162: 2025 AIA Firm Award Winner, Quinn Evans

Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

How is Quinn Evans embracing sustainability, historic preservation, and equity in their practice to positively impact the future of architecture, environments, and communities?

On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we're joined by the next generation of leaders from Quinn Evans, the 2025 AIA Firm of the Year Winner: Julia Siple, Principal and Director of Sustainability, and Senior Associates Nakita Reed and Charles Sparkman. We discuss Quinn Evans' focus on sustainable architecture, their workplace environment, and how this award will shape the firm's future.

First, our guests share their paths to becoming architects, joining Quinn Evans, and what it means to the firm to win the award. Because the award also involves creating a positive work culture, the panel explains how the firm fosters an enjoyable work environment, embraces diversity, and supports employee development through mentorship and engagement groups.

Then, we discuss the firm’s inspired approach to professional and leadership development. They also reflect on ways they’ve continued to collaborate within the hybrid remote work model.

As architects, we should be designing things that we want a preservationist to want to preserve in 50 years. As preservationists, we're not just trying to preserve things in amber. It's about how we sensibly manage change and understand how to see things from multiple viewpoints. The sustainability impacts, the cultural impacts, the neighborhood impacts, and all of the ways that existing places really matter are what we strive for and we thrive in at Quinn Evans. Winning the firm of the year...it's great to finally see preservation, adaptive reuse, sustainability, and stewardship shine. - Nakita Reed

To wrap up the conversation, we touch on Quinn Evans' commitment to learning, curiosity, and industry evolution. They express their hopes for the future of the firm with the role of technology and AI in historic preservation.

Tune in next week for an episode with Practice of Architecture’s New CIO, Larry Fabbroni.

Guests:

Julia Siple, AIA, LEED AP BD+C | Principal, Director of Sustainability

Julia is an architect and advocate for design that positively impacts people, ecosystems, and climate. As Quinn Evans’ director of sustainability, she leads efforts to empower teams and projects to achieve sustainable and high-performing outcomes.

Nakita Reed, AIA, CPHC, LEED AP BD+C, NOMA | Senior Associate

Nakita's career focuses on the intersection of historic preservation, sustainable design, and equity. She is skilled in both restoration and adaptive use of historic buildings and serves on multiple boards, including the Zero Net Carbon Collaboration for Existing and Historic Buildings (ZNCC).

Charles Sparkman, AIA, LEED AP BD+C | Senior Associate

Charles's integrated design approach synthesizes art, building science, and research into architecture that is rich in meaning and beautiful in craft. He is adept in complex historic preservation projects and new construction that elevates campuses and communities.

📍 Show Links:

Connect with Julia on LinkedIn

Connect with Nakita on LinkedIn

Connect with Charles on LinkedIn

Connect with Quinn Evans on LinkedIn

Follow Quinn Evans on Facebook

Follow Quinn Evans on Instagram

Julia’s QE Website Profile

Nakita’s QE Website Profile

Charles’ QE Website Profile

Tangible Remnants Podcast

📚Continue Learning:

Quinn Evans Website

Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program

📚 Past Episodes Referenced:

PD #15: Training the Next Generation of Leaders

📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:

Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter

Check out our past episodes

Be a part of our community — join the conversation