by Evelyn Lee
The evolution of architectural practice has been relatively slow towards change, yet modern shifts in business and design management have prompted today’s leading architects to rethink how they work. On Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee, an architect, design strategist, and Senior Experience Designer at Slack, and architecture business strategy consultant, Je’Nen Chastain, set out to illuminate the future of the profession to help architects remain relevant and valuable in a changing world. They will explore how technology, cultural shifts, and emerging best practices are prompting firm owners to assess their business models and make adjustments in their studios. Each episode features an industry leader, and together our hosts will explore the new frontier of architectural practice.
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6/2/2020
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April 17, 2025
<h3>How can mid-career architects redesign their lives around joy and curiosity?</h3><p>In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee talks with Clarence Kwan, an architect-turned-entrepreneur who spent three decades building a career in architecture and tech before pivoting to launch his own lifestyle concierge business, CK Curated. Together, they explore Clarence’s transition from corporate life to creative independence, and what it means to embrace reinvention with intention.</p><p>Clarence shares his personal journey from growing up in Hong Kong and the UK to building a professional foundation in architecture, design, and real estate. After decades of working at firms like NBBJ, MG2, Meta and Amazon, Clarence realized that success in traditional practice wasn’t aligned with the life he wanted to design for himself. His pivot toward food, travel, hospitality, and storytelling has opened up new pathways for joy—and redefined what a creative practice can be.</p><p>Throughout the episode, Evelyn and Clarence discuss the challenges of walking away from prestige and security, how identity evolves over time, and the value of reconnecting with your core passions. Clarence offers a behind-the-scenes look at building a solo business, developing a brand, and continuing to learn and grow after “retirement” from corporate life.</p><p>“Architecture was my foundation, but I had outgrown the way I was practicing it. I wanted to be in spaces where I could move freely, follow my curiosity, and create with intention. CK Curated is that space—it’s where I get to design not just buildings, but lives, moments, and meaning.”– Clarence Kwan</p><p>The episode concludes with reflections on how design thinking applies to life beyond architecture, and how mid-career architects can give themselves permission to explore the unfamiliar. Clarence shares advice for anyone considering a creative career reset—emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, curiosity, and trusting the process of becoming.</p><h3>Guest: </h3><p><strong>Clarence Kwan</strong> is a lifestyle concierge and founder of CK Curated, a solo business that helps clients design experiences through food, travel, and thoughtful living. Born and raised in Hong Kong, then the UK, Clarence received his bachelor’s degrees in Architecture and Architectural History and Master of Architecture from the University of Washington’s Seattle and Rome campuses. Prior to launching his business, Clarence worked for over 30 years in architecture, corporate real estate, and tech, leading workplace strategy and design teams. He’s now blending his love for hospitality, architecture, and storytelling into a new creative chapter—one built on joy, relationships, and intentional living.</p><h3>Is This Episode for You?</h3><p><strong>This episode is for you if:</strong></p><ul><li>You’re a mid-career architect wondering what’s next</li><li>You’re feeling stuck in your current role and ready for a creative pivot</li><li>You want to explore entrepreneurship rooted in passion and purpose</li><li>You’re curious about building a life that aligns with your values </li></ul><br/><p><strong>What have you done to take action lately?</strong> Share your thoughts with us on social media and join the conversation.</p><p>📍 <strong>Show Links:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Check out CKcurated’s </strong><a href="https://ckcurated.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Website</strong></a><strong> </strong></li><li><strong>Connect with Clarence on </strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/ckcurated" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>LinkedIn</strong></a></li><li><strong>Follow CKcurated on </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564906783218" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Facebook</strong></a><strong> </strong></li><li><strong>Follo CKcurated on </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ck_curated"...
April 10, 2025
<p>What does it truly mean to run a regenerative business, not just design regenerative buildings?</p><p>In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Matthew Broderick, President and CEO of Ashley McGraw Architects, Susanne Angarano, Principal at Ashley McGraw and Founder of Vaysen Studio, and Josie Plaut, Associate Director of the Institute for the Built Environment at Colorado State University. They delve into the concept of building an architectural practice that is itself alive, evolving, and contributing to a greater good, moving beyond conventional business models. </p><p>The conversation explores the crucial distinction between regenerative design and regenerative business, highlighting that regenerative business principles, rooted in living systems, developmental psychology, and transformative education, can apply to any organization. The guests discuss their journey implementing these practices at Ashley McGraw, the mindset shifts required—such as moving from a "culture fit" to an "essence contribution" approach, fostering agency throughout the firm, and reorienting client relationships towards true partnership. They challenge common assumptions and the tendency to think "we already do that," emphasizing the conscious effort needed to develop people as intentionally as projects and create genuine organizational vitality. </p><p>"Fundamentally, regenerative business differs from conventional or progressive business practices. It's based on the science and workings of living systems. That's how the world actually works rather than these human impositions that we place on it." - Josie Plaut </p><p>The episode concludes by touching on the deep, sometimes challenging, but ultimately rewarding work involved in transforming how a firm operates and develops its people. </p><p><strong>Guests:</strong></p><p><strong>Matthew Broderick, AIA,</strong> is a President and CEO of Ashley McGraw Architects. Matthew has been instrumental in guiding the firm's growth over three decades, expanding from 10 people to 85 across offices in Syracuse, Boston, and DC. While experienced in designing significant higher education and sustainable projects, he considers the evolution and development of the firm itself to be his greatest design project, reflecting his deep commitment to organizational health and regenerative principles. </p><p><strong>Susanne Angarano, CID, IIDA, Assoc. AIA, </strong>is a Principal at Ashley McGraw Architects and the Founder of Vaysen Studio, Susanne brings a rich background in educational planning, interior design, and effective stakeholder engagement. She focuses on creating architectural spaces deeply rooted in their specific culture, context, and sustainability goals. Her training as an interior designer provides a unique lens through which she approaches regenerative practice and organizational development within the firm.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Josie Plaut:</strong> Serving as the Associate Director of the Institute for the Built Environment at Colorado State University, Josie specializes in guiding organizations toward regenerative practices. Her work focuses on helping businesses align their core strategies with broader social and ecological well-being, drawing on the theory and application of regenerative business principles derived from living systems thinking and developmental psychology.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>This episode is for you if:</strong></p><ul><li>You lead or work in an architecture firm (especially mid-sized) and feel restless with traditional business models. </li><li>You're interested in organizational development and fostering a culture where everyone's creativity and initiative can thrive. </li><li>You want to understand the difference between regenerative design and regenerative business practices. </li><li>You are curious about practical ways to shift towards a more...
April 3, 2025
<p>How can architects shape cities through public service?</p><p>In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Rico Quirindongo, Director of the Office of Planning and Community Development for the City of Seattle. After spending 27 years in architectural practice, Rico transitioned into civic leadership, where he now influences urban policy and planning at a citywide scale. His journey highlights the vital role architects can play in shaping more equitable and resilient communities.</p><p>The conversation begins with Rico’s path from traditional practice to public service, including his early career at Donald King Architects, his work at DLR Group, and his passion for community-driven design. He shares how his architecture background informs his leadership in city planning and the ways design thinking can create meaningful policy change.</p><p>Evelyn and Rico explore the intersection of architecture, urban planning, and policy, discussing how architects can expand their impact beyond buildings to address systemic issues like housing, transportation, and equity. They also talk about the need for more architects in public leadership roles and how professionals can position themselves for opportunities in government.</p><p>"Most people don’t realize how much design impacts their daily lives. Architects have the skills to shape policy, influence communities, and build a more just future—we just need to step up and do it." – Rico Quirindongo</p><p>The episode concludes with a call to action for architects to get involved in civic leadership, from volunteering on committees to pursuing roles in public service, and the importance of storytelling in demonstrating the value of design in policymaking.</p><h3>Guest:</h3><p><strong>Rico Quirindongo AIA</strong>, is the Director of the Office of Planning and Community Development for the City of Seattle, where he leads citywide planning initiatives and equitable development strategies. Before transitioning to public service, he spent 27 years in architectural practice, including leadership roles at Donald King Architects and DLR Group. He is a passionate advocate for community-focused design and increasing the presence of architects in civic leadership.</p><p><strong>This episode is for you if:</strong></p><ul><li>You’re an architect interested in making a larger impact beyond traditional practice.</li><li>You’re curious about how architects can influence urban planning and policy.</li><li>You want to explore opportunities in civic leadership and public service.</li></ul><br/><p><strong>What have you done to take action lately?</strong> Share your thoughts with us on social media and join the conversation!</p><p>📍 <strong>Show Links:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Connect with Rico Quirindongo on </strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricoquirindongo/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>LinkedIn</strong></a></li><li><strong>Follow Rico Quirindongo on </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ricoque2013/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></li><li><strong>Follow Rico Quirindongo on </strong><a href="https://x.com/rico_OPCD" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>X</strong></a></li><li><strong>Follow Rico Quirindongo on </strong><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ricoque-opcd.bsky.social" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></li><li><strong>Learn more about </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SeattleOPCD" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>SeattleOPCD</strong></a><strong> on </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SeattleOPCD" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></li><li><strong>Connect with SeattleOPCD on </strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/seattle-office-of-planning-and-community-development" rel="noopener noreferrer"...
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