podcast

Katerina Burianova shares her entrepreneurial journey in architecture, discussing her transition from employee to business owner, the challenges of starting her own firm, and the importance of networking and community support. She reflects on her experiences, the evolution of her podcast, and the launch of…

In this episode of the MentorDino podcast, Katelyn Rossier discusses career transitions within the architecture field, focusing on specification writing. She highlights the journeys of three professionals: Melody Fontenot, who transitioned from architect to specification writer; Bob Bailey, a mentor who significantly impacted Katelyn’s career;…

In this episode of the MentorDINO podcast, Katelyn Rossier speaks with Erin Fantozz, founder of EF Designs, about her journey from working in traditional architecture firms to creating her own remote design team. They discuss the challenges and benefits of freelancing, the importance of work-life…

In this episode of the MentorDINO podcast explores the experiences of women in male-dominated industries, particularly in architecture and construction. Katelyn Rossier highlights the stories of several female professionals who have navigated challenges and made significant contributions to their fields. The discussion emphasizes the importance…

Zach Rapaport shares his unique journey from aspiring lawyer to founder of Meerkat Development, a consultancy focused on real estate development in hospitality and retail. He discusses the importance of hands-on experience in construction, the entrepreneurial spirit that drives his career decisions, and the significance…

In this episode of the MentorDino podcast, Katelyn Rossier discusses the AIA fellowship, highlighting the diverse paths to achieving this recognition within the architecture community. She introduces three AIA fellows, sharing insights into their journeys and the impact they have made in their respective fields….

Yiselle Santos Rivera, an architect, professor, and 2027 AIA President! She shares her journey in architecture, the intersection of architecture and psychology, and the importance of organizational design and leadership in the field. They discuss the challenges of transitioning from traditional architectural roles to leadership…

In this episode of the MentorDINO podcast, Katelyn Rossier discusses the vital role of storytelling in architecture. She emphasizes the importance of communicating effectively with clients and the public, not just through images but also through words and videos. The episode features insights from three…

Alex James, head of US recruitment at The Crowd and founder of the nonprofit Assemble. Alex shares his journey from architecture to recruitment, discussing the challenges faced in the architecture industry, the importance of soft skills, and the mission of his nonprofit to support neurodivergent…

Greg Coudriet, the principal and founder of Auxia Design, an acoustic consulting firm. We discuss Greg’s journey into the field of acoustics, the importance of mentorship, communication between architects and consultants, and the challenges and rewards of starting a business after a long tenure at…

Jessica Stuck, an Associate and Senior Project Manager at LGA Partners. Jessica shares her journey from studying architecture and history to her passion for historic preservation and adaptive reuse. The conversation delves into the challenges faced in preservation projects, the importance of finding the right…

Scott Farbman, a Senior Policy and Ratings Manager at Energy Solutions. Scott shares his diverse journey through the built environment industry, transitioning from architecture to engineering, and now to policy. He discusses the importance of sustainability, energy efficiency, and the role of professional organizations in…

Ryan Sullivan, founder of Off the Beaten Path Financial. Ryan shares his journey from a mechanical engineer to a financial advisor, discussing the challenges and opportunities he faced along the way. He emphasizes the importance of flexibility, freedom, and understanding the financial needs of architects…

In this episode of the MentorDINO podcast, Katelyn explores the multifaceted nature of mentorship, emphasizing the importance of having multiple mentors from diverse backgrounds. She shares insights from various guests on their unique experiences with mentorship, the challenges they faced, and how they navigated their…

Darguin Fortuna, a principal of Flow Design in Salem, Massachusetts. Darguin shares his journey from the Dominican Republic to becoming a licensed architect in the United States, discussing the challenges he faced during his education and the ARE exams. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance…

Je’nen Chastain, a business strategy consultant and founder of Apostrophe Consulting. Je’nen shares her journey from studying architecture to navigating various roles within the industry, including her decision to pivot into business strategy and consulting. She discusses the challenges faced during the Great Recession, the…

Nicole Dumont, the principal and founder of NR Design. Nicole shares her journey from studying architecture at SCAD to starting her own firm in Ohio. She discusses the challenges of balancing athletics and academics, the importance of mentorship, and the process of obtaining her architectural…

Cherise Lakeside, a Senior Specification Writer at RDH Building Science Inc. Cherise has experience with many facets of the project team in the built environment.  She has worked mostly in architecture but also in construction, MEP Engineering, and now Building Science. Cherise is passionate about…