Episode
220: Next Generation Leadership: How AIAS Presidents Are Building a More Human Profession
- Published
- Dec 18, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 3193
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://practiceofarchitecture.com/podcast/
Actions
POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/practice-disrupted-by-practice-of-architecture-804792/episodes/220-next-generation-leadership-how-aias-presidents-are-building-a-more-human-profession/transcription-requests
Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode.GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/practice-disrupted-by-practice-of-architecture-804792/220-next-generation-leadership-how-aias-presidents-are-building-a-more-human-profession.md
Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource.
Summary
How can the next generation of architects lead us toward a more human profession? In a special episode marking the end of her term as AIA President, Evelyn Lee hosts a candid conversation about the future of architectural leadership with two emerging voices: Gilberto Lozada Baez, the 69th president of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), and Jordan Luther, the immediate past president of AIAS and the student director on the AIA board. Together, they explore leadership not as a title, but as an evolving journey shaped by mentorship, empathy, and the courage to step into uncomfortable spaces. Gilberto and Jordan share their personal paths from introverted students to national leaders, emphasizing how community support and "shoulder tapping" empowered them to find their voices. The discussion tackles the realities of entering the profession today, from navigating post-pandemic work cultures to advocating for mental health and livable wages, and debunks common misconceptions about Gen Z in the workplace. Evelyn, Gilberto, and Jordan also dive into the necessity of difficult conversations for growth, the power of authenticity in leadership, and why the profession must burst its "bubble" to become more interdisciplinary and human-centric. They envision a future where architects are seen as systems thinkers and problem solvers, leveraging technology like AI not to replace their work, but to enhance their ability to focus on high-impact, creative solutions. "There's already so many exciting initiatives out there on community design, on how we're collaborating with others and bringing them into the profession. I just think it needs to settle. And I really hope to see that. I think the future of architecture is a little more human." - Gilberto Lozada Baez This…