Beyond the Surface

Beyond the Surface
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Beyond the Surface is a Chicago based architecture and design podcast highlighting unique voices in architecture and design. The podcast focuses on stories from designers to uncover who they are beyond the surface; it is a platform for meaningful conversations that spark innovation, challenge assumptions, and open new ways of thinking about the future of design. It serves as a space where listeners can learn from the personal experiences of designers and be inspired to grow in their own paths.

  1. 32: Gabriel Ignacio Dziekiewicz | Design Legacy

    JAN 19

    32: Gabriel Ignacio Dziekiewicz | Design Legacy

    In this episode, we sit down with Gabriel Ignacio Dziekiewicz, president and principal in charge of design at DesignBridge, an award-winning Chicago-based architecture firm with nearly four decades of history. The conversation covers Gabriel’s family story, including his father’s journey in architecture and founding DesignBridge, and Gabriel’s personal discovery in architecture as he moved towards leading the firm and carrying on his father’s legacy.

    40 min
  2. Behind the Mic: The Beyond the Surface Story

    12/15/2025 · BONUS

    Behind the Mic: The Beyond the Surface Story

    In this special episode, co-founders Caleb Kwok and Alex Sanchez reflect on the beginnings of Beyond the Surface. Hear about how their backgrounds, inspirations for the podcast, and how the show has changed over time.

    46 min
  3. 31: Monica Chadha | Design as Exchange

    11/17/2025

    31: Monica Chadha | Design as Exchange

    Monica Chadha is the founder and principal of Civic Projects Architecture, a Chicago-based social impact design firm with a focus on high-quality design and long-term strategic thinking. Listen in for a conversation about how architects take perspectives from multiple parties to create a design process that drives projects forward.

    41 min
  4. 30: Pascale Sablan | Authentically You

    10/20/2025

    30: Pascale Sablan | Authentically You

    Pascale Sablan is CEO of Adjaye Associates New York studio, overseeing projects in North and South America and the Caribbean. She is the 315th living African-American woman registered architect in the United States. She has previously served as President for the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), and was awarded the 2021 AIA Whitney M. Young. Jr Award for her advocacy efforts. Listen in for a conversation on Pascale's journey, and how being an active voice means standing up for yourself, highlighting others, and bringing diverse voices when talking about the design industry.

    1h 6m
  5. 29: Rafael Robles | Proof of Concept

    09/15/2025

    29: Rafael Robles | Proof of Concept

    Rafael is the co-founder and director of Duo, an innovation studio/lab that works to create built environment innovations for the benefit of society. Listen in for a conversation about Rafael's journey with immigration activism, architecture, real estate development, and human centered design and how that all comes together in Duo's multicontextual design.

    1h 21m
  6. 28: Dr. Joseph Renow | Start Conservative, Build Radical

    08/18/2025

    28: Dr. Joseph Renow | Start Conservative, Build Radical

    Dr. Joseph Renow is a sociologist of science and technology who focuses on the intersection of expertise and society. Listen in for a conversation about how architects can think about design differently to meet societal needs.

    1h 1m
  7. 27: Julie Eizenberg | Outside Perspective

    07/15/2025

    27: Julie Eizenberg | Outside Perspective

    Julie is founding partners of award winning Santa Monica based architecture firm, KoningEizenberg Architecture. Together with partner Hank Koning, Julie has been awarded the American Institute of Architects Los Angeles chapter Gold medal in 2012 and the Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal in 2019. Listen in to hear about Julie's architectural career between Australia and the US from her "outsider" perspective.

    43 min
  8. 26: Tom Lee | Drawing from Within

    05/15/2025

    26: Tom Lee | Drawing from Within

    Tom is an award-winning architect and founder of Tom Lee Studio. He has experience across a diverse set of typologies and firms including HDR where he served as Design Principal, and other leading firms including John Ronan Architects, Goettsch Partners, JAHN, Leers Weinzapfel, and Kohn Pedersen Fox. Listen in to hear how drawing influenced Tom's journey in architecture and how he uses sketching as a unique form of communicating design.

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Beyond the Surface is a Chicago based architecture and design podcast highlighting unique voices in architecture and design. The podcast focuses on stories from designers to uncover who they are beyond the surface; it is a platform for meaningful conversations that spark innovation, challenge assumptions, and open new ways of thinking about the future of design. It serves as a space where listeners can learn from the personal experiences of designers and be inspired to grow in their own paths.

Information

  • Creator
    Beyond the Surface
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Beyond the Surface
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Surface