Andrew Lewis Featured on Leadership Blueprints Podcast
Published December 18, 2024
At NK Architects, we believe in the power of mentorship, continuous learning, and fostering leadership at all levels. That’s why we’re proud to announce that our very own Andrew Lewis, Principal Architect and Manager of our Philadelphia office, has been featured on the Leadership Blueprints podcast, which explores the art and science of leading yourself, inspiring and empowering your team, and project leadership in the architectural, engineering, construction, development industries and beyond.
In this episode, Andrew shares his inspiring journey from an ambitious architecture student to becoming an instrumental leader at our firm. Through candid reflections, he discusses the critical moments that shaped his career, the impact of building connections in unexpected places, and his early experiences leading large-scale projects that helped catapult his career.
As Andrew reflects on his path, he highlights the importance of curiosity, one of NK’s core values, stepping outside one’s comfort zone, and embracing a growth mindset. His journey wasn’t without its challenges, but it’s clear that his ability to remain inquisitive and take initiative has been a driving force in his success.
Key Insights from Andrew’s Podcast Appearance
• A Journey Fueled by Curiosity & Initiative: Andrew discusses the unpredictable moments that defined his career, from graduating into a recession to taking on leadership roles at an early stage.
• The Importance of Growth & Feedback Loops: Andrew shares how feedback loops, mentorship, and a collaborative work culture at NK Architects have contributed to his rapid professional growth. As he puts it, “The feedback loop opportunity that I was getting was so tight and so condensed that I was like, ‘I'm advancing at a really fast rate here, and if I just keep at this, who knows where it’s going to go.’”
• Fostering Leadership & Trust: Leadership is not just about titles—it's about creating a workplace culture where trust, autonomy, and continuous learning thrive. Andrew elaborates on how NK Architects promotes leadership development from within and encourages young professionals to step up and take on challenges.
• Balancing Ambition with Humility: Throughout the conversation, Andrew emphasizes the value of humility in leadership. His own professional development is not just a result of individual effort, but also due to the supportive, feedback-driven environment fostered at NK Architects.
Andrew’s elevation drawings of University Hall at William Paterson University (left) and façade sketches of Kean University Liberty Hall Museum & Academic Center (right).
A Glimpse into the Future of Architecture
As a thought leader in the field, Andrew also discusses how the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry is evolving. With innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence, the future looks promising for mid-scale firms like NK Architects that are willing to push boundaries and embrace new methodologies.
Andrew’s appearance on this podcast was not just an opportunity to celebrate his success, but also a reminder of how much can be achieved when curiosity meets opportunity. Tune in for a rich discussion filled with insights that can help you thrive in the ever-evolving industry of architecture:
We’re incredibly proud of Andrew’s achievements and the invaluable insights he shared. His leadership continues to inspire us and is a testament to the culture of growth and innovation we foster at NK Architects.
Be Curious, Keep Growing.