Your Design Passport

15: The Power of Showing Up: Cassidy Jones on Networking, Leadership & Career Growth

Networking doesn't have to feel awkward. Architect and community leader Cassidy Jones shares how authentic relationships have shaped her career, helped her navigate career transitions, and opened unexpected opportunities within architecture. In this episode we discuss: * Building professional relationships as an architect * Networking as an introvert * Career growth through community involvement * Women in architecture * Leadership development * Starting over in a new city Listen now and discover why your next opportunity might simply start with showing up. Connect with Cassidy on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccj/]  Connect with Sam G and Your Design Passport * The International Architect Starter Map [https://yourdesignpassport.com/the-international-architect-starter-map] * Your Design Passport [https://yourdesignpassport.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/yourdesignpassport/] * Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/yourdesignpassport/]

14: Architecture Is a Passport | Why Your Skills Travel Further Than You Think

Most architects dramatically underestimate how transferable their skills actually are. After speaking with Neil Pann in the previous episode, I found myself reflecting on something deeper — not just how architecture careers are built, but how they expand. Because somewhere along the way, many of us forget this: being an architect is not limited to one job title. This episode is a reflection on identity, confidence, and what becomes possible when you stop shrinking your skillset to fit a single definition of practice.

13: You’re the Architect of Your Own Career | Neal Pann on Expanding Beyond Practice

“You’re the architect of your own career.” That single sentence from Neal Pann stayed with me long after this conversation ended. Because for so many architects, there comes a moment where the traditional path no longer feels like the full story. The profession teaches us how to design buildings — but rarely how to redesign ourselves. In this episode, Neal shares how his career evolved far beyond the walls of a studio: from studying architecture in Florence, to working on the developer side, serving on planning commissions, and eventually helping shape architectural conversations through podcasting and media.

12: You Are Not Starting From Zero: 5 Mistakes International Architects Make in the U.S.

“You are not starting from zero.” And yet, that’s exactly how many internationally trained architects feel when they begin applying for jobs in the U.S.

11: Inside Architecture Hiring- What U.S. Firms Actually Look For (From a Recruiter - Rachel Davis)

“I found that I couldn’t bear sitting at a desk any longer… I really needed that people connection. Every time I stepped into a client meeting, I was excited. But then I’d leave the meeting upset that I had to go back to my desk.” Rachel Davis   In This Episode, You’ll Learn • What architecture recruiters actually look for when reviewing candidates • The resume and portfolio mistakes architects commonly make • How international experience can become a strength, not a barrier • The role networking really plays in architecture hiring • How to navigate visas, relocation, and U.S. hiring culture   If you’re navigating the U.S. job market — or simply rethinking what your architecture career could look like — this episode is for you. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. And if this conversation resonates, share it with another architect navigating their next chapter.