Tangents by Out of Architecture

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 discussing effective communication or exploring side projects, Libo's story offers motivating takeaways for anyone looking to navigate and explore diverse career paths.Highlights:3 words: Curious, Irreverent, and GrittyEmbrace Growth: Transitioning between roles and industries can lead to significant personal and professional development.Curiosity as a Driver: A natural curiosity can propel individuals to explore new opportunities and learn from diverse experiences.Importance of Adaptability: Being open to new experiences and learning quickly on the job is crucial for success in tech and beyond.Communication is Key: Whether in architecture or data engineering, clear documentation and effective communication are vital.Fear and Growth: Facing fear and embracing chaos can lead to valuable learning experiences and growth opportunities.See more:https://www.instagram.com/most.podern/Guest Bio:Libo Li is a trained architect working as a data engineer in New York City. He received a Bachelor of Architecture from Rice University. His focus is on the impact of data and technology on design production, building software, systems, and operational models at companies like KPF, WeWork, CBRE, and Meta. He was COO of Voyansi, a BIM solutions company recently acquired by Hexagon. He was CTO at KatalsyDI, where he lead the technology team building the analytics platform to integrate construction supply chains. He co-founder Small Tiger to empower architecture firms with modern digital operations; where he works with emerging firms to question how they work to scale their agency. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 architecture in China and New York to fostering a passion for user experience design, Xinran's story illustrates the diverse applications of architectural skills beyond conventional practice.Xinran elaborates on the differences between architectural education and practice, highlighting how his idealistic aspirations met practical realities that motivated his transition. He offers rich insights into the importance of design thinking and user interaction, emphasizing his path to becoming an accomplished UX designer. Highlights:Transitioning from architecture to UX design involves a significant mindset shift, focusing on design thinking and practical constraints.Real-world project experience is crucial for breaking into new fields, as it adds credibility and context to interviews and portfolios.Changing careers can be daunting but provides an opportunity to explore personal passions and gain fulfillment through meaningful work.Networking and community engagement can unexpectedly lead to job opportunities and career insights.Perseverance and a strategic approach can help overcome initial setbacks when venturing into a new profession.Links:Design with AI Substack Link: https://designwithai.substack.com/Buy Xinran's Book: https://amzn.to/3C726dfXinran's website: https://www.xinranma.com/Guest Bio:Xinran is an architect turned product designer on a mission to empower designers to elevate their careers and live better lives. He went from designing buildings to crafting digital experiences, and now he is exploring the power of AI in design. He is the founder of Design with AI, a digital publication to help designers design better, faster, and smarter with AI through practical tips. He is also the author of three Amazon #1 New Release books in UX and have been recognized as an ADPList's Top 1% Mentor in Design five times. He regularly gives AI talks and runs workshops at institutions like Microsoft, UXPA, Pratt Institute, the University of Connecticut, and Maven. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 architecture and into full time web development as a Drupal developer and team lead.In this enriching episode of Tangents, host Silvia welcomes Danny Rupp, a versatile expert who has navigated a unique pathway from architecture to web development. Danny describes himself using three distinctive words: extroverted, empathic, and curious. He delves into his career beginnings, highlighting his tenure at a small architecture firm in Maryland and his adaptation during the 2008 financial crisis. Danny's pivot to web development, driven by his passion for coding and problem-solving, emerges as a central theme. He reflects on his dual role in architectural federal contracting and web development, emphasizing the value of continuous learning and adaptation.The episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone contemplating a career shift from architecture to the tech industry. Danny's journey underscores the importance of leveraging diverse skills and remaining open to new opportunities. He shares practical advice on how to approach job transitions, the significance of showcasing one's learning mindset on resumes, and the benefits of working from home. With key takeaways focusing on problem-solving, iterative design, and effective project management, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring architects and tech enthusiasts alike.Highlights:Adaptability in Career Shifts: Danny's transition from architecture to web development illustrates the value of leveraging diverse skill sets and staying open to new learning opportunities.Continuous Learning: Highlighting the importance of curiosity, Danny emphasizes the value of always pursuing new knowledge and adapting to industry changes.Effective Project Management: Danny shares insights on the significance of good project management, particularly the benefits of prioritizing tasks and transparent communication.Working from Home: Danny discusses his long-term experience with remote work, the productivity benefits, and maintaining a good work-life balance.Connecting with Peers: The episode underscores the importance of networking and learning from friends and colleagues across various industries to foster career growth.Mentioned in the episode: https://www.archcareersguide.com/https://www.codecademy.com/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 experience to guide others towards fulfilling and meaningful professional paths.Highlights:The importance of networking and strategic planning in transitioning from architecture to UX design.The value of transferable skills and the impact of attitude and work ethic in career transitions.The role of perseverance and grit in overcoming challenges and achieving professional growth.The exploration of design principles, problem-solving approaches, and human-centered perspectives offers valuable insights for aspiring UX designers.Learn more about Adrian here: https://www.outofarchitecture.com/bio-adrian-maldonado ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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

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 continuous improvement. Erin's stories of building an Alpine shelter in the Alps and transforming a mid-century modern house's kitchen highlight the power of architecture to create meaningful spaces. From starting her own practice to co-founding Out of Architecture, Erin's experiences offer valuable insights into thriving as a creative professional.Key Takeaways:Erin emphasizes the importance of remaining curious, ambitious, and optimistic to navigate the challenges of the architecture field.Building a career in architecture involves a balance between making and thinking, while striving to make a positive impact on the world.Overcoming insecurities and fears is crucial in pursuing one's career goals, along with seeking mentorship and support from experienced professionals.Responding to "no" by reframing it as an opportunity for refinement and improvement can lead to transformative outcomes in projects and career endeavors.Engaging in socially engaged work, such as projects for the unhoused, showcases the immense potential of architecture to address social issues and create meaningful change.Highlights:Ambitious, Curious, Striving to be an OptimistEri Berry Woman Drink RecipeFalling in Love with the Folk Art MuseumDoing It All: From Teaching, To Practicing and MoreProfessional Practice: Expectations Vs. RealityCreating Out of ArchitectureOvercoming Feelings of InadequacyWhat Success Feels LikeArchitecture is an Inherently Optimistic ActAdvice for Starting Your Own PracticeGet Comfortable Asking for What You WantFiguring Out How To Get Things DoneThen Challenging How Things Are DoneBuilding A Wave of Change ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 their dreams, Silvia brings a unique perspective to her various roles. Her ability to communicate effectively and create connections with people has led to successful collaborations and a fulfilling career journey. By embracing new opportunities and being open to change, Silvia has been able to thrive in roles that allow her to leverage her diverse skill set and make a meaningful impact.Highlights:Navigating Architectural Careers and Finding Personal StrengthsThe importance of leveraging transferable skills in varied industriesThe value of following one's passions, enabling others, and maintaining authenticity in career pursuitsThe power of effective communication, building connections, and embracing new opportunities for growth and developmentFinding Joy and Connection in Podcasting and Passion ProjectsFind out more at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/silviaxlee/https://layer.team/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 this episode of Tangents, Chi Bhatia of OnePlan, and Out of Architecture Career Consultant, shares his experiences transitioning from an Senior Designer to VP Strategy and Growth. Hear how being in Los Angeles, California impacted the trajectory of Chi’s career, and how he systematically approached each step of his journey, using his passion of sports as a driver for his success. Highlights:Curious, Systematic, CalmTaking advantage of your environmentImpact of studying architecture in LABeing focused on finding work as an international studentHow software proficiency matters in your job searchUnique Sports Studio at HKS evolving architectureCareer pivots influenced by passion and expertiseWhy Architecture is an underrated professionhttps://www.outofarchitecture.com/bio-chi-bhatia ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 reconstruction of early Asian American communities and neighbourhoods, creating immersive virtual and physical models that invite viewers to experience and connect with these often-overlooked histories. He also shares his passion for woodworking, papermaking, and learning traditional Korean crafts, allowing him to forge a tangible link with his ancestral roots and cultural inheritance.Highlights:Embracing the personal and specific aspects of one's identity and cultural background can lead to a deeper, more meaningful artistic practice, challenging the concept of universality as a design goal.Finding joy and fulfilment in the creative process is essential, and recognizing when work no longer aligns with one's passions is a valuable lesson.Collaboration and building community connections, especially within diasporic or underrepresented groups, can foster a profound sense of belonging and inspire new ideas.Trusting one's instincts and exploring seemingly tangential interests can uncover unexpected paths to self-discovery and artistic expression.Preserving and reviving traditional crafts and practices can serve as a powerful means of reconnecting with cultural heritage and transmitting ancestral knowledge.Guest Bio:Jeffrey Yoo Warren (he/him) is a Korean American artist educator, illustrator, community scientist and researcher in Providence, RI, whose recent work combines ancestral craft practices and creative work with diasporic memory through virtual collaborative worldbuilding. He has spent years creating collaborative community science projects which decenter dominant culture in environmental knowledge production. Jeff is an educator with Movement Education Outdoors and AS220, and part of the New Old art collective with Aisha Jandosova, hosting art-making and storytelling events with older adults; he is also the 2023 Innovator in Residence at the Library of Congress for my ongoing project Seeing Lost Enclaves: Relational reconstructions of erased historic neighborhoods of color.His current artistic practice investigates how people build identity and strength through their interactions with artifacts and histories, and the ways that objects can tell stories that people can be part of in the present. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 wonderful people while getting paid his value. He also runs a public art firm called A Gang of Three. Throughout the conversation, William offers advice on being fearless, hustling, and doing your best work with what you have. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, resilience, and creating situations where everyone wins rather than winners/losers.Highlights:Architects often become facilitators of buildings rather than builders of community-focused spaces.Take jobs and risks - you immediately fail by not trying. Rejection is not the end.Find how your unique skills and talents can provide value, even if you're not the best at one particular thing.Do what you love, work with great people, make a difference - you should be able to do these without sacrificing pay.Life is too short to work for "assholes." Build a culture where people are valued and encouraged to eventually move on.Show up, be yourself, do your best work - this attracts the right clients and opportunities.Alluvial DecoderThe award-winning project William discusses. Built for $50khttps://www.agangofthree.com/howweworkDocumentary on Vernon Pratt (Jake’s artist Grandfather)https://www.pbs.org/video/all-the-possibilities-zuvjrs/Gwen Jorgenson (Unlikely Olympic gold medalist that William mentioned)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwen_JorgensenGuest Bio:William H. Dodge is a multidisciplinary designer, design strategist and conceptual artist based in North Carolina (USA). He is Founder and Design Principal of p-u-b-l-i-c, Co-founder of A Gang of three (public art), and Founder and Director of The Vernon Pratt Project (art non-profit). He has both led and collaborated on projects at nearly every scale and has served as a key advisor to some of the world’s premier design firms. He regularly serves as a visiting critic and guest lecturer on the subjects of art, architecture, design, technology, and innovation at various institutions internationally. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 broader corporate strategy during the recession. He shared great insights on working with clients ready for bold change and bringing more creativity into consulting.I appreciated Ozzie’s perspective on creating rich human experiences through his work. It was wonderful to hear how he lives out his values while guiding organizations to address problems in new ways.Highlights:Ozzie was drawn to architecture as a way to create better human habitats after studying environmental science. He was especially interested in sustainability from the start of his career.He started by doing green building consulting for architecture firms before transitioning into teaching sustainability courses during the 2008 recession.Ozzie helped develop sustainability policies and standards for global manufacturing companies, allowing him to have impact beyond individual buildings.He looks for companies talking boldly about sustainability goals but struggling to meet them as potential clients.Ozzie aims to bring creativity into his consulting process through music, art, and playful activities to spark innovation.His goal now is helping people have the fullest human experience possible through his work.Guest Bio:Ozzie is an artist, a problem solver, and a change agent. Trained as an Environmental Scientist and as an Architect, Ozzie has spent his 25-year career journey dedicated to advancing the practice of sustainable and equitable development in communities throughout the US and Latin America. Using his background in the performing arts, Ozzie utilizes story, music, and narrative style to humanize even the most technical subject matter and capture the imaginations of clients and audiences alike.Ozzie has worked in the construction and design industry throughout his career. He has been involved in sustainable design projects, equitable contracting, and now owns his own consulting practice dedicated to helping clients implement strategies to confront the challenges posed by changes in technology, policy, and culture. In addition to running his own consulting practice—P3 Consulting—Ozzie serves as the Board President for Trimet, Portland’s regional transportation authority.And if you're in Portland, Oregon, you can find Ozzie at the Trio Club on Tuesdays leading open mics and playing music! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 architecture industry.Charlie discusses how he and co-founder Priti became frustrated with the exploitative conditions in architecture and started FAF to advocate for wider political and economic shifts to prioritize social and ecological needs over capital interests.He shares how FAF takes a systems view to trace architecture's problems back to neoliberal policies, and says the Covid pandemic helped reveal many of these flawed structures. Charlie believes organizing labor collectively is key to creating change, and worker unions have historically been powerful forces in achieving better conditions.Highlights:The architecture industry has endemic issues like unpaid overtime, low fees, and poor construction quality.These problems can be traced back to neoliberal policies that prioritized profits over social needs.The pandemic exposed many flaws in work practices and productivity beliefs.Collective labor organizing through unions is a powerful way to create societal change.Architectural skills like visualization can be useful tools for political and social justice campaigns.Solidarity is a crucial concept in driving collective action and working towards a more equitable and sustainable future.Further Reading/Info:Future Architects Front (FAF)Death to the Calling by Marisa Cortwright All Design Is Political, Not All Politics Is Design by Leijia HanrahanThe Funambulist MagazineThe Architecture LobbyArchitectural Workers UnitedGuest Bio:Charlie is a London-based designer and writer working across the fields of architecture, climate transition, and political economy. He is a graduate of the University of Cambridge where he co-founded Future Architects Front with Priti Mohandas. Charlie is a systems designer at CIVIC SQUARE in Birmingham where he works to demonstrate the necessity for a devolved urban climate transition.Through FAF and CIVIC SQUARE, Charlie’s work seeks to establish emergent forms of anti-capitalist organising situated within the (re)production of the built environment. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★