Alumni Story – Bill Lepentis

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Bill Lepentis (MS-SDM 2016). I am an architect, product designer, researcher and strategist. I also teach a furniture design studio at Park University. I’ve owned my own design firm since 2011, pivoting from a traditional architectural design practice to a consultancy focusing on multidisciplinary design programs and projects. In 2015, I created a joint-venture design partnership with a sculpture/fabricator who specializes in social change projects; primarily play-based learning products, structures and environments for children and adults.

Where are you originally from?

I was born in Sydney, Australia. My family moved to the United States when I was 8-years old. I grew-up in Kansas City, Missouri.

What project/job/event/research are you currently working on? 

With my own design practice and joint venture projects, I find myself keeping many plates spinning at all times. I just finished a preliminary case study on climate change and city planning in light of recent events in Houston with Hurricane Harvey. This lead to some early prototyping based on user research within the efforts of citizen first responders. It’s leading to some interesting ideation as it relates to real-time ID check-ins; that is, using existing software and infrastructure to assist victims. With climate change leading to more storms at unprecedented levels and severity, it’s a topic that needs to be addressed.

In what ways did the work/research you did at Parsons prepare you for that transition and the work you’re doing now?

I acknowledged that my practice had to evolve. That’s one of the reasons I enrolled in the program. The linear process of architectural programming for a client’s requirements needed
a fresh approach. I have been able to lead clients in areas they never anticipated by exposing them to new methods and strategies. The MS-SDM program helped me craft new ways to
service clients.

How has the MS-SDM program challenged you to grow as a Strategic Designer?

It’s opened-up my mind of what the future of a design practice can be. Even after over 25- years in the design world, my term at Parsons added more “tools” to my toolbox. In a way, it helped my practice mature.

If you were to give one piece of advice to current students, what would it be?

I cherish the relationships that were forged with my colleagues from around the world. They each had something genuine to offer and collaborating with them on projects and case studies was so gratifying. Coming into the program as a “non-traditional” student was difficult, but my classmates made the transition easy. I know it might sound cliché, but my only advice is to reach out and get to know as many of your classmates as possible.

What book are you reading right now?

I’ve been involved with data mining and other forms of data research lately. I just finished, Information and the Modern Corporation, by James W. Cortada. It’s commentary on how
companies leverage information and I’m using it to help me translate information into user
friendly dialogues.