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Tommy + Patricia Chen Suchart
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Chen + Suchart Studio works at a variety of scales ranging from small well crafted projects and single family residences to larger scale urban design. The practice is not interested in style. The common thread between all projects undertaken in our studio is the integrity of design that transcends style. The work of the studio is focused on the reinvention of known ideas, spatial experience, and the quality and craft of construction in all of our projects.
Thamarit Suchart and Patricia Szu-Ping Chen Suchart completed their studies at the Rhode Island School of Design (Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Architecture 1997) and Harvard University's Graduate School of Design (Master of Architecture in Urban Design 1999). Thamarit was born and raised in Arizona. Having left Arizona for 13 years of education on the east coast of the United States, he chose to return to Arizona to raise his family and to start a design practice with Patricia in 2002. Patricia is a native of Taipei, Taiwan.
After working for numerous award winning architecture firms in both Boston and Phoenix, the pair officially established their own architecture firm in 2010. In 2012, the firm was identified as “15 Young Firms to Watch: Chen + Suchart Studio” by Residential Architect Magazine. Since 2015, the firm has been the recipient of a total of nine AIA design awards, from both the AIA Arizona Chapter as well as from the AIA Western Mountain Region Chapter. 2015 also included an award from Residential Architect Magazine, where The Staab Residence was awarded the Design Award for a Custom Home over 3,000 SF. Thamarit is a registered architect in the State of Arizona, Georgia, and New Jersey.
Thamarit has also served as a faculty associate and adjunct lecturer, teaching undergraduate and graduate design studios at both Arizona State University and the University of Arizona from 2010-2016. He is committed to sharing his knowledge with the future generations of architects when the practice allows for the dedication of time for design education.
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Gustavo Bernal
01:28:28|Gustavo Bernal received his Bachelor's in Animation and Visual Effects from Academy of Arts University, San Francisco. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Gustavo has strong roots in his Hispanic heritage and multicultural background. With several years of experience, he previously worked for prestigious advertising agencies and production companies in Venezuela and New York City, including Havas Health, The Vidal Partnership, Adrenalina, and Warner Brothers Television. He had edited projects with well-known celebrities and personalities such as Spike Lee, Quest Love, Thalia, Aurora, Moby, Gorillaz, KT Tunstall, Lilly Allen, actor Nestor Carbonel, musician Robin Thicke, restaurateur Danny Meyers, and Magic Johnson. Gustavo brings a unique vision as a filmmaker and creator to all the projects he works on, with his interests in storytelling, film editing, and visual effects. He has been actively involved with AIA Austin since 2019 and is the filmmaker behind WiA's Profiles interview video series. Furthermore, he has won numerous awards for his advertising and independent filmmaking work. His film Tiny Victories 2.0, A Tale of Empathy, has been screened at film festivals in Venice, Copenhagen, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Dubai, Chicago, Dallas, London, and the Better Cities Film Festival—Detroit, where it won the Emerging Ideas Award. The short documentary was presented in the #Archtober AIA Queens, Architecture Short Films festival in NY, the Western Australian Museum - Boola Bardip in Melbourne.Gustavo has spoken about storytelling in architecture and film at the AIA Austin Design Excellence, Texas Society of Architecture, and AIA National Conference.
Kevin Kennon: Redefining Wellness, Community, and Sustainable Design
01:17:29|Kevin Kennon is an internationally renowned architect with over 40 years of experience, specializing in environmentally sustainable and innovative design. As the founder and CEO of Beyond Zero DDC Inc., Kevin leads the development of zero-carbon emission luxury eco-resorts in remote wilderness locations worldwide, merging design excellence with ecological responsibility. His extensive portfolio includes projects like the 1.5 million square foot Barclays North American Headquarters, the Rodin Museum in Seoul, and multiple award-winning Bloomingdale’s stores. Additionally, he led United Architects, a finalist in the prestigious World Trade Center design competition, further solidifying his impact on architectural innovation. Kevin’s expertise spans adaptive reuse, urban planning, and large-scale developments, with projects featured in the permanent collection of MoMA, New York. He has earned over 40 international design awards and is a sought-after thought leader, contributing to discussions on urban development, climate change, and sustainable architecture. His work extends beyond architecture; as an expert witness and lecturer at leading institutions like Yale and Columbia, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to his craft. As a podcast guest, Kevin offers a deep understanding of architecture’s role in societal and environmental shifts. His unique perspectives on the future of cities, sustainability, and the intersection of culture and architecture make him a compelling and insightful speaker.
Empowering Women in Architecture: Alexandra Chaves
01:07:05|Alexandra Chaves, Assoc. AIA, NOMA is a Project Manager at Restructure Studio where her organizational skills, professionalism and eye for detail allow her to excel. Venezuelan born, Alexandra initiated her Architecture studies in Caracas, Venezuela at Universidad Santa Maria. In 2002, she came to the US to complete her degree. She holds a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts majoring in Architecture and Masters in Architecture from SCAD. In 2006, She moved to NYC where she worked in different boutique Architectural firms dedicated to custom residential design. Alexandra finally moved to Austin in 2018 to be closer to family, and has found the working culture at Restructure Studio to be the perfect balance between being a working mom and daily work life tasks. She has been actively involved with AIA Austin since 2018. She is the founder and creator and chair of the ‘Profiles’ interview video series subcommittee for Women in Architecture (WiA) Austin which started in 2021. In 2023 she was awarded the AIA Austin President's Award for the promotion of Austin Architecture through outstanding documentary filmmaking and in 2024 was the recipient of the AIA Austin Honors Award | Associate Member of the year. She is the current Women in Architecture Chair-Elect for Austin 2024. Moving forward, she plans to pursue licensure in Texas.
Tailored Design: Rebecca Osborne's Unique Approach
01:00:43|Rebecca Osborne is the visionary founder and creative force behind Osborne & Co., a leading interior design and property styling studio based in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. With over two decades of experience, Rebecca’s talent for creating sophisticated, luxury spaces has earned her a reputation for excellence. Her entrepreneurial journey began at a young age, and today she leads a studio specialising in elevating the quality of life through interiors, focusing on high-end residential and commercial projects. Rebecca tailors every design to the client’s needs, ensuring each space feels personal and thoughtfully crafted.
Custom Fitness Spaces with Chris Howell SPX Fit
01:02:47|In this podcast, Chris Howell, owner of SPX Fit, shares his journey from collegiate lacrosse player and Wall Street professional to gym designer, blending fitness functionality with aesthetics. From outfitting Soho House gyms to crafting bespoke home and commercial fitness spaces, Chris discusses how his designs incorporate wellness trends like saunas, plunge pools, and meditation zones.Chris highlights the importance of customization, creating tailored environments that cater to contrasting needs—such as high-energy workout zones and serene wellness areas—while seamlessly integrating brand identity and personal stories. Examples range from branded basketball courts and turf football fields to unique multifunctional spaces, like a barn-turned-members-club in New Jersey.Through collaboration with architectural and interior design teams, Chris ensures each project balances technical excellence with inspiring design. His work emphasizes the emotional connection between clients and their spaces, crafting gyms that not only meet fitness goals but also reflect personal values and aspirations. Tune in to explore how SPX Fit redefines gym design.
Sustainability in Design: A Conversation with Trish Love
01:09:01|"I started my career as a Mechanical and Hydraulic Engineer but soon realised my passion was designing buildings for people and planet. I effectively facilitate and manage sustainability outcomes within projects. I enjoy inspiring people, sharing knowledge and creating great team relationships." In this inspiring episode, sustainability consultant Trish shares her passion for creating a built environment that respects and regenerates nature. Trish discusses integrating biophilic and regenerative principles into construction, focusing on reusing, repurposing, and healing the land rather than exploiting it. Her approach challenges the disposable culture of modern building practices, advocating for structures designed to last over a century.🌱 Designing with Nature: Trish emphasizes observing the land—its energy, cycles, and natural patterns—to create buildings that harmonize with their environment. From working with indigenous wisdom to the Living Building Challenge, her work prioritizes sustainability at every step.💡 Transforming Perspectives: Trish’s projects inspire "aha moments" for everyone involved, from clients to builders, by demonstrating the profound impact of thoughtful, eco-conscious choices.🔬 Biomimicry & Innovation: Learn how nature’s designs, like mussel adhesives or palm tree systems, inform sustainable solutions in modern construction.This episode is a deep dive into rethinking how we build, with lessons that extend beyond architecture to how we connect with our planet. Tune in to explore how intentional design can leave a lasting legacy. 🌏
Designing for Impact: Ashley Heeren's Bold Architecture
01:26:27|Join Ashley Heeren, co-founder of LoDo (Low Design Office), as she shares her journey from a creative childhood in Las Vegas to studying architecture at Yale and Harvard GSD. LoDo embraces a "low" design approach, emphasizing resource-conscious, community-driven architecture rooted in collaboration and empathy.Discover LoDo's groundbreaking projects, like House Zero, which showcases 3D-printed concrete's potential for sustainable, modular homes with timeless appeal. Ashley dives into blending technology with familiar aesthetics, balancing innovation with environmental responsibility.The conversation highlights LoDo's human- and environment-centric philosophy, focusing on scalable, adaptable designs that empower communities. From Casa Marianella's Posada Campus, a safe haven for vulnerable families, to inspiring modular solutions for diverse contexts, Ashley shares how architecture shapes spaces and lives.Don't miss the story behind their upcoming benefit concert on Dec. 9 at Austin's Moody Theatre, supporting Casa Marianella's new campus. Tune in for an inspiring look at architecture's power to create meaningful impact!
Lighting Mastery: Transforming Spaces with Garrett Neal
46:19|In this podcast episode, Generational Lighting Expertise, Garrett Neal, principal designer at Neal Lighting, discusses his journey in lighting design, deeply influenced by his father and background in stage production.Transitioning from music management to join his family’s business, Garrett has grown from project manager to a leader in innovative lighting solutions.He describes lighting as a blend of art and science, explaining how it shapes mood, productivity, and even health by affecting circadian rhythms. Garrett highlights the transformation of the industry with LED technology, enabling flexible, customizable lighting that integrates seamlessly into modern spaces.He shares insights on residential lighting technologies, including static white lighting, warm dimming, and dynamic color-changing lights, each tailored to enhance daily routines. Emphasizing layered and intentional lighting, Garrett explains the importance of ambient and accent lights to avoid harsh overhead lighting, creating warmth and visual interest. For Garrett, lighting design is a collaborative process that requires alignment with architects and designers to ensure cohesive aesthetics and functionality. With a focus on interoperability and innovation, he describes how advanced systems and smart controls are transforming spaces, making lighting a powerful, adaptable element of interior design.
Hijacked!
01:17:33|In this special TalkDesign episode, Peter Twohy flips the script, interviewing Adrian Ramsay to dive into his holistic, land-centered approach to architecture. Adrian shares his “land whispering” and “emotional floor plans,” methodologies that prioritize connecting deeply with both clients and the environment.Adrian describes how his design process begins by aligning with the natural elements of a site—wind, sunlight, and terrain—creating homes that flow harmoniously with their surroundings. Through alpha brainwave activation, he enters a state of intuitive clarity, allowing him to understand the land's nuances, enhancing design responsiveness. His philosophy is rooted in observing the site’s daily rhythms, crafting spaces that evolve with the land itself.Adrian also talks about “design magic” as a collaborative journey, emphasizing the synergy of client input, creative professionals, and the land. This process culminates in emotional floor plans, inspired by Sam Gosling and Christopher Travis, which bring clients’ unique emotional needs to life through customized spaces.Balancing the podcast, Dream Homes Revealed TV show, and architectural tours requires careful scheduling, with early-morning podcast recordings and quarterly design tours. These tours, now offered in partnership with Feast Experiences, provide immersive architectural journeys for small groups, fostering deep connections with the world of design and with each other.