Tangents by Out of Architecture

In this episode, Silvia sits down with Kara Boyd , an architect who successfully pivoted her career to become a Lead Owner’s Representative at IFF , a Midwest-focused Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Kara shares her fascinating career arc—from her early infatuation with wall sections to navigating the high-intensity environment of Studio Gang, running her own firm, and ultimatel...

In this episode, Jake chats with Nick White , Melbourne-based comedian, content creator, and recovering architect who traded buildings for bits. Nick shares his journey from studying architecture and working in practice for five years to walking away at the end of 2022 to pursue stand-up comedy and character-driven content full time. The conversation explores how a design education shaped his eye...

In this episode, Silvia chats with Niknaz Aftahi, entrepreneur and founder of AEC+Tech , a platform connecting architecture professionals with cutting-edge technology. Niknaz shares her journey from studying architecture in Iran to launching a startup that bridges the gap between the AEC industry and emerging tech. The conversation touches on the integration of AI in architecture, the importance o...

Join Libo Li, a data engineer at Meta, as he delves into his unconventional career journey from architecture to tech. Discover how his natural curiosity and drive for growth propelled him through various roles at companies like WeWork and AAC Resource. Libo shares insights on embracing fear as a signal for growth, the value of continuous learning, and thriving in chaotic environments. Whether it's...

Atif Qadir joins Silvia on Tangents to explore his journey from architecture to real estate development and tech entrepreneurship. They discuss the evolving nature of careers in the AEC industry, the importance of adaptability, and the benefits of life coaching and mentorship. Atif shares insights on recognizing personal values and the significance of creating space for what truly matters. Reflect...

In this engaging episode of "Tangents by Out of Architecture," our guest Xinran Ma shares his inspiring journey from a traditional architecture career to the innovative field of product design at Redfin. Our conversation delves deeply into the mindset shift required for career transition, and the strategies Xinran employed to gain experience and build credibility in a new industry. From studying a...

Our guest today is Makoto Eyre, cofounder and CEO of Homeostasis , a climate tech startup transforming CO2 into advanced carbon materials like graphite for lithium-ion batteries. Makoto’s story exemplifies the power of curiosity, resilience, and the ability to leverage architectural skills to navigate bold career transitions. This episode explores how interdisciplinary thinking, engineering expert...

Danny Rupp (he/him) is a web development team lead who has been lucky enough to work-from-home in Maryland since 2010. With a bachelor's degree in Architecture from the University of Maryland he started his career as an architectural designer, but slowly transitioned on the job into working as a full stack web developer on software for office space planning. In 2020 he made the jump out of archite...

Our guest today is Ramesh Pari, Head of Design + BIM at Ocado Group. He highlights the importance of pragmatism, lifelong learning, and leveraging architectural skills in new ways. This episode explores the dynamics of tech culture, the benefits of cross-industry skills, and the courage needed to pursue fulfilling career changes. Tune in to gain insights on balancing professional aspirations with...

Adrian Maldonado, Career Advisor at Out of Architecture, is a seasoned professional with a background in architecture who made a successful transition into the field of UX design. With a passion for design and a knack for problem-solving, Adrian brings a unique perspective to his role as a lead UX designer. He is dedicated to helping individuals navigate career transitions, leveraging his experien...

In this episode, Jacki Schaefer shares her journey in architecture, highlighting the challenges faced during her career, the importance of job security, and the impact of curiosity on personal and professional growth. She discusses the value of architecture education in developing critical thinking skills and self-awareness. Jacki emphasizes the need for individuals to align their career choices w...

Get ready for Season 4 of Tangents to kick off in two weeks! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Our guest today, Nate Steinrueck, Product Strategist at Outer Labs, shares his journey from studying anthropology to working in architecture and eventually transitioning into the tech industry. He emphasizes the importance of being a good listener, learner, and helper in his work, and how these qualities have shaped his career. Nate also discusses the similarities between architecture and product...

On this episode of Tangents, Erin Pellegrino, Principal at Matter, and Co-Founder of Out of Architecture, shares her journey of balancing making and thinking in architecture, leading to a fulfilling and impactful career. From rebellious tomboy to successful architect, she discusses her approach to challenging the status quo and overcoming roadblocks by adopting a mindset of perseverance and contin...

Our guest today is Jake Rudin, Senior Manager Digital Technologies at Adidas, and Co-Founder of Out of Architecture.  In this episode, Jake Rudin discusses his journey from architecture to leading digital innovation at Adidas, emphasizing the importance of confidence in showcasing one's skills in job interviews. He shares insights on translating architectural skills into various industries, the po...

This week, we switch things up a little bit where where our host Silvia Lee is interviewed by Out of Architecture's very own Jake Rudin! Silvia Lee is the Director of Customer Success at Layer, an adjunct instructor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and the host of this Tangents podcast by Out of Architecture. With a background in architecture and a passion for enabling others to achieve...

In this Tangents episode, we speak with ELLEN ABRAHAM, Chief Pin Officer at Architect Pins, one of our amazing OOA Advisors and Senior Project Manager and Co-Founder of Equity Design Lab @ SOM. In this episode, Ellen Abraham discusses the power of architects as change makers and the importance of thinking beyond traditional roles in the industry. She shares her background in architecture, from gro...

Our guest today is Chi Bhatia, VP of Strategy & Growth at One Plan, a SaaS start-up that builds 2D & 3D technology for events & venues. Chi is also part of the amazing career consultant team at Out of Architecture. Hear Chi share his journey from international student to completing LA’s first NFL stadium to now working at a tech startup providing support to the 2024 Paris Olympics. On...

Sam Anderson is an architectural visualization specialist who has carved out a unique career path beyond traditional practice. Sam shares her journey from pursuing architecture at the University of Texas to realizing her true passion lies in visualization. She discusses her experiences working in various roles, including at architecture firms, Epic Games, and ultimately starting her own visualizat...

Jeffrey Yoo Warren, is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and crafter whose work explores themes of cultural heritage, identity, and community. Jeffrey shares his unique journey from studying architecture to finding his calling in artistic practices deeply rooted in historical research and traditional craftsmanship. Through his residency at the Library of Congress, Jeffrey talks about the recon...

Our guest today, Lauren Kimball, Experience Design Director @ Edelman, shares her journey from architecture to advertising. She emphasizes the importance of being honest and open in client meetings and offers advice for architecture students looking to explore alternative career paths. Lauren also discusses her platform, Find by Design , which showcases black designers across various disciplines....

William Dodge shares his unique career journey, from applying to architecture school multiple times, working as a janitor, and eventually becoming a managing principal at a major architecture firm. He discusses his approach to architecture - creating community-focused spaces rather than just facilitating buildings. William talks about starting his own practice, Public, to do great work with wonder...

Our guest today, Jill Shah, Production Designer at Future Colossal, shares how she capitalizes on her abilities as a generalist, asserts herself to create opportunities, and harnesses the power of storytelling in design. Highlights: Leverage spatial design skills from architecture in experience design by focusing on technology integration and storytelling instead of just function. As a generalist,...

In this episode, I spoke with Ozzie Gonzalez, Principal and Owner of P3 Consulting, (people, planet, profit) about his fascinating journey from architecture into environmental consulting. Ozzie has applied his architecture skills to help companies develop sustainability policies and embed social responsibility into their work.   We discuss how Ozzie got started in green building, and expanded into...

Our guest today, Benjamin Llewellyn joins me to share his winding journey from graduating with an architecture degree to becoming a freelance illustrator and background artist for animated television shows. Though architecture and illustration seem different, Benjamin finds his architectural background gives him an edge in creating realistic environments and backgrounds. He enjoys the constant var...