In this first chapter of Foundations + Futures: By the Decade, we travel back to 1976—when Schmidt Associates was born from a bold idea, one chair, two employees, and a deep belief that architecture should serve people first.

Dean Illingworth, a longtime Schmidt Associates team member and firsthand witness to the firm's earliest days, joins host Sarah Hempstead to bring the 1970s to life. From hand-drafted drawings on repurposed doors to animal safaris for third graders, Dean shares the stories that reveal who Wayne Schmidt was—not just as a founder, but as a leader who practiced servant leadership long before it had a name.

Listeners will hear about:

• The real story behind "one chair, two employees"—and the doors that became drafting tables
• How a staged job interview landed Dean his first day at the firm (and why he was left alone in the office)
• The Hammond Block, Mass Ave, and the birth of the firm's historic preservation expertise
• The restoration of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument—a project that shaped the firm's identity and its place in Indianapolis
• The roots of Schmidt's K–12 education practice and early community-centered work

This decade was about conviction—showing up for communities, leading with empathy, and building something bigger than a business. The 1970s gave Schmidt Associates its DNA, and you can still feel it today.

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In this special anniversary series episode, we’re flipping the script—Sarah Hempstead, CEO of Schmidt Associates and host of Luminate, takes the guest seat to reflect on legacy, leadership, and what it means to carry a vision forward.

As Schmidt Associates celebrates 50 years—and honors 100 years of Arrasmith history in Kentucky—Sarah shares the story behind her architectural journey, the values that drew her to the firm, and the pivotal moments that shaped her approach to servant leadership. From her earliest design inspirations to navigating the transition to CEO, this conversation explores how thoughtful preparation, collaboration, and curiosity have defined both her path and the firm’s evolution.

Listeners will hear about:

• Finding purpose in architecture through travel, education, and mentorship
• Leading through uncertainty and the lessons learned from unexpected challenges
• Preserving culture while adapting for growth during leadership transition
• The importance of inclusive, ego-free design rooted in community impact

This episode sets the stage for Foundations + Futures: By the Decade, a special anniversary series exploring the people, projects, and decisions that built our past—and the vision shaping our future.

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Few roles demand more heart, humility, and resolve than leading a public school district.

In this episode, CEO Sarah Hempstead sits down with Dr. Travis Madison, superintendent of New Albany Floyd County Schools, for a candid conversation about leadership rooted in purpose—and the power of showing up for students, staff, and the community every day.

With nearly three decades in education, Dr. Madison offers the perspective of someone who has served at every level—from the English classroom to the superintendent’s office. He reflects on how coaching shaped his leadership style, why visibility and trust matter more than ever, and how career education can serve as a powerful equalizer for students across the district.

Listeners will explore:

• Empathy and consistency as foundations for effective school leadership
• Visibility, relationships, and trust as drivers of districtwide success
• Career education access and how programs like Prosser prepare students for life beyond the classroom
• District alignment and the strategies behind building systems that support long-term impact

Whether he’s cheering on students at an evening event or navigating big-picture strategy, Dr. Madison leads with an unwavering commitment to doing what’s best for kids.

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