrepreneurship, design, and storytelling. Both women are business owners, entrepreneurs, and podcasters.  Aya Shlachter is the CEO and founder of MGS Global Group, a company that accelerates growth for architecture and design...

Meghan Webster is the Co-Managing Director of Gensler Chicago, where she is driven by her lifelong passion for shaping human experiences. For the past 15 years, she has guided business strategy, built client engagement, and deepened her expertise in education, health, sciences, and civic markets at the firm. Currently, she is a Global Health Sector Leader, supporting the practice area’s focus on i...

Replay! On today’s episode of Architectette we welcome Alexandra Chaves. Alexandra is a project manager at Restructure Studio in Austin TX, a mom, an Austin Women in Architecture (WiA) member, as well as the founder of the WiA 'Profiles' Subcommittee. We talk about: - Starting her education in Venezuela, finishing a graduate degree in the United States, and starting a career in New York Ci...

Jo Haas and Cynthia Torp join us to discuss their collaboration on The Dot Experience, the American Printing House for the Blind’s (APH) reimagined museum set to open in Louisville in October 2026. Designed around an unprecedented commitment to inclusive design, The Dot Experience aims to set a new global standard for accessibility in museums. Named in homage to the six-dot system of Braille, The...

Replay! On today’s episode of Architectette we welcome Thuy Fontelera, P.E., S.E., LEED AP. Thuy is the founding principal of woman and minority-owned Element Structural Engineers. Their impressive work spans commercial and residential sectors, but what makes this company unlike any of their competitors is Thuy’s commitment to transforming what leadership and workplace culture looks like in the AE...

Stephanie Leedom is CannonDesign’s Executive Director for the Great Lakes Region. In this role, she provides strategic leadership across offices in Chicago, Buffalo, Toronto, Pittsburgh, and the firm’s newest office in Minneapolis. For 20 years, Stephanie worked in public service; serving with the Peace Corps in Honduras and working as an Architect at the General Services Administration; Architect...

Replay! On today’s Architectette podcast we welcome planner Martha Cross, the Deputy Director of the City of Philadelphia’s Division of Planning and Zoning. Martha started her education in architecture school, but then pursued a career in planning, development, and non-profit work. Her experience and her path are truly inspiring. We talk about: - Martha’s realization, during architecture school, t...

Barbara Van Biervliet is an architect and engineer from Knokke, Belgium, and the co-owner of the boutique architecture studio Claerhout–Van Biervliet (CVB) which she runs with her partner in life and work, Xaveer Claerhout. The pair also have three children: Jacob, Adriaan, and Johanna.  At CVB, the team creates sculptural, organic architecture and bespoke interiors for high-end residential, hospi...