The Voice of Florida Architecture

Host Rhonda Hammond, AIA, welcomes Shawn Mulligan, AIA, founding partner of Design Clarity and member of the AIA Strategic Council, to explore new approaches to the business of architecture. Drawing on research from the Strategic Council, Mulligan discusses the importance of thinking beyond traditional business models, developing entrepreneurial strategies and approaching firm operations with the same creativity architects bring to their projects. From alternative revenue streams and leadership to lessons from other industries, the conversation explores how architects can rethink their value, strengthen their practices and embrace opportunities for the future.

Shawn's contact information:

Shawn Mulligan, AIA

Founding Partner DESIGN CLARITY

E shawn@designclarity.co

To honor the life and legacy of Carl Abbott, FAIA, who passed away at age 90, we revisit our conversation Guy Peterson, FAIA and Max Strang, FAIA recorded in 2023.

The youngest member of the Sarasota School of Architecture, Carl carried its principles forward through a distinctive approach to design shaped by the land, natural light, coastal breezes, and the relationship between buildings and their surroundings. A graduate of the University of Florida and Yale, Carl studied under Paul Rudolph and worked with Norman Foster, Richard Rogers, and I. M. Pei before establishing his Sarasota practice in 1966. His award-winning work and dedication to preserving Sarasota’s architectural heritage left a lasting mark on Florida architecture.

We invite you to listen to this conversation and remember an architect whose work continues to inspire.

Host Rhonda Hammond, AIA, welcomes Molly Penn from PENN Creative, the consulting firm leading AIA Florida's Relevance of Architecture Study. The conversation explores the goals of the study, insights from member focus groups and why hearing from architects, clients and other industry stakeholders is essential to understanding the profession's evolving role. Participate in the survey by Nov. 2 at https://aiafla.org/About-the-AIA_Relevance-of-Architecture.cfm.

Host Rhonda Hammond, AIA, speaks with Itzel Lozada, AIA, and Keith Lashley, FAIA, two architects with experience in healthcare design whose own medical journeys brought new perspective to their work. From accessibility and patient dignity to natural light, comfort, caregiver support and design details, they discuss how their experiences deepened their understanding of what patients and their families encounter in some of their most vulnerable moments and reinforced the importance of designing to support healing, reassurance and hope.

Host Rhonda Hammond, AIA, talks with Ignacio Reyes, FAIA, about ownership transitions and succession planning in architecture firms.Their conversation explores the challenges firm owners may face, the importance of planning early and why culture, trust and financial preparation can make a significant difference in a successful transition. Reyes also discusses the long-term impact succession decisions can have on a firm’s people, identity and future.

In the latest episode of "The Voice of Florida Architecture," Amie Calisti, AIA co-host of "The Real Pink Diaries," Rhonda Hammond, AIA, host of "The Voice of Florida Architecture," and Jessica Rogers, NOMA, host of "Unspoken Practice" and co-host of "She Builds Podcast" gather for a conversation about finding and using your voice through podcasting and how to share your voice to express ideas, experiences and stories with a broader audience.

Joyce Owens, FAIA, RIBA, returns to talk with host Rhonda Hammond, AIA, about her election as 2027 AIA president-elect and 2028 AIA president, reflecting on the leadership journey that brought her to this moment, her campaign experience, how Florida plays a large part in it, and the priorities she hopes to carry onto the national stage.

Nati Soto, FAIA, reflects on the mentors, relationships and opportunities that shaped her career. She shares how service through AIA, along with a willingness to speak up, can help architects become more engaged professionals, strengthening their voices and contributing beyond their individual practices.

Voting for the 2026 AIA Florida People’s Choice Competition on Instagram runs from July, 3 at 12 p.m. Eastern through July, 17 at 11 p.m. Eastern. This year’s voting will take place directly on AIA Florida’s Instagram page­­ and the Florida Foundation for Architecture's Instagram page, where each project will be featured in its own post. To vote, followers will simply “like” their favorite project posts during the voting period.

This year’s People’s Choice Competition Contestants:

• Bayshore Park, Miami, FL -­Savino & Miller Design Studio, Master Planning and Design
• Norton Musuem of Art, West Palm Beach, FL -­CBT Architects - Architect of Record, Foster + Partners - Design Architect
• Overtown Youth Center, Miami, FL -­Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design­ - Design Architect, Design2Form - Architect of Record
• The Corner at Debs Store, Jacksonville, FL -­ALS Architects-Planners
• The Hub/Big Chill 30A, Watersound Beach, FL -­DAG Architects
• University of Miami Theatre Arts Building, Coral Gables, FL - MATEU Architecture
• University of West Florida Museum of Industry Entrance & Train Canopy, Pensacola, FL - SMP Architecture, PA

Be sure to follow AIA Florida on Instagram­ and the Florida Foundation for Architecture and check back when voting opens to support your favorite contestant!

Host Rhonda Hammond, AIA, speaks with Don Yoshino, FAIA, about his James Anstis, FAIA, Lifetime Achievement Award, teaching and mentorship. Learn more about Don by viewing his 2023 interview at https://youtu.be/fP8z2bKnv5Q.

Rhonda Hammond, AIA, shares the latest in the Component Spotlight series with a conversation with AIA Tallahassee president John Scott, AIA, president-elect Tristan Williams, AIA, and state director JJ Scott, AIA, share what makes the component uniquely positioned at the intersection of advocacy, education and community.

Host Rhonda Hammond, AIA, is joined by 2026 president, Adam Gayle, AIA, to interview the AIA Florida 2026 Convention and Trade Show kickoff speaker JEFRË, as he shares his journey from landscape architecture and urban design to a career as an acclaimed public artist.

Host Rhonda Hammond, AIA, speaks with Joyce Owens, FAIA, RIBA. The legacy Series continues as Joyce discusses her AIA Florida presidency. Joyce reflects on her career in the UK and US and her community’s recovery from Hurricane Ian. Joyce is a recipient of both the AIA Florida Gold Medal and Medal of Honor for Design recognizing her service and excellence in design.

Learn more about Joyce’s practice at https://www.architecturejoyceowens.com/. Learn more about Joyce’s campaign to lead AIA at https://www.joyceowensforaia.com/. Contact her at LetsTalk@JoyceOwensforAIA.com.

Host Rhonda Hammond, AIA, speaks with president Adam Gayle, AIA, convention chair Brooke Godinez, AIA, and director of professional development, Wendy Johnson about the upcoming AIA Florida Convention and Trade Show.

Host Rhonda Hammond, AIA, talks with past president Debra Lupton, FAIA, about her career and impact on architecture and AIA.

Rhonda Hammond, AIA, takes a break from hosting to be interviewed by guest host, Lourdes Solera, FAIA.

Host Rhonda Hammond, AIA, and 2025 Florida Foundation for Architecture Chair, Stephen Hruby, AIA, discuss architecture's impact on health care with Bill Hercules, FAIA.

The Florida Legislature concludes the 2026 regular session

Host Rhonda Hammond, AIA, discusses service to the profession and community with the 2025 Anthony "Tony" Pullara Award recipient, Amanda Barton, AIA

Hear what happened during the seventh week of the 2026 regular session.