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

Michele Grace Hottel
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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 

  1. 17 AUG

    Episode 86: Interview with Cavin Costello of The Ranch MIne

    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 We are a locally owned and family-operated artificial grass wholesale business, headquartered in North Phoenix, AZ. Since 2008, we've grown our business across the Southwestern USA, with multiple locations in Arizona, California, and now Texas. We offer a wide range of premium quality turf products for both residential and commercial applications, including: lawns, putting greens, dog runs & pet spaces, parks, playgrounds, sports courts, athletic fields, and more. We're known for our exceptional customer service, and providing detailed technical specifications for landscape architects, contractors, landscape designers, interior designers, and other industry professionals. Our team of knowledgeable, friendly turf experts works as a collaborative partner, delivering project-based information, support, and expertise to help bring your design vision to life using premium quality + high-performing turf solutions. Contact us to learn more. (602) 491-2989 or contactus@syntheticgrassstore.com. and Arizona Turf Masters Since 2006, our team has served as Arizona's premier landscape design and installation experts. We are headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, with showroom locations in Mesa, Avondale, and Tucson. Our services include a wide range of residential and commercial landscaping specialties, including: artificial grass installation, hardscape, xeriscape, pavers, pergolas, luxury putting greens, sports courts, playgrounds, condominium rooftops, and much more. We start by taking the time to understand the project vision, working closely with each customer to transform landscapes into beautiful, functional spaces. Contact us to learn more. (480) 751-4343  or contactus@azturfmasters.com. Link to Blog for text and Images: https://inmawomanarchitect.blogspot.com/2025/08/interview-with-cavin-costello-of-ranch.html Cavin Costello is the co-founder of The Ranch Mine, an architecture firm based in Phoenix, Arizona, best known for modern homes that connect people to nature and each other. Since 2010, Cavin, a past recipient of the AIA’s “Future of Architecture” award, has led the design of over 250 projects across four continents, earning international recognition and national awards for his work that reimagines what it means to live well in dynamic natural environments.  From The Ranch Mine website:  https://www.theranchmine.com/ "In 2009, Cavin Costello received his Master of Architecture degree and made the drive to Phoenix, Arizona sight unseen, inspired by the complexities and opportunities to be had in the American Southwest. He had not yet been a full day in Phoenix when he met Claire, a Phoenix native looking to make the most of her recent move back home. The two quickly bonded over their ideals of the built environment, how to improve upon it and its ability to influence. Not settling for a hard hit economy to dictate their next move, the duo decided to act. So, they bought a fixer upper and experienced first hand the trials and tribulations of a major renovation. This renovation landed on the front page of the newspaper, propelling The Ranch Mine into the local spotlight and capturing the attent 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/

    43 min

  2. 6 AUG

    Episode 85: Interview with Peter Pfeiffer, FAIA of Barley Pfeiffer Architects

    Hi, It's Michele! Send me a text with who you want as a guest! This episode is brought to you by: Lutron and Ketra On behalf of Lutron, thanks for listening. If you’d like to learn more about our product portfolio, visit Luxury.Lutron.com. If you are a specifier, you can also download our free Luxury Experience app for design partners on iPad here. Lutron Ketra contact: Alex Tomiczek Sales Supervisor | South Central Residential Systems Consultant – A&D Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. atomiczek@lutron.com (484) 560-7096 AND  Apple for Architects https://appleforarchitects.com/  https://www.facebook.com/appleforarchitects/ https://twitter.com/appleforarch Have you ever wondered what the story was behind Energy Star?  Well listen to this great podcast with Peter Pfeiffer, FAIA Architect of Barley Pfeiffer Architecture and I as we discuss the history of sustainability in the Austin area which became a leading metric for energy savings today.  Link to blog for more text and images: https://inmawomanarchitect.blogspot.com/2025/08/interview-with-peter-pfeiffer-faia-of.html BarleyPfeiffer.com 1800 West 6th Street, Austin, Texas 78703 512.476.8580 https://www.barleypfeiffer.com/  Peter Pfeiffer, FAIA is a renowned architect, building scientist, author, and sustainability pioneer with over four decades of experience. As the founding principal of Barley|Pfeiffer Architecture, he has led the firm to national recognition for its innovative, climate-responsive designs. A passionate advocate for green building, Peter has beennstrumental in shaping industry standards through his le adership roles in government, professional organizations, and academia.  His commitment to making sustainable design accessible to a wider audience has earned him widespread acclaim. With a comprehensive understanding of the built environment, Peter has been published in the Washington Post, New York Times, Fine Homebuilding and featured on the Discovery Channel and National Public Radio. Peter has been honored as the "National Green Advocate of the Year” by the National Association of Homes Builders and named the “Green Superhero of the Year” recently at the International Building 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/

    55 min

  3. 19 JUL

    Episode 84: Interview w/ Stuart Narofsky, FAIA & Jennifer Rusch of Narofsky Architecture

    Hi, It's Michele! Send me a text with who you want as a guest! This episode is brought to you by  Fleetwood Windows & Doors—the premier Southern California–based manufacturer of luxury aluminum windows and doors. Known for exceptional quality, energy efficiency, coastal performance, fire resiliency, and sustainable design, Fleetwood is proud to support communities in need through their Fire Rebuild Program, now available to those affected by the Pacific Palisades fire.  Contact: Fleetwood Windows & Doors 1-800-736-7363  sales@fleetwoodusa.com www.fleetwoodusa.com and: eggersman  Kitchen & Home Living why settle for ordinary when you can experience excellence eggersmann since 1908 Contact: eggersmann USA info@eggersmannusa.com 800.276.1239 eggersmannusa.com This episode with Stuart Narofsky, FAIA and Jennifer Rusch of Narofsky Architecture is part of a series on the Wildfire Rebuild in the Los Angeles and Altadena and Environs  Link to the Blog for more Images and Resources:   https://inmawomanarchitect.blogspot.com/2025/07/stuart-narofsky-and-jennifer-rusch.html https://www.narofsky.com/ Stuart Narofsky, FAIA, is the principal of Narofsky Architecture, a multi- discipline design firm. An AIA member since 1983, he was the recipient of AIA Long Island’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 and a special recognition award in 2023. His projects are highly recognized through AIA Long Island Archi awards and other prestigious national and international design awards. The firm has been regularly featured in national and international publications, movies, tv series and exhibitions. .Dedicated to pro bono service, he was honored by the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County for his work in designing a children’s memorial garden and for the production of an accompanying short film. Stuart has served  on the Advisory board of CRAN (Custom Residential Architects Network) for 14 years and as the CRAN Chair in 2018.  In 2016 Stuart was inducted as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. Jennifer Rusch, managing partner Narofsky Architecture Ms. Rusch joined the firm in 2003. As managing partner, Jennifer’s focus is to create a creative studio environment while capitalizing on emerging talent. She leads the interior design team of the studio collaborating with Stuart and his architectural team in a seamless transition through the various stages of design. Jennifer has worked in various fields in design such as medical, residential, hospitality, retail, and commercial. As well as working in Interior Design, she has experience in Architecture and construction including custom single–family residences, retail stores, and corporate office interiors. Having worked on projects both grand and quaint, Jennifer’s priority is to provide her client with the environment they envision. It is a process in which the client must always remain comfortable, whether the needs be extreme attention to design detain or fast track installation. 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/

    1h 7m

  4. 4 JUL

    Episode 83: Interview with Jonathan Segal, FAIA of Jonathan Segal Architects & Development Co.

    Hi, It's Michele! Send me a text with who you want as a guest! TODAY’S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY AWAKE DOORS AND WINDOWS " Less Us, More View" Elevate your designs with Awake Window & Door Co.—where precision engineering meets inspired architecture. Awake’s minimal-profile, customizable window and door systems frame views, sculpt light, and deliver stunning aesthetics, all crafted from architectural-grade materials. But Awake’s more than products. It's built on a social mission to create second-chance employment and foster a culture of gratitude, ownership, and learning. When you specify Awake, you partner with a team that values people as much as performance. Join architects who trust Awake to realize their vision with clean lines, sustainable excellence, and purpose-driven craftsmanship. Learn more at awakewdc.com and discover “Less Us, More View”. Link to blog for more text and images:  https://inmawomanarchitect.blogspot.com/2025/07/interview-w-jonathan-segal-faia-of.html  Jonathan Segal, FAIA & Development Company Jonathan Segal FAIA & Development Company has been awarded six national AIA Honor Awards for their housing work. They have been responsible for the design and development of over 300 medium to high-density urban residential, mixed use, and live/work units totaling over 300,000 square feet of construction. Segal is considered one of San Diego, California's most successful and pioneering residential architectural/development companies and has a reputation for providing superior housing at a lower cost than comparable properties. Their focus is exclusively on urban projects, ranging from 80 to 160 dwelling units per acre. Segal has been the recipient of numerous accolades including 40 local, state and national AIA awards for residential and Urban Design. Over the past twenty years, Segal has created and modeled the unique practice of "Architect as Developer", a prototype in which the architect has the ability to become the owner, therefore eliminating the client and the general contractor from the design and building process. Segal teaches this concept of "Architect as Developer" in an online video course for architects. You can learn more about the Architect as Developer course at the link.. Jonathan Segal FAIA is also available to serve as an expert witness for development disputes, construction defect litigation, and condemnation law. Learn more about his expert witness services at the link. https://www.jonathansegalarchitect.com/ 3000 Upas St. #101 San Diego, CA 92104 (619) 955-5397 10 Best Women in Architecture Podcasts You Must Follow in 2025 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/

    1 hr

  5. 29 JUN

    Episode 82: Interview w/ Mani Farhadi, Assoc AIA of Stanford University School of Medicine: Senior Planner

    Hi, It's Michele! Send me a text with who you want as a guest! This Episode is sponsored by BIBI: Banou in the Building Industry: 1. Anosha Zanjani: Mindful Insights Consulting; anosha.zanjani@columbia.edu; https://www.whitehallmfg.com/blog/anosha-zanjanis-design-revolution;  2. Bahi Oreizy: 360 Design Studio; bahi@360designstudio.net; https://www.360designstudio.net/;  3. Marzi Emami: Kohan Group; marzi@kohaninc.com; https://kohaninc.com/; 4. Elmira Alamdari: M+A Studio; elmira@mplusa-studio.com; https://www.mplusa-studio.com/;  5. PariSima Hassani: WestGroup Design; parisimah@westgroupdesigns.com; https://westgroupdesigns.com/;  6. Rudabeh (Rudy) Pakravan: Sidell Pakravan Studio; rudabeh@sidellpakravan.com; https://www.sidellpakravan.com/; 7. Sepideh (Sepi) Amin: SA Studio; sepie.amin@gmail.com; https://sastudio.design/ See the link to the blog for more of their information and Text and  Images of Mani's 3 Claasic Buildings and my thoughts... https://inmawomanarchitect.blogspot.com/2025/06/Ive never met a woman architect beofre blog... with Michele Grace Hottel Architect Mani Farhadi.html Mani Ardalan Farhadi Associate AIA, LEED AP Senior Facilities Planner https://linktr.ee/manifarhadi A global thinker and creative thought leader, Mani Ardalan Farhadi’s experience spans three decades of design and planning for places of learning. Mani is a Senior Planner at Stanford University, in the School of Medicine. Her passion is focused on creating inclusive environments, in combination with her extensive planning skills. Her expertise is in designing from the inside-out through cultural and human-centered principles. Using collaborative skills, she is instrumental in developing interdisciplinary initiatives and emerging strategies. Described as ‘the client in the room”, Mani’s keen ability to listen builds consensus within user group settings. Leveraging her perspective, Mani ha 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/

    46 min

  6. 15 JUN

    Episode 81: Interview w/ Christian Nielsen-of Palacios of OPUS 2, LLC, "The Grouchy Architect"

    Hi, It's Michele! Send me a text with who you want as a guest! This special #FathersDay 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 https://www.facebook.com/thegrouchyarchitect Phone: 607-319-3150 info@thegrouchyarchitect.com Link to blog for text and  images: https://inmawomanarchitect.blogspot.com/2025/06/christian-nielsenpalacios-grouchy.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 documentsTechnical specification writingMentorship for architects, especially those in small firmsTranslation and proofreading services in English and SpanishChristian is active online under the moniker “The Grouchy Architect” (Google him!) where he shares insights on architectural practice, quality control, and professional development.   He also maintains a presence on LinkedIn, where he engages with the architectural community, and on Facebook, sharing both professional and personal content. Christian was featured on the Immigrant Architects Coalition Podcast, discussing his journey from Venezuela to the U.S., his experiences in the architectural field, and his transition into consulting. The episode, titled “How I Became The Grouchy Architect”, provides valuable insights into his career and philosophy. His Master's thesis at Cornell University focused on the evolution of architectural education, particularly Cornell University's shift from Beaux-Arts to Modernism between 1928 and 1950. This research underscores his deep interest in the historical context of architectural practices. 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/

    1h 2m

  7. 5 JUN

    Episode 80: Interview w/ Nicole Cannon, AIA of NCA Studio Inc.

    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 a series on the Wildfire Rebuild in the Los Angeles and Altadena and Environs Link to the Blog for more Images and Resources:   LINK TO BLOG: https://inmawomanarchitect.blogspot.com/2025/06/interview-with-nichole-cannon-aia-of.html Nicole Cannon, AIA, is the founder of NCA Studio Inc., bringing over twenty years of expertise in design, construction, and management to her practice. Her architectural experience spans hospitality, commercial, education, retail, broadcast, and residential sectors. Nicole is passionate about enhancing quality of life through creative problem-solving and innovative design, from initial concept to final construction. She is dedicated to creating remarkable spaces with practical, sustainable, and imaginative solutions.  Before founding NCA Studio in 2013, Nicole led award-winning, multi-million dollar projects at renowned firms such as Clive Wilkinson Architects, Marmol Radziner + Associates, Pugh + Scarpa, and Osborn Architects. She honed her expertise in single-family homes, offices, restaurants, broadcast facilities, and schools, contributing to numerous high-profile projects including KCRW Radio Station at Santa Monica College, Paperfish Restaurant in Beverly Hills for the Patina Group, Maguire Partners Headquarters in Santa Monica, and Fenton Primary (K-2) Center in Pacoima, CA, as well as several high-end residential projects. Nicole holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin.  Deeply embedded in the greater Los Angeles community, Nicole has explored how spaces can bring people together and improve quality of life. Her practice and professional associations reflect her passions for sustainable design and leadership. She is a licensed California architect and an active member of AIA, International Interior Design Association, NCARB, and the Association for Women in Architecture + Design. She is also a former chair of the AIA Committee on the Environment.  Nicole has spoken on Sustainable Design at Highrise Networks and the Dwell on Design Conference, received numerous architectural awards, and been nominated for the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Women’s Leadership Award as well as list in their Women of Influence 2025. Through her work, she continues to explore and advocate for sustainable, community-focused design that fosters connection and enhances everyday life   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/

    1h 9m

  8. 27 MAY

    Episode 79: Interview w/ AWA Arizona Women Architects w/ Joanna McBride & Nick Tsontakis

    Hi, It's Michele! Send me a text with who you want as a guest! Podcast w/ AWA: Arizona Women Architects, a new venture that will be coming out soon promoting Arizona Women Architects doing work in Residential and Commercial Architecture. Join Joanna McBride Tammen + Rose Architecture & Nick Tsontakis of Tsontakis Architects as we talk about this newest publication that will include work from Women in Architecture through their own words, drawings, photographs and other forms of creative expression and sponsorship from our Industry Partners. To become and industry partner please contact: Joanna McBride:  email:  joanna@trarchitect.com phone: 480-467-8006 website: tammenrosearchitecture.com IG: @tammenrose    Nick Tsontkis email: nickt@apnpub.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/

    27 min
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About

"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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