Designing with Soul: How Architecture Shapes a City’s Story
When an introverted architect with a deep love for Memphis gets fed up with outdated firm culture and decides to build something better, you get Design Shop Architecture. In this episode of ThriveCast, Shannon sits down with Scott Guidry, founder of Design Shop, to talk about how he's spent more than 30 years designing spaces that are intentional, community-centered, and people-first.
Scott shares the leap of faith it took to start his own firm, the hard lessons learned from past employers, and why culture, structure, and a solid lunch plan matter more than most people think. From leading a small team that has delivered over 350 projects to prioritizing connection over clout, Scott walks us through what it really takes to build something meaningful.
You’ll walk away with insights on:
Turning awkward lunches into a business development pipeline
Building a firm culture where people thrive without the burnout
Leading with intention in an industry that often favors ego over impact
This episode is packed with candid lessons about scaling a creative business, working across diverse communities, and staying grounded as the industry evolves. If you’re into cities with soul and design that actually makes life better, you’re in the right place.
