Episode Overview In this inspiring episode of Architecture Beyond, host Brandon Aaron Gibbs, AIA, NOMA sits down with entrepreneur, community builder, and wellness advocate Chris Goode—whose mission-driven work is reshaping how cities think about health, design, and equitable public spaces. Chris recently shared his story for Paseo Stairs Project at the 2025 NOMA KC Convention, joining Populous leaders Al Harris and Ashley Renfro on a powerful panel exploring design, community heritage, and public good. This episode continues that conversation, diving deeper into how architecture and wellness intersect in transformative ways. From founding Ruby Jean’s Juicery in honor of his grandmother to reimagining civic spaces through creative partnerships—including Populous and the iconic Paseo Stairs project—Chris demonstrates what it means to design with purpose, empathy, and cultural impact. What We Discuss in This Episode 1. The Mission Behind Ruby Jean’s How personal loss inspired Chris to champion health equity in underserved communities. 2. The Built Environment & Health Why architecture, public spaces, and community identity directly shape wellness and opportunity. 3. Continuing the NOMA KC Conversation Insights carried forward from Chris’s 2025 panel with Populous leaders Al Harris and Ashley Renfro on design equity and public impact. 4. The Paseo Stairs Project A visionary example of community-centered revitalization—combining art, architecture, and storytelling. 5. Lessons for Designers & Architects Advice for emerging professionals on using design to strengthen communities and create meaningful, lasting change. Meet the Guest — Chris Goode Entrepreneur • Community Health Advocate • Founder of Ruby Jean’s Juicery Chris Goode’s work sits at the intersection of mission, wellness, and design. His ventures honor his late grandmother, Ruby Jean, and advocate for healthier futures in communities that have been historically underserved. His leadership extends beyond business—into public space activation, cultural restoration, and partnerships with architects and designers shaping the next era of equitable cities. Learn more about Chris and his work: Ruby Jean’s Juicery – https://www.rubyjeansjuicery.com/ Ruby Jean Foundation – https://www.rubyjeansfoundation.com/ The Paseo Stairs – https://www.thepaseostairs.com/ IG– @genuinejuiceguy Episode Sponsor — CDP Architecture This episode is proudly sponsored by CDP Architecture, a firm dedicated to creating thoughtful, and well crafted environments across civic, education, sports, and community spaces. https://www.cdparchitecture.com/ Watch video episode on our site here: Architecture Beyond is where architects, designers, and creative thinkers share the stories shaping life and impact beyond the studio. Since launching, we’ve released dozens of inspiring episodes and grown into a global community of listeners who care about architecture’s role in the world. We’d love to hear from you—what topics inspire you most, or who you’d like to see as a guest. If you’re interested in sharing your own story on the show, visit Iamthestudio.com and click ArchBeyond in the menu. Join the conversation and help us continue building a platform that elevates architects everywhere. Sponsored by iamthestudio architecture software courses (site here).
