The On Center Podcast

Associate partner Ashley Thornberry from Studio Axis shares her insights on designing civic and public safety architecture that puts communities first. From fire stations to mentorship, Ashley discusses the realities, challenges, and future of the profession. What it takes to design resilient fire stations and civic projects that reflect local culture Why emotional design matters alongside technic...

Join us as Greg Looney, founder and CEO of Inherent Commercial, shares his journey building one of Indiana’s fastest-growing construction firms. In this episode, Greg breaks down the real challenges and opportunities in today’s construction market. Why firing fast and hiring slow is critical for team success How “most complete” trumps “lowest bid” in construction projects The biggest mistakes team...

In this episode of On Center Podcast, we sit down with Jim Mladucky to discuss the realities of delivering one of the largest healthcare projects in the nation. Get direct insights into hospital design at scale, leadership challenges, and how architecture can impact entire communities. The human vs. business side of healthcare design Key strategies for balancing design leadership and project deliv...

Join us as we sit down with architect, former City-County Council president, and mayoral candidate Vop Osili for a direct look at how design thinking shapes city leadership. Get the essentials on the role of architecture in politics, city planning, and the future of Indianapolis. How an architect’s mindset influences leadership, policy, and civic development Translating long-term design thinking i...

Principal architect Chase Miller joins the On Center Podcast to discuss the realities of healthcare design, leadership, and the personal experiences that shape his approach. Get direct insights into industry best practices and the balance between innovation and empathy in the built environment. Integrating architectural leadership with practical construction management The impact of post-occupancy...

Veteran architect Eric Rowland joins Matt Crowder on the On Center Podcast to share his journey from family business to national expertise in Greek housing and adaptive reuse. Tune in for insights on architecture’s role in community, mentorship, and evolving campus life. Eric Rowland’s evolution from Roland Design to principal at Luminaut Lessons from designing over 100 fraternity and sorority hou...

Join Daniel Overbey, Director of Sustainability at Browning Day and professor at Ball State, for an in-depth look at pushing architecture toward a zero-carbon future. Get pragmatic, insider perspectives on building standards, high-performance projects, and sustainability culture. Daniel Overbey’s journey from a coal-fired power plant to leading sustainability in architecture Embedding evidence-bas...

Join us as Matt Crowder interviews Gavin Haverstick, founder of Haverstick Designs, about the art and science of acoustical design. Discover how acoustics shape spaces, inspire creativity, and solve real-world challenges across thousands of projects. The story behind Gavin's journey from mechanical engineering and music to founding Haverstick Designs How imposter syndrome, risk-taking, and persona...

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the career and design philosophy of Drew Braley, principal and landscape architecture studio director at Browning Day. In this On Center Podcast episode, Drew shares real project stories and practical insights from nearly two decades shaping public spaces. Drew’s journey from Hawaii to Indiana and how unique experiences shaped his approach to landscape architecture...

Trailblazing architect Diana Brenner joins the On Center Podcast to share her journey as the founder of Brenner Design and her impact on Indiana's architectural landscape. In this conversation, she discusses breaking barriers, design philosophy, and the realities of leading a woman-owned architecture firm. The inspiration and risks behind founding Brenner Design in Indianapolis. Overcoming biases...

Get to know Scott Perkins, principal architect of Blackline Studio, as he shares his journey from adaptive reuse projects to championing community-focused design in Indianapolis. In this episode, Scott discusses the evolution of his practice, the challenges of firm culture, and the real-world impact architects can have beyond the drawing board. The transformation and growth of Blackline Studio, fr...

Indianapolis architect Donna Sink joins the On Center Podcast to discuss how design, transit, and creative reuse can shape better cities for everyone. Hear candid insights on local architecture, public space, and the future of urban living. How childhood influences and city experiences shaped Donna’s architectural journey The impact of pedestrian-first design and walkability in Indianapolis Why cr...

Architect Kurt Green joins the On Center Podcast for an honest dive into classical architecture, public taste, and the balance of tradition and innovation. Host Matt Crowder leads a fast-paced conversation on design, history, and the future of the built environment. How growing up in Indianapolis and early influences shaped Kurt Green’s architectural path Insights from Kurt’s France research trip,...

Dive into the world of architecture and design with Joseph Lese of Progress Studio, interviewed by Matt Crowder on the On Center Podcast. This episode covers practical insights from launching a firm to mentoring the next generation of architects. How advanced technologies like BIM, laser scanning, and virtual walkthroughs are transforming client communication and project outcomes The story behind...

Join host Matt Crowder as he sits down with Brandon Farley, a seasoned designer in the educational space, to discuss the power of campus design and the future of our cities. This episode covers practical insights on how the built environment shapes communities, from sustainability to smart technologies. What you'll learn in this episode: Why Purdue’s move to Indianapolis is a transformational mome...

Get an inside look into Desmond Belsas's journey from architecture to owner’s representation and the lessons learned along the way. This episode dives into building complex projects, mastering communication, and making an impact in the built environment. Transitioning from architect to owner’s representative: motivations and challenges The importance of early problem-solving in project management...

From school principal to design strategist, Brian Proctor shares how his unique journey fuels smarter, more empathetic learning environments. In this episode, get a direct look at how real classroom experience transforms the future of school architecture. The bridge between educational leadership and architectural design How firsthand classroom experience reveals blind spots in school planning Str...

Join Matt Crowder as he interviews Luke Leising, founder and president of Guidon Design, for a straightforward conversation on purposeful leadership, sustainable architecture, and real-world collaboration. Get practical insights from Scouting roots to military service, and discover what it takes to create spaces that truly improve lives. How military and Scouting experiences shaped Guidon's leader...

In this special episode of the On Center Podcast, host Matt Crowder celebrates the 2025 AIA Convention Award Winners and sits down with an incredible lineup of guests who are shaping the future of architecture. Hear from Don Duncan, recipient of the Juliet Petal Award, as he shares how humor and real-world experience impact his teaching philosophy. Cass Parker, honored with the Next Gen Award, tal...

In this special episode of the On Center Podcast, host Matt Crowder celebrates the 2025 AIA Convention Award Winners with an inspiring lineup of guests. Hear from Jonathan Hess (Citizen Architect Award), Brandon Farley (Outstanding Service Award), Chase Miller (Tony Costello Young Architect Award), Heather Zeto (Walter Blackburn Award), Kyle Spurgeon (Emerging Professional Award), Mark Trier (Merr...

Join host Matt Crowder on the On Center podcast as he sits down with Camilo Rentaria, co-founder of Bravo Companies - a thriving, service-disabled veteran and Latino-owned construction firm reshaping Indianapolis’ development landscape. Dive into Camilo’s inspiring journey from the disciplined ranks of the US Air Force to building a mission-driven enterprise focused on innovation, inclusion, and c...

How do you redefine a city and make engineering truly matter to people’s lives? In this special episode of the On Center Podcast, we sit down with Dylan Seesman, Director of Operations, and Jarvis Jointer, founder of JQOL, recently named one of Indianapolis’s fastest-growing companies. Together, they pull back the curtain on what it really means to design smarter, more connected communities and wh...

What does it take to champion good design, and how can architects and advocates shape healthier, more vibrant communities? In this episode of the On Center Podcast, we sit down with Jason Shelley, Honorary AIA and Executive Director of AIA Indiana. Jason opens up about his journey from government affairs to leading the state’s top architectural organization, and reveals the behind-the-scenes advoc...

Dive into the debut episode of "On Center" as host Matt Crowder sits down with the dynamic team behind One 10 Studio, the Indianapolis architecture firm making national waves. Discover how this nimble group, fresh off accolades from Forbes and AIA Indiana, consistently punches above its weight by championing thoughtful design, deep collaboration, and a human-centric philosophy. Founders and archit...