Bonus Episode: Closing the Gap Between Sketch and Build with Trimble 0-60 and Formas.AI

How can early-stage startups drive true transformation in the AECO space, and what happens when AI-native tools are designed to amplify human intent rather than replace the architect?In this bonus episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee explores the intersection of corporate acceleration and cutting-edge startup innovation. The conversation brings together German Aparicio from Trimble Ventures alongside Yiping Goh and Carlos Banon, the co-founders of Formas.AI.German walks listeners through the Trimble 0-60 accelerator program, which was recently named Built World's Accelerator Program of the Year. This 12-week, historically equity-free program invites early-stage startups to build on top of Trimble platforms like SketchUp and showcase their live integrations at Trimble Dimensions in Las Vegas this November. Herman outlines how Trimble acts as a system of record, searching for partners to create systems of action and intelligence across three key pillars: connected data, connected design, and the connected field. He also defines what "early stage" means for the program, targeting companies founded within the last five years, making under $2 million ARR, and operating with a couple of early customers looking to scale.The spotlight then shifts to Formas.AI, a participant in the current cohort operating in the connected design space. Co-founders Yiping and Carlos explain how their AI-native design workspace is bridging the gap between an initial sketch, reference image, or floor plan and a buildable 3D model in hours instead of months. Carlos, an architect and professor, shares how the tool was born out of personal frustration with fragmented interfaces and broken workflows that detach designers from the joy of creating. Yiping provides an entrepreneurial lens on the broader AEC industry, noting that while it represents 13% of global GDP, it remains one of the least digitized sectors, heavily reliant on legacy software and restricted by the slow timeline of physical building processes.Together, the group tackles the critical challenges of technology adoption, highlighting trust as a core barrier for practitioners who have invested heavily in traditional tools. Rather than replacing human designers, the founders argue for a democratization of design through guardrails that preserve creative authorship and intent. As Formas.AI navigates its 12-week acceleration path, they aim to leverage Trimble's ecosystem to deliver a validated, highly precise design experience that brings excitement and joy back to the craft."We are believing in the future of design being more human led, less or not even about human replaced. That the winners of AI are the ones that really can give people more creative power, not less." - Yiping GohThis episode serves as an inspiring look at how industry giants and agile startups can co-create workflows that amplify human intuition and make design fun again.GuestsGerman Aparicio runs the Zero to 60 accelerator program at Trimble Ventures. As a trained architect, he focuses on scaling early-stage software and hardware innovations that connect data, design, and job sites across the full project lifecycle.Yiping Goh is the co-founder and CEO of Formas.AI. She is a tech entrepreneur currently scaling her fourth company, with a professional background spanning a real estate degree, venture capital, corporate venture building at McKinsey, and multiple successful company exits.Carlos Banon is an architect, computational designer, and professor who has taught design in Singapore for the last 13 years. A self-taught coder since age six, he is the design and technical mind behind Formas.AI, having built its foundational versions to streamline creative workflows.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to understand how the Trimble 0-60 accelerator helps early-stage startups scale by integrating directly into established industry platforms like SketchUp.✅ You are curious about how Formas.AI closes the gap between a rough sketch and a buildable model using natural language and multimodal AI tools.✅ You want to explore why trust, legacy tools, and authority code submissions present unique adoption challenges within the AEC space.✅ You believe that AI technology should amplify a designer's creative intent and preserve human authorship rather than generate generic, unmeaningful variations.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Learn more about TrimbleLearn more about 0-60 accelerator Learn more about Formas.AIListen to the previous episode featuring German Aparicio📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can architects protect and monetize their creative work with the help of intellectual property (IP) laws?On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we’re joined by Ana Juneja, an award-winning intellectual property (IP) attorney and founder of Ana Law® – the first law firm offering flat-fee, 100% guaranteed services for patents, trademarks, and copyrights. In our conversation, Ana explores the essential role of IP in the architecture field.First, Ana breaks down the four main types of intellectual property: copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. She explains how each type applies to architecture and protecting creative works within client relationships and employee contracts.Then, we dive into the intersection of AI and IP rights. Ana shares advice on protecting your designs, tools, and software created with AI and outlines the steps to securing patents and trademarks for your work.You're investing in your trademark in order to protect your name, your marketing, and your branding. If you're building up this brand, you're putting in so much time, money, energy, and effort into doing so – you wouldn't really want to lose it…Whereas copyrights and patents are things that, for architects in particular, are incredibly valuable avenues to monetize your brand. It is really protection for your own investments that you're making into your business. - Ana JunejaTo wrap up the conversation, Ana highlights common IP mistakes architects make and offers practical tips to avoid them. She emphasizes the importance of understanding IP laws, using strong contracts and NDAs, and taking proactive steps to safeguard your work.Tune in next week for an episode aboutGuests:Ana JunejaAs an award-winning intellectual property attorney and the founder of Ana Law®, Ana Juneja helps celebrities, athletes, influencers, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and corporations secure + monetize their brands and ideas in the US and abroad. Ana Law® is the first and only law firm that offers flat-fee, 100% guaranteed patent, trademark, and copyright services. Ana has a 100% success rate and often speaks on important topics such as emerging legal issues surrounding security, AI, and social media.Additionally, Ana has extensive experience with social media intellectual property infringement issues. Ana’s insider connections with premier media agencies allow her to have direct access to key social media platforms, such as Meta (Facebook/Instagram), TikTok, and Twitter. These essential services are an important component of brand protection strategy for Ana’s celebrity, athlete, & influencer clients.📍 Show Links: Connect with Ana on LinkedIn📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can architects transition from marginal innovation to true business transformation, and what does it look like to run a diversified, AI-native practice that prioritizes attention over productivity?In this Season 12 Finale of Practice Disrupted, the tables are turned as host Evelyn Lee steps into the hot seat. Instead of interviewing an industry guest, Evelyn is interviewed by Sage, her own AI chief of staff, in a dynamic conversation that pushes past traditional scripts to explore the cutting edge of architectural practice.Evelyn reflects on her post-presidency transition from focusing on "innovation" to pursuing true "transformation," explaining how running a diversified, resilient portfolio model protects her business from market volatility. She pulls back the curtain on her exact four-tier AI agent stack, demonstrating how a sole proprietor can leverage technology to handle workloads that would traditionally require multiple people to run. Rather than chasing sheer productivity, Evelyn reveals why her system is intentionally built to protect human focus and relationship building.The conversation moves deep into business model design, architectural education, and macro industry shifts. Evelyn discusses her course at the University of Michigan, arguing that business model thinking is a critical design craft rather than a betrayal of architecture. She also addresses the accelerating wave of private equity acquisitions in the AEC sector, urging smaller firms to consider proactive consolidation on their own terms. Finally, Evelyn shares personal reflections on leading publicly as an introvert and balancing transformational industry work with raising her family."Business model thinking is a craft and not necessarily a betrayal of design work." - Evelyn LeeThis episode serves as a powerful blueprint for any practitioner looking to treat their firm as a design problem and build a resilient, forward-looking business.Guests:Evelyn Lee is the founder of Practice of Architecture and a past president of the AIA. As a pioneer in architecture firm operations, technology integration, and business strategy, she balances institutional leadership with hands-on advisory work, teaching at the University of Michigan, and building AI-native operating models for the next generation of practitioners.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to know the precise architecture of a four-tier AI agent stack used to run a modern, diversified advisory business.✅ You are curious about how to shift from billing hourly to positioning your architecture firm as a high-value strategic partner.✅ You want to understand the accelerating impact of private equity on AEC firms and why succession planning is critical for survival.✅ You believe that introverted leadership has distinct strengths and want practical strategies for managing energy and recovery time.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Listen to FIFTEEN EpisodeListen to Architects FORA EpisodeListen to WPA Episode📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can a 60-year-old architecture firm maintain an 80% energy reduction across its portfolio while fostering an integrated "no excuses" culture that empowers its future leaders?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee sits down with three future leaders from LPA Design Studios, the winner of the 2025 AIA Architecture Firm Award. Federico Cavasos, Jake Junge, and Rachel Nasland join the show to discuss how they are shaping the firm's operations and what winning the profession's highest honor means for their continued trajectory.The group reflects on their distinct roles and how LPA's culture encourages individuals to design their own career paths. From Federico's recent transition to principal in San Antonio, to Jake spearheading the firm's new digital and data infrastructure, and Rachel pioneering an applied research function rooted in environmental psychology, they highlight the power of an interdisciplinary, integrated practice.The conversation delves into the tangible impacts of their integrated approach, particularly their impressive achievement of an 80% energy reduction cost across their portfolio. The guests unpack their "no excuses" culture, demonstrating how prioritizing human outcomes and equipping teams with sustainability fluency allows them to design smarter, high-performing spaces without inflating budgets or timelines."LPA is helping shift architecture from designing buildings to designing outcomes." - Rachel NaslandThis episode serves as a powerful reminder that an architecture firm’s legacy is built on continuous innovation, investing in people, and empowering every discipline to have a voice at the table.Guests:Federico Cavazos is a Principal and Design Director in LPA’s San Antonio studio who has devoted his career to designing public spaces that educate and facilitate better lives. Inspired by his architect father, he leverages an open mind and a passion for integrated design to deliver impactful results and solve client problems, even on the tightest budgets.Jake Junge is an Architect and Digital Manager at LPA Design Studios who focuses on advancing how technology, data, and digital products support architectural practice. He partners with interdisciplinary teams to develop data-driven workflows, automation tools, and scalable digital experiences that improve efficiency, enhance collaboration, and empower teams across all sectors.Rachel Nasland is a Senior Design Researcher at LPA Design Studios who leverages her master’s degree in Environmental Psychology to understand how people interact with the built environment. She partners with design teams and clients across various sectors to translate behavioral insights into practice, utilizing pre- and post-occupancy evaluations to uncover how design decisions shape user experience and organizational outcomes.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to understand how a top-tier architecture firm sustains an 80% energy reduction across its portfolio.✅ You are curious about the integration of data, AI, and digital tools to enhance design processes rather than replace human connection.✅ You want to explore how environmental psychology and applied research can elevate user experience and human outcomes.✅ You believe in a flattened hierarchy where every discipline has a voice and "no excuses" is the baseline for sustainable performance.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Learn about LPA Design StudiosFollow LPA Design Studios on InstagramConnect with LPA Design Studios on LinkedIn📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

What happens when intersectional storytellers from different generations sit in a room together to connect their personal narratives and design a more inclusive future for architecture?In this special episode of Practice Disrupted, the format shifts as host Evelyn Lee steps back to listen, handing the moderation over to Sarah Woynicz. This conversation marks the second of two episodes celebrating the release of Out in Architecture Volume 2 during Pride Month. Sarah sits down with three of the volume's authors, Gaby Espinosa, Lisa C. Henry, and Kody Chung, who share what happens when storytellers sit in the room together to connect their lived experiences.The group reflects on the unique, vulnerable formats they chose to share their deeply personal histories. Gaby discusses her interview-style chapter, "Space to Be: A Conversation on Finding Ground," which features a dialogue with a close friend who witnessed her gradual coming-out process within a Dallas architecture office. Lisa reads an excerpt from her piece, "Topographies of Becoming," recounting how spatial experiences in New Orleans and Utah influenced her identity and her academic practice. Meanwhile, Kody returns to the project, having first met the Volume 1 authors as a student three years ago, to contribute "A Query on Space," reflecting his growth as an emerging designer.The conversation also addresses the role of intersectionality and the importance of bringing one's full, embodied knowledge into the workplace and the classroom. Lisa shares a transformative positionality framework exercise she utilizes with her students to break down binaries and dismantle patterns of supremacy. Kody explains how his senior thesis leverages Chinese philosophy and the concept of yin and yang to explore the true essence of queer spaces. Ultimately, the authors emphasize that creating spaces for open dialogue allows individuals to realize they are not isolated, empowering the next generation to take up space entirely."Once you scratch that surface and you realize that no two experiences are the same, it opens your eyes to possibilities and what your future could be." - Gaby Espinosa This episode serves as a powerful reminder that architecture is shaped not just by physical spaces, but by the diverse worlds of the people who navigate them. By honoring cultural heritage and sharing moments of resilience, this collective is actively expanding the endless possibilities of inclusivity across the AEC industry.Guests:Sarah Woynicz is a Project Manager at HKS who utilizes her cross-industry design experience to lead wellness-focused healthcare and mixed-use developments that blend client business goals with community health outcomes. She is deeply engaged in professional advocacy, currently chairing the AIA National Young Architects Forum and previously serving on the AIA Atlanta Board, where she spearheaded leadership initiatives to empower emerging professionals.Kody Chung is a senior architecture design student at Drexel University whose work bridges queer and Asian identities. His senior thesis project investigates the intersectional relationships of space by leveraging Chinese folklore, philosophy, and intergenerational memory.Gaby Espinosa is an architect at HKS who specializes in senior living design and is a contributor to Out in Architecture Volume 2. As a lesbian Latina architect who grew up in a conservative Catholic family in Mexico, she is passionate about representation and creating inclusive spaces where people can be free to be themselves.Lisa C. Henry is an academic architectural practitioner and design educator who has spent 27 years teaching gender, race, and queer theory in architecture. Her pedagogy utilizes organizing and activism tools to foster liberatory practices, guide difficult conversations, and build community within academic and professional spaces.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to understand the profound impact of intersectional representation for LGBTQIA+ professionals in the AEC industry. ✅ You are curious about how unique storytelling formats like personal interviews and spoken excerpts can capture the vulnerability of becoming.✅ You want to explore what it means to use positionality frameworks to dismantle patterns of supremacy in design education and practice. ✅ You want to look at how cultural heritage, philosophy, and concepts like yin and yang can be utilized to define the true essence of queer space. ✅ You believe that building community through continuous conversation is an indispensable tool for ensuring no architect feels isolated.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Explore Out in Architecture PublicationsFollow Out in Architecture on InstagramBuy the First EditionListen to the previous Practice Disrupted episode featuring Out in ArchitectureListen to Out in Architecture Volume I episodeBuy Lisa’s new book📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can sharing personal narratives empower the LGBTQIA+ community to hold the line and design a more equitable future for architecture?In this special episode of Practice Disrupted, the format shifts as host Evelyn Lee steps back to listen, handing the moderation over to Sarah Woynicz. This conversation marks the first of two episodes celebrating the upcoming June 1st release of Out in Architecture Volume 2 at the start of Pride Month. Sarah sits down with the team behind the original publication, Jha D Amazi, Beau Frail, Julia Oderda, and Andrew Grant Houston, who have transitioned from co-authors in the first volume to co-editors of the second.The group reflects on how their roles have evolved since Volume 1 was launched at the NOMA conference in October 2023. Moving from writing their own stories to holding space as editors for over 20 new contributors was described as a deeply humbling and emotional journey. They discuss the unique responsibility of stewarding deeply personal histories and guiding new authors through the vulnerable process of contributing to the professional archive.The conversation also addresses the heightened stakes of visibility in today's political climate. The editors open up about the necessity of executing safety check-ins with potential authors following recent elections, recognizing that being visible carries distinct risks. Ultimately, they emphasize the critical importance of leveraging professional privilege and cachet to shine a light, ensuring that the next generation of architects feels empowered to do the same."No one can tell the story that you have to tell. So come tell it, come tell it however you want to. Whatever format, whatever language, whatever medium, tell the story because somebody needs to hear it." - Jha D AmaziThis episode serves as a powerful reminder that architecture is shaped not just by the buildings we draw, but by the lived experiences of the people who design them. By paying it forward and honoring those who came before, this collective is actively shifting the baseline of inclusivity across the AEC industry.Guests:Sarah Woynicz is a Project Manager at HKS who utilizes her cross-industry design experience to lead wellness-focused healthcare and mixed-use developments that blend client business goals with community health outcomes. She is deeply engaged in professional advocacy, currently chairing the AIA National Young Architects Forum and previously serving on the AIA Atlanta Board, where she spearheaded leadership initiatives to empower emerging professionals.Julia Oderda, AIA, is a principal at VCBO Architecture with over 25 years of experience leading award-winning higher education, recreation, and K-12 projects from concept to completion. In 2018, she came out as one of Utah’s first openly transgender architects in leadership and has since become a prominent advocate for LGBTQIA+ representation in the profession.Andrew Grant Houston (Ace) is an architect, urban designer, and housing activist who runs his own practice, House Cosmopolitan, and previously ran for Mayor of Seattle in 2021. As a queer, mixed-race individual and sixth-generation Texan who splits his time between Seattle and Austin, he leverages his background and mastery of five languages to advocate for inclusive, culture-rich urban communities where people can thrive together.Jha D Amazi is a Principal at MASS Design Group and leader of the Public Memory and Memorials Lab, where she engages communities to design inclusive monument projects that honor historically underrepresented histories and cultures. Beyond her architectural practice and academic background, she is a spoken word artist, LGBTQ+ SpaceMaker, and advocate who was appointed to the Massachusetts Governor’s Advisory Council on Black Empowerment in 2023.Beau Frail, RA, is an architect, poet, and artist who serves as a Project Architect at Fox Fox Studio and leads his own consulting firm, Activate Architecture, balancing his practice between Savannah and Austin. A dedicated advocate for equity, community-engaged design, and LGBTQIA+ visibility, he helped launch major EDI committees and alliances at the AIA, co-edited Out in Architecture, and even shared his poetry as an opening act on Rupi Kaur’s 2022 World Tour.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to understand the profound impact of visibility and representation for LGBTQIA+ professionals in the AEC industry.✅ You are curious about the internal journey and responsibility of moving from a co-author to a co-editor of personal narratives.✅You want to explore what it means to pay it forward and pay it backward by honoring the legacy of those who paved the way.✅ You are looking for strategies on how communities can hold the line and support one another through volatile political and social climates.✅ You believe that individual storytelling is an indispensable tool for uncovering the true history and future potential of architectural practice.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Explore Out in Architecture PublicationsFollow Out in Architecture on InstagramBuy the First EditionListen to the previous Practice Disrupted episode featuring Out in Architecture📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

Can the rigorous, systematic process of architectural design be the secret ingredient to disrupting the fashion industry?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Aidan Turner, the founder of The Garment Architect. Aidan, who graduated from the Syracuse School of Architecture just one year ago, is challenging the standard "fast fashion" model by treating apparel design with the same technical precision and systemic discipline typically reserved for buildings.Aidan’s journey began well before his first day of architecture school; he was running a clothing brand as an undergraduate, balancing studio critiques with supply chain management. He explains how he bridges these two worlds by viewing a "tech pack" (the documentation for a garment) as an architectural blueprint. By applying principles like site analysis (market research), structural integrity (fabric testing), and construction sequencing (production), Aidan has created a studio that prioritizes quality and longevity over the rapid-fire releases common in the apparel world.The conversation explores the "architectural mindset" as a transferable skill. Aidan argues that the value architects bring to any industry, whether it's real estate, manufacturing, or fashion, is the ability to see a project through a full, multi-phase lifecycle. They discuss the challenges of being an entrepreneur in a field that often demands 100% of your time, and why Aidan believes the "veil of mystery" surrounding the design process needs to be lifted to better communicate the true value of professional expertise to clients."We communicate through drawings, but our process is definitely not communicated through our deliverables. It's everything that goes on in our brains. I think if architecture can evolve in a way where our skills are valued as highly as they should be, then we would be able to be more entrepreneurial and more business-minded." - Aidan TurnerThis episode is a compelling case study on the versatility of an architectural education. Aidan highlights that when you understand how to design systems and manage complex production, the scale of the object, whether it’s a skyscraper or a jacket, is secondary to the process itself.Guest:Aidan Turner is the founder of The Garment Architect, a Syracuse School of Architecture alumnus, and an entrepreneur who successfully merged his love for fashion and architecture. He is redefining apparel design by implementing professional architectural workflows, including rigorous blueprinting, sourcing, and project management, to create more sustainable and high-quality clothing.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You are curious about how architectural skills and workflows can be applied to fields entirely outside of the built environment.✅ You want to learn how to bridge the gap between "design-focused" creative work and "business-focused" operational work.✅ You are a student or recent graduate wondering how to leverage your education to start a business early in your career.✅ You believe the architecture profession needs to remove the "veil of mystery" and communicate our value more clearly to non-architect clients.✅ You are interested in the parallels between construction documents and technical apparel packs for streamlined production.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Connect with Aidan on Linkedin Check out The Garment Architect WebsiteFollow The Garment Architect on InstagramFollow The Garment Architect on TikTok📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can the AEC industry turn 41 million tons of annual wood waste into a circular economy powerhouse?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee ventures into the construction and manufacturing side of the built environment to speak with Todd Thomas, founder and CEO of Woodchuck. While the podcast typically focuses on architectural practice, Todd’s work at the intersection of AI and sustainability offers a glimpse into a future where waste is no longer an afterthought, but a valuable commodity.Todd explains the staggering scale of the problem: over 41 million tons of wood are sent to U.S. landfills every year, accounting for nearly 40% of all landfill volume. He details how Woodchuck uses advanced AI platforms to identify, sort, and divert this material at industrial scale. By bridging the gap between construction sites and manufacturing outlets, Todd is building the infrastructure necessary to move the industry away from a "take-make-waste" model and toward a truly circular economy.The conversation also touches on the speed of execution in the tech world versus the slower pace of traditional architectural practice. Todd shares insights into how Woodchuck was "spun up" quickly to meet market demands and why architects need to start thinking about the material life cycle, and deconstruction, long before a project breaks ground."If we don't have a way to divert it, it goes to a landfill. It's that simple. And when it goes to a landfill, it produces methane, which is 80 times more potent than CO2. We have to treat waste as a resource if we want to change the math on sustainability." — Todd ThomasThis episode is a fascinating look at how adjacent industries are solving the problems architects design for. Todd emphasizes that while architects have the vision, they must partner with technologists and "builders" of systems to ensure their sustainable goals are actually met in the field.Guest:Todd Thomas is the founder and CEO of Woodchuck, a technology platform dedicated to wood waste diversion at industrial scale. With a background spanning construction, manufacturing, and emerging technology, Todd has spent his career building AI-driven platforms that solve complex environmental and supply chain challenges. He is a leading voice on the circular economy and the role of tech in scaling sustainability.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to understand the true environmental impact of construction waste and why wood is the most overlooked resource in the waste stream.✅ You are curious about how AI and machine learning are being used on the ground to identify and sort materials for reuse.✅ You want to learn how to design for deconstruction and help your clients participate in a circular material economy.✅ You are interested in the speed of tech startups and how their approach to business execution differs from traditional architecture firms.✅ You believe that architectural value should extend beyond the building's completion and into the responsible lifecycle of its materials.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Learn more about WoodchuckConnect with Todd on LinkedIn📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How can architects transition from being passive users of technology to the master builders leading the next wave of industry innovation?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with German Aparicio, a licensed architect who operates at the intersection of architecture, software development, and venture capital. As the lead for early innovation and partner development at Trimble Ventures, German shares his journey from a fifth-grade dream of becoming an architect to building the frameworks that are now reshaping the AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations) industry.German discusses his early career at Arup, where he first encountered the friction of broken industry systems and "redundant rework," which sparked a lifelong pursuit of better technological frameworks. He recounts his time at MIT and Gehry Technologies, his experience through the Trimble acquisition, and the evolution of G-Team into what is now Trimble Connect. The conversation explores how these experiences led him to co-found 0 to 60, an equity-free accelerator that integrates startups like TestFit, Monograph, and ScaffPlan into the broader technology stack to drive industry-wide change.Beyond corporate innovation, German remains deeply rooted in academia, teaching advanced digital design and entrepreneurship at Cal Poly Pomona. He challenges the traditional "service-for-time" business model and presents a vision for an AI-native design practice, one that leverages natural language and automation to do more with less, allowing architects to reclaim their roles as master builders."I encourage all my students to do the same. Imagine the future you want to see and then go build it. Nobody's going to come and save you." - German AparicioThis episode is a call to action for architects to take ownership of their professional evolution. Whether through building software, designing ecosystems, or rethinking the value of architectural output, German emphasizes that the future of the profession depends on architects leading technology rather than being led by it.Guest:German Aparicio is a licensed architect in California and the project manager for early innovation and partner development at Trimble Ventures. He is the co-founder of the 0 to 60 accelerator and a faculty member at Cal Poly Pomona. With a background from Cal Poly Pomona and a master’s in design and computation from MIT, German has spent his career building systems, software, and ecosystems that bridge the gap between design and construction.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You are interested in how accelerators and venture capital are influencing the development of new tools for architects.✅ You want to understand the potential of an AI-native design practice to shift the industry from a time-based to an output-based business model.✅ You are a student or early-career professional looking for ways to take ownership of your career path outside of traditional firm structures.✅ You want to learn about the history and future of Trimble Connect and how it facilitates better data flow across complex projects.✅ You believe the architecture profession needs to adopt systems thinking to solve long-standing productivity and collaboration challenges.📍 Show Links:Connect with German on LinkedInLearn more about 0-60Learn more about Trimble📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation

How do we manage the rapid transformation of the AECO industry without losing the human systems that make the work possible?In this first-ever live recording of Practice Disrupted, captured at the NASCC Steel Conference in Atlanta, Evelyn Lee is joined by Shelby Morris and Emily Schickner to discuss the "methods and mindsets" required to lead through industry-wide change. From the dramatic shift in the Atlanta real estate market, where zero new office buildings are currently under construction while billions are poured into data centers, the conversation explores how firms must adapt their business lines to remain relevant. The guests discuss how flexibility and a willingness to pivot are no longer just survival tactics but core operational strategies.The episode delves into the nuances of communication, particularly how AI-generated renderings are shifting client expectations and the way architects articulate their value. Beyond technology, the discussion focuses on building a resilient firm culture through "co-creation" rather than top-down mandates. Shelby and Emily share insights on radical transparency in fees, the importance of intentional mentorship, and why viewing the entire AEC industry as a collaborative "family" is essential for raising the profession's standing.This live discussion offers a rare look at how leadership happens in real-time during market volatility. By focusing on the intersection of market data and human capital, Shelby and Emily provide a roadmap for firms to move beyond traditional hierarchies toward a more integrated, transparent, and agile way of working."It's the family culture and environment that should spread across our entire AEC industry because we absolutely are all in this together and we all must support each other to continue being the profession that needs to be respected in the way that it needs to be." - Shelby MorrisThis episode is a masterclass in leading with transparency and empathy. Shelby and Emily emphasize that while the technical requirements of the job will always evolve, the business of architecture is, at its heart, a people business built on trust and shared valuesGuest:Shelby Morris is the Co-Managing Director of Gensler’s Atlanta office and a former AIA Atlanta president. He has led over $3 billion in transformational projects across the Southeast and is a leading voice on office management, market adaptation, and firm-wide diversification.Emily Schickner is a Principal at Harrison Design, the firm’s first female principal, and the past president of AIA Atlanta. She serves as the chair of AIA’s 2025 Women's Leadership Summit and is a sought-after voice on mental health, mentorship, and equity within the profession.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You are curious about how large and small firms are shifting their business models to meet new market demands like data centers and retail.✅ You want to learn strategies for communicating the value of architectural expertise when clients arrive with AI-generated renderings.✅ You are interested in implementing "reverse mentorship" and structured development programs to retain the next generation of talent.✅ You struggle with the transition from being a technical expert to being a leader focused on HR, finance, and relationship management.✅ You want to understand the difference between hiring for "culture fit" versus "culture ad" to build a more diverse and agile practice.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Learn more about GenslerLearn more about Harrison DesignLearn more about AISCLearn more about NASCC Connect with Shelby on LinkedInConnect with Emily on LinkedIn📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation