Architecture is not only shaped by buildings. It is shaped by memory, mentorship, authorship, and the voices that help define who belongs in the profession. In this episode of Architecture Beyond, Brandon Gibbs sits down with architect, academic, and writer Christian Joosse for Part I of a two-part conversation centered on her path into architecture and the deeper foundations behind Letters to Ms. 1000. Christian is the editor, co-author, and curator behind Letters to Ms. 1000: Words of Wisdom from African American Women Architects, Vol. 1, a book created to share encouragement and mentorship through the lived experiences of Black women architects. This first conversation begins before the book. We talk about Christian’s background in architecture, the role writing has played in her life since childhood, and how design, research, and storytelling began to intersect in her work. As an architect at Moody Nolan and an educator working across multiple disciplines, her perspective offers a powerful reminder that architecture can reach far beyond traditional practice. Essentials In Part I This episode is for architects, students, emerging professionals, mentors, and anyone interested in how personal voice and professional impact come together.In Part I, you’ll hear: how Christian’s architectural journey took shape why writing became an important parallel to design what it means to build a career that includes practice, teaching, and advocacyWhy come back for Part II Part II is where the larger message comes fully into focus. In the next episode, we go deeper into Letters to Ms. 1000 itself: the purpose behind the title, the journey of gathering and curating voices, the significance of self-publishing, and why mentorship and representation remain essential to the future of architecture. The book is described as a collection of wisdom from African American women architects intended to mentor and encourage the next generation, and Part II explores that mission more directly. If Part I gives you the origin, Part II delivers the full impact. Learn more about Letters to Ms. 1000 You can explore the book and learn more through the official Letters to Ms. 1000 site here: https://empowering1000.wixsite.com/letters-to-ms--1000 You can also follow the project on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/letterstoms.1000/ This episode is supported by CDP Architecture. Thank you to CDP Architecture for supporting thoughtful conversations around design, community, leadership, and the future of the profession. https://www.cdparchitecture.com/ Related episodes to keep listening If this conversation resonates with you, continue with these Architecture Beyond episodes on impact, leadership, and service: 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).
