008: Evelyn Lee: Tech, Transformation, and Disruption within Architecture

Episode • May 1, 2023 • 41m

On today's podcast we welcome our first FAIA guest, Evelyn Lee!

Evelyn started in architecture but is now the first-ever Global Head of Workplace Strategy & Innovation at Slack Technologies. She is also the Founder of the Practice of Architecture, Co-Host of the Podcast, Practice Disrupted; and is extremely involved in the AIA, most notably serving as the first-ever female Treasurer to the AIA National Board from 2020-2021.

Evelyn has been widely published in Contract Magazine, Architect Magazine, and is currently working with Architizer to develop recurring content on the business of architecture.

She is a recognized innovator in the profession and has received numerous industry awards, including the 2016 40 Under 40 award for Building Design + Construction and the 2014 AIA National Young Architects Award.

We talk about:

- How Evelyn was inspired to study architecture and balanced it- from the start- with other commitments that were important to her, like playing collegiate soccer.

- We next review qualifications and expectations for achieving FAIA recognition.

- Evelyn shares about her experience as the first employee at her firm to have a baby and how she negotiated a maternity and return to work plan with her employer.

- Next, we chat about the Practice of Architecture and how Evelyn leverages her MBA and MPA to work with business owners to make their operations more efficient.

- We then talk about what architecture firms can learn from Slack’s stance on in-person and remote work strategies.

- Evelyn then elaborates on small changes that make a big impact on worker engagement like core hours, personal operating manuals, and dial-in policies.

- We end with a few ways Evelyn continues to learn and evolve and where you can follow her efforts (see the show notes!).

Links:

Evelyn's Website: https://evelynlee.com/

Evelyn's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelynlee/

Evelyn's Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/evelynmlee/⁠

Practice of Architecture: https://practiceofarchitecture.com/

Practice Disrupted Podcast: https://practiceofarchitecture.com/podcast/

Drury University School of Architecture: https://www.drury.edu/architecture/

SCI-Arch: https://www.sciarc.edu/

More information about FAIA: https://www.aia.org/awards/7076-fellowship

Get involved in AIA: https://www.aia.org/landing-pages/6530744-volunteer-at-aia-get-involved

AIA YAF Practice Innovation Lab: https://www.aia.org/resources/167146-practice-innovation-lab