Building an architectural firm is no small feat, but Joseph's story is a beacon of inspiration. It's a narrative of embracing culture, fostering collaboration, and relentlessly pursuing one's vision. In this episode, Joseph M Cole, MBA, NOMA, LEED AP, CEO and founding Principal of Culture Architecture and Design, PLLC, discusses the importance of demystifying the design process for clients as well as issues faced by black-owned firms. Joseph also talks about his firm's projects, including work on the Tennessee Titans football stadium, and the value of partnerships and mentorship.

The intersection of community advocacy, sustainability, economic development, and thoughtful design is a true passion for Joseph Cole. After graduating from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Architecture and Design, Joseph went on to work as a licensed Architect at TMPartners in the healthcare, government, and higher education studios. Joseph’s expertise in his career and engagement in the Nashville community led to his national recognition as an Allstate Giveback Day Hero. This national award is given to four professionals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to volunteering in their community and continuing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy of service.

To propel Joseph’s aspiration of starting his own industry-leading design firm, in 2015, he set out to pursue a Master of Business Administration at Emory University Goizueta Business School. After completing his MBA, Joseph and his wife relocated to New York City, where he worked at Gensler’s New York office in the Technology, Media, and Start-Up Workplace studio as a licensed Project Architect. During his time at Gensler, he designed projects for many of the world’s premier global tech and start-up companies. In addition to this experience as a New York architect, in 2018, Joseph completed the Project REAP New York City Real Estate Associate Program to further his understanding and exposure to the business of architecture, real estate, and design.

In 2018, Joseph and his wife relocated back to Nashville to be closer to family. Joseph founded his own firm, Culture Architecture and Design, PLLC, in 2019 with the focus of creating compelling spaces and brands that people love. In his free time, you can find Joseph volunteering at his church, attending concerts with his wife Brittany, traveling, and obsessing over Tennessee Titans Football.

Learn more about Joseph here: Architecture Beyond Podcast

Culture Architecture and Design on social media: FACEBOOK LINKEDIN INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE

In this episode, we delve into Dr. Craig L. Wilkins', RA journey as a writer, focusing on his book, "The Aesthetics of Equity," which sheds light on the challenges faced by Black professionals. Dr. Wilkins candidly shares the hurdles he faced in getting his book published, revealing the perseverance required amidst rejections. Joined by journalist Kelly Beamon, the conversation explores the dynamics of journalism in architecture, highlighting barriers to visibility for Black architects and advocating for media to move beyond tokenism towards genuine recognition of their contributions.

A 2020 Bradford Grant Medal in Landscape Architecture awardee, 2017 Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum National Design Award recipient, architect, artist, academic, and activist, Dr. Craig L. Wilkins’ creative practice specializes in engaging communities in collaborative and participatory design processes. The former director of the Detroit Community Design Center, he is currently creative director of the Wilkins project, a social justice, strategic design alliance that provides architectural, urban design and planning services, public interest design solutions, and expertise in engaged public discourse. A frequently published critic and scholar of the public realm, Dr. Wilkins is also the author of multi-award winning “The Aesthetics of Equity: Notes on Race, Space, Architecture & Music” (University of Minnesota 2007) and “Diversity Among Architects: From Margin to Center” (Routledge 2016). He is currently an associate professor at the University of Michigan College of Architecture and Urban Planning, where he teaches courses on design and social justice.

@drclw on all the social things...

Susan Pilato, a Virginia interior designer and CEO of furniture manufacturer Mantra Inspired Furniture, is using her power as a commercial manufacturer and her 30-year interior design career as tools to dismantle racist systems where she encounters them and to amplify this work. We explore the importance of authenticity in professional interactions and the need for genuine connections in certain spaces.Lastly, we emphasized the importance of having those tough, uncomfortable conversations. They're the ones that push us towards a more inclusive and understanding professional landscape. It's about being in spaces that allow for genuine and meaningful discussions.

Formally trained as an interior designer, Susan Pilato is the CEO of Mantra Inspired Furniture and a co-founder of PC&A Business Environments, a commercial furniture dealership. Pilato is one of Virginia's Top 50 Women Leaders of 2024 and a 2021 recipient of Interior Design magazine’s HiP for Greater Good Award, given to industry pros who improve the lives of others.

In this podcast episode, Tiffany Millner, an architect and author of 200 Something, recounts her professional journey, detailing her struggles in traditional architecture firms and her eventual shift towards a more rewarding career. She discusses the pressures of becoming a licensed architect, the challenges of being a black female in the industry, and her creative pursuits in photography and graphic design. Tiffany's story is one of resilience, emphasizing the importance of fulfillment and belonging in one's work.

Tiffany Millner is originally from Linden, New Jersey, and received her bachelor’s in architecture from Temple University. After graduation, she started working at well-established architecture firms and began her quest to change the world, by bringing order to chaos.

Millner founded the design consultancy AUX Collective, LLC, in 2010 and devoted her energy as a consultant in various professional capacities including - architectural & graphic design, website development, community engagement and photography services, with a focus on non-profits and artist development. To amplify her voice and increase her audience, Millner self-published a book called 200 Something. The title alludes to the fact that when she became a registered architect in 2009, she was only 1 of about 200 African American female architects in the nation.

Tiffany is the recipient of AIA Philadelphia’s 2021 Thomas U. Walter Award for her contributions to the design and construction industry on local and national levels, and her dedication to community service and advocacy. She grew a nationally known mentoring affiliate into one of the most successful in the country by providing opportunities for young people interested in a career in architecture, construction, and/or engineering.

Millner continues to work on both local and national levels, broadening her reach as a social Impact developer and advocate for the architectural profession. In 2023, Temple University recognized her as a distinguished Aluma for her career-long efforts in transforming the profession of architecture and awarded her seat within the Gallery of Success.

Currently, on the local level, she focuses on leveraging professional networks to provide support to historically under-invested communities post-development and provide opportunities and pathways to develop generational wealth for those underrepresented in real estate development and the design & construction industry.

On the national level, she strategizes the transformation of practice culture with regards to infusing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in the workplace and by authentically supporting the recruitment, development, and retention of those currently underrepresented in the architecture profession.

In this podcast episode, we delve into the transformative initiatives of The Neighborhood Architects® as it connects local communities with architects, designers, and engineers of color, striving to bridge the gap between residents and design professionals. Join us as we explore the journey of Teri Watson, Assoc AIA, NOMA, an Architectural Designer and Project Manager, whose work in traditional practice has garnered accolades and recognition. Teri shares insights into her experiences with various firms and her role as the founder of The Neighborhood Architects®, a platform dedicated to connecting everyday people with the world of architecture. Discover the essence of The Hood Hustles Harder campaign, symbolizing shared determination in overcoming challenges within our communities as well as The Limited Edition Drafting Supply Box. Lastly, we touch upon The Hood Folio, an annual publication that delves into architecture and design within the BIPOC community, providing a comprehensive exploration of impactful projects and voices.

Teri Watson is an Architectural Designer, Project Manager, and currently on an architectural research team for robotics and fabrication. Born in Houston, Texas, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from Florida A&M University and a master’s degree in architecture from Florida International University in Miami, FL.

For the past six years in traditional practice, Teri’s work has explored materiality and various construction methods through the fabrication of architectural facades. This has led to the American Institute of Architects building awards and the 2023 Project Manager of the Year in South Florida. She has worked with many firms like 4RM+ULA and Berenblum Busch Architects (BBA) as Lead Designer to Royal Byckovas (R&B) and Stuart Architecture as a Project Manager. Teri is also the founder of a platform called The Neighborhood Architects®, a platform with a mission to connect everyday people with architecture.

Social Media: IG/Facebook: @_hoodarchitect @theneighborhoodarchitects

Website: www.yenstudio.us

Garfield Peart, MBA, AIA, NOMA is a testament to the power of education, discipline, and passion in shaping one's career and making a positive impact on the community. He is a retired Air Force veteran, father, Christian and practicing architect from Jamaica. Garfield's story is a testament to the transformative power of education, discipline, and passion. Beyond his successful architecture career, he is dedicated to mentoring the next generation through SPIKE Studio, a 501(c)(3) organization committed to addressing key issues affecting the future of Atlanta's youth in terms of education and career readiness. Working at Moody Nolan’s Atlanta studio has allowed Garfield to use his knowledge and resources to make a positive impact on both the local community level and communities across the country. Since the firm's growth and expansion to 12 offices around the country, Garfield expresses his excitement about being part of an organization that is evolving into a national practice while preserving a midwestern family-like culture.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of talking to Wandile Mthiyane, founder and CEO of Ubuntu Design Group, GrindTea.Com and Anti-Racist Hot Dog. Wandile’s infectious laugh and entrepreneurial spirit are as inspiring as his work in architecture and social impact design.

The Role of Educators: Wandile recently delivered a thought-provoking talk in Dublin, shedding light on the profound impact educators have on shaping lives. From causing wounds to providing tools for positive change, discover the pivotal role teachers play in influencing the future through education.

Reinventing Architecture: Delve into Wandile’s perspective on the broken system of architecture. He shares his vision of a micro mortgage model, an innovative approach aimed at making housing more affordable and accessible, particularly for young professionals and low-income communities. Discover how he envisions reshaping the landscape of housing.

The Journey: This podcast has been a therapeutic journey of self-reflection. We reflect on the enlightening moments from our conversation sand hope that this journey has been as enlightening for you as it has been for us.

Architizer article.

In this episode, we delve into the architectural world with Wynord Thomas Jr., an Associate at CO Architects. With a diverse background spanning higher education, K-12, retail, civic, and mixed-use projects, Wynord is known for his direct approach to addressing present and future challenges, particularly emphasizing sustainability, technology, and science. As a steadfast designer and emerging team leader, he has earned the trust and respect of clients, contractors, and project teams. Wyn is currently engaged in the multi-phased, 263,000-square-foot John H. Francis Polytechnic Senior High School Comprehensive Modernization project, involving significant new construction and core facility upgrades. His impressive portfolio also includes notable projects like the Pearl Innovation District in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the Health Professions Education Building in Los Angeles.

Rainey Shane is a co-founder of SEAM™(Social Equity Assessment Method), a 501c3 nonprofit organization that created the SEAM Standard™ and administers a social equity certification for commercial real estate projects. SEAM™ is a third-party standard for real estate projects that certifies an organization's actions toward social sustainability as measured against internationally accepted criteria. It is a vehicle for organizations to leverage commercial real estate and use it to make authentic, measurable gains in social responsibility beyond health and wellness to encompass matters like justice and equity.

-Metropolis Magazine Article: Can We Actually Measure for Social Equity?

ch.com">Cory Henry, Principal and Founder of Atelier Cory Henry closes out the INTERSECTIONS series with the question of whether design should reflect culture, history and community concerns. Throughout this episode, Cory provides insights into his ongoing projects, notably highlighting the Freedom Center in Oklahoma City, a building restoration used by civil rights activist Clara Luper as well as the food insecurity Harvard GSD course called The Paradox of Hunger – Rural Mississippi. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of inclusive decision-making processes in infrastructure projects, particularly in relation to public transportation.

Atelier Cory Henry, an award-winning Los Angeles-based design studio led by Cory Henry, is renowned for its socially conscious and research-driven approach to design. Henry's work spans various scales and project types across continents, earning him recognition from organizations like the Royal Society of Arts in the UK and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) as an emerging talent in the field. He also boasts a notable academic career, having twice received the prestigious title of KEA Distinguished Professor from the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. His educational journey includes teaching roles at Harvard University Graduate School of Design, the University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design, Syracuse University, the University of Maryland, Penn State University, and the University of Southern California. Cory Henry's academic background features a Master of Architecture from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Architecture from Drexel University.