Designing Business For Architects | A Blueprint For Stronger Architectural Practice WIth Rachel Gresham AIA, MBA AB Ep 23

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Join us for a compelling conversation with Rachel Gresham, AIA Senior Director of Professional Practice, as we explore the pivotal role of business skills and professional development in elevating architectural practices. Rachel shares her journey from designing impactful community projects to advocating for equity-centered workplace cultures and practice management across the AEC industry. Discover how business acumen, mentorship, and organizational culture are crucial to the success of modern architects and firms alike.

Key Topics Covered:

  • The personal journey of growth in architecture
  • Developing business skills alongside design expertise
  • The importance of workplace culture for retention and recruitment
  • Insights from Rachel’s MBA research on organizational structures in the architecture industry
  • How firms can better support equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives
  • Practical tips for emerging architects looking to advance their careers

Guest Speaker:

Rachel R. Gresham, AIA, MBA, WELL AP, CDT

Rachel is a Nashville-based Registered Architect and the Senior Director of Professional Practice at the American Institute of Architects (AIA). With a decade of experience managing $40+ million construction projects and a passion for mentoring emerging professionals, Rachel advocates for better workplace cultures, practice management, and social justice across the architecture profession. She is also a thought leader on organizational culture and equity within the AEC industry.

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Architecture Beyond is an exciting new podcast about life after architecture and the stories of those taking their gifts to impact the world beyond the studio. This is our first series of episodes, and we’re interested in your feedback. Are there some topics you would like to hear, or are you interested in being a guest? Go to Iamthestudio.com and click on ArchBeyond in the menu for more information.

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