Human Scale - LS3P

Not every career path follows a straight line, and sometimes that’s what makes the journey interesting.

In this episode of The Human Scale Podcast, Meredith Ray welcomes guest co-host and Human Scale alum Greg McNamara for a conversation with Principal and Senior Project Manager Paul Koska about his unconventional path in architecture. Paul reflects on the experiences that have shaped his career, from earning his licensure and navigating different seasons of life to bringing a fresh perspective to his work along the way.

The conversation ventures well beyond architecture, exploring the influence of music, family, and personal interests before wrapping up with a lively fishbowl discussion about favorite talk shows and the advice they’d give their younger selves.

It’s an honest, entertaining conversation about embracing the unexpected, continuing to grow, and defining success on your own terms.

Happy National Podcast Day!

To celebrate, we're opening the Human Scale vault and sharing some of our favorite never-before-heard moments from the cutting room floor. While the final episodes are carefully edited, these clips are delightfully unpolished: missed cues, verbal gymnastics, surprise interruptions, and the kind of laughter that makes it impossible to keep recording.

It's our second bloopers episode, and a reminder that the best part of podcasting isn't perfection. It's the moments that catch all of us completely off guard.

So settle in, have a laugh, and enjoy the human side of Human Scale.

Some people light up every room they enter. Cari Gerrits is one of them.

In the latest episode of Human Scale, LS3P's Atlanta Business Development Professional joins Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley for a lively conversation filled with laughter, great stories, unexpected tangents, and the authentic connections that have made Cari such a beloved member of the AEC community.

Whether you're already a fan of Cari or meeting her for the first time, you'll quickly understand why her enthusiasm is so contagious.

Plus, before the episode wraps up, Meredith and Patrick share an important announcement about what's next for Human Scale.

What do a doctorate in architecture, a year-long NASA-funded Mars simulation, Disney World, underground tunnels in Las Vegas, and two rescue cats have in common? Somehow,they’re all part of Tristan Bassingthwaighte’s story.

In this episode of The Human Scale, Tristan joins co-hosts Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley for a conversation that goes in some unexpected directions. From growing up inMontana and studying architecture in Hawaii to spending 366 days living in a simulated Mars habitat, Tristan’s career path is anything but typical.

Along the way, he’s researched space architecture, helped imagine what hotels in space might look like, explored underground transportation concepts, traveled the world, and ultimately found his way to Asheville and LS3P.

Whether you're fascinated by architecture, space exploration, or just hearing how people find their unique path, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Listen now, subscribe to The Human Scale, and share the episode with someone who appreciates a good story - and an unconventional journey.

Read Tristan’s Dissertation Here

Listen to The Habitat Podcast Here

From rural cattle farm to Director of IT Operations, Jay Addison’s journey is anything but typical.

In this episode of The Human Scale, he shares with co-hosts Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley how an unconventional start (including time in the mortuary industry) shaped his practical, people-first approach to technology.

With humor and insight, Jay talks scaling IT for a growing firm, leading major initiatives, and navigating the unseen realities of cybersecurity and support, offering a fresh look at the human side of tech.

Three years in, The Human Scale finally lands one of LS3P’s most influential—and most elusive—voices: Chief Marketing & Knowledge Officer Katie Robinson.

In this wide‑ranging, deeply human, and frequently hilarious conversation, hosts Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley go far beyond titles and org charts to explore Katie’s unlikely journey - from a childhood shaped by wildlife refuges and coastal towns, to teaching herself graphic design out of sheer necessity, to building the firmwide marketing and knowledge ecosystem that quietly powers LS3P’s work every day.

This episode is equal parts origin story, leadership masterclass, and group therapy session. Katie opens up about career pivots, impostor syndrome, mentorship, and why curiosity (and asking a lot of questions) has guided her career more than any formal plan ever could. Along the way, the conversation detours joyfully through Quark and fish vectors, turtle rescues, raising teenagers, surviving truly terrible home‑cooked meals, and why good knowledge management might be the most underrated (and misunderstood) discipline in AEC.

In the latest episode of The Human Scale, Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley sit down with Shawn Sowers, LS3P’s National Higher Education Market Leader, for a wide-ranging conversation about curiosity, consistency, and people-first leadership.

Shawn shares her journey from small-town Indiana to Raleigh during its early growth years—and from K-12 design into the multifaceted world of higher education. She reflects on stepping into a brand-new firmwide leadership role just weeks before the world shut down, and how that moment shaped her perspective on leadership, mentorship, and resilience.

Along the way, Shawn unpacks the complexity of higher education design—where academic, research, wellness, and community needs intersect—spotlights a milestone veterinary college project nearing completion, and explores how thoughtful design can support mental health and create environments where people are empowered to learn, test, and grow.

Add in candid career stories, travel adventures, and a few delightfully controversial food opinions, and this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, design, and the very human side of building better places.

Careers aren’t always straight lines - sometimes they’re layered, remixed, and built over time.

In the latest episode of Human Scale, Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley sit down with Jordan Powers, LS3P’s in-house photographer, to trace a creative path that’s anything but linear. From audio engineering and music to graphic design, entrepreneurship, and ultimately architecture-focused photography, Jordan’s career has been shaped by curiosity, hustle, and a well-timed willingness to say yes.

Jordan shares how an unconventional journey took him from Ohio to Minnesota to the Southeast - and from recording studios and wedding shoots to documenting meaningful spaces across the built environment. Along the way, the conversation digs into the power of relationships in creative work, the evolving role of photography in an increasingly AI-influenced world, and why showing up with intention still matters.

Jordan also reflects on the tension between creative freedom and stability, and what led him to launch the Architecture & Design Photography Summit - creating space for community, learning, and craft in a rapidly changing industry.

In this episode of Human Scale, co‑hosts Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley sit down with Morgan Thomas, Senior Marketing Specialist in LS3P's Raleigh office, to explore her unexpected path into AEC marketing. From an early love of hospitality and broadcast news to finding her professional home through community, mentorship, and SMPS, Morgan shares how her career took shape in ways she never planned—but couldn’t imagine leaving.

She reflects on launching her career during COVID, why marketing (not business development) plays to her strengths, and what it really takes to translate “archi‑speak” into language that resonates with people. The conversation wraps with a riveting Today Show story—and a powerful reminder that sometimes the biggest leaps lead to the most meaningful moments.

In this episode of HumanScale Co-hosts Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley sit down with Tim Kriegel, LS3P’s Learning & Development Manager, for a conversation that’s as insightful as it is unexpected. Tim shares how building culture through CliftonStrengths shapes our teams, and breaks down the practical differences between people management, mentorship, and coaching.

Along the way, we explore his fascinating career journey - from banking, to Vegas living, to a three-month family stay in Europe - that ultimately led him to Greenville and LS3P. You’ll also hear his thoughts on coaching habits that stick, a mezcal-and-grapefruit cocktail that evolves as the ice melts, and travel stories that remind us why curiosity matters.

Tune in for fresh perspectives on leadership, learning, and the experiences that shape us.

In our final podcast episode of the year, Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley sit down with Greensboro Office Leader Ginna Freyaldenhoven for an inspiring conversation about her career journey, leadership style, and the evolving realities of the architecture profession.

Ginna shares what fuels her passion, how she’s grown into her role, and the mindset that keeps her grounded through the twists and turns of the industry. Plus, don’t miss Questions from the Fishbowl, where the trio reveals their most unexpected food pairings and debates which LS3P team member would make the ultimate party buddy from their 20s.

Listen now and celebrate the close of an incredible year with us!

Enjoy the latest episode of Human Scale, where co-hosts Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley sit down with Charlotte Office Leader Nathan Daniel for an inspiring deep dive into his journey from young architect to leading one of LS3P’s largest offices.

Nathan shares pivotal moments that shaped his career—including the Centene project (now TEN30 Campus), a 1,000,000 SF collaboration that pushed the team to its limits during the uncertainty of the pandemic. Hear how resilience, adaptability, and trust carried them through. This conversation explores the evolution of workplace design, the power of client relationships, and the entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of LS3P’s culture.

And don’t miss the Questions from the Fishbowl segment—one of our best yet! Nathan opens up about family, travel, favorite Charlotte spots, and even weighs in on the ultimate debate: Who serves the best BBQ in the Midwest?

In this spirited episode, co-hosts Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley welcome Carsyn Jarrell and Kelly Walker—two powerhouse members of LS3P’s Finance team whose careers have run side-by-side for over 20 years. From project accounting to assistant controller and beyond, Carsyn and Kelly share the unexpected twists that shaped their professional journeys. With humor and heart, they recount office moves, mergers, and the evolution of their roles.

What keeps them thriving in finance after two decades? Alove for change, strong people skills, and the kind of flexibility that turns challenges into opportunities. This episode is a tribute to resilience, adaptability, and the friendships that make work not just productive—but fun.

Money talks—and so do Carsyn and Kelly. Tune in for thelaughs, stay for the wisdom.

In this vibrant, laughter-filled episode of Human Scale,hosts Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley launch LS3P’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with a heartfelt conversation featuring Iván Martinez-Cruz, Daniela Ayers, and Michael Garcia—three inspiring members of the Diseñasteering committee, LS3P’s Hispanic and Latinx resource group.

Together, they share personal journeys from Spain, Mexico,and Miami, revealing how culture, family, and resilience shaped their paths into architecture and design. Listeners will discover the origin and mission of Diseña, a passionate community within LS3P dedicated to celebrating heritage,fostering mentorship, and amplifying impact across projects and workplace culture.

From the story behind tapas to the challenges of drive-throughs, this episode is packed with humor, wisdom, and heartfelt advice for aspiring designers. The team also dives into the importance of mentorship, the power of diversity, and the joy of honoring one’s roots—plus a few fun stories about food, family, and personal accomplishments beyond the studio.

In this inspiring episode of Human Scale, Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley sit down with Wil Drennan, the creative force behind the design of our new Charlotte office. A true Carolina native, Wil shares how his upbringing shaped his design philosophy and approach to workplace culture. Drawing from his experience leading multiple LS3P office designs, he reflects on lessons learned, the importance of local identity, and the challenge of designing for your own team.

Wil also discusses the emotional impact of change, the role of storytelling in architecture, and offers candid insights into the best—and worst—advice he’s received. From navigating design team dynamics to championing authenticity, this episode is a thoughtful exploration of leadership and design excellence.

Recorded in our new space at 600 South Tryon Street, the conversation is as much about place as it is about purpose.

Bonus: The Human Scale podcast was recently honored with a Merit Award at the 2025 SMPS Marketing Communications Awards—a testament to the power of storytelling in our industry.

This month, co-hosts Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley sit down with LS3P Interior Designer Benji Martin for a conversation that’s as heartfelt as it is hilarious. From hot takes on snack choices to deeply personal reflections on identity, community, and creative growth, Benji brings it all.

They share their journey from Asheville to Raleigh, the unexpected impact of Hurricane Helene, and how their upbringing shaped their design perspective. We also dive into navigating ADHD, embracing identity, and the power of finding your people—at work and in life.

Whether you're here for the design insights or the butter debates, this episode is a vibrant celebration of authenticity, resilience, and showing up as your full self.

We’re back with another inspiring episode of Human Scale!

This month, co-hosts Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley sit down with the incredibly talented Senior Interior Designer Emily Patterson. Emily takes us on a winding journey through her path to LS3P, unpacks the nuances between interior design and space planning, and shares what fuels her passion for design every day. And don’t miss our fan-favorite segment, Questions from the Fishbowl, where we get candid about the rumors we’d start about ourselves (and each other!) and the people who’ve recently inspired us.

Join us for a special episode of Human Scale as we mark two incredible years of insightful conversations and engaging content! This month, co-hosts Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley are joined by the podcast's talented Producer and Editor, Bailey Bresee, to answer your burning questions.

In this fun and light-hearted episode, the team dives into a variety of listener-submitted topics. They reflect on the podcast's journey and progress, share their dream jobs (outside of LS3P, of course!), and even discuss which of LS3P's 12 office locations is the most haunted.

Don't miss out on this entertaining conversation that offers a unique glimpse into the personalities behind Human Scale. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the podcast, this episode is sure to delight and engage.

Tune in and get to know the Human Scale team a little better!

Welcome to the latest episode of Human Scale! This month, co-hosts Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley are thrilled to welcome LS3P’s Raleigh Office Leader, Chris Roberts, to the podcast. In this episode, they dive into Chris's action-packed first year in his new role, exploring how he found his way to LS3P and the extensive travels he has undertaken outside the office. But that's not all! Stay tuned for our Questions from the Fish Bowl segment where Chris shares an unforgettable story about his visit to...charming...backcountry winery during one of his many adventures.

We are thrilled to present the latest episode of Human Scale! Join Meredith Ray and Patrick Cooley as they welcome LS3P’s Azure Administrator, Jon Galloway. If you haven't heard Jon's story, you're in for a treat. His journey to becoming a part of LS3P's Technology team is truly inspiring. By the end of this episode, you'll feel both relaxed and awed by his incredible tale. Don't miss our "questions from the fishbowl" segment, where they discuss the movies that have had the biggest impact on their lives.