This episode features an exciting conversation with Amber N. Wiley, PhD, who has just published her new book titled 'Model Schools in the Model City: Race, Planning, and Education in the Nation’s Capital' The interview covers various topics including the challenges and triumphs of writing her book during the pandemic as well as the history and architecture of black schools in Washington, DC. Amber also discusses her upbringing, the significance of black public high schools, and the efforts to ge...

We celebrate this 100th episode with the recipients of The DVC Memorial Scholarship. The 2025 recipients are Taylor Latimer (Harrisburg Memorial Award), Cheryl Dixon (DC Memorial Award), Makenzie Anane Elam (NOMA Award), and Leslie Aileen Ponce-Diaz (Honorable Mention). The conversation opens with introductions from long-time friends of Desiree (Nikolas Hill, Carol Smith Twyman, Morina Peterson, Katherine Williams), who reflect on her legacy and the challenges of navigating the architectural pro...

In this episode, Melisa shares her path to becoming an architect in St. Louis, Missouri and the importance of involving community voices in the design process. Melisa talks about her career trajectory, from her experiences in various firms to founding her own practice, BlackArc, which centers on community-driven design. She shares insights from her involvement in panels and fellowships, emphasizing her design philosophy's global inspirations. Melissa also reveals her teaching methods at Washingt...

Jonathan Tarleton, an urban planner and oral historian, talked about his book ' Homes for Living: The Fight for Social Housing and a New American Commons. ' We discussed his motivation behind writing the book, which focuses on two social housing cooperatives in Brooklyn and Manhattan. We go in-depth about the ongoing housing crises in the U.S., the difference between cooperatives and social housing as well as the disparities in wealth-building opportunities for Black and Brown communities. Tarle...

Andria Chatmon , a community organizer from Empower DC , and East Peterson-Trujillo , campaign director at the Green New Deal for DC , discuss strategies to address DC's affordable housing crisis. We discuss the severe underfunding of DC's affordable housing programs and the need for a new approach. Despite the creation of new housing units, the specific goal for affordable housing has not been met. Social housing may be the alternative solution that includes mixed-income government-owned proper...

Telicious Robinson shares her journey from Ohio to DC, her experiences in the architecture industry, and her vision for the future of DC NOMA (National Organization for Minority Architects). She talks about her passion for healthcare architecture, the challenges of navigating professional spaces as a Black woman, and the importance of giving back to the community. We also discuss the need for honesty, the importance of mental health, and how advocating for change within the industry can empower ...

In the Season 5 premiere, Anna McCorvey RA, LEED AP BD+C talks about inspiring professional journey and her mission-driven work. Anna shares the story behind founding the River East Design Center (REDC) in Southeast D.C., emphasizing its focus on addressing community needs before initiating design projects. She discusses the center's focus on educational outreach and conceptual design services, aiming to empower local residents with crucial information. Anna also opens up about her role as an...