Design x Technology Lecture: Evelyn Lee

This lecture can be watched on campus or online. Room A210.

Join Lawrence Technological University College of Architecture and Design for our first Design x Technology lecture of the Spring semester on Thursday, February 6th featuring an architect now immersed in the tech industry, founding advisor for Women Defining AI, and Global Head of Workspace Strategy and Innovation at Slack in San Francisco, Evelyn Lee.

Title: Designing Careers, Shaping Futures: Lessons from an Evolving Architectural Journey

Architecture is evolving, and so are the career paths within it. This session is not just a lecture—it’s a conversation about redefining what it means to be an architect. We’ll explore how architects can leverage new opportunities, embrace entrepreneurial thinking, and shape their own futures.

Topics of Discussion:

Expanding the Role of Architects – Architects are stepping beyond traditional design to influence technology, policy, and business strategy.

Entrepreneurial Thinking – Understanding how architects can build businesses, create startups, and rethink firm structures.

Navigating Alternative Career Paths – Exploring ways to transition into leadership roles beyond traditional practice.

The Business of Architecture – Why understanding firm strategy, finance, and operations is crucial for future success.

Technology & AI – How architects can integrate and shape emerging technologies rather than be displaced by them.

Mentorship & Equity – Building a more inclusive profession through mentorship, advocacy, and flexible career models.

This discussion will provide practical insights, lessons from real experiences, and a roadmap for designing your own career path in architecture. Join the conversation and start shaping your future today.

How will the participants benefit from your presentation?
Participants will gain practical insights into how the architectural profession is evolving and how they can navigate nontraditional career paths. They will leave with actionable strategies for leveraging their architectural skills in new ways, whether through entrepreneurship, leadership roles, or technological innovation. Additionally, the session fosters a supportive network of professionals looking to redefine their career trajectories.

How will their job become easier?
By learning how to integrate business acumen, technology, and strategic thinking into their work, architects can operate more efficiently, make informed career decisions, and position themselves for long-term success. Understanding these key areas will help them avoid common pitfalls, reduce uncertainty, and work smarter rather than harder.

Will they save time learning this skill?
Yes. Instead of spending years figuring out career pivots or business strategies through trial and error, participants will receive condensed, experience-backed knowledge. This lecture provides a shortcut to understanding essential trends, career-building techniques, and business models that can fast-track professional growth.

What current challenges will it alleviate?
Lack of clarity on alternative career paths in architecture
Struggles with firm leadership, financial sustainability, and business operations
The impact of emerging technologies and how to stay relevant
Navigating workplace equity, mentorship, and professional growth
Overcoming the pressure to follow a rigid, traditional career path
How does your lecture help eliminate risks and/or remove barriers?
By providing knowledge about industry shifts, emerging opportunities, and practical career strategies, this session reduces the risk of career stagnation and missed opportunities. Attendees will gain confidence in making informed career moves, understand how to position themselves in the evolving market, and learn how to leverage their skills to eliminate financial and professional uncertainties.

ABOUT: Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, is a multi-faceted professional who uniquely blends her architectural background with a tech-driven focus. As an architect now immersed in the tech industry, she serves as an angel investor, startup advisor, and fractional COO for small and medium-sized Architecture firms. She is an outside board director for Shepley Bulfinch and Luckett & Farley.

A sought-after speaker, Evelyn regularly shares her insights on the evolution of architecture practice, leadership and team development, the integration of technology in practice operations, and the exploration of alternative careers. Outside of her architectural pursuits, she is a founding advisor for Women Defining AI, championing a more inclusive and diverse landscape in artificial intelligence. Evelyn Lee’s leadership and forward-thinking approach are not just about innovation and progress, they’re about guiding the architectural profession towards new, uncharted directions.