163: Practice of Architecture’s New CIO, Larry Fabbroni

How can architecture firms grow alongside the future of the practice by exploring other business models and embracing opportunities for innovation?On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we’re excited to introduce Lawrence Fabbroni as our new Chief Innovation Officer at The Practice of Architecture. Larry is an architect with over twenty years of experience and has been involved in many major development projects in the US. Currently, he works as a consultant focusing on strategic pre-development services. Today, Larry talks about his architecture and business career and his plans to enhance innovation within our company.First, Larry discusses his career background and his role in The AIA Practice Innovation Lab. As an MBA candidate at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Larry shares key takeaways he learned that can benefit our approach to innovation in architecture.Then, we dive into the challenges that firms encounter in managing growth and sustainability alongside the evolution of architecture and AI. Larry highlights what we're currently working on and our goals, how our consulting service differs from others in the AEC space, and the exciting opportunities to merge the expertise of Larry's network with The Practice of Architecture network.In the world of innovation, we separate what we define as invention and innovation. There's multiple types of innovation that can happen, and the most common is to innovate iteratively on what you already do, right? I think architects are really inclined to want to be really creative and kind of develop something brand new all the time. That's how you cause major disruption, maybe, but that's not the majority of innovation that's happening in this other space. - Larry Fabbroni To wrap up the conversation, we explore the importance of mindset shifts for fostering innovation in the industry's future, the role of mid-sized companies, the potential for creativity, and the influence of workplace culture on driving innovation within firms.Tune in next week for an episode where we continue our "Architecture, and" series with a guest who’s making a significant impact beyond traditional practice—Laura Wake-Ramos. Guests:Lawerence J. Fabbroni, AIA, LEED APLarry is an architect with over two decades in practice. He formerly led master planning projects at Ehrenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn Architects and Strada Architecture. He has worked on some of the largest development projects in the US, and currently works as an consultant focused on strategic pre-development services. Currently, Larry is an MBA candidate at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business where he focuses on entrepreneurship and strategy.  Larry has received the AIA Pennsylvania Emerging Professional of the Year award, as well as the AIA’s national Young Architect Award. He is formerly a national president of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), a national Chair of the AIA’s Young Architects’ Forum (YAF), and a national board member of the American Insti­tute of Architects (AIA). He has been a leader in many other local and regional organizations. 📍 Show Links:  Connect with Larry on LinkedIn📚Continue Learning:The Practice of Architecture WebsitePractice Innovation Lab📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook |

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The evolution of architectural practice has been relatively slow towards change, yet modern shifts in business and design management have prompted today’s leading architects to rethink how they work. On Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee, an architect, design strategist, and Senior Experience Designer at Slack, and architecture business strategy consultant, Je’Nen Chastain, set out to illuminate the future of the profession to help architects remain relevant and valuable in a changing world. They will explore how technology, cultural shifts, and emerging best practices are prompting firm owners to assess their business models and make adjustments in their studios. Each episode features an industry leader, and together our hosts will explore the new frontier of architectural practice.