"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. 5 DAYS AGO

    Episode 92: Interview w/ Lee Bey, Author & Architecture Critic: Chicago Sun-Times

    Hi, It's Michele! Send me a text with who you want as a guest! This episode is sponsored by: ALW Inc. Architectural Lighting Works an LMPG Inc. At ALW, we illuminate spaces with purpose and precision. As a leader in architectural lighting, we design and manufacture innovative linear, cylindrical, ring, and custom luminaires that elevate every environment _ from workplace to hospitality, education to healthcare. Our expertise lies in blending performance, aesthetics, and flexibility - delivering lighting that inspires designers and empowers vision. ALW- Illuminating your next project.  Phone: (510) 489-2530 Fax: (650) 249-0412 General Inquiries: TalkToUs@alw-inc.com Marketing & Press Inquiries: pr@alw-inc.com Link to blog for text and images: https://inmawomanarchitect.blogspot.com/2025/11/interview-w-architecturecritic-author.html Lee Bey is architecture critic for the Chicago Sun-Times and ABC7 News Chicago.         His column covers the Chicago area’s built environment and the architectural, political, racial and historical forces that shape it. He was a member of the Sun-Times editorial board for six years where he wrote editorials on city governance, neighborhood development, politics and urban planning. Bey is the author of the much-praised book, Southern Exposure: The Overlooked Architecture of Chicago’s South Side (Northwestern University Press, 2019), which showcases his architectural photography and social commentary. He was also the host of the public television special, Building Blocks: The Architecture of Chicago’s South Side, which aired on WTTW in 2023. Bey earned a 2023 Midwest Emmy nomination for his work on the program. He is also an in-demand speaker and media commentator on the subjects of architecture, urban planning, Chicago history and late 20th century Black history and culture. Bey is an adjunct professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology College of Architecture A recipient of the 2021 Julius Shulman Institute Excellence in Photography Award, and the 2019 Distinguished Service Award by the Chicago Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Bey is currently working on a book that documents the architecture of Chicago’s West Side. 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/

    42 min

  2. 28 OCT

    Episode 91: Interview w/ Stephen Chung, of Stephen Chung, Architect

    Hi, It's Michele! Send me a text with who you want as a guest! This 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 Phone: 607-319-3150 info@thegrouchyarchitect.com Link to blog for text and  images: https://inmawomanarchitect.blogspot.com/2025/10/interview-w-architect-stephen-chung-of.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 Stephen K. Chung, AIA is a registered architect in Florida and Massachusetts and principal of Stephen Chung, Architect.  His Boston-based studio is focused on residential and hospitality projects. www.stephenchung.com  Stephen received his architecture degree from Harvard.  His recent projects include a new 89 room boutique hotel in called The Sarasota Modern, three new houses in Sarasota and a townhouse development and residential building both in Boston.  In 2020-2024 Stephen won a “Best of Houzz” Award for his residential design work. In March 2009, Casas Internacional published a monograph on his residential work.  The book features eleven of his residential projects.   In addition to practice, Stephen has taught architectural design at several institutions, including Cornell, Rhode Island School of Design, the University of Texas at Austin and Yale University.  Currently he is an Adjunct Professor of Interior Architecture at Suffolk University.  Stephen is committed to bridging the gap between the architecture profession and the general public.  To this end, Stephen was the creator, executive producer and host of the acclaimed public television series called “Cool Spaces: The Best New Architecture”. Season 1 of this landmark series debuted on PBS in 2014.   Stephen also hosted a podcast show called “Design Your Dream Home” with architect Doug Patt.  The podcast provided advice to those wanting to design their dream home.  www.thedougandsteveshow.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/

    1h 15m

  3. 13 OCT

    Episode 90: Interview w/ Natalia Hayes of DUST Architects

    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 is Family-owned & operated since 2008, we are a nationwide warehouse distributor of wholesale turf.  We partner with architects, realtors, contractors, and design professionals to deliver premium turf solutions for any project. .a local family-owned turf wholesale company. We specialize in selling premium quality artificial grass, and we often work with architects to deliver turf for both residential and commercial projects. With a focus on helping folks in AZ conserve water by switching to artificial grass. While we list our pricing on the website, we're happy to work with you to find a great product that also fits within your budget. Call The Synthetic Grass Store today for a free quote at 602-491-2989 AZ Turf Masters is our sister company, specializing in landscape design services such as hardscape, xeriscape, turf installation and putting green installation services. Since 2006, with our team of experts, we’ve been transforming landscapes and building beautiful landscapes across Arizona. Our services include premium artificial grass installations, luxury putting greens, hardscape services, and a full range of innovative design-build solutions for residential and commercial projects. Plus, we can help answer any project questions you have, from ideation to warranty info and more. ROC 234276. Call Arizona Turf Masters today for a free estimate at 480-751-4343. AND FAR 12 STEEL DOORS AND PRODUCTS https://www.far12.com/contacto Ing. Edmundo Parra Robles Teléfono: +52 (662) 210 5364  |  Celular: +52 (662) 120 6484FAR 12 - Proyectos y Soluciones Metálicas Pima #43, Col. San Luis Hermosillo, Sonora, México. LINK TO BLOG FOR IMAGES AND TEXT https://inmawomanarchitect.blogspot.com/2025/10/natalia-hayes-of-dust-architects-this.html  Natalia Zieman Hayes is a Principal at DUST, an architecture studio in Tucson, Arizona, where she has been working for the past five years. Natalia’s experience spans over 16 years and includes a wide range of project types, scales, and regions. She has overseen projects from initial design concepts through construction and coordinated large teams for complex projects, many of which have been internationally recognized. She is passionate about designing spaces that are conceptual and sensitive, while honoring their connection to the environment and cultural roots. Natalia grew up in Dallas, Texas, and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. Before joining DUST, Natalia spent over a decade working at Studio Rick Joy, where she played a key role in designing and managing the studio’s work and team. 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

  4. 28 SEPT

    Episode 89: Interview w/ Eric Wittman, Architect of Knickerbocker Group & Archinktober

    Hi, It's Michele! Send me a text with who you want as a guest! This episode is sponsored by: ALW Inc. "Illuminate the soul" “Yes.” It’s one of our favorite words here at ALW. And we strive to say it often. When you ask for a customized luminaire, need an order shipped by a specific date or have other special requests; our goal is to reply, “Yes, we can do that.” Of course, not every wish can be granted, but we promise to do our very best to find solutions that will meet your needs and those of your clients. And we’ll do so with a smile, timely communication and a steadfast commitment to delivering a world-class customer experience. Phone: (510) 489-2530 Fax: (650) 249-0412 General Inquiries: TalkToUs@alw-inc.com Marketing & Press Inquiries: pr@alw-inc.com https://inmawomanarchitect.blogspot.com/2025/09/interview-w-eric-wittman-architect-of.html Eric Wittman, Architect of Knickerbocker Group https://www.knickerbockergroup.com/contact/ and Archinktober https://www.instagram.com/ricow/ has nearly 20 years of experience, and has worked on an array of projects from single-family homes and small retail projects to entire schools and hospitals in Kansas, California and Maine. A thoughtful listener, he appreciates collaborating with clients to understand their wants and seeks to provide creative solutions. An avid sketcher, Eric appreciates that his role allows him to partner with clients throughout the entire design process—from initial sketches to finalized construction documents. Eric is a dedicated member of the design community, he previously served as editor of a state-wide architecture magazine, was the AIA President in Wichita, Kansas, and was on the Architalx Board in Portland, Maine for many years. Eric and his young family are happy to call Maine home and enjoy adventuring throughout the state together. 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 3m

  5. 13 SEPT

    Episode 88: Interview with bespoke Real Estate: Shawna Glazier & Brittainy Williamson

    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 is Family-owned & operated since 2008, we are a nationwide warehouse distributor of wholesale turf.  We partner with architects, realtors, contractors, and design professionals to deliver premium turf solutions for any project. .a local family-owned turf wholesale company. We specialize in selling premium quality artificial grass, and we often work with architects to deliver turf for both residential and commercial projects. With a focus on helping folks in AZ conserve water by switching to artificial grass. While we list our pricing on the website, we're happy to work with you to find a great product that also fits within your budget. Call The Synthetic Grass Store today for a free quote at 602-491-2989 AZ Turf Masters is our sister company, specializing in landscape design services such as hardscape, xeriscape, turf installation and putting green installation services. Since 2006, with our team of experts, we’ve been transforming landscapes and building beautiful landscapes across Arizona. Our services include premium artificial grass installations, luxury putting greens, hardscape services, and a full range of innovative design-build solutions for residential and commercial projects. Plus, we can help answer any project questions you have, from ideation to warranty info and more. ROC 234276. Call Arizona Turf Masters today for a free estimate at 480-751-4343. Link to the Blog for more Images and Resources: https://inmawomanarchitect.blogspot.com/2025/09/brittainy-williamson-shawna-glazier.html  beSpoke Real Estate   https://bespokephx.com/ Founded by Broker/Owner Shawna Glazier in 2015, beSpoke real estate stands out from other Arizona real estate brokerages by offering clients a unique real estate experience. The core values of beSpoke are a passion for architecture, a love of interior design, expert knowledge of all aspects of Arizona real estate and an unparalleled level of excellent client service. It is our goal at beSpoke to work hand in hand with each client to ensure their satisfaction. Every individual & family receives the time, attention, research and focus they deserve while making such a big decision. Every transaction is different. At beSpoke real estate, there is no cookie-cutter approach. The details and intricacies of each situation are handled with the utmost care and expertise. From beginning to end, each and every one of our clients receives “a tailored real estate experience”. Shawna Glazier, Designated Broker/Owner Shawna@beSpokePhx.com Shawna Glazier is a licensed real estate broker in Arizona. Her practice began 20 years ago. She has created a reputation as a tenacious negotiator who can assure her clients that they will receive the highest level of service available in the industry. Brittainy Williamson, Associate Broker Brittainy@beSpokephx.com Brittainy Williamson is a dedicated professional with a passion for helping others. Brittainy believes that the best way to achieve your dreams is to help others achieve theirs. This is why she became a REALTOR®. 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/

    22 min

  6. 1 SEPT

    Episode 87: Interview with Ralph Mechur, AIA of Mechur Architect

    Hi, It's Michele! Send me a text with who you want as a guest! This episode is brought to you by: massetticonsulting.com  Massetti Consulting, LLC is a California Limited Liability Company and Certified Small Business Enterprise, with a focus on Program, Project and Construction Management. We are true advocates for our clients and offer personalized dedication to your projects.  We are a small firm with big firm experience.  Massetti Consulting is well versed in conceptual project development, funding/financing strategies, design professional procurement and oversight, constructability reviews and backcheck and value engineering support. This episode with Interview with Ralph Mechur, AIA of Mechur Architect 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/2025/08/interview-with-ralph-mechur-aia-of.html Ralph Mechur, AIA of Ralph Mechur Architects Ralph Mechur Architects 2800 Airport Ave., #1A Santa Monica, CA 90405 (cell) 310-721-1254 (tel) 310-398-2940 www.rmechurarchitects.com ralph@rmechurarchitects.com Community Ralph is guided by the belief that a community can, and should, be built with the basic agreement that everyone deserves access to a safe home, a quality education, and a strong community. Ralph's work on City boards and commissions, non- profit organizations and the Santa Mónica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education has been recognized by community and regional leaders, including the California State Assembly and Senate, the Los Angeles City Council, the Church in Ocean Park in Santa Monica, and from the AIA as a Citizen Architect. Ralph's practice, established in 1992, has maintained a focus on housing and social agency projects, including providing pro-bono services for several projects that align with his focus on providing space for everyone to have shelter and opportunities for success. Housing Few things are more important than ensuring people have the dignity of a safe home to live in.  Ralph's focus on solutions to the housing crisis as a community leader and practitioner have led to policies and examples that can lead to the creation of a more inclusive, equitable, and affordable community. In 2006, Ralph designed the OPCC/Annenberg Access Center, which provides essential services to over 200 homeless individuals daily, including food, health care, counseling, job placement, laundry, and showers. Since 2017, Ralph has served on the Board of Directors of the Community Corporation of Santa Monica, where he helps oversee the development of new affordable housing projects and the maintenance of over 2,000 units across Santa Monica and neighboring areas. His connection to Community Corporation dates back to the 1980s when he designed its first ground-up project—a 43- unit development across five sites in an older neighborhood for low-income individuals and families. Education In 2001, Ralph co-founded the Community for Excellent Public Schools (CEPS), an advocacy gr 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 11m

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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