Architecture shapes nearly every part of our lives, but what if its true purpose isn't creating buildings, but creating places where people can thrive?
In this episode of Digital Builder, Eric Thomas sits down with Katie Swenson, Senior Principal at MASS (Model of Architecture Serving Society), to explore how thoughtful design can support healing, dignity, and long-term community impact. Katie shares why she calls herself a "Home Maker," (with a capital H and a capital M) how MASS helps mission-driven organizations achieve their goals through the built environment, and why success should be measured by outcomes, not just schedules and budgets.
In this episode, we discuss:
·Why Katie describes herself as a “Home Maker” and what that means for the practice of architecture.
·How architecture affects everyday life and serves as the platform for how people live, work, heal, and learn.
·Why MASS starts with mission and outcomes rather than buildings and construction plans.
·The concept of accompaniment and how long-term partnerships can create lasting impact.
·Lessons from Butaro District Hospital and how design can support both health outcomes and human dignity.
·How MASS measures success through organizational outcomes rather than traditional project metrics.
·Why beauty, nature, and thoughtful design choices play a critical role in healing and wellbeing.
·How projects like the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund campus demonstrate architecture’s ability to expand an organization's ambitions and impact.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas from Autodesk.