Megan ElcratEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, returning guest Megan Elcrat is back! About Megan Elcrat : Megan Elcrat is the founding principal of Present Company , a Baltimore-based architecture and design firm where she specializes in urban revitalization, adaptive reuse, and creative workspace design. She co-founded the innovative Co-Lab Baltimore co-working space in Old Goucher, which houses both an architecture firm and a design-focused bookstore. Her work is rooted in the belief that architecture is fundamentally about experience and place-making. We talk about her formative memories of her father's mathematics department office at Wichita State University —the chalkboards, terrazzo floors, and dark wood finishes that shaped her early understanding of how spaces create meaning. She discusses her hyper-local approach to architecture, working within walking distance of her office and building authentic relationships with neighbors, clients, and community partners like the Franciscan Center and Sophomore Coffee . She shares insights on adaptive reuse—the art of giving historic buildings new life while preserving their essence—and how her firm approaches projects by asking what experience people want to have in a space. Elcrat reveals details about her work on Station North's North Avenue Market , reconnecting the north and south halves of the building through arcades to create a multi-use cultural hub with storefronts, studios, and food and beverage spaces. She discusses co-owning the Laverne nightclub with Catherine Borg and Ami Dang as part of the Neon Eon complex , emphasizing cultural preservation—not just preserving facades, but preserving how spaces made people feel. She introduces the concept of dancing and physical movement as the purest form of joy and why bringing people together in person still matters. We also talk about her collaboration with artist collective Wickerham/Lomax on the Soft Gym installation at the Y-Not Lot as part of Inviting Light , the importance of avoiding design trends like "gentrification gray," the value of having fun in architecture, and why she believes authenticity and human connection are more important than expanding for expansion's sake in an increasingly digital world. Photo courtesy of subject. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund , the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore) . Host : Rob Lee Music: Original music by <a href="https://www.faceb

Ready to explore? Tune in to 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, hosted by host Rob Lee and accompanied by today's guest Megan Elcrat, a licensed architect and visionary founder of Present Company, is a distinguished professional with a bachelor's degree in architecture from Kansas State University. With a robust career since 2005, she is recognized for her expertise in adaptive reuse and historic renovation projects. Megan's passion lies in transforming old spaces to meet contemporary needs, and she established Present Company in 2010 to execute this vision. Her firm, a trailblazer in full-service architecture, specializes in historic preservation, renovations, and new construction, with an unwavering commitment to finding the best solutions for unique design challenges. Based in Baltimore, Megan's drive is exemplified by her mission to breathe new life into existing structures, harmonizing history with present-day requirements. In this episode, we delve into: Megan Elcrat's architectural odyssey, unraveling the tapestry of her early love for designing spaces and the magnetic pull that led her to her vocation. The narrative behind Present Company's transformative vision, delving into the art of breathing new life into history through adaptive reuse and the intricate dance with historical buildings. The architect's realm as Megan guides us through the portal of client relationships, revealing her profound commitment to being a steadfast presence and guiding light for those venturing into the labyrinth of construction, particularly first-time project owners. The world of architectural restoration and repurposing with Megan, as we unpack the riveting interplay of challenges and limitless creative possibilities that lie within the heart of revitalizing old structures. The architect's journey of self-discovery as Megan empowers aspirants, inviting them to harness their unique perspectives, and draw from the wellspring of personal experiences and intuition to shape the architectural landscapes of tomorrow. Megan shares her background and how she discovered her passion for architecture at a young age. She also discusses the mission and values of Present Company, which focuses on adaptive reuse and working with historical buildings. Megan highlights the importance of being present for clients and guiding them through the building process, especially for those who are embarking on their first project. She also talks about the challenges and rewards of restoring and repurposing old buildings. Throughout the conversation, Megan emphasizes the value of creativity and intuition in the design process. Mentioned in the episode Present Company SPONSORS Doubledutch Boutique: Boutique featuring a curated selection of modern, retro-inspired wom