In this episode of Flying Solo, host Katie Kangas speaks with Edward J. Shannon, an architect whose career embodies the steady persistence of a woodpecker. Day after day, Ed has built his solo practice by connecting deeply with clients and crafting homes that tell a story—one that resonates with their lives, goals, and values. His work leaves a legacy not only for today’s homeowners but also for the generations who will live in these spaces in the future.

In this episode of Flying Solo, host Katie Kangas speaks with Innes Henderson, founder of S2S Architects, whose practice embodies the focus and agility of a hummingbird. Innes has developed a specialized architectural process centered on intentionality, adaptability, and aligning his expertise with the unique needs of each client. Like a hummingbird hovering with precision at a flower, his approach is about finding the sweet spot—moving with precision and leaving a lasting impression wherever his projects take him.

In this episode of Flying Solo, host Katie Kangas speaks with Minnesota-based architect Marcy Conrad Nutt, whose work centers on bringing high-performance design to everyday projects through the principles of Passive House. Marcy’s mission is to make better buildings—homes and businesses that are energy-efficient, resilient, and supportive of the people who live and work in them. Like the chickadee, a bird that remains year-round in Minnesota, Marcy has rooted her practice in the region she calls home. Just as the chickadee withstands harsh winters while creating a steady, vibrant presence, Marcy is building architecture that endures the northern climate and enriches people's lives from the inside out.

In this episode of Flying Solo, host Katie Kangas speaks with Hong Kong–based architect Vicky Chan, founder of AO Architects. Vicky’s practice pairs agriculture and urban design, weaving farming and food production into architectural projects. His work is fueled by listening deeply to the needs of communities and responding with designs that nourish both people and place. Beyond his practice, Vicky runs four nonprofits, extending his mission to feed people—literally through urban farms, and figuratively by providing education and resources that strengthen communities.

In this episode of Flying Solo, host Katie Kangas speaks with East Coast architect and solopreneur John Clark, founder of REDjay Architecture. John describes his practice as classic custom residential design with a modern twist, much like the bird behind his firm’s name—a cardinal reimagined as a REDjay. For John, architecture is about more than design; it’s about keeping it real. His firm reflects his own personality and interests, enabling him to connect authentically with clients and address the unique challenges they face in their homes.

In this episode of Flying Solo, host Katie Kangas talks with Darguin Fortuna, founder of Flow Design, about the journey from feeling like an ugly duckling in other firms to becoming a fully fledged swan leading his own practice. Early in his career, Darguin struggled to find a place where he belonged, migrating from one workplace to another in search of a supportive environment. When he finally launched Flow Design, he not only created a space where he could thrive, but also welcomed others who had felt out of place in traditional firms. Now, as a bevy of swans, his team members take turns leading projects, each empowered to spread their wings while supported by the strength of the flock.

In this episode of Flying Solo, host Katie Kangas talks with Sam Williams about his residential practice and the unique niche he has built. Sam works with families whose remodels and additions are not too big and not too small, thriving in the challenge of problem-solving within the constraints of existing homes. His practice is much like a nuthatch—a small tree-climbing songbird that descends headfirst to see the world from a different perspective. Just as the nuthatch finds what other birds overlook, Sam has found his place serving clients whose projects are often missed by larger firms. By approaching atypical renovations and additions with humility, empathy, and practicality, he is helping families thrive while also breathing new life into aging housing stock.

In this episode of Flying Solo, host Katie Kangas speaks with Angie Boersma, founder of ID8. Angie has shaped her practice to be unapologetically rural—rooted in the needs of small towns and built on the belief that architecture alone isn’t enough to create lasting change. As an intentional generalist, she draws on a wide range of skills, from interior design to civic leadership, local legislation, and financing. By stepping beyond the traditional architect’s role, she has been able to help rural communities bring ambitious projects to completion while also influencing the systems that govern them.

In this episode of Flying Solo, host Katie Kangas speaks with Duluth-based architect and solopreneur Tiersa Wodash, founder of Brick and Mortar. Tiersa has built her practice around helping small business owners navigate the complexities of opening their own physical spaces. Like a heron standing still in the water, she has immersed herself in her community, observing the needs of entrepreneurs and waiting for just the right opportunities to step in and help. Her approach centers on sustainability, collaboration, and client education, with the goal of making architecture more approachable for those launching new ventures.

In this episode of Flying Solo, host Katie Kangas sits down with New Jersey architect Vin Minkler, who has spent nearly a decade refining his solo practice. Vin has shaped his business around serving middle-class clients through smaller residential projects, managing dozens of remodels and additions at a time. Like a puffin—diving into the waves and catching multiple fish with its serrated beak—Vin keeps a tight hold on every project while balancing efficiency, quality, and client engagement.

In this episode of Flying Solo, host Katie Kangas explores the many ways architects define their practice and how those paths shift when working independently. It starts by questioning the traditional roles in the profession—are architects problem-solvers, designers, preservationists, or business leaders? In truth, the answer is “all of the above.” Drawing from her own journey, Katie reflects on how the skills of an architect extend far beyond design to include marketing, client management, contracts, and the realities of running a business. This wide range of responsibilities becomes even more pronounced when you’re flying solo.

In this episode of Flying Solo, host Katie Kangas explores what it really means to fly. She begins with perspective—examining why choosing to step into the unknown and aiming for “blue oceans” can open up new horizons for both personal life and professional practice. Drawing inspiration from Blue Ocean Strategy by Renée Mauborgne and W. Chan Kim, Katie reflects on how architects and solopreneurs can create fresh opportunities rather than competing in overcrowded markets. Flying becomes a metaphor for dreaming big and daring to venture into new territories.