Flying Solo with Katie Kangas

James Ray Polk (Pheonix)

Architect, musician, and creative storyteller James Ray Polk has spent decades exploring the connection between music and architecture. He founded his firm, Music in Architecture so that his practice would resonate with the other creative endeavors in his life. He has continually found inspiration in the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and this summer his ensemble, the Mississippi Sawyers, will embark on the Organic Architecture tour. Starting at Falling Water, James will share the congruence he found between architecture and music and share how Wright’s architecture inspired the original compositions of his first album, Organic Architecture. On June 8th, 2026 - what would have been Frank Lloyd Wright’s 159th birthday - the Organic Architecture Tour will join forces to create the EntreArchitect Experience at Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin. In this episode, James shares his deep hopes for this tour. His experience in Taliesin sparked the rebirth of his career. He hopes that other architects can discover the core or essence that drives their creativity, so that their practice can resonate with deeper passions and interests. James's journey seems mythical, like the legendary Phoenix. He admits to reaching the point of burnout before turning 40. He had built a thriving architecture firm with a team of fifteen people, completed hundreds of beautiful buildings, and worked tirelessly. Then he hit a breaking point which required a full reset. In that time of resetting his career path, he discovered Taliesin - moved to Spring Green, Wisconsin and rediscovered not only his love for architecture, but his passion for music. In this conversation, Katie and James discuss burnout, rebirth, Frank Lloyd Wright's influence, and the surprising parallels between music and architecture. They explore resonance, intentionality, narrowing your practice to go deeper rather than wider, and how sharing your authentic self creates stronger connections with clients and community. James reminds us that success is not always about attracting everyone. Sometimes it is about building a campfire instead of a stadium and finding the people who truly resonate with your work. Reviver Architecture & Development * Architecture Firm: Music in Architecture [https://www.musicinarchitecture.com/] * New album: Organic Architecture (Available June 6th, 2026) * Find James Ray Polk [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Exk7lhJ8jUrydVZTmfOgo?si=qlU5CGo3RYqSrz67vmeJzA] or the Mississippi Sawyers on major music platforms. * Instagram: @james_ray_polk_architect [https://www.instagram.com/james_ray_polk_architect/] * LinkedIn: James Ray Polk [https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-polk-3455b07/] * EntreArchitect Interview: EA648: James Ray Polk - His Taliesin Experience and a Lifelong Dream Come True [https://entrearchitect.com/podcast/entrearch/james-ray-polk-taliesin-experience/] * Music in Architecture at Taliesin Experience: Reserve your seat now [https://entrearchitect.com/taliesin/] To join this flying solo movement, you can follow Flying Solo Arch on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/flyingsoloarch/] where Katie posts content to encourage your business life. Find out which bird defines your marketing strategy with the Bird Quiz [https://www.flyingsolo.live/quiz] on the Flying Solo Website [https://www.flyingsolo.live/]. Listen to more encouraging content on the Gabl Media platform [https://gablmedia.com/] including podcasts with CEU and HSW credit towards your licensure renewal. Consider joining the EntreArchitect Network by becoming a member [https://network.entrearchitect.com/share/1wGEsEpOkVat5fRe?utm_source=manual] or joining the free EntreArchitect Community Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/EntreArchitect]. Mark R. Page, founder of EntreArchitect and Gabl Media, has been building a community of small firm architects who are having tough conversations to improve their professional practice and live their best life every day.

Laurie McGinley (Jaquin)

In this episode of the Flying Solo Podcast, host Katie Kangas speaks with Laurie McGinley, licensed architect, private advisor, and author of The Dissolve. Laurie began her career in architecture but found herself increasingly drawn to design transformation in people’s lives. Today, through her advisory practice Via Lucent, Laurie guides leaders to refine their career, recover from burnout, and dissolve invisible barriers. Laurie describes her firm in three words: Clear. Catalytic. And Unapologetically Uncomfortable. As a guide, Laurie’s natural bird archetype is the Jaquin, a modern mythical guardian, a jaguar with wings. Strong, protective, and unafraid to use its claws, the Jaquin represents both power and support. Like the Jaquin, Laurie helps her clients confront what is holding them back and flies them past their invisible barriers. Leaving behind a genuine transformation. Throughout the conversation, Laurie and Katie discuss burnout in the construction industry, the importance of designing a job that energizes rather than exhausts, and the necessity of continuously iterating your business model. Laurie shares how her own firm evolved as she refined her focus, messaging, and offerings—treating her business the way architects treat design. Laurie’s clients come to her because they are stuck. They know something needs to change, but can’t say what it is. This led to the three-step transformational framework from her new book, The Dissolve: name the invisible barrier, soften your relationship to it, and intentionally move through it. Everyone’s barrier is different. The barrier may be perfectionism, overwork, or reluctance to charge what you're worth. This episode is a reminder that architects are not only designers of buildings. We are designers of careers, cultures, and lives. When we intentionally design our work, dissolve our barriers, and build supportive communities around us, we create practices that allow us to soar to new heights. 1. Website: Via Lucent [https://vialucent.com/] 2. Substack: Laurie McGinley [https://lauriemcginley.substack.com/] 3. LinkedIn: Laurie McGinley [http://linkedin.com/in/lauriemcginley] 4. Instagram: @lauriemcginley [https://www.instagram.com/lauriemcginley/?hl=en] 5. Book: The Dissolve (coming soon!) Season 2 of the Flying Solo Podcast is sponsored by the Minnesota Architectural Foundation, whose mission is to invest in excellence, leadership, discovery, and equity within the profession of architecture. To join this flying solo movement, you can follow Flying Solo Arch on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/flyingsoloarch/] where Katie posts content to encourage your business life. Find out which bird defines your marketing strategy with the Bird Quiz [https://www.flyingsolo.live/quiz] on the Flying Solo Website [https://www.flyingsolo.live/]. Listen to more encouraging content on the Gabl Media platform [https://gablmedia.com/] including podcasts with CEU and HSW credit towards your licensure renewal. Consider joining the EntreArchitect Network by becoming a member [https://network.entrearchitect.com/share/1wGEsEpOkVat5fRe?utm_source=manual] or joining the free EntreArchitect Community Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/EntreArchitect].

Damaris Melo-Gyasi (Jabiru)

In this episode of the Flying Solo Podcast, host Katie Kangas speaks with Damaris Melo-Gyasi, founder of Design by Melo. Her small architecture designs inclusive projects focused on long-term community impact. Damaris did not originally plan to become an entrepreneur. After working within multiple firms and striving to reach her full potential, she realized she was seeking deeper alignment—more inclusion, stronger recognition, and a practice that reflected her values. Rather than waiting for that opportunity, she chose to build it herself. Damaris describes her firm in three words: “Curious. Inclusive. Fun.” Those values shape every one of Design by Melo’s collaborations. They operate at the intersection of affordable housing, urban redevelopment, and revitalizing neighborhoods. These are not small or simple projects. They often navigate the challenge of change in established communities. Yet Damaris approaches each engagement with clarity and care, navigating politically charged discussions while keeping the focus on shared community goals and thoughtful development. Damaris’ bird archetype is the Jabiru — one of the largest flying birds in the Americas. With its distinctive silhouette and commanding presence, the Jabiru represents visible leadership and adaptability. Like the Jabiru standing tall in the wetlands, Damaris does not shrink her vision to fit into a smaller role. As a small firm, she leads her team through large, complex, and long-term projects. She demonstrates that small does not mean little. Throughout the conversation, Damaris shares how entrepreneurship allowed her to fully live out her calling, how aligning with mission-driven clients strengthens both culture and impact, and why sustainability is not only environmental, but relational. Her story offers a reminder that architects can shape inclusive urban environments by standing tall, owning their voice, and adapting their practice to serve communities wherever the work is needed. 1. Website: Design by Melo [https://www.designbymelo.com/] 2. LinkedIn: Design by Melo LLC [https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-by-melo-llc/] Season 2 of the Flying Solo Podcast is sponsored by the Minnesota Architectural Foundation, whose mission is to invest in excellence, leadership, discovery, and equity within the profession of architecture. To join this flying solo movement, you can follow Flying Solo Arch on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/flyingsoloarch/] where Katie posts content to encourage your business life. Find out which bird defines your marketing strategy with the Bird Quiz [https://www.flyingsolo.live/quiz] on the Flying Solo Website [https://www.flyingsolo.live/]. Listen to more encouraging content on the Gabl Media platform [https://gablmedia.com/] including podcasts with CEU and HSW credit towards your licensure renewal. Consider joining the EntreArchitect Network by becoming a member [https://network.entrearchitect.com/share/1wGEsEpOkVat5fRe?utm_source=manual] or joining the free EntreArchitect Community Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/EntreArchitect].

Ashley Mitlyng (House Wren)

In this episode of the Flying Solo Podcast, host Katie Kangas speaks with Ashley Mitlyng, founder of Mitlyng Design + Architecture [https://www.mitlyngdesign.com/], a Twin Cities–based residential practice focused on renovations and additions. Ashley’s work aligns with the House Wren—a bird known for thriving in tight, overlooked spaces. House Wrens don’t seek wide-open fields or blank slates. They nest inside existing structures, choosing awkward corners that others pass by. Through thoughtful, efficient moves, they transform these overlooked spaces into highly functional havens. This instinct mirrors Ashley’s approach to residential design: working within constraints, offering thoughtful options, and shaping spaces that support real life and honor the surrounding neighborhood. Together, Katie and Ashley explore three lessons inspired by the House Wren. First, the importance of finding the right fit - particularly when homeowners interview contractors. Second, they reflect on the power of small, overlooked spaces. Just as Ashley designs details that improve daily life—like smoothing kitchen flow or resolving awkward door swings—listeners are invited to examine the friction points in their own businesses. Finally, they discuss how Ashley’s practice filled a niche. Her practice is intentionally positioned among complementary designers and suppliers. Making her business more visible to potential clients and industry partners. Throughout the conversation, Katie and Ashley explore the realities of running a small architectural practice, balancing work and family life, and navigating the blurred line between living and working as entrepreneurs. Ashley shares how she digs deeper into practical details that smooth the flow of everyday life for her business and her clients. 1. Website: Mitlyng Design [https://www.mitlyngdesign.com/] 2. Houzz: Ashley Mitlyng, AIA [https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ashley-mitlyng-aia-pfvwus-pf~939785187] 3. Facebook: Mitlyng Design, LLC [https://www.facebook.com/mitlyngdesign55418] 4. Instagram: @mitlyngdesign [https://www.instagram.com/mitlyngdesign] Season 2 of the Flying Solo Podcast is sponsored by the Minnesota Architectural Foundation, whose mission is to invest in excellence, leadership, discovery, and equity within the profession of architecture. To join this flying solo movement, you can follow Flying Solo Arch on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/flyingsoloarch/] where Katie posts content to encourage your business life. Find out which bird defines your marketing strategy with the Bird Quiz [https://www.flyingsolo.live/quiz] on the Flying Solo Website [https://www.flyingsolo.live/]. Listen to more encouraging content on the Gabl Media platform [https://gablmedia.com/] including podcasts with CEU and HSW credit towards your licensure renewal. Consider joining the EntreArchitect Network by becoming a member [https://network.entrearchitect.com/share/1wGEsEpOkVat5fRe?utm_source=manual] or joining the free EntreArchitect Community Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/EntreArchitect].

Mehgan Elliot (Oxpecker)

In this episode of the Flying Solo Podcast, host Katie Kangas speaks with Meghan Elliott, a structural engineer, historic preservation expert, and founder of New History. Meghan shares how her career was shaped by early experiences with earthquake engineering and how that foundation led her to build a consulting practice focused on the complex realities of historic building redevelopment. Meghan describes her firm in three words: “outcomes-based, mission-driven, and interdisciplinary.” That clarity defines how she works with clients. Rather than offering a narrow scope of services, Meghan positions herself as a trusted expert who helps clients navigate the full ecosystem of historic projects—structural challenges, funding strategies, tax credits, regulations, and long-term feasibility. Her work is rooted in understanding not just the building, but the pressures, risks, and ambitions surrounding it. Meghan’s bird archetype is the Oxpecker—a small but essential bird that lives among much larger animals, removing pests and irritations that threaten their health. Like an oxpecker, Meghan integrates herself into large, complex projects and long-term client relationships, solving problems as they arise—and often before they’re even noticed. Her value lies in deep client knowledge, proactive communication, and the ability to quietly remove obstacles that could derail a project. Throughout the conversation, Meghan discusses how building strong, lasting relationships allows her to expand scope with existing clients rather than constantly chasing new ones. She also shares insights from launching her second venture, Jill Pine, where she applies her preservation expertise directly to real estate development and hands-on revitalization work. This episode explores what it means to be a true consultant—selling solutions, not just services—and how listening closely, collaborating deeply, and earning trust over time can create a sustainable, mission-driven solo practice. Meghan’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the most impactful work happens not by flying ahead, but by staying close, paying attention, and solving the problems that matter most. 1. Architecture Website: New History [https://www.newhistory.com/] 2. Developer Website: Jillpine [https://www.jillpine.com/] 3. Architecture LinkedIn: New History [https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-history/] 4. LinkedIn: Meghan Elliott [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-e-elliott/] 5. Instagram: @newhistoryconsultants [https://www.instagram.com/newhistoryconsultants/] Season 2 of the Flying Solo Podcast is sponsored by the Minnesota Architectural Foundation, whose mission is to invest in excellence, leadership, discovery, and equity within the profession of architecture. To join this flying solo movement, you can follow Flying Solo Arch on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/flyingsoloarch/] where Katie posts content to encourage your business life. Find out which bird defines your marketing strategy with the Bird Quiz [https://www.flyingsolo.live/quiz] on the Flying Solo Website [https://www.flyingsolo.live/]. Listen to more encouraging content on the Gabl Media platform [https://gablmedia.com/] including podcasts with CEU and HSW credit towards your licensure renewal. Consider joining the EntreArchitect Network by becoming a member [https://network.entrearchitect.com/share/1wGEsEpOkVat5fRe?utm_source=manual] or joining the free EntreArchitect Community Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/EntreArchitect].