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Tracing Architecture is a podcast that explores the layers of architecture, examining how many different and often conflicting forces influence the profession, practice, and art form of architecture.

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Episode Contributors:

  • James Wesala
  • Evelyn Lee, FAIA
  • Sophie Aprotosoaie-Kardos 
  • Ivanna Sepúlveda Suárez

Episode Description:

A Conversation with Evelyn Lee, FAIA at The Design School

In this special episode, we were fortunate to capture an authentic and insightful conversation between Evelyn Lee, FAIA, and two passionate architecture students from The Design School at Arizona State University—Sophie Apropos-Kardos and Ivanna Selpuvuda Suarez—who currently serve as co-presidents of the AIAS chapter at ASU.

Throughout the discussion, Evelyn shared her perspectives on a wide range of topics that are timely for emerging professionals. These included:

Mentorship & Leadership, Career Paths & Alternative Futures, Equity, Diversity & Resilience, Technology & Innovation, Life-Centered Design & The Future of Practice, Personal Reflections & Advice.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the leadership at The Design School—Paola Sanguinetti, Claudio Veckstein, and Abigail Hoover—for their support in making this event possible. Special thanks also to AIA National for enabling us to record and share this meaningful exchange.

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Guest Contributor:  Evelyn Lee, FAIA

Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, is a multi-faceted professional who uniquely blends her architectural background with a technology-driven focus. As an architect now immersed in the technology industry, she serves as an angel investor, startup advisor, and fractional Chief Operating Officer for small and medium-sized architecture firms, as well as serving on the board of directors as an Outside Director for the firms Shepley Bulfinch and Luckett & Farley.


“The rapid pace of technological and environmental change has created challenges that can feel overwhelming,” said 2025 AIA President Evelyn Lee, FAIA, at her inauguration. “But moments of tension and uncertainty—are also opportunities. They call us to come together, collaborate, and remind ourselves that our strength as architects lies not just in what we build but also in the communities we foster. We must lead with empathy, clarity, and courage. We must show the world how architects can be agents of unity and progress.”


Despite her career transition, Lee’s passion for architecture remains unshaken, fueled by a deep admiration for the professionals in the field, their dedication to serving clients, and the indelible impact they imprint on communities. A sought-after speaker, Lee regularly shares her insights on the evolution of architecture practice, leadership and team development, the integration of technology in practice operations, and the exploration of alternative careers. Outside of her architectural pursuits, she is a founding advisor for Women Defining AI, championing a more inclusive and diverse landscape in artificial intelligence.

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Guest Contributor: Sophie Aprotosoaie-Kardos

Sophie Aprotosoaie-Kardos is a second-year Master of Architecture student at Arizona State University and Co-President of the AIAS ASU Chapter. She has been active in AIAS for five years, serving in multiple leadership roles and helping to rebuild student community and engagement after the pandemic. Sophie graduated summa cum laude in 2024 with degrees in Architecture and French and a minor in Sustainability.
She is an intern with SmithGroup’s Phoenix Healthcare Studio and a Teaching Assistant at ASU for first-year design studios. Across her academic, professional, and leadership experiences, Sophie is passionate about mentorship, cultural preservation, and empathy in architecture, and she strives to advance equity and dignity through design.

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Guest Contributor: Ivanna Sepúlveda Suárez 

Ivanna Sepúlveda Suárez  is a fourth-year Architectural Studies student at Arizona State University, with certificates in Biomimicry and Environmental Education. She is Co-President of AIAS ASU and a a fellow for the Design and Arts Corps at HIDA. Outside of ASU she serves as the Education Outreach Chair for the non profit The Pad Project. Ivanna is deeply interested in the intersection of technology and architecture, with a completion of the AI for the Creative Industries course at NABA Milan. Her work spans human-centered and sustainable practices, mentorship, technology intersections and community advocacy. 

Transcript:

Transcription for this episode is in progress.

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Tracing Architecture is a podcast that explores the layers of architecture, examining how many different and often conflicting forces influence the profession, practice, and art form of architecture.

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