Studio Nights Podcast

On this episode of Studio Nights, we sit down with Philip Donavan, architect, educator, and designer at LITTLE, to discuss the experiences that have shaped his career and perspective on the profession. From the unexpected career change to architecture to teaching the next generation of designers at UF CityLab, Philip reflects on the journey that led him to practice, education, and mentorship. We e...

On this episode of Studio Nights, we sit down with Michael Compton, architect, educator, healthcare design leader, and advocate for designing spaces that truly serve people. Michael shares his journey from a challenging upbringing in New Jersey to earning a music scholarship as a jazz saxophone player, learning construction hands-on alongside his stepfather, and ultimately discovering architecture...

On this episode of Studio Nights, we sit down with Briana Johnson to explore her winding path from healthcare administration into construction, interiors, and ultimately architecture in Orlando.  Briana shares how childhood creativity, collage, and a love of color shaped her design approach; why honest critique and mentorship are essential to growth; and how working across concept, detailing, and...

On this episode of Studio Nights, we sit down with Peter Hall to explore a career shaped by adaptability and a strong commitment to sustainability. From growing up in the UK to building a career in the U.S., Pete reflects on how his background influenced his path into architecture. We discuss his transition from civil engineering to architecture after more than a decade, his experience teaching at...

On this episode of Studio Nights, we sit down with Sarasota architect Damien Blumetti to discuss his journey from growing up in Sarasota to building his own architectural practice. We talk about how the legacy of the Sarasota School of Architecture influenced his path, his education at the University of Florida, and study abroad experiences in Vicenza and Mexico that shaped his perspective on desi...

On this episode of Studio Nights, we sit down with Lindsey Perez to talk about her journey into architecture, from her early education to building her career in Florida. She shares what first drew her to the profession and how her experiences shaped the path she’s on today. We explore her work across different project types and her commitment to sustainable design, discussing how environmental res...

On this episode of Studio Nights, we sit down with Tommy James, longtime professor, mentor, and current Program Director of the UCF Architecture Program. Having taught us during our undergraduate years, Tommy shares his personal path into architecture, from where he grew up to what first inspired his passion for the field. We discuss his academic journey, including his study abroad experience in V...

On this episode of Studio Nights, we sit down with Stephen Bender, Director of the M.Arch program at UF CityLab in Orlando, to talk about his journey through architecture, education, and practice. Professor Bender shares what first drew him to architecture, how his background and education, from UF to Harvard and abroad, shaped his career, and how he navigated the transition from school to profess...

Studio Nights is the three of us, Valeria, Alex, and Valery, friends and architecture students, wanting to create a space to connect with the community and bring in professionals to share real stories. In this episode, we give a brief introduction of who we are and how this podcast came to be. Music audio created by @CruzControl.ofc