mentorDINO

Scott Farbman , a Senior Policy and Ratings Manager at Energy Solutions. Scott shares his diverse journey through the built environment industry, transitioning from architecture to engineering, and now to policy. He discusses the importance of sustainability, energy efficiency, and the role of professional organizations in shaping his career. Scott emphasizes the need for effective communication b...

Ryan Sullivan , founder of Off the Beaten Path Financial. Ryan shares his journey from a mechanical engineer to a financial advisor, discussing the challenges and opportunities he faced along the way. He emphasizes the importance of flexibility, freedom, and understanding the financial needs of architects and engineers. Ryan also highlights the services he offers to small firms and the significanc...

In this episode of the MentorDINO podcast, Katelyn explores the multifaceted nature of mentorship, emphasizing the importance of having multiple mentors from diverse backgrounds. She shares insights from various guests on their unique experiences with mentorship, the challenges they faced, and how they navigated their careers. The conversation highlights the significance of advocacy, learning from...

Darguin Fortuna , a principal of Flow Design in Salem, Massachusetts. Darguin shares his journey from the Dominican Republic to becoming a licensed architect in the United States, discussing the challenges he faced during his education and the ARE exams. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the lessons learned from failures. Darguin also talks about the founding of Flow Design, highlig...

Je’nen Chastain , a business strategy consultant and founder of Apostrophe Consulting. Je’nen shares her journey from studying architecture to navigating various roles within the industry, including her decision to pivot into business strategy and consulting. She discusses the challenges faced during the Great Recession, the importance of pursuing an MBA, and the impact of COVID-19 on her business...

Nicole Dumont , the principal and founder of NR Design. Nicole shares her journey from studying architecture at SCAD to starting her own firm in Ohio. She discusses the challenges of balancing athletics and academics, the importance of mentorship, and the process of obtaining her architectural license. Nicole also reflects on the decision to start her own firm, the challenges she faced, and how sh...

Cherise Lakeside , a Senior Specification Writer at RDH Building Science Inc. Cherise has experience with many facets of the project team in the built environment.  She has worked mostly in architecture but also in construction, MEP Engineering, and now Building Science. Cherise is passionate about mentorship/young professional development, public speaking/education (450+ events), and is part...

Carol Rickard-Brideau , CEO of Little Diversified Architectural Consulting. Carol shares her unique journey into architecture, influenced by her multicultural upbringing and early education in drafting. She discusses her career path, transitioning from small firms to a large firm, and the importance of finding the right fit in a workplace. Carol emphasizes the significance of delegation in leaders...

In this episode of the MentorDINO podcast, Katelyn highlights some opportunities you'd have if you want to focus your career in Sustainability or Resilience! This week I bring together stories of professionals on various career paths. I pulled together 4 clips from season 1 for you to be inspired and learn from just a few of these conversations. Don't miss this episode if you're passionate about s...

Bob Shelton , the principal and owner of Shelton Design Build, who shares his journey from a young intern in construction to leading a successful design-build firm. Bob discusses the importance of construction experience for architects, the challenges of starting and growing a business, and the significance of mentorship and community engagement within the architecture field. He also shares insigh...

Lucas Gray, Director of Content and Community at BQE Software. Lucas shares his journey from practicing architecture to becoming a business consultant, emphasizing the growing importance of the business side of architecture. He discusses the challenges architects face in managing firms, the need for transparency in the industry, and effective hiring strategies for small firms. Lucas also provides...

Janki DePalma, the Director of Business Development at WE O'Neill Construction. Janki shares her journey from marketing to business development in the AEC industry, discussing the importance of building relationships, navigating economic challenges, and the role of business development in project success. She emphasizes the need for early engagement in projects, the significance of authenticity in...

Jeff Konkle, an independent sales representative in the construction industry. Jeff shares his journey from corporate America to running his own sales rep company, discussing the intricacies of his role, the importance of building relationships in the construction field, and the challenges of navigating payment structures. The conversation also delves into the communication dynamics between archit...

Nikita Morell, a copywriter specializing in architecture. Nikita shares her journey from working in marketing for major firms to starting her own business focused on helping architects communicate effectively. The conversation covers the importance of clear communication in architecture, the leap to entrepreneurship, building trust through website copy, the power of newsletters, and advice for you...

In this episode of the MentorDINO podcast, Katelyn brings together a series based on topics! This week I bring together stories of professionals on alternative career paths. During season 1 there were several professionals that pivoted their careers to a non-traditional path for architects and engineers. I pulled together 6 clips from season 1 for you to be inspired and learn from just a few of th...

In this episode of the MentorDINO podcast, Katelyn brings together a series based on topics! This week I bring together stories of professionals starting their own firm. During season 1 there were several professionals that started their own firm so this is just a small sampling but I tried to bring together different aspects of the process. Don't miss this episode this collection of stories from...

In this episode of the MentorDINO podcast, Katelyn brings together a series based on topics! This week I review a hot topic in the AEC industry, burnout! Don't miss this episode this collection of stories about different experience with burnout along a career from season 1. Katelyn also looks forward to Season Two, promising exciting new content and guests. BIG THANK YOU TO OUR TEAM! Editing and...

In this episode of the MentorDINO podcast, Katelyn brings together a series based on topics! This week I review why I interview professionals in and around the AEC industry. Don't miss this episode this review and collection of stories about different sides of the industry from season 1. Katelyn also looks forward to Season Two, promising exciting new content and guests. BIG THANK YOU TO OUR TEAM...

In this episode of the MentorDINO podcast, Katelyn reflects on the highlights of Season One, sharing insights from the top episodes and guests. She emphasizes the importance of career transitions, storytelling in architecture, and the role of women in the AEC industry. Katelyn also looks forward to Season Two, promising exciting new content and guests. BIG THANK YOU TO OUR TEAM! Editing and Motio...

Hello! In this reflective episode of the MentorDINO podcast, Katelyn and Gus discuss the journey of the podcast through its first season, the evolution of podcasting and editing, the importance of networking and connections, and the challenges of remote recording. They also touch on the impact of recommendations and the transition to freelance work, highlighting the transformative experiences that...

Angela Mazzi , a Principal and Senior Medical Planner at GBBN Architects. Angela shares her journey into architecture, her experiences in education, and how she found her niche in healthcare design. She discusses the importance of professional organizations, the impact of design on well-being, and her mission to help architects reclaim their passion for the profession. Angela also opens up about h...

Daniel Woodroffe , the principal and founder of DWG in Austin, Texas. Daniel shares his journey from growing up in East Texas to becoming a landscape architect, discussing the diverse nature of landscape architecture and its impact on urban design. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration in his work, the challenges and rewards of starting his own firm, and the significance of community engag...

Katelyn interviews Stephen Parker , a Mental and Behavioral Health Planner Specialist at Stantec. Stephen shares his personal journey into the field of mental health design, influenced by his family experiences and a desire to improve environments for those with mental health challenges. He discusses the evolution of mental health design over the past decade, emphasizing the importance of creating...

Barb Allen , a trailblazer in the construction industry known as Construction Barb. Barb shares her journey from being the first female jobsite superintendent at J.A. Dunn construction to transitioning into office roles and ultimately advocating for women in construction. The conversation delves into the challenges of gender bias, the importance of communication, and strategies for career advancem...

Katelyn interviews Megan Shapiro , a construction attorney and founder of Construction Contract Coach. They discuss Megan's journey in construction law, the complexities of tripartite contracts, the importance of negotiation, and the impact of COVID-19 on construction contracts. Megan emphasizes the need for clarity in contracts and the empowerment of subcontractors to negotiate terms. She also sh...