Join us for the very first episode of our AML Podcast Series, recapping the AIA Women’s Leadership Summit in Boston!

This special series was recorded during the WLS Happy Hour hosted by the Immigrant Architects Coalition and Women Architects Collective, proudly sponsored by MGS Global LLC and Utile.

Listen to our chat with Graciela Carrillo and stay tuned for more inspiring conversations with incredible women from the summit!

You may also view the video on our YouTube channel, @architectmylife, or simply click on this link to watch it.

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Your host, Aya Shlachter, talks with Nikita Morell — a copywriter for only architects and founder of Architects WordShop: an online shop dedicated to helping architects with their words.

In this episode, Aya and Nikita explore the role of words in the world of architecture. Nikita, an expert in architectural copywriting, shares some practical tips to help architects make a strong impression online. 

Nikita discusses why it’s important for architects to have a website and gives advice on how to create a good one. She talks about the value of good writing for architects and points out some common mistakes architects make when writing for their websites. Plus, she offers easy-to-follow tips on how to fix those mistakes. 

Nikita also talks about using email newsletters to connect with clients, and she describes what makes a great email newsletter that keeps clients interested and helps architects stand out as experts in their field.

Listen to this episode to learn how using the right words can help architects get more clients!

 

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Nikita Morell is a copywriter for only architects. She is also the founder of Architects WordShop: an online shop dedicated to helping architects with their words.

Nikita specializes in making architecture websites sound more human, less robot—so architects can get a steady stream of ridiculously good projects. Nikita analyzed 663 architecture websites, you can see the results on her website.

Find out more about Nikita at www.nikitamorell.com.

 

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Your host, Aya Shlachter, talks with Ashley Bell Davis— co-owner of Davis Design & Consulting.

In this episode, Aya and Ashley delve into the fusion of architecture and engineering, a cornerstone of their company’s services, and how these two fields synergize to provide value to their clients.

Ashley emphasizes the significance of affordable, accessible architectural and engineering services, the power of word-of-mouth in business development, and the need for continuous reassessment of the business structure and finances in the AEC industry. She also highlights the importance of community involvement for architects, drawing from her experience with organizations like AIA, LEAP, and Designing Women of Acadiana, which reflect her dedication to mentoring and supporting young architects.

Be sure to listen all the way through to learn more about how Ashley and her engineer husband managed their business!

 

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In this special episode, taken from Aya’s talk at the Sheroes of Architecture Conference in May 2021, she discusses how creative business owners can become more financially responsible and achieve financial freedom. She emphasizes the importance of financial planning, setting goals, and having a succession plan.

Aya also shares simple strategies that can help creative entrepreneurs achieve financial success with confidence:

1. Living within your means

2. Making wise and consistent investments and savings

3. Maintaining a positive mindset towards wealth (generosity is key!)

4. Setting clear financial goals

5. Seeking quality advice from experts

Be sure to tune in to this episode to learn more about these strategies and pave the way for a more secure financial future for your creative business!

 

ABOUT SHEROES OF ARCHITECTURE CONFERENCE:

The Sheroes of Architecture event was a 3-day virtual conference held on Zoom from 12th to 14th May 2021, aimed to empower and inspire female architects. Recognizing the extraordinary talent of women in the field of architecture, the event addressed the challenges women faced as a minority.

The conference brought together a diverse group of female role models in architecture who were eager to share their experiences and wisdom, aiming to uplift and support other architects. Founders Sara Kolata and Lisa Raynes had personally witnessed the struggles within the industry, from starting their own architectural practices to facing redundancy during maternity leave.

With the objective of breaking down barriers and uniting powerful female architects, Sheroes of Architecture offered valuable insights and practical advice for women seeking success in running their practices. The event celebrated the strength and determination of women in the profession, echoing the sentiment, “I am a woman, hear me roar!” by Hellen Reddy.

 

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Do you have a question in mind? Send me your questions and I’ll answer them on a podcast episode!

If you’d like to be a guest on Architect My Life, click HERE.

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Your host, Aya Shlachter, talks with Erica Spayd— President of Prose Architecture.

In this episode, Aya and Erica explore the power of storytelling in architecture. Erica shares her unique approach, incorporating creative storytelling and design thinking into her practice. Throughout the episode, she emphasizes how design thinking methodologies improve decision-making, creativity, and leadership within architectural firms.

Erica also discusses the intersection of efficient processes, autonomy, and intentional firm scaling in the architectural business. Discover the transformative power of design thinking for architects and their teams. Listen to this conversation to know more!

 

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Erica Spayd is the President of Prose Architecture, a firm focused on telling brand stories through design. She previously designed stores in-house for J. Crew, Madewell, and most recently Warby Parker, where she and her team designed and built over 120 stores over a four year span. Eager to help new brands leave their brick-and-mortar mark, and with a desire for greater flexibility and better work-life harmony, Erica launched Prose in 2023. Erica lives in New Jersey and loves a good shopping mall. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and eating ice cream. Her kids think you should know that her favorite construction vehicle is a concrete truck.

Find out more about Erica at www.prosearchitecture.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.

 

BE PART OF THE PODCAST:

Do you have a question in mind? Send me your questions and I’ll answer them on a podcast episode!

If you’d like to be a guest on Architect My Life, click HERE.

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Your host, Aya Shlachter, talks with Lee Noel Chase— Architectural Designer and Principal of Chase Design Services.

In this episode, Aya and Lee engage in an uplifting discussion exploring Lee’s unique approach to residential design by incorporating emotional connections, personal experiences, and understanding clients’ needs. Lee delves into the nitty-gritty of building genuine relationships and establishing rapport with clients, resulting in a meaningful, intimate, and story-driven design.

Lee also opens up about the challenges she faced as a woman in the industry, highlighting her personal growth and the importance of maintaining authenticity and individuality. She discusses her empowering “Just Do It!” approach, which helped her overcome her limiting beliefs and scale her firm.

Don’t miss out on Lee’s secret to 5x business growth—stay tuned until the end!

 

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Lee Noel Chase is an Artisan-architect who pioneers a heart-centered approach to designing houses and homes. With over 25 years of experience, Lee specializes in creating compelling custom high-end residential architecture. Her design work seamlessly integrates the emotional desires of homeowners with their living spaces. Lee’s expertise has earned them numerous accolades, including Historic Preservation Awards. She is also known for their meticulous bench-fabrication of museum-quality architectural details for historic buildings across the country. 

Throughout her career, Lee has successfully managed teams of skilled artisans at three elite construction companies. Currently, Lee resides outside of Boston with her high school-age son. Both Lee and her son share a passion for drawing and creating artistic works..

Find out more about Lee Noel at www.chasedesignservices.com or connect with her via Instagram – @leenoelchase. 

 

BE PART OF THE PODCAST:

 Do you have a question in mind? Send me your questions and I’ll answer them on a podcast episode!

If you’d like to be a guest on Architect My Life, click HERE.

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Your host, Aya Shlachter, talks with Smita Sahoo— Owner, Founder, and Creative Director of āśaya | DESIGN.

In this episode, Aya and Smita discuss the intricacies of the business side of design and how creative thinking impacts overall business success. Smita goes into detail about her company’s focus on emotions and thoughtfulness and highlights the importance of building strong networks and forming ethical partnerships, recognizing them as pivotal catalysts for success in the ever-evolving design industry. 

She also shares her vision for the future, which includes collaborations in India and working with NGOs for rural development, women’s education, and employment. Make sure you listen all the way through to learn more about the intersection of design and business!

 

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Smita Sahoo is Owner, Founder, and Creative Director of āśaya | DESIGN, a Chicago-based luxury interior design and architecture firm, with nearly 20 years of expertise in multifamily residential, commercial and hospitality design. Smita’s passion lies in crafting spaces that foster deep emotional connections, starting with compelling design concepts tailored to her clients’ goals. 

Drawing from a diverse background in architecture, interior design, environmental psychology, and sustainability, her unique creations blend Western design innovations with timeless elements of the East. Through her firm, Smita aims to create projects that positively impact clients’ brand equity while prioritizing economic, social, cultural, and environmental enrichment. 

Smita actively contributes to Insightful Chicago and the University of Florida’s Department of Interior Design’s Advocacy board, sharing insights on design thinking, industry trends, mentorship, and EDI. She also supports SHaD (She Has a Deal), an organization promoting women in hotel and commercial real estate ownership.

Find out more about Smita at www.asayadesign.com/founder or connect with her on Instagram via @asaya.design. 

 

BE PART OF THE PODCAST:

Do you have a question in mind? Send me your questions and I’ll answer them on a podcast episode!

If you’d like to be a guest on Architect My Life, click HERE.

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In this special episode, taken from Aya’s talk at the Women Architects Festival, she shares her early career journey and the valuable insights she gained along the way. The episode delves deep into the fundamental principles that helped shape her success, emphasizing the significance of resilience, authenticity, and the courage to take risks. Drawing from personal experiences, she imparts practical tips on how to level up in both business and architecture as a woman, including four key strategies:

1. Acquire Knowledge
2. Build Relationships
3. It’s not ‘How’ but ‘Who’ 
4. Structure and Process

Be sure to listen all the way through to catch Aya’s insightful answers from the engaging Q&A session. Discover her perspectives on investing in a business coach, finding the right collaborators, finding advisors to help you find your blind spots, and establishing healthy work-life boundaries.

Tune in to this episode to learn Aya’s practical advice that can help you take your career to the next level and unlock your own path to success!

 

ABOUT WOMEN ARCHITECTS FESTIVAL:

The Women Architects Festival was a dynamic event held in May 2022 that catered to the specific needs and interests of the women in the architecture community. It covered a wide range of topics, including career development, motherhood, business growth, and working on construction sites. By showcasing the remarkable achievements of women who paved the way, the festival offered a glimpse of what was possible in architecture and beyond.

Attendees gained valuable insights and actionable strategies to foster their professional growth and sustain successful careers in architecture. The event fostered meaningful connections and provided an opportunity to network with like-minded individuals committed to supporting one another. The festival offered a collection of actionable workshops by inspiring speakers and a community specially curated for women in architecture.

Produced by Joann Lui, a licensed architect, brand designer, and personal brand strategist, the Women Architects Festival is more than just a virtual conference; it’s a celebration of women in architecture, highlighting their successes and shared stories.

Find out more about the Women Architects Festival at www.womenarchitects.co or connect with Joann at www.joannlui.com.

 

BE PART OF THE PODCAST:

Do you have a question in mind? Send me your questions and I’ll answer them on a podcast episode!

If you’d like to be a guest on Architect My Life, click HERE.

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Your host, Aya Shlachter, talks with Sarah Wingo— Partner and Founding Principal of Wyn Design Co.

In this episode, Aya shares an engaging conversation with Sarah about the importance of mentorship, positive networking, and building relationships in the architecture industry. Sarah shares her experiences connecting with the community, mentoring the next generation of architects, and delves into the evolving nature of housing. As an entrepreneur, she also emphasizes the significance of having a partner and how this helped them overcome some pivotal moments in their business.

The episode also provides valuable insights into emotional intelligence and mentorship in leadership, work-life balance, and the importance of relationship-driven approaches in the architecture industry. Make sure to tune in for an engaging discussion on entrepreneurship and valuable tips for building lasting connections.

 

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Sarah Wingo, AIA, NCIDQ is a licensed architect and licensed interior designer. She started Wyn Design Company in mid-2020 to fill a hole in the market of residentially-informed commercial spaces and hospitality-informed residential spaces. The firm became a partnership in late 2022 with past-colleague and long-time friend Ashley Kirkland. The two have aspirations for continued growth in the residential and boutique commercial design industry. 

Sarah also teaches as an adjunct professor of interior architecture at The Corcoran (GWU) for both a Studio 4 course and Leadership in Design, a curriculum she designed to provide graduating students with the leadership skills needed to excel in the profession early in their careers. As a leadership skills advocate for all, especially students and emerging professionals, Sarah has served as AIAS National President, Chair of the AIA|DC Emerging Architects Committee, Chair of the DC Chapter of the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program and an incoming member of the Washington Architectural Foundation Board.  

Find out more about Sarah at www.wyndesignco.com or connect with her on Instagram – @wyndesignco.

 

BE PART OF THE PODCAST:

Do you have a question in mind? Send me your questions and I’ll answer them on a podcast episode!

If you’d like to be a guest on Architect My Life, click HERE.

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Your host, Aya Shlachter, talks with EunHea Kim— Owner and Principal Interior Designer of Pen110 Studio.

In this episode, Aya and Eunhea share a laid-back conversation about their experiences as women working in the fast-paced field of architecture and design. Considered a seasoned retail store designer, Eunhea delves into her retail job experience in different brands and discusses the pros and cons of working for large companies. She recounts her previous hectic life, how she suffered from burnout, and why she eventually decided to leave the retail corporate world. Eunhea also goes into detail about the value of work-life balance and setting boundaries to manage multiple projects without compromising leisure.

As a bonus for this episode, Aya and Eunhea outlines their takeaways from the ILC Indie ConFab in Austin, Texas, and shared an exclusive overview of the event. Make sure you listen all the way through to get an inside scoop!

ABOUT THE GUEST:

EunHea Kim is an interior designer with 15+ years of experience, previously working in-house at world-renowned luxury brands. Having honed her knowledge in integrating design and construction with brand growth strategies at both regional and global levels, she has gone on to build an extensive portfolio in boutique commercial, private, and creative projects. Today, she leads Pen110 Studio since 2016 with an eye for artful curation and confident storytelling, a rich sense of history, culture, and community—and the je n’ai ce quoi of being very New York.

As a self-taught artist in drawing and illustration, she finds as much beauty in the great histories of the world as she does in the small intricacies of everyday life—through the exploration of her personal artwork.

Find out more about Eunhae at www.pen110.com or connect with her on Instagram – @pen110.studio

BE PART OF THE PODCAST:

Do you have a question in mind? Send me your questions and I’ll answer them on a podcast episode!

If you’d like to be a guest on Architect My Life, click HERE.

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