podcast
the Storytelling side
of mentorDINO
The podcast side of mentorDINO is a way to have conversations with professionals in and around the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Their own perspective on the AEC industry to share the multiple side and boost empathy. And finally sharing advice for others!
- Career Experiences
- Career Transitions
- Pivots
- Specializations
- Advice for Others
- and more!
You could have a career in BUILDING & ROOFING SCIENCE with Jennifer Keegan Jennifer Keegan, Director of Building and Roofing Science at GAF, shares her career journey and insights into the building science industry. She discusses her education background and how she transitioned from architecture…
Resilience Design is People, Adaptable, and Sustainable with Illya Azaroff. Illya Azaroff, architect and founding principal at +Lab Architects PLLC, shares his career journey and experiences in the architecture industry. He discusses his background growing up in Nebraska and his decision to move overseas to…
MENTAL HEALTH for ALL design professionals with Mike LaValley Mike LaValley, an architect and associate at Trautman Associates, shares his journey from education to his current career. He discusses his passion for architecture and design, his experiences working at different firms, and the importance of…
Tara Pakler, a Specification Sales at LaFace McGovern Associates, shares her journey in the lighting industry. She started in commercial design but fell in love with lighting while working in a lighting showroom. Tara discusses the process of lighting restoration and the importance of understanding…
In this episode, Bob Bailey, an architect and specifications writer, shares his career journey and advice for young professionals. He discusses his transition to becoming a full-time specifier and the enjoyment he finds in writing specifications. Bob emphasizes the importance of specifications in projects and…
Paul Steidl, architect and co-founder of Build Casa, shares his journey from working in architecture firms to starting his own company. He discusses the importance of internships, pursuing a dual degree, and the value of working before completing a master’s degree. Paul emphasizes the significance…
In this episode, civil engineer Luis Duque discusses his career path and experience as a bridge engineer. He explains the different branches of civil engineering and how civil and structural engineers work together on bridge projects. He also provides insights into the certification process for…
Mandy Freeland, an architect, educator, and firm owner. Mandy shares her educational journey, starting with an associate’s degree in architecture and later obtaining a bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations. She discusses her experience working for a design-built company and the valuable insights she…
Alyce Anderson, CEO and founder of Wonderstruck, discusses her background in construction and how it led her to start her own marketing firm in the AEC industry. She emphasizes the importance of technical knowledge and project management skills in AEC marketing. Alyce also highlights the…
Dani Schroeder, a transportation engineer, shares her journey and experiences in the field of civil engineering. She discusses the different avenues within transportation engineering, the education process for civil engineering, and the steps to becoming a professional engineer. Dani also highlights the collaboration with other…
Beresford Pratt, Senior Design Manager of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, shares his career journey as an architect and his involvement in various organizations such as NOMA, United Way, and AIA. He discusses his pivot from private to public sector, the importance of creative…
Steve Albert, Senior Project Manager at UPMC, shares his journey from being an architect in a firm to working on the owner side. He discusses the factors that influenced his decision to make the transition and highlights the importance of being open to different project…
Melody Fontenot, a licensed architect and senior specifications writer, discusses her journey to becoming a spec writer and her current role at Conspectus Incorporated. She explains the features and benefits of Conspectus Cloud, a software platform for editing and collaborating on specifications. Melody emphasizes the…
What does a building Electrical Engineer do? Nick Votaw, an electrical engineer, shares his career path and the importance of hands-on experience in the field. He discusses the process of becoming a licensed electrical engineer and offers advice for those studying for the professional engineering…
Corey Squire, associate principal and sustainability director at BORA Architects, discusses his journey in architecture and sustainability. He shares his experience working in sustainability consulting and his current role at BORA. Corey also talks about his recently published book, ‘People, Planet, Design,’ which provides a…
Edmond Gauvreau, Chief Planning Branch Installation Readiness Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, discusses his role and the work of the Corps in facility planning and development. He shares his journey in the federal government and the challenges of working in the bureaucracy….
Welcome to the mentorDINO Interview Series! Ty Osbaugh, an aviation leader and principal at Gensler, shares his journey in specializing in aviation design. He discusses his early projects, the challenges in aviation work, and the impact of 9/11 on aviation design. Ty also talks about…
Welcome to the mentorDINO Interview Series! Alexandra Chavez, project manager at Restructure Studio, shares her journey as an architect and a working mom. She discusses the challenges and joys of balancing work and parenthood, the importance of finding mentors both within and outside of…