Hello Reader,

I’m on spring break this week, so we’re keeping it short and sweet. But as always, there’s plenty stirring across the profession that’s worth reflecting on.

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This week on the podcast, we’re highlighting the path of a civic-minded leader who reminds us that architecture is deeply tied to public service. Rico Quirindongo’s work shows what it means to lead with integrity, intention, and care for community — a timely reminder as we continue thinking about the broader responsibilities of practice.

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As we wrap up Women’s Month, I’ve been thinking about how many in our industry, especially women, are no longer waiting for permission to belong. Instead, they’re creating their own spaces — on job sites, within firms, and through businesses that reflect their values and priorities. The shift isn’t always loud, but it’s powerful. More than just a call for inclusion, it’s a call for leadership on their own terms.

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I’ve also been watching the evolution of businesses that started outside of traditional practice and are now redefining what a firm can be. Cove's journey — from SaaS to strategy consultancy to full-service firm — continues to be an interesting business case in transformation. It’s a good reminder that our business models are not set in stone, and innovation can come from anywhere.

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And finally, I’m grateful for thinkers in our space who are pushing the conversation forward when it comes to AI. What would it really look like to be an “AI-first” architecture firm? It’s a provocative question — not about replacing architects, but about reimagining our processes, systems, and values from the ground up.

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That’s it for now — I’m off to unplug a bit and soak up some time away. Wishing you all a moment to breathe this week, too.

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Keep learning and growing,

Evelyn M Lee, FAIA | NOMA Founder, Practice of Architecture Host, Practice Disrupted & Fractional COO

/// PoA Podcast - Practice Disrupted ///

Architecture, And: Rico Quirindongo, Public Servant How can architects shape cities through public service? listen here

/// Practice Community + LAB /// What we're reading and sharing ///

​Instead of waiting for acceptance and appreciation, women in the AEC community are creating their own safer, more satisfying job sites - As we close out Women's Month, here's an article on how more are creating women-led teams on their own.

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​Meet Cove Architecture, the First AI-Powered Full-Service Architecture Services Firm From Cove - For those who have been following Cove.Tool - now Cove.Inc, it’s been an interesting business case, starting as a Software as a Service company, to a Values Consulting company, to a full-fledged architecture firm

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​Common Edge: What would it mean to be an "AI-First" architecture firm - I am grateful to have individuals like Eric Cesal in the community creating thought-provoking pieces on AI.

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Every article we share in our newsletter can be found in the Practice Community + Lab.

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