The On Center Podcast

Join us as Lora Teagarden, FAIA, shares her unconventional architectural journey, insights on leadership, and drive for mentorship in the profession. Learn how she’s redefining what it means to lead, guide, and make an impact in architecture today. Navigating a nontraditional career path during economic downturns and frequent relocations Defining true professional leadership versus résumé-building...

AI is reshaping the future of architecture—are we ready for what comes next? Ball State’s Dave Ferguson shares what the next generation of architects needs to know to stay valuable in a rapidly shifting landscape. How AI is transforming the architectural profession and education Why “soft skills” and critical thinking are more important than ever The impact of AI on traditional training and career...

Delve Design co-founder Chris Lake joins the On Center Podcast to discuss redefining firm culture and approaching architecture beyond traditional boundaries. Hear how his team prioritizes collaboration, resilience, and real community impact. Building an architectural firm focused on mentorship, transparency, and lasting culture Rethinking design by understanding real client needs—beyond simply fol...

Senior Director of Business Development Matt Hadley with AP Engineering and Consulting joins Matt Crowder on the On Center Podcast to discuss how strategic relationships and proactive due diligence drive success in the AEC industry. From pivoting careers to harnessing technology, Matt Hadley shares hard-earned insights every development professional needs to hear. How due diligence saves projects...

Architect Winifred Williams joins the On Center Podcast to discuss her career designing educational spaces and the evolving role of architecture in schools and communities. She shares lessons learned from decades in the field and her perspective on balancing creativity, business, and client needs. How technology and tools have changed architectural design, from hand-drawing to BIM and AI Why adapt...

Architect Don Duncan joins the On Center Podcast to discuss the realities of practicing as a generalist, educator, and advocate in today’s design industry. Get practical insights into career resilience, the technology hype, and the surprising power of strong relationships. How Don survived losing four jobs during the Great Recession and built a resilient career The advantages and challenges of bei...

Join us as we sit down with Jeff Echols, founder of Echo Engagement, to discuss innovation and communication in architecture. Get straightforward insights on building firm value, embracing technology, and standing out in a crowded industry. Why storytelling and clear communication are critical for architects' long-term success The difference between being magnetic and staying invisible—even when y...

Former Indianapolis City Architect Kate Warpool joins the On Center Podcast to discuss her experience shaping public projects and navigating leadership on both sides of the table. Tune in for a practical look at what architects miss about civic work and the owner's perspective. The realities of leadership and influence in city government versus private consulting How public dollars and civic prior...

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...