Molly Dalsin (Weaverbird) | FS.020
Weaving Research into Practice
LISTEN NOW
In this episode of the Flying Solo Podcast, host Katie Kangas speaks with Molly Dalsin, founder of Mesh Architecture, about building a practice rooted in human-centered design, community connection, and long-term impact. As an architect, educator, and researcher, Molly weaves teaching, research, and practice together—using each to inform and strengthen the others.
Molly describes her firm in three words: human, interconnected, impact. That philosophy shapes how Mesh Architecture approaches housing, social spaces, and community-focused work. Rather than treating architecture as a finished object, Molly views it as a cultural output—one shaped through collaboration, research, and open exchange of ideas. Her practice prioritizes doing more with less, responding thoughtfully to context, and designing spaces that serve people beyond a single project or moment.
Molly’s bird archetype is the Weaverbird, a symbol of resourcefulness, interconnection, and legacy. Like a weaverbird crafting intricate nests from found materials, Molly builds her practice by gathering insights from teaching, research, and community engagement—designing projects that are both resilient and meaningful. Throughout the conversation, she shares how networking, inviting dialogue, and rethinking traditional business models allow solo practitioners to expand their impact without building large teams.
Her story offers a grounded reminder that solopreneur architects don’t have to work in isolation to make a difference. By weaving together relationships, ideas, and disciplines, even a small practice can create architecture that endures—strengthening communities and shaping the future one thoughtful strand at a time.
020
Molly Dalsin (Weaverbird)
Season 2 of the Flying Solo Podcast is sponsored by the Minnesota Architectural Foundation, whose mission is to invest in excellence, leadership, discovery, and equity within the profession of architecture.
To join this flying solo movement, you can follow Flying Solo Arch on Instagram where Katie posts content to encourage your business life. Find out which bird defines your marketing strategy with the Bird Quiz on the Flying Solo Website.
For even more resources and encouragement, you can find all the Flying Solo episodes on the Gābl Media platform at gablmedia.com - the premier destination for podcasts about architecture and design. And if you’re looking for community, connection, and real conversations, check out the EntreArchitect Network at entrearchitect.com/ . Whether you join one of their Masterclasses or the free Facebook group, you’ll find a community of small firm architects sharing ideas, challenges, and wins - proving that while we may work solo, we’re never alone.
As Mark R. LePage, founder of Entrearchitect, says - it’s all about doing better practice and better work every day.
