mentorDINO

Katelyn speaks with Elaine Anderson and Andrea Lacour , founders of Contour Collective, about their unique journeys into the field of accessibility consulting. They discuss their backgrounds in architecture and design, the founding of their women-owned business, and the importance of accessibility in various projects. The conversation also touches on their experiences as registered accessibility s...

Emily Soloby , founder of Juno Jones Safety Boots. Emily shares her diverse background, from being a domestic violence advocate to launching a safety boot company aimed at empowering women in the AEC industry. The conversation delves into the importance of proper PPE, the challenges women face in male-dominated fields, and the journey of building a community through the Hazard Girls group. Emily e...

Chad Haller , principal at 10K Architecture, about his journey in the architecture field, the transition from large firms to starting his own, and the unique challenges of balancing residential and commercial projects. Chad shares insights on the importance of professional relationships, the significance of choosing the right business partners, and the tools that have helped streamline their proce...

Karen Herold, principal at Studio K in Chicago, shares her journey from studying fashion in Holland to owning her own interior design company. She discusses how her fashion education influences her interior design work, using fashion images as inspiration for color palettes, textures, and overall mood. Karen specializes in designing restaurants, hotels, resorts, and private residences, with a focu...

Derwin Broughton , architect and vice president at KAI Enterprises, shares his journey in the architecture industry and his passion for public sector projects. He discusses his experience working on public safety, transit, and healthcare projects, and emphasizes the importance of creating practical and impactful designs for communities. Broughton also provides insights on career growth and finding...

Bhawya Joshi , a principal architect at Sallaka Studio, shares her experience and journey in the field of architecture. She discusses her education and work experience in India and the United States, as well as the challenges she faced as an immigrant. She provides advice for others looking to come to the US for work or education. Bhawya also talks about the differences between practicing architec...

Steve Lodge , an architect and director of architecture at Smith Group. Steve shares his journey in the field of architecture, starting from his early interest in drawing houses to his experiences working at various firms. He discusses the challenges he faced in his education, including low grades and difficulties getting into graduate school. Steve emphasizes the importance of the people who supp...

Andrew Ellsworth , founder and CEO of Doors Unhinged, discusses his company's mission to reclaim and resell commercial door systems as zero carbon and lower cost alternatives to new doors. He shares his background in sustainability and architecture, as well as the inspiration behind starting the business. Andrew explains why doors were chosen as the focus of the company and the challenges and oppo...

Graciela Carrillo , architect and senior manager at Nassau Boces in Long Island, New York, shares her journey from Colombia to the United States and her experiences in the architecture field. She discusses her work in both the private and public sectors, the challenges of obtaining a work visa and green card, and her involvement in professional organizations like AIA. Graciela also talks about her...

Kelsey Ahumada , Managing Principal at Portica Architecture, shares her journey in the architecture industry and the process of starting her own firm. She discusses her experience with licensure exams, the challenges she faced, and the importance of perseverance. Kelsey also talks about the different firm sizes she worked for and the lessons she learned from each. She emphasizes the significance o...

Jenny Peysin , Principal of Jenny Peyson Architecture, shares her journey from studying fine art to becoming an architect. She discusses her experience working on high-profile projects like renovating Carnegie Hall and working on high-end residential projects in the Hamptons. Jenny also talks about her firm's volunteer work in Ukraine and the challenges of working in different areas of New York Ci...

Kate Reggev, an architect and owner's rep, shares her experience and journey in the architecture and project management field. She discusses her work as an owner's representative, managing design and construction projects for clients. Kate also talks about her passion for historic preservation and her writing on architectural history and women in architecture. She provides insights into working at...

Turning Career CHALLENGES into a Mission to Help the Industry - Katelyn Rossier Katelyn Rossier, the founder of mentorDINO, shares her journey in architecture and the motivation behind starting mentorDINO. She discusses her experience in overcoming challenges, including struggling with reading and writing, facing difficulties in getting into architecture schools, and dealing with burnout. Katelyn...

Tara Labosky, architect and principal of Luzerne Consulting, shares her journey from architecture to construction management and starting her own firm. She discusses the importance of understanding the full scope of projects and helping smaller clients. Tara emphasizes the value of studying construction management and how it provides a well-rounded understanding of the construction industry. She a...

David Stumpf , founder and managing principal of David Stumpf Architecture, shares his journey in the architecture industry and the challenges he faced along the way. He discusses the importance of practical skills in architecture education and the need for architects to understand construction management. David also talks about his experiences working for different firms and the lessons he learne...

How to Leverage STORYTELLING through FILM - Gus Bernal Gus Bernal , a filmmaker and podcast editor, shares his journey from Venezuela to the United States and his experiences in the film and advertising industry. He discusses his passion for storytelling and his transition to working with architects and producing architectural videos. Gus emphasizes the importance of embracing change and taking ri...

Architect to Real Estate Developer - Jeff Pastva Jeff Pastva, architect and Vice President of Development at Scannapieco Development Corporation, shares his career journey and transition from traditional architecture practice to real estate development. he emphasizes the importance of taking risks and exploring different business models as an architect. Jeff also discusses the value of architects...

Partnership Built on Relationships - Hype Studio - Justin and Mike Justin Novak and Mike Alexander , principals and owners of Hype Studio in Phoenix, Arizona, discuss their journey and experience in the architecture and design industry. They share their backgrounds, from studying architecture in Scotland and Spain to working at various firms before starting their own practices. They explain how th...

Life as a Construction Estimator - Jesse Robinson Evans Jesse Robinson-Evans , a construction estimator at Rycon Construction, shares his journey from playing with LEGOs as a kid to becoming an estimator. He talks about his experience in construction trades in high school and his decision to pursue civil engineering in college. Jesse discusses his early career working on construction projects and...

Ricky McLain, a structural engineer and principal at Mass Timber Advisors, discusses his journey in the AEC profession and the use of mass timber in construction. He shares his experience working for a small engineering firm in Vermont, his time at Woodworks providing design support for wood projects, and his current focus on mass timber as a structural material. McLain explains the varying codes...

Stefanie Reichman , a civil engineer and customer success manager at Bluebeam, shares her journey from civil engineering to construction management to her current role in tech. She discusses the importance of being open to career pivots and not being afraid to fail exams. Stefanie emphasizes the value of industry experience in roles like customer success management and the importance of networking...

Bryce Betts, AEC Chief Matchmaker, Career Coach, and Recruiter at Career Collective, discusses her journey in the recruiting and coaching industry, specializing in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry. She shares insights on career coaching, the challenges faced by small firms in hiring and growth, and the impact of labor shortages and economic constraints. Bryce also tal...

Mechanical Engineering - Career, Pathways, & Leadership Nancy Kohout, Principal Mechanical Engineer at Smith Group, shares her journey from studying mechanical engineering to becoming a leader in the industry. She discusses the different paths within mechanical engineering and the importance of gaining practical experience. Nancy also talks about the transition from a smaller firm to a larger...

How to be a Mutlidisciplinary Designer Liz Sydnor , architect and principal of Sydnor Design LLC, shares her career journey and the decision to start her own business. She discusses the challenges of working remotely and the importance of finding what works best for you. Liz also talks about her transition into graphic design and branding, and the freedom it has given her to explore different crea...

Never Let One Role Define You with Evelyn Lee Evelyn Lee , founder of Practice of Architecture and Co-host of the podcast Practice Disrupted. She shares her journey from traditional architecture practice to strategy consulting and tech. She discusses the importance of learning from outside the industry and staying connected to diverse networks. Evelyn offers advice for professionals looking to piv...