What happens when a public servant becomes a tech founder to solve the problems they face every day?

This week, we're joined by Nichole Sterling, the Mayor Pro Tem of Nederland, Colorado, and the founder of MyTownAI. Her journey offers a unique perspective on how technology can reshape civic decision-making from the inside out.

Nichole shares the origin story of MyTownAI, a venture born from the "pain" of watching her own small-town staff navigate a maze of disconnected sources - zoning maps, municipal codes, county websites, and even Zillow, just to answer a simple question like, "What can be built on this parcel of land?". To address this, she developed MyTownAI, an intelligent data hub that consolidates information and utilizes low-cost digital twins to enable municipalities to run simulations, ranging from modeling the impact of zoning changes to exploring economic development strategies.

The platform is designed to serve the vast, often-overlooked majority of American communities: the 83% of towns with fewer than 10,000 people. By providing accessible AI tools to under-resourced governments, Nichole is driven by a powerful vision for the future of the public sector.

"I want to see local governments become the next wave of innovation. If you think about it, just that a very small disruption at the local government level has the potential to make huge waves." - Nichole Sterling

This episode concludes with an exploration of how a tool built for government can create a more transparent and collaborative ecosystem for all. MyTownAI aims to enhance civic participation by giving citizens direct access to information and a platform to co-create ideas for their communities. For architects and developers, it represents a future where they can quickly find community-aligned opportunities, accelerating a process that is often opaque and slow. Ultimately, Nichole's work challenges architects to evolve their value proposition from being navigators of a complex system to becoming strategic partners in a data-empowered, citizen-driven future.

Guest:

Nichole Sterling is the Mayor Pro Tem of Nederland, Colorado, the founder of MyTownAI, and the co-founder of the nonprofit Women Defining AI. As a public servant and civic tech founder, she is focused on leveraging artificial intelligence to empower small and under-resourced municipalities. Her work aims to make government more efficient, transparent, and innovative by providing accessible tools for data analysis, scenario planning, and civic engagement.

Is This Episode for You?

This episode is for you if:

✅ You are an architect or planner who feels the pain of navigating fragmented municipal data. ✅ You are interested in how AI and digital twins can be applied at the local government level. ✅ You want to understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing small towns.

✅ You are inspired by stories of non-technical founders solving real-world problems.

✅ You believe technology can enhance civic participation and create more collaborative communities.

📍 Show Links:

• Connect with Nichole LinkedIn
• Visit MyTownAI’s Website
• Visit Woman Defining AI’s Website
• Listen to the Previous Episode with Nichole

📍...

How can a career in architecture be more than a single path, but a foundation for a multifaceted professional life?

This week, we welcome back Mikael Avery, a designer, educator, and healthcare professional, for a deep dive into his own remarkable journey. Mikael’s story is one of continuous exploration, starting with a degree in landscape architecture before moving through urban design, a traditional architectural apprenticeship, and a solo digital fabrication practice. Driven by a desire for a larger impact, he then made a significant pivot, earning a master's degree in occupational therapy to learn about healthcare from the inside out. Today, his work weaves all these threads together as a senior lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania, a collaborator with design firms, and the co-leader of a medical device startup.

Throughout the conversation, Mikael explains how he sees these varied roles not as separate careers, but as different facets of one cohesive professional identity: that of a designer and educator. He shares invaluable insights into the cross-pollination of skills between fields, how his designer’s mindset informs his work in healthcare, and how the crucial soft skills learned in occupational therapy, like building instant rapport with clients, are vital for architects. His ultimate hope for the profession is a return to its fundamental purpose.

"Architecture is a service profession. Because our work is in service of the people. And so I think the more students who graduate and really appreciate that service aspect of architecture and design, I think the more in demand designers will be." - Mikael Avery

This episode concludes with a powerful reframing of what a career can be. Mikael’s journey is a testament to seeing a career not as a linear path to be followed, but as a continuous development propelled by curiosity and a desire to learn. He offers actionable advice for anyone looking to forge their own way: start with confidence in your design skills, be curious, learn the language of other industries, and build a network to create opportunities. His story is a compelling case for how a commitment to service can unlock the true value of design in any field.

Guest:

Mikael Avery is a designer, educator, maker, and healthcare professional working at the intersection of architecture, product design, and health. He is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania, where he teaches courses in the architecture department and the Integrated Product Design program. Alongside his teaching, he advises healthcare systems, collaborates with design firms like Fifteen, and co-leads a medical device startup, embodying a truly interdisciplinary approach to practice.

Is This Episode for You?

This episode is for you if:

✅ You are exploring a non-linear career and want to see how different interests can form a cohesive whole.

✅ You want to understand how skills from other industries, like healthcare, can benefit architectural practice.

✅ You are a student or young professional seeking advice on how to forge your own unique career path.

✅ You believe in the power of design to have a larger social impact beyond the building.

✅ You are inspired by the idea of architecture as a service profession and want to explore what that means.

📍 Show Links:

• Connect with Mikael LinkedIn
• Visit FIFTEEN’s Website

📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:

What happens when an architect’s skillset is applied not just to buildings, but to the complex systems that shape our cities, policies, and climate?

This week, Evelyn is joined by co-host Larry Fabbroni and his longtime friend and Carnegie Mellon classmate, Mark Chambers, an environmental policy leader and architect who has taken his training from design studios to city halls and the White House.

This rich conversation explores Mark's remarkable career arc, from practicing architect to the Sustainability Director for Washington D.C. and New York City, and later, the first Senior Director for Building Emissions and Community Resilience in the Biden White House. Mark explains how he views his architectural training as the discipline of a "three-dimensional problem solver," a skill that allows him to deconstruct and reassemble complex policy challenges just as he would a building. He argues that this skillset is a strategic advantage, especially in interdisciplinary rooms where the architectural perspective is unique and highly valued.

The discussion goes beyond resumes to tackle the big questions facing the profession and society. When asked how architects can secure more value for their work, Mark challenges the premise of fighting for a bigger piece of the existing pie.

"I'm questioning the whole pie. I'm questioning the way in which the pie was set up. It's like, I don't want a bigger slice. I want a different pie." - Mark Chambers

This episode concludes with a masterclass in optimistic disruption, as Mark advocates for a fundamental reimagining of the architect's role - from a service provider to an owner, a caretaker, and a shaper of systems. He offers advice for professionals at any stage on how to build a personal narrative, take calculated chances, find their audience, and use their unique skills to drive collective action and build the future they want to see.

Mark Chambers is an architect, environmental policy leader, and social impact designer focused on the intersection of climate action, community, and the built environment. His career has been dedicated to public service, having served as the Director of Sustainability for both New York City and Washington D.C., and as the Senior Director for Building Emissions and Community Resilience for the White House Council on Environmental Quality. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Mark uses his architectural training to solve complex systemic problems and advocate for a more sustainable and equitable future.

Larry Fabbroni is an architect with over two decades in practice. He formerly led master planning projects at Ehrenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn Architects and Strada Architecture, working on some of the largest development projects in the U.S. Today, he serves as a consultant specializing in strategic pre-development services and as CIO for the Practice of Architecture. Larry earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where he focused on entrepreneurship and strategy.

This episode is for you if:

✅ You are curious about career paths for architects in public policy, climate action, and government.

✅ You want to understand how an architectural skillset can be a strategic advantage in non-traditional roles.

✅ You feel frustrated by the existing systems and are looking for inspiration to challenge the status quo.

✅ You are seeking an optimistic framework for staying hopeful and effective in a time of uncertainty.

✅ You want advice on how to build a career narrative, take chances, and find your voice to make an impact.

📍 Show Links:

• Connect with Mark on

What happens when you reach the pinnacle of a successful architecture career and realize you’re no longer working toward the next thing?

This week, we are joined by Laura Sachtleben, a leader who spent two decades in practice, rising to Vice President and Global Sector Leader at Stantec, before making the courageous decision to step away and redefine her path.

Laura shares her journey from knowing she wanted to be an architect in the sixth grade to building an impressive, 20-year career within a single firm that evolved from a small studio to a global powerhouse. She describes the gradual realization that, despite her success, the role that once energized her was no longer providing personal growth. This led her to take an intentional six-month sabbatical to reflect, explore, and "design her life".

The conversation delves into the practical steps Laura took during her break, from reading and journaling to having candid conversations with colleagues who had forged different paths. This period of discovery led her to her current role as Chief Strategy Officer at Landscape Forms, a company whose values around design, culture, and sustainability aligned perfectly with her own. Laura offers invaluable advice for anyone contemplating a career change, emphasizing the importance of embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth.

"A successful career has to be one linear path - that's what I was taught in school. And the reality is that's not the path for everyone. And then there may be a next phase to your career. And then there could be a phase after that." - Laura Flannery Sachtleben

This episode concludes with the understanding that Laura's story is not about leaving architecture behind, but about evolving her relationship with it. She discusses how her architectural skillset translates directly to her new strategic role and how she continues to be a passionate advocate and mentor for the profession, proving that you can have a profound impact from both inside and outside of traditional practice.

Guest:

Laura Flannery Sachtleben is the Chief Strategy Officer for Landscape Forms, a company dedicated to creating beautiful and sustainable outdoor furnishings. Before joining Landscape Forms, she spent two decades in architectural practice, where she rose to become Vice President and Global Sector Leader for Education, Science and Technology at Stantec. A passionate lifelong learner and mentor, Laura continues to advocate for the profession through her involvement with the AIA and by guiding architects at all stages of their careers.

Is This Episode for You?

This episode is for you if:

✅ You are an established professional feeling like you’ve hit a plateau in your career.

✅ You are contemplating a major career change but don't know where or how to start.

✅ You want practical advice on how to take a reflective and productive career break.

✅ You are curious about how the skills of an architect translate to leadership roles in adjacent industries.

✅ You are looking for mentorship advice for navigating the different stages of a career in architecture and beyond.

📍 Show Links:

• Connect with Laura on LinkedIn
• Visit Landscape Forms’s Website
• Connect with Landscape Forms on LinkedIn
• Follow Landscape Forms on

What happens when a software startup becomes a full-service, AI-powered architecture firm?

This week on Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Patrick Chopson, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Cove Architecture (formerly Cove Tool). What began as a mission to provide architects with performance analysis tools has evolved into Cove Architecture, the first AI-driven practice reimagining how buildings are conceived, coordinated, and delivered.

Patrick shares the story of Cove’s evolution, from its roots as a SaaS platform to its pivot into consultancy, and now into a full-service design studio backed by over $36 million in venture funding. Their debut project, a multifamily complex in Atlanta’s West End, was designed in just 15 days, demonstrating how AI can accelerate timelines by 60%, improve cost accuracy, and cut iteration expenses nearly in half.

Beyond efficiency, Patrick envisions AI as a force for design excellence. By offloading code checks, zoning analysis, and cost modeling, architects are freed to focus on creativity, meaning, and beauty. He reflects on how Cove integrates human expertise with machine intelligence, how AI supports senior architects in elevating design, and why training and mentorship must adapt in this new era.

The conversation also touches on the business model of architecture: how venture capital is reshaping practice, what “AI-powered but human-centered” really means, and how these tools might democratize design for firms of all sizes.

“Being AI-powered doesn’t mean removing the human from the process. It means empowering the expert architect to do what they do best: elevate design, mentor the next generation, and create lasting impact.” - Patrick Chopson

This episode concludes with a reflection on the future of practice: from profitability and scale to sustainability and mentorship. Patrick challenges architects to see AI not as a threat, but as an opportunity to design more bespoke, more sustainable, and more beautiful buildings, and to build a profession that is more resilient for generations to come.

Guest:

Patrick Chopson, AIA is Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Cove Architecture. With a background in mechanical engineering, high-performance building design, and sustainability consulting, Patrick has over 20 years of experience advancing tools that merge technology with design excellence. At Cove Architecture, he leads the charge in creating an AI-powered, human-centered model of practice.

Is This Episode for You?

This episode is for you if:

✅ You’re curious about how AI is transforming architectural practice

✅ You want to learn how venture-backed firms are reshaping the field

✅ You’re navigating mentorship and training in an AI-powered environment

✅ You believe architecture must evolve to deliver sustainable, bespoke design

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

📍 Show Links:

• Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn
• Visit Cove’s Website

📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:

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What happens when innovation isn’t just a lofty ideal, but an everyday discipline accessible to everyone in an organization?

In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Dr. Simone Ahuja, keynote speaker, innovation strategist, bestselling author, and founder of Blood Orange. Simone’s path from dentistry to advising Fortune 500 companies on frugal innovation is anything but ordinary. Drawing on her research into jugaad innovation - a mindset of resourcefulness rooted in doing more with what you have - she helps leaders cut through “innovation theater” and focus on creating real, tangible value.

Together, they explore how constraints can actually spark creativity, why the democratization of innovation matters, and how leaders can foster cultures of problem solving that scale from the grassroots up. Simone shares practical frameworks for managing up, influencing decision-makers, and breaking big challenges into small, testable experiments, whether you’re in a small firm or a multinational corporation.

The conversation connects back to architecture, where creative thinking often thrives in design work but lags in business operations. Simone challenges firms to think beyond client deliverables and embrace strategic abandonment, distributed innovation, and leadership practices that create space for both reflection and experimentation.

Her message is clear: innovation is not reserved for R&D teams. It’s a discipline, a mindset, and a shared responsibility across every level of an organization.

“Innovation is some of the best training out there for leaders for navigating uncertainty, because you’re thinking about what problems exist, how to rigorously prioritize, how to move forward and learn from that, and how to influence others along the way." - Dr. Simone Ahuja

This episode closes with a reminder that disruption brings opportunity to those willing to reframe problems, leverage existing assets, and learn from other industries. Innovation doesn’t have to be big, or expensive, it just has to add new value.

Guest:

Dr. Simone Ahuja is the founder of Blood Orange, a Minneapolis-based innovation strategy firm, and the author of Disrupt-It-Yourself and co-author of Jugaad Innovation. She works with organizations like Target, 3M, and Stanley Black & Decker to help leaders and teams innovate smarter without overcomplicating the process. Drawing on her background in dentistry, improv comedy, and grassroots entrepreneurship research, Simone champions resourceful problem solving and the democratization of innovation.

Is This Episode for You?

This episode is for you if:

✅ You want to move beyond “innovation theater” into real, measurable change

✅ You’re looking for practical tools to foster innovation in your team or firm

✅ You believe constraints can be a catalyst for creativity

✅ You want to make problem solving a shared discipline across your organization

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

📍 Show Links:

• Connect with Simone on LinkedIn
• Visit Simone’s Website

📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:

Facebook | Instagram |

How can architecture firms move beyond the traditional consultant model to foster truly deep, interdisciplinary collaboration?

This week, we welcome Ximena Valle, founder of the Philadelphia-based architecture firm FIFTEEN, and one of her longtime collaborators, Mikael Avery. Ximena founded FIFTEEN to address the gaps she observed in the profession, from talent leaving the industry to a disconnect between designers and end-users. Inspired by her experience on a multi-disciplinary archaeological dig where geologists, mythologists, and chemists worked together to solve a complex problem, she built her firm around a "Collaborator Network."

This intentional shift in language, from "consultant" to "collaborator", reflects a profound difference in process. Mikael Avery, whose background spans architecture, landscape architecture, and occupational therapy, is a prime example of the unique expertise FIFTEEN brings to the table. Collaborators are not just brought in for a "nugget of information"; they are integrated into the team from the earliest visioning sessions, contributing to a holistic process where the solution emerges from the group dynamic.

Ximena and Mikael share how this model has transformed projects, turning a public space design into a community incubator for startups and workforce development, and evolving a healthcare facility presentation into a fully experiential workshop co-designed with the client. They also discuss the practical challenges of this approach, from creating new financial models to educating clients on the value of a truly integrated team.

“The more voices we can get in the room that will misinterpret what we say, if you will, the more opportunities we have to have these ideas bubble up. That is the most exciting part about design… when it doesn’t come from one person, but it comes from the conversation around something. And then all of a sudden, wait, that’s actually the answer right there. It didn’t come from me. It didn’t come from you. It came from the process.” - Mikael Avery

This episode concludes with a reminder that meaningful innovation in architecture doesn’t come from sticking to traditional roles, it comes from rethinking the process entirely. Ximena and Mikael leave us with a clear call to action: open the door, invite in new voices, and trust the collaborative process. Whether you’re leading a firm or just starting out, the future of design lies in embracing complexity together.

Guests:

Ximena Valle is the founder of Fifteen, a Philadelphia-based architecture firm that is redefining collaboration in practice. She founded the firm to address what she saw as critical gaps in the profession, building a new practice model centered on integrating diverse, interdisciplinary expertise into the core design process.

Mikael Avery is a designer, educator, and healthcare professional working at the intersection of architecture, product design, and health. He is a longtime collaborator with Fifteen, and also teaches at the University of Pennsylvania and brings a human-centered perspective to projects ranging from healthcare environments to medical device design.

Is This Episode for You?

This episode is for you if:

✅ You are interested in new, more inclusive models of collaboration in architecture.

✅ You are a firm leader looking for ways to integrate expertise from outside the traditional AEC industry.

✅ You want to learn how to better advocate for the value of a truly interdisciplinary design process with clients.

✅ You are a professional with a non-traditional background who wants to engage with architectural projects in a meaningful way.

✅ You want practical advice on how to foster a culture where the best ideas can come from anyone in the room.

What have you done to take action lately? Share your...

What does it look like when advocacy is embedded into the DNA of how one practices?

In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Pascale Sablan, architect, activist, and the 2023-2024 President of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). As the founder and Executive Director of Beyond the Built Environment, Pascale has spent her career not only designing spaces, but designing platforms for visibility, equity, and justice in architecture.

Together, they explore Pascale’s path into the profession, from being one of the few Black women in her architecture school cohort to becoming a nationally recognized leader in advocacy-driven practice. She shares the origin story behind Beyond the Built, her reflections on the labor of representation, and the importance of documenting and uplifting the voices of BIPOC designers across time and space.

The conversation also delves into the systems that uphold exclusion in architecture, and how Pascale works to dismantle them through action: challenging AIA policies, creating traveling exhibitions, and supporting youth pipeline initiatives. Her message is clear: architecture must move beyond statements and toward systems of accountability.

"To advocate is not just to speak! It’s to act, It’s to move, to challenge, to build. Advocacy is a verb." - Pascale Sablan

This episode concludes with a reflection on legacy, lineage, and the responsibility of naming, and remembering those who have been historically erased. It’s a call to not just imagine a more equitable profession, but to build it.

Pascale Sablan, FAIA, NOMAC, LEED AP is the 2023–2024 President of the National Organization of Minority Architects and the Founder & Executive Director of Beyond the Built Environment. A Principal at Adjaye Associates, Pascale is an award-winning architect, advocate, and historian whose work challenges systemic injustice and promotes visibility for marginalized designers. She is the 315th living Black woman licensed to practice architecture in the United States.

This episode is for you if:

✅ You want to integrate advocacy into your design practice

✅ You’re looking for models of leadership grounded in justice

✅ You’re committed to making the profession more inclusive

✅ You believe in honoring history while building a more equitable future

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

📍 Show Links:

• Connect with Pascale on LinkedIn
• Visit Pascale’s Website
• Visit NOMA’s Website
• Learn more about Beyond The Built

📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:

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