"I’ve never met a woman architect before..." podcast with Michele Grace Hottel, Architect

Hosted by Michele Grace Hottel

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Mar 2026

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"I've never met a woman architect before..." The trials and tribulations of being a woman, a lover, a friend, a mother and last but not least, an architect...If you've never met a woman architect before... here SHE is!!! Join Michele Grace Hottel, owner of her namesake architecture and design firm, as she takes you on an exploration into the lives of today's Architects: their first recollections of experiencing architecture, their inspiration, their favorite buildings and what they would like to say about the future of the profession. #architecture #architect #womenarchitects #archimom

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September 14, 202613 min

Episode 98: Interview w/ Barton Myers, FAIA of Barton Myers Architecture & AIA Santa Barbara

Hi, It's Michele! Send me a text with who you want as a guest! This episode is sponsored by AIA Santa Barbara Last December, I was invited to attend the AIA Santa Barbara Design Awards and interviewed architect Barton Myers, FAIA, in what would be one of his last interviews. Please give it a listen and look at his work, which will be in the accompanying blog. BARTON MYERS, FAIA Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Barton Myers received his Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania and subsequently worked with Louis I. Kahn. He established his practice in Toronto in 1968. In 1984, he opened an office in Los Angeles that is now the firm’s base. In 1986, Mr. Myers was the recipient of the first Toronto Arts Award for Architecture in recognition of his contribution to that city, and in 1994, he received the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Gold Medal. In 2001 Mr. Myers was awarded the Rudy Bruner award for urban design and in 2002, he was awarded the American Institute of Architects / Los Angeles Chapter Gold Medal. Barton Myers has taught architecture and planning at both the University of Toronto and Waterloo University. He has also served as the Thomas Jefferson Professor at the University of Virginia, the Graham Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and has been a Visiting Professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Mr. Myers has held a continuing appointment as Professor of Architecture at UCLA’s School of Arts and Architecture since 1980 and lectures extensively throughout North America and abroad. Link to MGHarchitect: MIchele Grace Hottel, Architect website for scheduling a consultation for an architecture and design project and guest and podcast sponsorship opportunities: https://www.mgharchitect.com/

March 7, 202634 min

Episode 97: Interview w/ Laurinda Spear of Arquitectonica & Cecilia E. Ramos of Lutron

Hi, It's Michele! Send me a text with who you want as a guest! This episode was recorded at the KBIS Podcast Studio sponsored by AJ Madison and Neal Pann and Apple for Architecture. Laurinda H. Spear, FAIA, PLA, LEED AP, IIDA Principal of Arquitectonica As a founding principal of Arquitectonica and ArquitectonicaGEO , Ms. Spear has been active from the beginning, and has participated in the design of many projects undertaken by both firms. She studied fine arts at Brown University, received her Master of Architecture degree from Columbia University and later a Master of Landscape Architecture from Florida International University. She has taught at Harvard and the University of Miami. Ms. Spear is interested in educating others in design excellence, she has lectured around the world, and her work has been exhibited in many prestigious museums. Laurinda has designed many of the firm’s signature projects, and her designs have won over a hundred design awards. Many of Ms. Spear’s projects have been featured in books, as well as prominent magazines and professional journals. She was also instrumental in the expansion of Arquitectonica into design fields beyond architecture and planning. She first established the interior design practice, Arquitectonica Interiors, which earned the firm its place in the Interior Design Hall of Fame. She also created the design products group, Laurinda Spear Products, which has over 150 products on the market under dozens of global brands. In 2005, Laurinda established the landscape architecture practice ArquitectonicaGEO , focusing on environmental land planning, sustainability, innovation, and landscape design. Laurinda is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, a Registered Landscape Architect, a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, and a LEED Accredited Professional. She is a recipient of the AIA Silver Medal, the Rome Prize in Architecture and the ULI Lifetime Achievement Award. Cecilia E. Ramos of Lutron Cecilia leads Architecture & Design at Lutron where she drives strategy, creative direction, and design engagement globally. She holds degrees in architecture from MIT and Princeton and has traveled the world as a lighting designer for luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Dior Parfums. A frequent international speaker and co-author of the book Architectural Lighting: Designing with Light and Space (Princeton Architectural Press, 2011) she finds creative energy though hiking the world’s stunning landscapes, painting, and designing jewelry for her own brand. Link to MGHarchitect: MIchele Grace Hottel, Architect website for scheduling a consultation for an architecture and design project and guest and podcast sponsorship opportunities: https://www.mgharchitect.com/

January 19, 20261 hr 21 min

Episode 96: Interview w/ Jeff Echols of EchoEngagement

Hi, It's Michele! Send me a text with who you want as a guest! This episode is sponsored by: "The Grouchy Architect" Opus 2 MBE, LLC Christian Nielsen-Palacios is a licensed architect with over 40 years of experience, primarily focused on quality assurance (QA), quality control (QC), and technical specification writing for architectural projects. LInk to website: https://thegrouchyarchitect.com/ This episode is part of the "Design Your Architecture Firm", a mini-series within the podcast I've never met a woman architect before... with Michele Grace Hottel, Architect that will help you design and build the architecture and design firm that you have always wanted and bring in the projects that you will love working on. Link to Blog for Text and Images: https://inmawomanarchitect.blogspot.com/2026/01/interview-with-jeff-echols-of.html Jeff Echols of EchoEngagement Fractional Chief Innovation Officer, Guiding AEC Leaders and their Teams on developing a Culture of Growth and Innovation | Technology and Business Transformation for Lasting Growth | Human-First Approach to AI | Fostering a Culture of Growth (317) 434-4221 Let's connect on LinkedIn Bio: As the AEC industry increases its adoption of AI, Jeff Echols reminds leaders that technology fails without the right culture. Jeff acts as a strategic partner to firms, helping them move beyond the buzzwords to build a true 'Culture of Growth.' He helps leaders realize that being future-ready isn't about software—it’s about the simultaneous elevation of your people, your organization, and your customers. If you want to navigate disruption without losing the human connection that drives your success, Jeff is the voice you need to hear. Link to MGHarchitect: MIchele Grace Hottel, Architect website for scheduling a consultation for an architecture and design project and guest and podcast sponsorship opportunities: https://www.mgharchitect.com/

December 22, 202554 min

Episode 95: Interview w/ Barbara Peterson, Landscape Architect

Hi, It's Michele! Send me a text with who you want as a guest! This Episode is sponsored by Minick Materials and Opus 2, MBE LLC : Minick Materials: Rock-solid and built to last Minick Materials has been helping contractors, builders, architects and home owners bring their vision to life for more than 60 years. 405.789.2068 Oklahoma City Location Link to website: Wholesale Landscape Materials for Commercial & Residential | Minick Materials "The Grouchy Architect" Opus 2 MBE, LLC Christian Nielsen-Palacios is a licensed architect with over 40 years of experience, primarily focused on quality assurance (QA), quality control (QC), and technical specification writing for architectural projects. LInk to website: https://thegrouchyarchitect.com/ Link to the Blog for more Images and Resources: LINK TO BLOG: https://inmawomanarchitect.blogspot.com/2025/12/interview-with-barbara-peterson.html Barbara Peterson, Landscape Architect Barbara is from Texas and has been in Oklahoma for just over 4 ½-years. She’s a registered Landscape Architect in both Texas and Oklahoma and spends her weekends traveling the state where she has now been to and photographed over 420 towns which is over 400 more than she ever stopped at in Texas where she lived since ‘73. She doesn’t photograph residences or drive through neighborhoods but has seen every architectural style from historic 1800’s brick work to modern glass clad structures. She has been pleasantly surprised at the diversity of Oklahoma architecture because she had previously only drove through Oklahoma on the highway so she never expected the stunning diversity of the state or its architecture. She was involved for a short time with OK ASLA. And before moving to Tulsa, was involved and supported a 4-year high school architecture program in north Dallas. Her son and a friend’s daughter both graduated from that program, and both went on to study architecture. Her son is working on his ARE and the friend’s daughter is finishing her university studies. Link to MGHarchitect: MIchele Grace Hottel, Architect website for scheduling a consultation for an architecture and design project and guest and podcast sponsorship opportunities: https://www.mgharchitect.com/

November 28, 202545 min

Episode 94: Interview & Holiday Gift List w/ Alexandra Lange, Author & Architecture Critic

Hi, It's Michele! Send me a text with who you want as a guest! This Year's Holiday Gift List and Book List are sponsored by: Stone Architect https://suno.com/s/VcvQiyV94XdoEMjA oday's episode is sponsored by Stone Architect, the natural-stone sourcing company behind the movement Granite Your Planet™ — inspiring cities, architects, and builders to choose materials that truly stand the test of time. Stone Architect’s mission is simple: build for centuries, not landfills. While concrete and manufactured products break down every 7 to 20 years — creating massive CO₂ emissions — natural granite is one of the most sustainable building materials on Earth. It’s carbon-light, chemically untouched, and built by nature to last hundreds of years. From major city streetscapes to public parks, waterfronts, and private developments across North America, Stone Architect helps design teams realize projects that are stronger, cleaner, and dramatically more sustainable for our planet. If you believe in smarter materials, lower emissions, and public spaces created with intention — join the movement at stonearchitect.org **Stone Architect — Granite Your Planet™. Build for the next generation.”” Link to the blog for text and Images and Gift and Book List : https://inmawomanarchitect.blogspot.com/2025/11/holidaygiftlist-interview-w-alexandra.html Alexandra Lange Alexandra Lange is a journalist, design critic, and author. Her essays, reviews and profiles have appeared in numerous design publications including Architect , Harvard Design Magazine , and Metropolis , as well as in The Atlantic , New York Magazine , The New Yorker , and the New York Times . She is a contributing writer for Bloomberg CityLab, and has been a featured writer at Design Observer, an opinion columnist at Dezeen, and the architecture critic for Curbed. In 2025 she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism for a series on how urban design and architecture affect children and families. Her last name rhymes with “rang.” Her latest book, Meet Me by the Fountain: An Inside History of the Mall , was published by Bloomsbury USA in 2022. It received positive reviews in the New York Times , the Wall Street Journal , The Atlantic , The Economist , and The Nation , as well as coverage on NPR Marketplace, 99 Percent Invisible, Decoder Ring, and The Brian Lehrer Show. Link to MGHarchitect: MIchele Grace Hottel, Architect website for scheduling a consultation for an architecture and design project and guest and podcast sponsorship opportunities: https://www.mgharchitect.com/

November 23, 202535 min

Episode 93: Interview w/ Enoch Sears of Business of Architecture

Hi, It's Michele! Send me a text with who you want as a guest! This episode is sponsored by "The Grouchy Architect" Opus 2 MBE, LLC LInk to website: https://thegrouchyarchitect.com/ This episode is part of the "Design Your Architecture Firm", a mini-series within the podcast I've never met a woman architect before... with Michele Grace Hottel, Architect that will help you design and build the architecture and design firm that you have always wanted and bring in the projects that you will love working on. Link to the Blog for more Images and Resources: LINK TO BLOG: https://inmawomanarchitect.blogspot.com/2025/11/interview-with-enoch-sears-of-business.html ENOCH SEARS: BUSINESS OF ARCHITECTURE Firm name: Business of Architecture Website: https://businessofarchitecture.com Short bio: “Enoch Sears is an architect and founder of Business of Architecture, helping architects build thriving practices through coaching, courses, and community. He’s been working with architects for over a decade and hosts the Business of Architecture Podcast.” Contact: enoch@businessofarchitecture.com Business of Architecture founder Enoch Sears is well-known for his stand that architectural practice owners don't need to sacrifice their health, relationships, or financial well-being to do work they enjoy. After working in the architectural industry for a decade, he launched the Business of Architecture podcast in 2012 to share the best practices for running a small architectural firm. Over the following decade, he spent more than $4.7 million refining the SMART Practice Operating System, an organized method for running a creatively fulfilling and financially rewarding architectural practice. More than 253 firm owners from around the world run their practices using the SMART Practice Operating System. Link to MGHarchitect: MIchele Grace Hottel, Architect website for scheduling a consultation for an architecture and design project and guest and podcast sponsorship opportunities: https://www.mgharchitect.com/

November 10, 202542 min

Episode 92: Interview w/ Lee Bey, Author & Architecture Critic: Chicago Sun-Times

Hi, It's Michele! Send me a text with who you want as a guest! This episode is sponsored by: ALW Inc. Architectural Lighting Works an LMPG Inc. At ALW, we illuminate spaces with purpose and precision. As a leader in architectural lighting, we design and manufacture innovative linear, cylindrical, ring, and custom luminaires that elevate every environment _ from workplace to hospitality, education to healthcare. Our expertise lies in blending performance, aesthetics, and flexibility - delivering lighting that inspires designers and empowers vision. ALW- Illuminating your next project. Phone: (510) 489-2530 Fax: (650) 249-0412 General Inquiries: TalkToUs@alw-inc.com Marketing & Press Inquiries: pr@alw-inc.com Link to blog for text and images: https://inmawomanarchitect.blogspot.com/2025/11/interview-w-architecturecritic-author.html Lee Bey is architecture critic for the Chicago Sun-Times and ABC7 News Chicago. His column covers the Chicago area’s built environment and the architectural, political, racial and historical forces that shape it. He was a member of the Sun-Times editorial board for six years where he wrote editorials on city governance, neighborhood development, politics and urban planning. Bey is the author of the much-praised book, Southern Exposure: The Overlooked Architecture of Chicago’s South Side (Northwestern University Press, 2019), which showcases his architectural photography and social commentary. He was also the host of the public television special, Building Blocks: The Architecture of Chicago’s South Side, which aired on WTTW in 2023. Bey earned a 2023 Midwest Emmy nomination for his work on the program. He is also an in-demand speaker and media commentator on the subjects of architecture, urban planning, Chicago history and late 20th century Black history and culture. Bey is an adjunct professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology College of Architecture A recipient of the 2021 Julius Shulman Institute Excellence in Photography Award, and the 2019 Distinguished Service Award by the Chicago Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Bey is currently working on a book that documents the architecture of Chicago’s West Side. Link to MGHarchitect: MIchele Grace Hottel, Architect website for scheduling a consultation for an architecture and design project and guest and podcast sponsorship opportunities: https://www.mgharchitect.com/

October 28, 20251 hr 15 min

Episode 91: Interview w/ Stephen Chung, of Stephen Chung, Architect

Hi, It's Michele! Send me a text with who you want as a guest! This Episode is sponsored by Opus 2, MBE LLC http://www.nielsen-palacios.com/architect http://www.nielsen-palacios.com/testimonials https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiannielsenpalacios Phone: 607-319-3150 info@thegrouchyarchitect.com Link to blog for text and images: https://inmawomanarchitect.blogspot.com/2025/10/interview-w-architect-stephen-chung-of.html Professional Background Christian Nielsen-Palacios is a licensed architect with over 40 years of experience, primarily focused on quality assurance (QA), quality control (QC), and technical specification writing for architectural projects. He earned his architecture degree from Universidad Simón Bolívar in Venezuela and later completed a Master’s in the History of Architecture at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY . After relocating to the U.S. in 1984, Christian worked in various architectural firms, contributing to numerous public school projects. In 1991, he became a registered architect in New York State . Currently semi-retired, he operates Opus 2 MBE, LLC , offering consulting services that include: Peer reviews of construction documents Technical specification writing Mentorship for architects, especially those in small firms Translation and proofreading services in English and Spanish Christian is active online under the moniker “The Grouchy Architect” (Google him!) where he shares insights on architectural practice, quality control, and professional Stephen K. Chung, AIA is a registered architect in Florida and Massachusetts and principal of Stephen Chung, Architect. His Boston-based studio is focused on residential and hospitality projects. www.stephenchung.com Stephen received his architecture degree from Harvard. His recent projects include a new 89 room boutique hotel in called The Sarasota Modern, three new houses in Sarasota and a townhouse development and residential building both in Boston. In 2020-2024 Stephen won a “Best of Houzz” Award for his residential design work. In March 2009, Casas Internacional published a monograph on his residential work. The book features eleven of his residential projects. In addition to practice, Stephen has taught architectural design at several institutions, including Cornell, Rhode Island School of Design, the University of Texas at Austin and Yale University. Currently he is an Adjunct Professor of Interior Architecture at Suffolk University. Stephen is committed to bridging the gap between the architecture profession and the general public. To this end, Stephen was the creator, executive producer and host of the acclaimed public television series called “Cool Spaces: The Best New Architecture”. Season 1 of this landmark series debuted on PBS in 2014. Stephen also hosted a podcast show called “Design Your Dream Home” with architect Doug Patt. The podcast provided advice to those wanting to design their dream home. www.thedougandsteveshow.com Link to MGHarchitect: MIchele Grace Hottel, Architect website for scheduling a consultation for an architecture and design project and guest and podcast sponsorship opportunities: https://www.mgharchitect.com/

October 13, 202543 min

Episode 90: Interview w/ Natalia Hayes of DUST Architects

Hi, It's Michele! Send me a text with who you want as a guest! This episode is brought to you by: The Synthetic Grass Store is Family-owned & operated since 2008, we are a nationwide warehouse distributor of wholesale turf. We partner with architects, realtors, contractors, and design professionals to deliver premium turf solutions for any project. .a local family-owned turf wholesale company. We specialize in selling premium quality artificial grass, and we often work with architects to deliver turf for both residential and commercial projects. With a focus on helping folks in AZ conserve water by switching to artificial grass. While we list our pricing on the website, we're happy to work with you to find a great product that also fits within your budget. Call The Synthetic Grass Store today for a free quote at 602-491-2989 AZ Turf Masters is our sister company, specializing in landscape design services such as hardscape, xeriscape, turf installation and putting green installation services. Since 2006, with our team of experts, we’ve been transforming landscapes and building beautiful landscapes across Arizona. Our services include premium artificial grass installations, luxury putting greens, hardscape services, and a full range of innovative design-build solutions for residential and commercial projects. Plus, we can help answer any project questions you have, from ideation to warranty info and more. ROC 234276. Call Arizona Turf Masters today for a free estimate at 480-751-4343. AND FAR 12 STEEL DOORS AND PRODUCTS https://www.far12.com/contacto Ing. Edmundo Parra Robles Teléfono: +52 (662) 210 5364 | Celular: +52 (662) 120 6484FAR 12 - Proyectos y Soluciones Metálicas Pima #43, Col. San Luis Hermosillo, Sonora, México. LINK TO BLOG FOR IMAGES AND TEXT https://inmawomanarchitect.blogspot.com/2025/10/natalia-hayes-of-dust-architects-this.html Natalia Zieman Hayes is a Principal at DUST, an architecture studio in Tucson, Arizona, where she has been working for the past five years. Natalia’s experience spans over 16 years and includes a wide range of project types, scales, and regions. She has overseen projects from initial design concepts through construction and coordinated large teams for complex projects, many of which have been internationally recognized. She is passionate about designing spaces that are conceptual and sensitive, while honoring their connection to the environment and cultural roots. Natalia grew up in Dallas, Texas, and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. Before joining DUST, Natalia spent over a decade working at Studio Rick Joy, where she played a key role in designing and managing the studio’s work and team. Link to MGHarchitect: MIchele Grace Hottel, Architect website for scheduling a consultation for an architecture and design project and guest and podcast sponsorship opportunities: https://www.mgharchitect.com/

September 28, 20251 hr 3 min

Episode 89: Interview w/ Eric Wittman, Architect of Knickerbocker Group & Archinktober

Hi, It's Michele! Send me a text with who you want as a guest! This episode is sponsored by: ALW Inc. "Illuminate the soul" “Yes.” It’s one of our favorite words here at ALW. And we strive to say it often. When you ask for a customized luminaire, need an order shipped by a specific date or have other special requests; our goal is to reply, “Yes, we can do that.” Of course, not every wish can be granted, but we promise to do our very best to find solutions that will meet your needs and those of your clients. And we’ll do so with a smile, timely communication and a steadfast commitment to delivering a world-class customer experience. Phone: (510) 489-2530 Fax: (650) 249-0412 General Inquiries: TalkToUs@alw-inc.com Marketing & Press Inquiries: pr@alw-inc.com LINK TO BLOG FOR IMAGES AND TEXT https://inmawomanarchitect.blogspot.com/2025/09/interview-w-eric-wittman-architect-of.html Eric Wittman, Architect of Knickerbocker Group https://www.knickerbockergroup.com/contact/ and Archinktober https://www.instagram.com/ricow/ has nearly 20 years of experience, and has worked on an array of projects from single-family homes and small retail projects to entire schools and hospitals in Kansas, California and Maine. A thoughtful listener, he appreciates collaborating with clients to understand their wants and seeks to provide creative solutions. An avid sketcher, Eric appreciates that his role allows him to partner with clients throughout the entire design process—from initial sketches to finalized construction documents. Eric is a dedicated member of the design community, he previously served as editor of a state-wide architecture magazine, was the AIA President in Wichita, Kansas, and was on the Architalx Board in Portland, Maine for many years. Eric and his young family are happy to call Maine home and enjoy adventuring throughout the state together. Link to MGHarchitect: MIchele Grace Hottel, Architect website for scheduling a consultation for an architecture and design project and guest and podcast sponsorship opportunities: https://www.mgharchitect.com/