Apr 10 2025 56 mins 6
What does it truly mean to run a regenerative business, not just design regenerative buildings?
In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Matthew Broderick, President and CEO of Ashley McGraw Architects, Susanne Angarano, Principal at Ashley McGraw and Founder of Vaysen Studio, and Josie Plaut, Associate Director of the Institute for the Built Environment at Colorado State University. They delve into the concept of building an architectural practice that is itself alive, evolving, and contributing to a greater good, moving beyond conventional business models.
The conversation explores the crucial distinction between regenerative design and regenerative business, highlighting that regenerative business principles, rooted in living systems, developmental psychology, and transformative education, can apply to any organization. The guests discuss their journey implementing these practices at Ashley McGraw, the mindset shifts required—such as moving from a "culture fit" to an "essence contribution" approach, fostering agency throughout the firm, and reorienting client relationships towards true partnership. They challenge common assumptions and the tendency to think "we already do that," emphasizing the conscious effort needed to develop people as intentionally as projects and create genuine organizational vitality.
"Fundamentally, regenerative business differs from conventional or progressive business practices. It's based on the science and workings of living systems. That's how the world actually works rather than these human impositions that we place on it." - Josie Plaut
The episode concludes by touching on the deep, sometimes challenging, but ultimately rewarding work involved in transforming how a firm operates and develops its people.
Guests:
Matthew Broderick, AIA, is a President and CEO of Ashley McGraw Architects. Matthew has been instrumental in guiding the firm's growth over three decades, expanding from 10 people to 85 across offices in Syracuse, Boston, and DC. While experienced in designing significant higher education and sustainable projects, he considers the evolution and development of the firm itself to be his greatest design project, reflecting his deep commitment to organizational health and regenerative principles.
Susanne Angarano, CID, IIDA, Assoc. AIA, is a Principal at Ashley McGraw Architects and the Founder of Vaysen Studio, Susanne brings a rich background in educational planning, interior design, and effective stakeholder engagement. She focuses on creating architectural spaces deeply rooted in their specific culture, context, and sustainability goals. Her training as an interior designer provides a unique lens through which she approaches regenerative practice and organizational development within the firm.
Josie Plaut: Serving as the Associate Director of the Institute for the Built Environment at Colorado State University, Josie specializes in guiding organizations toward regenerative practices. Her work focuses on helping businesses align their core strategies with broader social and ecological well-being, drawing on the theory and application of regenerative business principles derived from living systems thinking and developmental psychology.
This episode is for you if:
- You lead or work in an architecture firm (especially mid-sized) and feel restless with traditional business models.
- You're interested in organizational development and fostering a culture where everyone's creativity and initiative can thrive.
- You want to understand the difference between regenerative design and regenerative business practices.
- You are curious about practical ways to shift towards a more developmental, value-adding approach with both staff and clients.
- You seek to build a practice that is resilient, adaptive, and contributes positively beyond individual projects
What have you done to take action lately? Share your thoughts with us on social media and join the conversation!
📍 Show Links:
- Connect with Matthew Broderick on LinkedIn
- Connect with Susanne Angarano on LinkedIn
- Connect with Josie Plaut on LinkedIn
- Learn more about Ashley McGraw Architects
- Learn more about Vaysen Studio
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