XX:LA Architects Podcast, Los Angeles, CA (2026)

12/01/2022

Surprise episode 2! I’m bringing you a set of mini-stories that were taped live at the AWA 100th Building Our Legacy event on September 10, 2022 at the Henrybuilt showroom in LA’s art district. This event not only celebrated AWA+D’s 100 year anniversary, but also focused on how we can preserve the legacies of women in architecture—especially our own legacies. As we know, too often women’s work was historically unrecognized, erased, and forgotten, and we lose so much by not being able to access this information. We can’t keep repeating this mistake!
For example, Christina Morris from the National Trust for Historic Preservation gave a presentation on Where Women Made History, an effort to bring more recognition and respect to women’s achievements. One of the projects she highlighted was Azurest South, the home of Amaza Lee Meredith, significant as it was designed by a black q***r woman architect for her and her partner Dr. Edna Meade Colson. I didn’t know about Amaza Lee Meredith, but I feel like we all should know more about her.
The legacy event was coordinated with the International Archive of Women in Architecture (IAWA), which holds the official archive for at .tech . The main takeaway from the event was how important it is to document our work, and we should all consider submitting work to the IAWA, not just when we’re at the end of our careers, but even along the way. On that note, we set up a recording booth at the event with a few prompts, hoping to capture short stories and mini-interviews from event attendees, and this recorded material is being released on this podcast, as well as being sent to the IAWA as part of the AWA legacy. The women featured in this recording are: Virginia Tanzmann, Sona Gevorkyan, Alicia Morales, Beatriz Navarro, Christina Monti, Christie Wang, Stefanie Cheng, Danielle De Young, Anne Zimmerman, Koje Shoraka, Michelle Weisman, Magdalena Glen-Schieneman, and podcast host Audrey Sato.

11/29/2022

Surprise! I’m back! 😁 I’ve emerged from what I’ll call “archi-mom hibernation” (which I admit is a misnomer since it has nothing to do with rest) to produce a couple of special episodes celebrating the 100th birthday of my favorite architecture/design organization,
This episode features an interview with Barbara Elwood, who served three terms as Madame President in 1960, 1962, and 1996, besides serving in many other capacities on the AWA+D board over the years. Barbara enrolled in USC Architecture’s Industrial Design program in 1952, and was the only woman in her class by the end of the first semester. It’s so fascinating to hear about her experiences, and especially about AWA’s history through her recollections.
Stay tuned for another special episode drop coming soon!

08/02/2021

This episode is going to be a little bit of a different one, because the roles are reversed! Annie Chu who is featured in Episode 31, graciously offered to interview me for this episode.
I also have big news to share: I’m going to become a mother in a couple of months. I’ll have my hands full keeping a little human and small business alive, so this will be the last podcast episode, at least for now. We’ve had a pretty amazing run, and I am so very thankful for every person I’ve been able to meet through podcasting. So while I am saying goodbye for now, I look forward to continuing to see you all at events, and hearing from you.

05/06/2021

DESIGN IS POLITICAL
2021 AWA+D Virtual Symposium & AWAF Awards

Friday, May 14th from 9:30am - 12:30pm and
Friday, May 21st from 9:30am - 12:30pm

As contributors to the built environment, our actions directly impact society in ways that can unite or divide, invite or exclude, inspire or constrain. Getting seats at the table, equal opportunities to advance, and closing the leadership gap are of paramount importance in the design professions. As design becomes a reality, it is also critical to better understand and advocate for the communities we seek to serve.

In an effort to recognize the many ways Design is Political, as well as amplify the diverse voices that can enrich the conversation, AWA+D’s 2021 Symposium will expand these exchanges across speakers ranging from politicians and activists to designers and students.

Visit link tree for more info

05/04/2021

Episode 034 is available now, and if you love stories about entrepreneurs, this one is for you! Karin Liljegren is founder and principal of Omgivning , an architecture and interior design firm whose practice is rooted in a love for the extraordinary urban fabric of downtown Los Angeles. Karin is an architect and interior designer, and founded Omgivning in 2009, just as the recession was threatening to halt downtown’s resurgence. To date, she and her staff have worked on almost 350 projects in Los Angeles, seeking to restore downtown’s purpose while helping to define its new identity. I’m constantly impressed by Karin’s go-getter attitude and entrepreneurial talents, which you’ll hear more about in this episode, as she talks about the way she purposefully designed her collaborative practice, and continues to evolve it beyond architecture, incorporating interiors, product design, and even real estate development into her operations.

04/01/2021

My latest interview features a conversation with Tracy Stone and Abbi Naylor of . Tracy is the principal of Tracy A. Stone Architect and founder of the Elysian Valley Arts Collective. What strikes me most about Tracy is her dedication to being an active architect-participant in her community, and the way she clearly cares about the people around her, whether these are her clients, neighbors, or employees. During our conversation, we touch on topics like designing an architecture practice, mentorship and licensure, community involvement, and sustainability.

01/31/2021

I'm so happy to kick off the year by focusing on sustainability and speaking with an expert in the field. Eera Babtiwale is Vice President of at HMC Architects, a mother of 3, a board member of Designing Futures Foundation, and Chair of USGBC Los Angeles - Inland Empire Branch. Eera was nominated to be a guest on the show by her co-worker. Even though I had never met Eera, as I started preparing for our interview, I realized that we had a lot of really awesome people in common! When asked about Eera, her co-workers talk about how she is “genuinely passionate”, “wonderful” and “a champion of sustainability”. After getting to know her, I agree wholeheartedly!
In this episode, we’ll hear from Eera about what her position as Vice President of Sustainability means. Besides talking about sustainable design principles and the evolution of green building in our field, we also get to talk about her “why”- the motivating forces behind how and why she was able to cultivate a brand-new position for herself within her firm.

12/01/2020

Episode 31 is available now! Audrey talks with Annie Chu, FAIA, IIDA, about her mentors, influences and development as an architect, the "invisible work" of design, challenges of teaching while practicing, and the discrimination against interior designers in our field.
Annie Chu is an architect, interior designer, educator, and a founding principal of the award-winning firm Chu+Gooding Architects. Annie is an alumnus of SCI-Arc and Columbia, and trained for 11 years with Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects in New York and Frank Israel in Beverly Hills before starting her own practice in 1996. Chu+Gooding Architects works on projects of many scales, from design of objects to residential homes, to exhibition design, and world-class arts, cultural, and higher education projects. LA locals will be familiar with the Hollywood Bowl Concession stands, the Autry Resource Center addition and renovation, and USC’s Hoffman Hall interior renovation, just to name a few projects. One of the things I admire about Annie is her impact upon our profession, on top of her firm’s achievements. Annie champions Interior Architecture as a distinct and emerging discipline, and received the Leadership Award of Excellence from IIDA SoCal in 2014. She also received the Presidential Honoree Educator Award from AIA|LA in 2016 and has dedicated 30 years to teaching. She serves on the City of Los Angeles’ Cultural Affairs Commission, AIA Interior Architecture Advisory Group, Contract Magazine’s editorial advisory board, and numerous design award juries, and has been Vice President on IIDA International Board of Directors and Board Director to AIA|LA.

11/01/2020

We’re back, folks! After a pandemic-induced break, it’s a pleasure to kick off new episodes with guest Lise Bornstein, architect and partner at KFA Architecture. I feel like this interview is long-overdue, because Lise is someone who I have a ton of respect for, and feel lucky to call a mentor and a friend. Lise graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture and received her Masters of Architecture from SCI-Arc. Lise joined KFA in 2001, and was elevated to the role of partner in 2016. Lise gives back to her community in many ways, she is on the board of Step up on Second and just became president of AWAF, the Association for Women in Architecture Foundation. AWAF kickstarted this podcast through their Professional Development Fellowship, not only through funding, but also by offering a network of supporters. You can support fellowship projects for mid-career professionals, and scholarships for highly deserving young women through a tax deductible donation to AWAF or participate in their fundraising auction the first two weeks in December. Please visit awaplusd.org/foundation to learn more.

06/22/2020

During the pandemic, I know my podcast has taken a backseat. But I’ve been heavily involved in the planning of AWA+D’s virtual Symposium, and I’m so proud of the lineup we have planned. So please think of this as an even better, live alternative to my show, and you can attend and participate in it for free! I look forward to seeing you all there!
・・・
DESIGNING FOR RESILIENCE: VIRTUAL SUMMER SYMPOSIUM & AWAF AWARDS "The only constant in life is change." -Heraclitus

Already an important topic in architecture and design before 2020, resilience has only become more essential in light of the C-19 crisis and civil upheaval currently rocking our nation. For communities, resilience—the ability to survive, adapt and grow no matter the chronic stresses and acute shocks—now not only includes climate change and natural disasters, but also physical and psychological wellness, recovery from economic turmoil, and improving cohesion and empathy in the wake of profound social injustice. For women in architecture and design, resilience can also be considered on a more personal level, and is nothing new. Throughout our careers, we have to be professionally and personally resilient as we hit both milestones and pinch points.
Our summer series will address resilience from micro to macro. We are also partnering with the AWAF to showcase scholarship and fellowship winners.

To register: Click on the LinkTree link in the group description.

04/21/2020

How is everyone doing? I just realized my diy hand-sewn face mask is on brand with the podcast! Pink bra straps and ✖️✖️cross-stitches! Heck ya!
Little side projects are keeping me busy, and keeping my mind off of depressing and overwhelming thoughts.

04/13/2020

Our latest episode is a unique two-part episode featuring conversations with Helena Arahuete. Helena started working for John Lautner in 1971 and rose to the role of Chief Architect in his office. She continues today as Principal of Lautner Associates, most recently completing the restoration of the Bob and Dolores Hope House in Palm Springs.
I first met Helena at Palm Springs Modernism Week in February. Part 1 is an edited recording of interviews she did with eighth graders from Ms. Patton’s class at the St. Theresa Catholic School. Part 2 is my follow up with Helena after we returned home to Los Angeles.

XX:LA Architects Podcast

12/01/2022

11/29/2022

08/02/2021

05/06/2021

05/04/2021

04/01/2021

01/31/2021

12/01/2020

11/01/2020

06/22/2020

04/21/2020

04/13/2020

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