Your host, Aya Shlachter, talks with Suzanne Hunt — Principal Architect and Founder of Suzanne Hunt Architect (SHA). In this episode, Aya and Suzie discuss Suzie's architectural philosophy and its strong connection to people. Suzie shares how this philosophy has influenced her journey, from starting SHA in her bedroom to becoming an award-winning firm in Perth. Suzie gives practical advice to emerging architects, emphasizing the importance of networking outside the industry. She highlights that "architecture is a business" and encourages active community engagement for growth. She also shares strategies for managing firm operations and navigating the unique challenges of running a creative business as an architect. They also talk about Suzie’s impactful advocacy for equity, diversity, and inclusion, particularly through "Work Women Wisdom". Suzie addresses age invisibility among professional women and her commitment to inclusivity in the architectural profession. Tune in to gain insights into Suzie's architectural philosophy, journey, and impactful advocacy!   ABOUT THE GUEST: Suzanne (Suzie) Hunt LFRAIA RIBA is a registered Architect and Principal of Suzanne Hunt Architect, an award-winning architectural and interior design practice. She graduated with Honours from Curtin University in 1986 and gained valuable experience in boutique and large-scale practices in London. In 2004, she founded Suzanne Hunt Architect (SHA) due to limited part-time opportunities in larger firms, starting from her bedroom and growing into a fully-fledged office in 2016. SHA is recognized for residential, hospitality, and local government projects, including award-winning refurbishments like Leeuwin Estate Winery.  Suzie served on the Rottnest Island Authority Board, Legal Practice Board of WA, and chairs the Curtin Architecture Advisory Board. Elected President of the Australian Institute of Architects WA Chapter in 2017, Suzie advocates for gender equity and mentors through initiatives like #WorkWomenWisdom.  Since 2017, she has been a TV presenter for MWC Australia By Design on Channel 10, receiving accolades such as the 2021 Paula Whitman Prize for Gender Equity and the 2022 WA Architects Board Award. In 2023, she was honored with Life Fellowship of the Australian Institute of Architects. Find out more about Suzie at suzannehuntarchitect.com.au/our-story/.   ABOUT THE PODCAST: Architect My Life is a podcast for empowering women creative entrepreneurs. Our show is dedicated to supporting architects and designers to achieve business growth, financial freedom, and health and wellness. We share inspiring success stories and valuable lessons from others' experiences. This podcast is hosted by Aya Shlachter, CEO and Founder of MGS Global Group - a company that provides on-demand drafting services for architecture and design firms.   Listen to the Podcast: Spotify Apple Podcasts  Libsyn Website   Connect with Us! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   Get in Touch Ask Aya anything  Be a Guest  

Your host, Aya Shlachter, talks with Sarah Ramos — Founder and Managing Director of Eldane Pty Ltd. In this episode, Aya talks with Sarah, a Filipina architect and firm owner in Canberra, Australia. They discuss Sarah's involvement in establishing the United Architects of the Philippines in Australia and New Zealand, her migration story, how she adjusted culturally and professionally, and her enjoyment of architecture in the laid-back Australian setting. Additionally, Sarah shares the challenges she faced as a business owner, including networking and language barriers. She talks about founding her firm, Eldane, and the important contribution of client relationships to its growth. She also mentions how she met her first client on Instagram! Sarah also shares her project management approach and the importance of client involvement for project success. Inspired by Australian culture, she discusses maintaining work-life balance and efficient processes to meet deadlines and project standards. Make sure to listen all the way through to learn more about the life of being a firm owner in Australia!   ABOUT THE GUEST: Sarah Ramos is the founder and managing director of Eldane Pty Ltd, a leading design firm in Canberra known for its focus on purposefully designed spaces and innovative approaches to the design process. As a seasoned Filipina architect with qualifications in both Architecture and Interior Design from the Philippines and Australia, Sarah has dedicated her practice to helping clients achieve spaces that not only reflect their lifestyles or businesses but also contribute to creating a safe and healthy built environment for years to come. Sarah's unique perspective as a designer is shaped by a fusion of Philippine and Australian influences, resulting in designs that transcend conventional boundaries. Her work seamlessly integrates cultural richness with contemporary functionality, telling compelling stories through the spaces she creates. Find out more about Sarah at https://eldane.com.au/about-us.   ABOUT THE PODCAST: Architect My Life is a podcast for empowering women creative entrepreneurs. Our show is dedicated to supporting architects and designers to achieve business growth, financial freedom, and health and wellness. We share inspiring success stories and valuable lessons from others' experiences. This podcast is hosted by Aya Shlachter, CEO and Founder of MGS Global Group - a company that provides on-demand drafting services for architecture and design firms.   Listen to the Podcast: Spotify Apple Podcasts  Libsyn Website   Connect with Us! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   Get in Touch Ask Aya anything  Be a Guest  

Your host, Aya Shlachter, talks with Caitlin Brady — a licensed architect and Host of the Architectette Podcast.  In this episode, Aya and Caitlin dive into the essence of groups and organizations in the AEC community for collective growth and support. Caitlin shares her journey from architecture school to active participation in various organizations, highlighting the value of mentorship in her professional development.  She also discusses her approach to continuous learning, even without a mentor, and emphasizes her dedication to helping and mentoring emerging architects, which has earned her multiple awards for her efforts. As an architect-podcaster, Caitlin shares both the enjoyable and challenging aspects of podcasting. Despite the ups and downs, she expresses how podcasting has deepened her love for her work and advocates for professionals to stay engaged in the AEC industry. Tune in to discover more about Caitlin's life beyond architecture and Architectette!   ABOUT THE PODCAST: Architect My Life is a podcast for empowering women creative entrepreneurs. Our show is dedicated to supporting architects and designers to achieve business growth, financial freedom, and health and wellness. We share inspiring success stories and valuable lessons from others' experiences. This podcast is hosted by Aya Shlachter, CEO and Founder of MGS Global Group - a company that provides on-demand drafting services for architecture and design firms.   Listen to the Podcast: Spotify Apple Podcasts  Libsyn Website   Connect with Us! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   Get in Touch Ask Aya anything  Be a Guest  

In this year's pilot episode, Aya talks about her New Year tradition— picking a special word for the year. Instead of the same old resolutions, she shares how one word played a pivotal role in making her goals happen!  She also recaps the ups, downs, and ‘unconventional’ moments of her 2023, and shares what she learned that's coming along with her into this new year. Plus, she reveals her word for 2024 and shares what she's planning for the year. If you're still figuring out your game plan for 2024, make sure to tune into this episode to learn an exercise that might just be what you need to ace your goals! Here's a little hint: think of it as finding your very own North Star. 🌟 ABOUT THE HOST: Aya Shlachter is the founder and CEO of MGS Global Group, offering architecture staffing and drafting support to the AEC, hospitality, and retail sectors. She earned a Master's in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University and a Bachelor's in Architecture from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. She furthered her education through Harvard University's Hospitality Design program. Aya is a wife and mother of two. She enjoys traveling, golf, and recreational triathlons. Cooking and spending time outdoors also make her happy. Recently, she started joining (and enjoying!) weekly group cold plunges in Cleveland.   ABOUT THE PODCAST: Architect My Life is a podcast for empowering women creative entrepreneurs. Our show is dedicated to supporting architects and designers to achieve business growth, financial freedom, and health and wellness. We share inspiring success stories and valuable lessons from others' experiences. This podcast is hosted by Aya Shlachter, CEO and Founder of MGS Global Group - a company that provides on-demand drafting services for architecture and design firms.   Listen to the Podcast: Spotify Apple Podcasts  Libsyn Website   Connect with Us! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   Get in Touch: Ask Aya anything  Be a Guest  

Your host, Aya Shlachter, talks with Katelyn Rossier — a licensed architect and founder of MentorDINO LLC. In this episode, Aya and Katelyn explore the profound impact of mentorship and training in the architecture business. Katelyn shares her personal journey with mentoring, emphasizing how it transformed her as an architect and inspired her to become a mentor herself. They also delve into the creation of MentorDINO and its focus on guiding designers through career transitions and the human side of architecture. Katelyn highlights the importance of moving away from trial and error, advocating for a focus on building a strong foundation through mentorship. Katelyn’s resources at MentorDINO are geared towards assisting both fresh grads and firm owners. They also discussed these courses in the pod, and talked about how each course is designed to benefit the AEC industry and prevent common problems.  Tune in to discover the transformative power of mentorship in architecture and the innovative solutions offered by MentorDINO!   ABOUT THE GUEST: Katelyn Rossier is a licensed Architect at Smithgroup and the brain behind MentorDINO. With degrees from Kent State University, she has tackled complex projects in healthcare, higher education, workplace, and science and technology.  Katelyn, inspired by her own experiences, highlights the transformative impact of mentorship in our industry. Fueled by the mentors who kept her in the profession, Katelyn is now dedicated to helping professionals of all generations through MentorDINO. Find out more about Katelyn at www.mentordino.com/about/.   ABOUT THE PODCAST: Architect My Life is a podcast for empowering women creative entrepreneurs. Our show is dedicated to supporting architects and designers to achieve business growth, financial freedom, and health and wellness. We share inspiring success stories and valuable lessons from others' experiences. This podcast is hosted by Aya Shlachter, CEO and Founder of MGS Global Group - a company that provides on-demand drafting services for architecture and design firms.   Listen to the Podcast: Spotify Apple Podcasts  Libsyn Website   Connect with Us! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   Get in Touch Ask Aya anything  Be a Guest

Your host, Aya Shlachter, talks with Joann Lui — a licensed architect, brand designer, personal brand strategist for architects, and founder of Women Architects Collective. In this episode, Aya and Joann address questions about digital marketing and branding specifically for architects, designers, and firm owners. Joann shares valuable insights on how to establish a strong online presence and navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape as a professional in the AEC industry. They cover various topics including becoming comfortable with online presence, choosing relevant content to share online, embracing self-promotion, professional and personal branding, and more. They also emphasize the significance of authenticity in marketing activities. Don't miss out on this episode for strategies on how to elevate your marketing game! ABOUT THE GUEST: Find out more about Joann at www.joannlui.com. BE PART OF THE PODCAST: Do you have a question in mind? Send me your questions and I’ll answer them on a podcast episode! If you'd like to be a guest on Architect My Life, click HERE.

Finally, Episode 7 of our AML Podcast Series is here! Wrapping up this series, we sat with architecture ally, Jing Lauengco. Join us as she offers her unique perspective on the AIA Women's Leadership Summit as a creative entrepreneur outside the field. You can also check out the video interview on our YouTube Channel (@architectmylife) or simply click on this link to watch it. This special series was recorded during the WLS Happy Hour hosted by the Immigrant Architects Coalition and Women Architects Collective, proudly sponsored by MGS Global Group and Utile.

Episode 6 of our AML Podcast Series features Vivian Lee, as she shares her powerful insights on how challenges can pave the way for positive change, particularly for women in architecture. You can also check out the video interview on our YouTube Channel (@architectmylife) or simply click on this link to watch it.  This special series was recorded during the WLS Happy Hour hosted by the Immigrant Architects Coalition and Women Architects Collective, proudly sponsored by MGS Global Group and Utile.

Your host, Aya Shlachter, talks with Shannon Battisson — Director of Architecture at The Mill: Architecture + Design, Immediate Past President of the Australian Institute of Architects, and Conference Committee Chair of the 2023 Australian Architecture Conference. In this episode, Shannon offers an exclusive overview of the highly anticipated Australian Architecture Conference 2023! She covers everything from the conference theme and the lineup of speakers to the choice of venue and the exciting events that attendees can anticipate.  Additionally, she delves into the evolution of The Institute over the years and the meticulous planning that culminated in this conference, bringing together a global community of innovative architects and designers! As a bonus, Shannon also shares insights about her background in Architecture, her journey into the profession, and her trajectory into leadership roles, especially within the Australian Institute of Architects. Be sure to tune in to the entire episode for a comprehensive look into the architecture scene in Australia! Don't miss out on this special episode!   ABOUT THE GUEST: Shannon Battisson is an architect with almost 20 years of experience. She is a Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects and a dedicated advocate for architecture. Graduating from the University of New South Wales, Shannon returned to her hometown, Canberra, which has a rich architectural legacy. She started her career with an environmentally-focused design and construct company, where she developed a respect for the environment and a passion for creating homes. Shannon is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to safe, comfortable, and affordable homes that are also climate-responsive and joyful to live in. In 2011, Shannon established her practice, The Mill: Architecture + Design, with Interior Designer Sarah Welsh. She has a proven track record of designing climate-responsive housing and supporting commercial clients in creating human-centric work environments. Shannon has been actively involved with the Australian Institute of Architects since 2012. She has served as a Juror, Councillor, Chair of the Sustainability Committee, and Chapter President. Currently, she is the Institute's National President (2022-2023) and a Director on the Board. Shannon has also chaired national awards juries, including the prestigious Gold Medal. She has received recognition for her work, including the American Institute of Architects' President's Medal in 2022. In addition to her professional contributions, Shannon volunteers her time to promote the benefits of good architecture in cities. She enjoys public speaking, writing for various publications, architectural photography, and participating in events that promote good design to the public. Shannon is a passionate advocate for modernist architecture and actively promotes Canberra's rich modernist architectural legacy. Find out more about Shannon at www.themilldesign.com.au/the-team.   BE PART OF THE PODCAST: Do you have a question in mind? Send me your questions and I’ll answer them on a podcast episode! If you'd like to be a guest on Architect My Life, click HERE.

Your host, Aya Shlachter, talks with Krystl Fabella — Founder of Filipina on the Rise. In celebration of Filipino-American History Month, Aya and fellow Filipina Krystl discuss relatable topics about being a Filipina creative — from being an overachiever to discussing the conventional career paths of Filipinos and how they managed to pursue a creative career despite the prevalent stereotypes associated with Filipino families predominantly working in the medical field. Krystl also shares her journey of connecting with her Filipina identity, transitioning from a successful tech job to pursuing a creative career. She talks about what inspired her to start Filipina on the Rise, aiming to promote the true essence of being a Filipina through real success stories, and how she gives back to the community through this initiative. She also goes into detail about Filipina on the Rise and how she built an audience of thousands of followers on social media, using these platforms to create a community of like-minded Filipino women around the world. Tune in to this episode to know more and celebrate the achievements of Filipino-Americans in various ways. Don't miss this special episode!   ABOUT THE GUEST: Krystl Fabella is the founder of Filipina on the Rise, a media company and #1 podcast spotlighting impactful Filipino women around the world, with over 50,000+ listeners. She has been listed in the NYC Journal's "Top 30 Women to Watch Out for in 2022." Immigrating to the U.S. at the age of 7, Krystl grew up noticing the lack of women that looked like her in media and various industries. In 2019, while working in San Francisco tech, a google search for "inspiring Filipino women" resulting in objectifying pages lit a fire to start a podcast and promote "Filipina Excellence." Since then, FOTR has amassed a following of tens of thousands around the world and produces everything from nationwide popup events, shows interviewing award-winning names, and even launched the first successful Filipino-American NFT collection. Krystl has spoken at national conferences, Disney, Deloitte and even spearheaded statewide policy for women's rights. It is her passion to advocate for those of underrepresented backgrounds and help others feel seen, represented, and encouraged to "Stay Rising." Find out more about Krystl at www.filipinaontherise.com.   BE PART OF THE PODCAST: Do you have a question in mind? Send me your questions and I’ll answer them on a podcast episode! If you'd like to be a guest on Architect My Life, click HERE.