Dialogues in Design

Nikita Daptardar
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education
  • Updated weekly

A podcast for young design professionals for navigating early career decisions. Listen to some esteemed and experienced career professionals talk about their early days to get inspired and motivated on your career journey!

  1. 13 hr ago

    Optimism, Confidence and Careers in Architecture | Chris Simmons

    Architecture is often surrounded by conversations about long hours, low salaries, and uncertainty. But what if we shifted the focus towards optimism, confidence, and taking control of our careers? In this episode of Dialogues in Design, I sit down with Chris—architect, mentor, content creator, and podcast host—to explore what it really takes to build a meaningful career in architecture. We talk about:• How Chris went from a traditional architectural career to building a personal brand• The importance of mentors and learning through meaningful relationships• Overcoming shyness and developing confidence as a professional skill• Building an authentic online presence as an architect• Why niching down can help you stand out• The skills every architect should develop for the future of the profession• Why communication may be your greatest career advantage• Chris's honest advice for students and young graduates entering architecture today Whether you're an architecture student, recent graduate, or practicing architect, this conversation is packed with practical insights on designing not just buildings, but your own career. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could benefit from the conversation. 🎙️ Dialogues in Design is a podcast exploring the journeys, ideas, and insights of architects, designers, and creative professionals to inspire the next generation.

    41 min

  2. 22 Jun

    When Culture Shapes Spaces | Ayush Hazare

    In this episode, Nikita has a dialogue with Ayush Hazare, to explore architecture as a deeply cultural and human practice. We discuss Indigenous knowledge systems, decolonial education, and how design can emerge from lived realities, memory, and place. A conversation about learning from communities, and rethinking what it means to design for people. Ayush Hazare is an architect, independent researcher, and academician whose work focuses on Indigenous knowledge systems, culturally responsive architecture, and socially driven design practices. He is the Asia Regional Winner of the Global Undergraduate Awards (GUA), Dublin 2024, for his research on revitalizing tribal Ashram schools in Gadchiroli through culturally rooted educational spaces. His research exploring Gond tribal learning systems, decolonial education, heritage, sustainability, and participatory design has been published and presented at platforms including JIIA, SPA Delhi, IIA ANVESHAN (Springer Scopus Indexed), ICBE Haryana, FEMINARCH’25, ACAH Tokyo 2026, and international academic engagements associated with Cardiff University. Alongside practice and research, he has actively contributed to workshops, exhibitions, heritage documentation projects, academic seminars, and community initiatives focused on architecture, culture, and social impact. He has received recognitions including the Gunwanth Vidhyarthi Gold Medal for Academic & Research Excellence, Star Student Researcher by the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), and Best Research Paper Award at BVDU COA Pune.

    43 min

  3. 15 Jun

    Tools, Technology and Design | Moritz Rietschel

    In this episode of Dialogues in Design, I speak with Moritz Rietschel, co-founder of Raven, a company working at the frontier of AI capabilities and CAD. His work builds on research at UC Berkeley exploring how early large language models can be integrated into CAD as AI collaborative tools, alongside work in robotic fabrication. In our conversation, we explore the evolving relationship between computation and architecture, and how emerging technologies are reshaping design practice. Moritz shares his perspective on AI as a supportive tool that expands creative possibilities while reinforcing the architect’s responsibility in shaping outcomes. We also discuss the broader impact of computational design and how these tools are changing the way designers think and work.

    30 min

  4. 1 Jun

    Architecture without intention is dangerous | Nicolas Turchi

    In this episode of Dialogues in Design: Early Career Conversations, I speak with architect, educator, researcher, and founder of NTAR, Nicolas Turchi. Nicolas shares his journey from architecture school in Italy to working with great architects, before establishing his own research-driven practice and pursuing a parallel career in academia. Together, we discuss: • How architecture education differs from professional practice• Lessons learned from working in internationally renowned firms• The challenges of starting an architectural practice• Building and managing a remote global team• Why mindset is important• The impact of AI and emerging technologies on architecture• What students and graduates can do to prepare for the future of the profession One of the central themes of this conversation is the idea that architects should never stop learning. As Nicolas explains, architecture is not a sprint but a marathon, and curiosity, adaptability, and critical thinking remain some of the most valuable skills a designer can develop. Whether you're a student, recent graduate, or practicing architect, this episode offers valuable insights into building a meaningful and resilient career in architecture. If you enjoyed this episode, consider liking, subscribing, and sharing it with someone navigating the early years of their architectural career.

    39 min

  5. 25 May

    Designing a career that fits you | Erin Pellegrino

    In this episode of Dialogues in Design: Early Career Conversations, Nikita talks to Erin Pellegrino. Erin Pellegrino is a registered architect, educator, and co-founder of Out of Architecture: a career platform and community helping architects understand and expand their value within and beyond traditional practice. Through Matter, her design and fabrication studio, Erin maintains an active practice focused on small-scale, process-driven work involving custom furniture, public interventions, and residential design/build projects that move fluidly between concept and craft. She has taught at Cornell University, Harvard, The New School, CUNY, and NJIT, where she co-leads a design/build program focused on public interest design. Her work has been recognized with an Autodesk BuildSpace Fellowship, an AIA New England Design Honor Award, multiple Core77 Design Awards, two Architizer A+ Awards, and a nomination for the EU Mies van der Rohe Award. Through honest stories and thoughtful insights, Erin shares why emerging professionals should embrace experimentation, stay adaptable, and trust that there is more than one way to practice design.

    41 min

  6. 17 May

    Passing the torch in Architecture | Tim Ung

    In this episode, Nikita speaks with Tim Ung, a New York–based architect whose professional work focuses on behavioral health facilities and whose parallel YouTube practice explores conceptual residential design. The conversation traces Tim’s journey from uncertainty in architectural education to developing a clear, human-centred approach to practice grounded in empathy, communication, and mentorship. Tim reflects on the challenges of architectural jargon, the importance of learning to guide conversations with clients and stakeholders, and the value of understanding how spaces affect the people who use them. He discusses how designing psychiatric centres shaped his sensitivity to user experience, and how his independent design explorations help him remain connected to the joy of creativity. At its core, this episode examines professional growth, responsibility, and the importance of passing knowledge forward, offering meaningful insights for emerging architects navigating the early stages of their careers.

    47 min

  7. 11 May

    Designing your network | Mahesh Bangad

    Ar. Mahesh Rameshwar Bangad is an Associate Professor at BNCA. He is a registered PhD Scholar at SPPU. He has a Masters in Environmental Architecture, A post graduation in Project Management from UK and a Diploma In Indian Art & Architecture. He is the current Chairman of AESA and an EC Member of IIA Pune Centre and INTACH Pune Chapter.In this conversation, we talk about how Mahesh has built an network throughout his career and sustained it for so many years. We also spoke about the skills he built beyond the drawing board and how he is passing it on to the next generations.Tune in to listen to the entire conversation!

    30 min

  8. 4 May

    A healthy way to practice Architecture | Morgan Chawaga

    Morgan Chawaga is a career and business coach and the founder of The Healthy Architect, dedicated to helping CEO architects create MORE IMPACT and MORE INCOME. Through her evidence-based coaching, Morgan has successfully guided architects to become true firm owners and leaders, 2.5x their revenue in less than 6 months, create +20% profit margins, and lead people with integrity, all while achieving 32-hour work weeks. With a focus on leadership and delegation, she empowers her clients to thrive both personally and professionally.Through her coaching, CEO architects are making and living MORE.Instagram: @the_healthy_architect_Facebook: Morgan ChawagaWebsite: www.thehealthyarchitect.orgPodcast: The Healthy Architect, LCCBook A Consultation Call: https://thehealthyarchitect.as.me/schedule/053cc6f5/appointment/85359693/calendar/9380246?appointmentTypeIds%5B%5D=85359693

    20 min
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About

A podcast for young design professionals for navigating early career decisions. Listen to some esteemed and experienced career professionals talk about their early days to get inspired and motivated on your career journey!

Information

  • Creator
    Nikita Daptardar
  • Years Active
    2k
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Nikita Daptardar
  • Show Website
    Dialogues in Design