Explore every episode of the podcast Studio Nights Podcast

On this episode of Studio Nights, we sit down with Professor Kourtney Baldwin, currently the Program Director of Architecture at Valencia College, to explore a career in architecture that took an unexpected turn from traditional practice into education, mentorship, and leadership. Born and raised in Orlando, Kourtney shares her journey from studying architecture at the University of Florida and the University of Michigan to discovering that the path she originally imagined for herself was not necessarily the one she was meant to follow.

We discuss her early experiences working in architecture, her original goal of becoming licensed and eventually owning her own firm, and the moments that pushed her to reconsider what a meaningful career could look like. Kourtney reflects on how encouragement from a close friend led her to begin teaching at Valencia College, where what started as a new opportunity ultimately became a career she deeply connected with.

The conversation explores her evolution as an educator and Program Director, the growth of Valencia’s architecture program, and what she has learned from years of reviewing pin-ups, portfolios, and helping students find their own direction. She shares her perspective on what makes students stand out, the importance of protecting your mental and emotional well-being, and why education became such an important part of the legacy she hopes to leave behind.

We also dive into Kourtney’s experience as a woman in architecture, how she has seen the profession evolve, and what younger women entering the field should understand about finding their voice and creating a career on their own terms.

Finally, Kourtney reflects on the values that have guided her beyond architecture—from being willing to change direction when something no longer feels right to choosing kindness, giving back, and creating opportunities for the people who come after you. As she reminds us, “Don’t be a taker, be a giver.”

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On this episode of Studio Nights, we sit down with Debra Lemmons, Principal of L2 Studios, to explore a career shaped by architecture, interior design, community engagement, and leadership. Debra shares how her early background in fine arts influenced her approach to architecture and how her professional journey ultimately led her to establish L2 Studios alongside her husband.

The conversation explores Debra’s multidisciplinary approach to design and the way she bridges architecture and interiors across different scales. Drawing from her extensive experience in hospitality design, she discusses hospitality not simply as a project type, but as a mindset centered on creating meaningful experiences, connections, and a sense of belonging, an approach that can influence healthcare, education, workplace, and civic environments as well.

We also discuss Debra’s involvement in Orlando’s architectural community through organizations such as AIA Orlando, the Orlando Foundation for Architecture (OFA), and the Orlando Center for Architecture + Design (OCAD). She reflects on the evolution of OFA, her role in shaping its strategic direction, and the ongoing journey to develop OCAD into a resource for students, design professionals, and the wider Orlando community.

Finally, Debra shares insights from her experience as a woman in architecture and design, discussing leadership, confidence, advocacy, career development, and finding your voice within a multidisciplinary profession. Throughout the episode, she offers a candid look at the opportunities, challenges, and relationships that have shaped both her practice and her commitment to strengthening Orlando’s design community.

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On this episode of Studio Nights, we sit down with Adriana Henry, to explore how architecture can extend beyond buildings and become a tool for strengthening communities, environmental systems, and everyday life. From growing up in South Florida to studying at the University of Florida and Cornell University, Adriana shares the experiences that have shaped her approach to design, research, and practice.

We discuss her professional journey, the role research plays in her work, and how topics such as food systems, local economies, and community engagement have transformed the way she thinks about architecture. Adriana reflects on the projects and experiences that challenged her perspective and reinforced the importance of designing with people, place, and context at the center.

The conversation also explores climate-responsive design, biomimicry, and innovative building materials, including how architects can learn from natural systems to create more thoughtful and sustainable environments. Adriana shares her perspective on designing with local resources, embracing regional identity, and balancing ambitious ideas with the realities of budgets, clients, and community needs.

Finally, Adriana offers valuable advice for students and emerging professionals, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and recognizing architecture’s potential to create meaningful change in people’s everyday lives.

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On this episode of Studio Nights, we sit down with Philip Donavan, architect, educator, and designer at LITTLE, to discuss the experiences that have shaped his career and perspective on the profession. From the unexpected career change to architecture to teaching the next generation of designers at UF CityLab, Philip reflects on the journey that led him to practice, education, and mentorship.

We explore his educational and professional path, the mentors who influenced his growth, and the lessons he has learned throughout his career. Philip also shares his firsthand experience working in Manhattan during the 2008 financial crisis, discussing how that pivotal moment impacted the architecture profession.

The conversation discusses sustainability in practice, including net-zero design, building performance, certification systems such as LEED and the Living Building Challenge, and how project goals shape the design process.

Finally, Philip offers valuable insights on architectural licensure, professional responsibility, and the importance of continuous growth, leaving listeners with thoughtful advice for students and emerging professionals navigating their own paths in architecture.

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On this episode of Studio Nights, we sit down with Michael Compton, architect, educator, healthcare design leader, and advocate for designing spaces that truly serve people.

Michael shares his journey from a challenging upbringing in New Jersey to earning a music scholarship as a jazz saxophone player, learning construction hands-on alongside his stepfather, and ultimately discovering architecture as a career path. What began as an unexpected direction led him to the University of Florida, where he studied Interior Design, participated in the Vicenza Program, and later returned to earn his Master of Architecture.

Throughout the conversation, Michael reflects on the mentors, risks, and pivotal decisions that shaped his career. He also shares the story behind his transition into healthcare design and how personal experiences with illness and hospitalization fueled a passion for creating environments that positively impact patients, families, and caregivers.

Through stories, lessons, and honest reflections, Michael reminds us why communication, curiosity, and a willingness to take risks remain essential to both architecture and life.

Tune in for a conversation about resilience, mentorship, healthcare, education, and the power of designing with people at the center of every decision.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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On this episode of Studio Nights, we sit down with Stephen Bender, Director of the M.Arch program at UF CityLab in Orlando, to talk about his journey through architecture, education, and practice.

Professor Bender shares what first drew him to architecture, how his background and education, from UF to Harvard and abroad, shaped his career, and how he navigated the transition from school to professional practice. We also discuss his path into teaching, his role at CityLab Orlando, and his goals for the program and work moving forward.

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Studio Nights is the three of us, Valeria, Alex, and Valery, friends and architecture students, wanting to create a space to connect with the community and bring in professionals to share real stories. In this episode, we give a brief introduction of who we are and how this podcast came to be.

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