Beyond the Surface is a Chicago based architecture and design podcast highlighting unique voices in architecture and design. The podcast focuses on stories from designers to uncover who they are beyond the surface; it is a platform for meaningful conversations that spark innovation, challenge assumptions, and open new ways of thinking about the future of design. It serves as a space where listeners can learn from the personal experiences of designers and be inspired to grow in their own paths.
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Contact path
Verified email
Booking probability
32%
Guest openness
Selective
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Signup to Generate a PitchBeyond the Surface is a Chicago based architecture and design podcast highlighting unique voices in architecture and design. The podcast focuses on stories from designers to uncover who they are beyond the surface; it is a platform for meaningful conversations that spark innovation, challenge assumptions, and open new ways of thinking about the future of design.
Recent episodes include "38: Taruna Gupta | Curiosity, Connections, & Community" (31 August 2026, 48 minutes), "37: Iker Gil | Design is Discovery" (28 July 2026, 78 minutes), and "36: Danielle Tillman | Opening Doors" (19 May 2026, 67 minutes).
Beyond the Surface publishes roughly monthly, with episodes averaging 59 minutes across 42 episodes.
Booking probability for Beyond the Surface is 32%, and the host is rated Selective on guests. Beyond the Surface requires a Pod Score of 80 or higher. Beyond the Surface's contact route on record: verified email.
The strongest fits for Beyond the Surface are Architecture & Engineering and Design Services. Beyond the Surface has an arts audience.
Beyond the Surface is an arts show with 42 episodes published.
Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.
Episode #9
Taruna Gupta is a planner at HGA and the co-founder and president of the non-profit, Defining Humanity. Hear how her journey across different countries has shaped an approach to architecture grounded in curiosity...
Episode #8
Iker Gil is a founding partner at MAS Studio and editor in chief of the nonprofit MAS Context. Listen in to hear about how his experiences have led to a path in architecture, publishing, and exhibitions stemming from a...
Episode #7
Danielle Tillman is an architect in Chicago whose global portfolio includes many notable projects, including the renovation of the Whitney M. Young Jr. Branch Library and select projects in China. Listen in to hear...
Episode #6
Elizabeth Blasius and Jonathan Solomon are founders and partners of Preservation Futures, a firm focused on design, advocacy, and consultancy at the intersection of historic preservation and contemporary practice.
Episode #5
Rana Lee is the Marketing Principal leading business development for HOK’s Chicago studio. In this episode, she talks about how her experience in real estate and business development leads to the work she does for...
Episode #5
Alzira is a Senior Design Architect at EXP focused on architecture in the public realm, particularly infrastructure projects. The conversation discusses Alzira's journey between multiple countries and settling in...
Episode #4
In this episode, we sit down with Gabriel Ignacio Dziekiewicz, president and principal in charge of design at DesignBridge, an award-winning Chicago-based architecture firm with nearly four decades of history. The...
Beyond the Surface
In this special episode, co-founders Caleb Kwok and Alex Sanchez reflect on the beginnings of Beyond the Surface. Hear about how their backgrounds, inspirations for the podcast, and how the show has changed over time.
Episode #3
Monica Chadha is the founder and principal of Civic Projects Architecture, a Chicago-based social impact design firm with a focus on high-quality design and long-term strategic thinking. Listen in for a conversation...
Episode #2
Pascale Sablan is CEO of Adjaye Associates New York studio, overseeing projects in North and South America and the Caribbean. She is the 315th living African-American woman registered architect in the United States. She...
Episode #1
Rafael is the co-founder and director of Duo, an innovation studio/lab that works to create built environment innovations for the benefit of society. Listen in for a conversation about Rafael's journey with immigration...
Episode #13
Dr. Joseph Renow is a sociologist of science and technology who focuses on the intersection of expertise and society. Listen in for a conversation about how architects can think about design differently to meet societal...
Episode #12
Julie is founding partners of award winning Santa Monica based architecture firm, KoningEizenberg Architecture. Together with partner Hank Koning, Julie has been awarded the American Institute of Architects Los Angeles...
Episode #13
Tom is an award-winning architect and founder of Tom Lee Studio. He has experience across a diverse set of typologies and firms including HDR where he served as Design Principal, and other leading firms including John...
Episode #12
June Campbell, is a member of the National Organization for Minority Architects Council (NOMAC). She is the wife of Wendell Campbell, one of the founders of NOMA, who was the organization’s first president. This episode...
Episode #11
Ann Thompson, FAIA, is Executive Vice President of Architecture and Design at Related Midwest. She leads the design and planning of projects across the company’s portfolio of mixed-use, mixed-income, affordable and...
Episode #10
Annabell Ren is the co-founder of the Chicago based firm, New Office. Listen in to episode to hear her experiences as an immigrant to the US, and for a conversation about making cultural designs feel genuine to...
Episode #9
Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, HASLA, is an architect, urbanist, and educator. She is the 2023 American Institute of Architects Gold Medal recipient, of which she is the first living woman to be individually honored. Listen...
Episode #8
Paola is an urban designer and partner at Borderless Studio, a design and research practice based in Chicago and San Antonio. Listen in to hear about Paola's path between architecture and urban design, and how skills in...
Episode #7
Michel is a Mexican architect and founder of Rojkind Arquitectos, based in Mexico City. Listen in to hear about Michel's time in music before architecture, and a conversation about how design can be rethought to improve...
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