EP. 07 | ART OF LAYERING

EP. 07 | ART OF LAYERING

On this episode of Studio Nights, we sit down with Briana Johnson to explore her winding path from healthcare administration into construction, interiors, and ultimately architecture in Orlando.  Briana shares how childhood creativity, collage, and a love of color shaped her design approach; why honest critique and mentorship are essential to growth; and how working across concept, detailing, and construction makes better designers.  She opens up about navigating licensure, building resilience through failure, balancing motherhood with a demanding profession, and staying healthy in a sedentary field. We also dive into her community work with AIA, Black Architects in the Making, and Orlando’s Appearance Review Board, plus how she uses platforms like TikTok to educate and connect.  This episode is a reminder that there’s no single “right” path in architecture, only the courage to keep designing your own. Music audio created by @CruzControl.ofc

EP. 06 | INVEST WITH INTENTION

On this episode of Studio Nights, we sit down with Peter Hall to explore a career shaped by adaptability and a strong commitment to sustainability. From growing up in the UK to building a career in the U.S., Pete reflects on how his background influenced his path into architecture. We discuss his transition from civil engineering to architecture after more than a decade, his experience teaching at UF CityLab, and how working with students continues to shape his approach to practice. The conversation also dives into sustainability and regenerative design, including biophilia, zero-carbon strategies, and the growing role of mass timber in Florida. Peter also shares insights from his role as a Studio Principal at Little, offering a look into leadership, business development, and the realities of practice beyond school. This episode is a thoughtful conversation about growth, evolution, and designing with intention, along with practical advice for students and emerging professionals navigating their own paths in architecture. Music audio created by @CruzControl.ofc

EP. 05 | A NONLINEAR PATH

On this episode of Studio Nights, we sit down with Sarasota architect Damien Blumetti to discuss his journey from growing up in Sarasota to building his own architectural practice. We talk about how the legacy of the Sarasota School of Architecture influenced his path, his education at the University of Florida, and study abroad experiences in Vicenza and Mexico that shaped his perspective on design. Damien shares insights from working with renowned architect Guy Peterson, what he learned from that mentorship, and how it led him to start his own firm focused on custom modern homes. We also discuss the realities of running a practice, his involvement in the Sarasota community, including serving on the City of Sarasota Planning Board and as President of AIA Florida Gulf Coast, and why he values teaching at UF CityLab Orlando. This episode reflects on resilience, growth, and how unexpected turns along the way can lead you to opportunities you never anticipated. Music audio created by @CruzControl.ofc

EP. 04 | BALANCING ACT

On this episode of Studio Nights, we sit down with Lindsey Perez to talk about her journey into architecture, from her early education to building her career in Florida. She shares what first drew her to the profession and how her experiences shaped the path she’s on today. We explore her work across different project types and her commitment to sustainable design, discussing how environmental responsibility has evolved within the profession and what it takes to advocate for it in practice. Lindsey also reflects on leadership as she prepares to step into her role as AIA Orlando President, and how her experience teaching has shaped her perspective on the profession and the responsibility architects carry. It’s a thoughtful conversation about career growth, women in architecture, sustainability, leadership, and the evolving role of architects in shaping the built environment. Music audio created by @CruzControl.ofc

EP. 03 | MAGICAL MOMENTS

On this episode of Studio Nights, we sit down with Tommy James, longtime professor, mentor, and current Program Director of the UCF Architecture Program. Having taught us during our undergraduate years, Tommy shares his personal path into architecture, from where he grew up to what first inspired his passion for the field. We discuss his academic journey, including his study abroad experience in Vicenza, Italy, and how it reshaped the way he understands design, place, and architectural education. The conversation then moves into his professional career, touching on his diverse experience across lighting design, healthcare, and theme entertainment, and how those roles inform his approach to both practice and teaching. Tommy also reflects on stepping into program leadership, his goals for the future of the UCF architecture program, and offers thoughtful advice for students just starting their architectural careers. Music audio created by @CruzControl.of