Exploring AIA25: Insights on Architecture and Human Performance

Exploring AIA25: Architecture, Human Performance, and Personal Perspectives

What happens when you bring an architect, a kinesiology researcher, and a mic to AIA25 in Boston?

You get one of the most honest, insightful, and unexpectedly funny conversations we’ve ever had on What the RFI?

In this episode, recorded live from the AIA25 Expo floor, I’m joined by Dory Azar, principal of Dory Azar Architect Inc., and Dr. Nadia Azar, associate professor of kinesiology and researcher on human performance. Together, we dive deep into how architects navigate the pressures of practice, the value of mentorship, and—yes—what it’s really like to live with one of us.

The Role of the Architect (And Why We Sometimes Hand Over the Wheel)

Dory didn’t hold back. We talked about how architects are too quick to hand over control to general contractors during construction, and how important it is to stay in the driver’s seat when it comes to documentation and decision-making.

“It’s like design cross-training. You back yourself into a creative corner and design your way out.”
— Dory Azar, on experimental concept work and pushing boundaries

Performance, Pressure, and Living With an Architect

Enter Nadia Azar, PhD. While she’s not an architect, her research focuses on performance under pressure—originally in the music and sports world—and surprisingly, it overlaps with how architects deal with mental load, fatigue, and burnout.

And then there’s the personal side.

“Instead of hiring an architect, I just married one.”
— Dr. Nadia Azar, on navigating home design and renos

It was a rare chance to hear how architecture affects those around us, not just the buildings we design.

Cultural Context and Community Impact

We also touched on how culture, travel, and community involvement influence the way architects design and think. From personal anecdotes about site visits abroad to the subtle cultural nuances that shape a project, it’s clear that architecture is never in a vacuum.

“If the people making school design decisions had to sit in those classrooms for 6 hours a day, they’d make different choices.”
— Dory Azar, on public architecture and accountability

What We Took Away from AIA25

The conference was buzzing with energy, ideas, and the usual architectural caffeine levels. But it was conversations like this that made AIA25 memorable.

Key takeaways:

Architects must be leaders—not just consultants—in the construction process.
Personal relationships give us new insights into how we work.
Mentorship matters more than ever, especially for younger professionals.
Architecture should evolve with cultural and human needs, not resist them.
Interdisciplinary perspectives—like kinesiology—can enrich our industry.

Final Thoughts: Humour, Humanity, and the Future of Practice

This episode was a reminder that architecture isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people. Whether it’s mentoring the next generation, working with a GC, or laughing about kitchen layouts with your spouse, our personal stories shape the way we build.

“Architects are giving up control. When we let GCs run the show—including meeting minutes—we lose accountability and ownership.”
— Matt Brennan

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