Tangents by Out of Architecture

Our guest, Charlie Edmonds, Co-Founder of Future Architects Front , calls for collective action to address exploitative practices and envisions a world where architecture prioritizes social needs over capital interests. Charlie is the co-founder of Future Architects Front (FAF), a grassroots organization working to address issues like unpaid overtime, low fees, and poor construction quality in the...

We're taking a break from Tangents this week for the holidays so we wanted to share with you the latest episode from Redlines, Out of Architecture's podcast where we dive deeper into the core issues that plague the design profession, and evaluate how they result in everyday conflict, discomfort, and workplace turmoil. You'll hear from Chris (not his real name) and how he faced a series of traumati...

Ever feel traditional architecture moves too slowly to tackle crises like housing shortages? Our latest guest Kristin set out to transform delivery for faster, quality sustainable housing. Her winding path from design into development, prefab and product led her to a mass timber housing startup reimagining solutions. We cover: Kristin's career from architecture to a hands-on developer role empower...

Our guest today, Rafael Robles, Founder at Duo Development, shares his experiences answering the question for himself of who gets to make the decisions? His journey from real estate, to development, to business strategy consulting led Rafael to found his own innovation studio, Duo, where he practices multi-contextual design, amplifying the impact a built project can have.  Thank you for listening...

What can you do with an architecture degree besides traditional practice? Is it possible to blend your design skills with other passions?  Elliot Felix, Founder and CEO of brightspot Strategy, is an architect turned higher education strategist, shares his journey from architecture school to running his own consulting firm.  Elliot talks about how an influential middle school teacher inspired him t...

In this engrossing discussion, Abraham Burickson elaborates on how his journey in the world of architecture led him to develop the concept of experience design.  Having worked in various architecture firms and conducted research, Abraham discovered a gap between the promise of architecture and its practice. From tangible architectural projects to uniquely curated experiences called Odyssey Works,...

Bonus Episode! Tangents, meet Redlines - our new podcast by Out of Architecture.  This episode shines a light on the withholding of critical information by architecture firms to create an uneven power dynamic as firms hold visa sponsorship over young, foreign workers. Our storyteller this week is Cat - a pseudonym - who shares their personal experience with the H1B visa process in the United State...

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...

In this Tangents episode, Eric Riggsbee, a project manager at Joyful, shares his unique career path from architecture to the tech industry and back again. He discusses the transferable skills he gained from architecture, such as problem-solving and attention to detail, and how they have helped him succeed in his current role. Eric emphasizes the importance of following happiness rather than sticki...

Jody Broccoli Hickey is a 3D computational designer at Adidas. Jody shares how he leveled up his skills and understanding when making a career switch, and the joy of the creative process strengthened from pursuing opportunities that aligned strongly with his interests.  Highlights:  The importance of spending time to level up your skills Learning the tribal language needed to communicate in differ...

Our guest today is Ben Feicht, Architect and Exhibit Designer at Upswell. Ben shares how and why he transitioned from architecture to exhibit design, the impact of journaling as a tool for exploration, and the exciting future of technology in design. How journaling can help explore ideas, identify interests and find the right career path Networking and using LinkedIn can lead to job opportunities...

In this Tangents episode we speak with AKSHAY MEHRA, Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington. Akshay's journey from architecture to geosciences highlights the value of curiosity, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. His experience demonstrates the potential for architects to contribute to scientific research and engage with comp...

In this Tangents episode we speak with STEPHEN DREW , Founder of the Architecture Social. Through his candid and authentic perspective, we explore the importance of embracing change, selling oneself, and the untapped potential architects possess in various industries. Highlights:  The importance of selling oneself and leveraging architectural expertise in different industries Acknowledge the self-...

In this Tangents episode, we speak with ELLEN ABRAHAM, Chief Pin Officer at Architect Pins, one of our amazing OOA Advisors and Senior Project Manger and Co-Founder of Equity Design Lab @ SOM. Highlights:  SOM’s Equity Design Lab, which focuses on creating equitable and community-focused designs How architects have the power to be change-makers and make a positive impact on communities “Always Be...

On this episode of Tangents, Caitlin Taylor , Architect, Farmer, Food Systems Designer and Managing Director at Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture, shares her experiences developing a passion and career exploring food systems through an architectural lens.  Hear Caitlin’s insights into exploring her interests deeply, finding equally passionate and driven people to work with, and the pow...

On this episode of Tangents, Anamika Goyal, Director of Operations for Architecture & Construction at Riley Projects and OOA advisor, shares her experiences from working in more traditional architecture firms to innovative startups in the AEC industry (WeWork, Cottage, Riley Projects). Hear Anamika’s insights into leadership, management, and finding a career that fulfills a passion for buildin...

On this episode of Tangents, Ana Barros, Creative Director @ BTTR Agency and Architectural Photographer, shares her experiences of building a fulfilling career from her passions and details the skills that enabled her to get there. She talks about the importance of being adaptable and curious and how she used tools to her advantage to further her creative process. Listen to the end to hear from a...

On this episode of Tangents, Iben Falconer , Global Marketing & Business Development Leader and Senior Associate Principal @ SOM shares advice from her own experiences changing roles throughout her career and how not being afraid of change has opened up new opportunities for her. Listen to the end to hear from a part of the OOA team and community, Noura Alhariri ! Highlights:   Curious, Driven...

On this episode of Tangents, Joann Lui, Content Marketing Manager at TestFit and the founder of Women Architects Collective shares her experiences transitioning her interests and passions into a unplanned career switch and how personal branding helped create opportunities and time for reflection. Listen to the end to hear from a part of the OOA team and community, Cristy Fedelai!   Highlights:  In...

On this episode of Tangents, Zach Soflin, CEO at Layer shares his journey which began with creating a solution as an architect for one of his project’s to sharing that solution with the rest of the AEC industry as CEO of a tech startup. Highlights: Tinkerer, Designer, Divergent How the solution to a project led to running a company Stepping away from a traditional path in architecture The brave st...

On this episode of Tangents, Wandile Mthiyane, Founder & CEO of Anti-Racist Hot Dog & CEO of Ubuntu Design Group shares his experiences using architecture as a way to build spaces and places of belonging for folks within the workplace and the community. Highlights: Resilient, Faith, Optimistic Architecture as a Vehicle for Dignified Housing Home as an Economic Space Going Back To Your Root...

On this episode of Tangents, Sara Kolata, Founder of Disrupt Symposium, shares her experiences on how she took the challenges she experienced as a business owner to create a life that truly aligns with her strengths and passions. Highlights: Adventurous, Curious, Daring Not fitting in as expected Turning failures into opportunities for growth The point at which you decide to do something Getting c...

On this episode of Tangents, Saba Ghole , Co-Founder & Chief Creative Director at NuVu shares her experiences on how she brings the studio model of learning that we are familiar from our architectural studies and applies it to k-12 learning. Highlights: Creative, Optimist, Listener The architecture studio as a model for education and learning Creating a space for critique, feedback and a proce...

On this episode of Tangents, Rachael Hymas, Founder of If Not Now, Then When (INNTW) shares her experiences stemming from her background in architecture that led her to meet so many amazing people along the way. Hear Rachael speak honestly about finding your path, even as it’s evolving as you grow. Highlights: The journey of a multi-disciplinary creative that gets bored easily Helping individuals...

On this episode of Tangents, Jake Rudin, Senior Manager Digital Technologies at Adidas shares his experiences and advice on how to translate your architectural experience to your future career path.  Highlights: Designer, Educator, Maker Following A Passion for Architecture Not Being Limited by Job Descriptions Communicating Your Abilities in Resumes and Interviews Confidence is Key Treat Your Car...