In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Nima Balasubramanian, Director of Architecture at the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), to explore how architects can deepen their material knowledge, challenge industry norms, and find joy in alternative career paths. Nima’s story takes us from long nights at overworked firms to welding workshops and global entrepreneurship—and along the way, she invites us to imagine a better way of practicing architecture.

Nima opens up about her early days in traditional firms where overwork was rewarded, not questioned. She speaks candidly about the toll it took on her health, family, and sense of purpose—and how two pregnancy losses ultimately pushed her to reexamine her future in the profession. After launching her own practice in the Netherlands and experiencing a radically different approach to work-life balance, Nima returned to the U.S. with a new perspective—and an openness to roles that extended beyond conventional practice.

Today, she leads AISC’s Architecture Center, where she works to bridge the gap between architects and the steel industry. Through hands-on learning experiences like job site tours and welding workshops, Nima is helping architects reconnect with material craft and access information in ways that are practical, visual, and engaging. She and Evelyn discuss what it means to build collaborative cultures, the power of small shifts in firm leadership, and how designers can advocate for healthier, more sustainable ways of working.

“When we give architects the chance to pick up a welding torch, to walk a steel mill, to actually feel the material—that’s when real learning happens. It’s not about memorizing data sheets. It’s about creating experiences that stay with you and inform your design choices.”- Nima Balasubramanian

The episode concludes with encouragement for anyone exploring nontraditional paths: your architecture education is not wasted—it’s a foundation. Nima shares how skills like communication, empathy, and project management translate far beyond firm life, and offers advice for others navigating career transitions, burnout, or culture misalignment in their current roles.

Nima Balasubramanian is the Director of Architecture at the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), where she leads the Architecture Center in creating tools, events, and resources that connect architects more deeply with the steel industry. Trained as an architect in India and the U.S., Nima has worked across three continents, founded her own practice, and held leadership roles in both design and operations. Her mission today is to champion hands-on, human-centered approaches to material education and professional development.

This episode is for you if:

✅ You’re an architect curious about career paths outside of traditional practice

✅ You’re burned out and wondering what else is possible

✅ You want to reconnect with materials and craft in your work

✅ You’re thinking about how firm culture affects health, happiness, and retention

What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

📍 Show Links:

• Connect with Nima on LinkedIn
• Learn more about the AISC Architecture Center

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In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Rochelle Mills, President and CEO of Innovative Housing Opportunities (IHO), to explore how architecture and development intersect with justice, memory, and transformation. Rochelle’s story weaves together the worlds of design, cultural tourism, housing equity, and personal grit. From running a groundbreaking architecture tour company to leading one of California’s most creative nonprofit housing developers, her career is a masterclass in reinvention—with purpose.

Trained as an architect, Rochelle brings a design-first mindset to affordable housing. But her journey to leadership has been anything but linear. She shares how she and her husband co-founded Mills Studio, launched their cultural tourism company ArchiTours, and weathered the instability of early professional life—all while raising a family and fighting to stay connected to the work that inspired her most.

Together, Evelyn and Rochelle unpack what it means to build communities that truly support people. They talk about the emotional power of architecture, the harm of neglectful design, and how seemingly small spatial choices—like the width of a hallway or placement of a window—can dramatically impact lives. Rochelle also reflects candidly on her personal and professional path, the guilt she once felt around licensure, and the many ways architects can lead—even outside of traditional roles.

“There’s this misconception that affordable housing should feel temporary or ‘less than.’ But what if we designed spaces that said, ‘You belong here. You’re valued.’ That’s the standard we should be holding ourselves to.” – Rochelle Mills

The episode concludes with a look at what it means to lead with empathy and vision in a mission-driven business, and why Rochelle believes architects are uniquely suited to solve the complex challenges of housing today.

Rochelle Mills is the President and CEO of Innovative Housing Opportunities, a California-based nonprofit developer focused on creating high-quality, affordable housing. With a background in architecture and deep experience in cultural tourism, she brings a design-driven, equity-minded approach to development. Rochelle is a tireless advocate for beauty, dignity, and belonging in the built environment, and her leadership is reshaping what affordable housing looks and feels like.

This episode is for you if:

✅ You care about housing justice and community impact

✅ You’re exploring career paths beyond traditional architecture

✅ You want to understand how design shapes lives, not just spaces

✅ You’re a mission-driven leader seeking new ways to serve

What have you done to take action lately? Share your thoughts with us on social media and join the conversation.

📍 Show Links:

• Connect with Rochelle Mills on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Innovative Housing Opportunities
• Explore ArchiTours

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In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee reconnects with Robert Yuen, CEO and co-founder of Monograph, to explore what he calls radical transparency - a bold leadership approach that challenges firm owners to rethink how they share information, build trust, and lead with clarity. Drawing on his experience building a tech company tailored for architecture firms, Robert brings a refreshingly candid perspective on money, management, and culture in practice.

The conversation dives into why many firm leaders are hesitant to talk about financial performance, pay, and project metrics—and how that fear contributes to stress, misalignment, and missed opportunities. Robert makes the case that leaders can (and should) develop cultures of openness, where accountability is shared, and trust becomes a competitive advantage. From pay equity to overtime, profit sharing to performance metrics, he explains why transparency isn’t just good ethics—it’s good business.

Together, Evelyn and Robert also explore what defines effective leadership today. They contrast outdated models centered on authority and control with modern approaches rooted in empathy, delegation, and adaptability. Robert shares how Monograph is using AI to reduce time spent on repetitive tasks and empower architects to better manage their work—and their businesses.

“I believe that if you’re not transparent about how the business is doing, you’re putting all the pressure on yourself as a leader—and you’re missing the opportunity to engage your team in solving problems with you. When people understand how their work affects the bottom line, they show up differently. They become invested.” – Robert Yuen

The episode concludes with reflections on mentorship, emotional intelligence, and building teams for life, not just for business. Robert offers advice for young professionals seeking growth in firms that align with their values, and challenges current leaders to examine whether their culture fosters retention, or simply clings to control.

Robert Yuen is the CEO and co-founder of Monograph, a project management and practice operations platform built specifically for architects. Trained as an architect himself, Robert has become a leading voice in the profession for bringing data, transparency, and business strategy into practice. His work at Monograph empowers firms to better understand their performance, improve workflows, and embrace the tools and mindsets needed for long-term success.

This episode is for you if:

✅ You’re a firm leader rethinking how you run your practice

✅ You’re tired of running projects and teams on “gut feel” alone

✅ You’re interested in building a more open, financially literate culture

✅ You want to explore how AI and data can support better leadership

What have you done to take action lately? Share your thoughts with us on social media and join the conversation.

📍 Show Links:

• Check out Monograph’s Website
• Check out Robert’s Website
• Connect with Robert on LinkedIn
• Follow Robert on Instagram
• Follow Robert on