026: Allan Espiritu & Nick Prestileo of AIGA Philadelphia

Allan Espiritu and Nick Prestileo didn’t set out to build a gallery, host legendary parties, or flip a mattress at an AIGA retreat—but somehow, they did all three. In this episode, the former AIGA Philadelphia presidents unpack a leadership era driven by joy, generosity, and a heavy dose of “why not?” They reflect on building a design community from the ground up, earning national credibility without losing their weirdness, and how trust, good vibes, and some tequila under the sink made Philly one of the most iconic chapters in AIGA history. Also: Art Chantry with a hammer, getting locked in a closet during an opening, and the power of just saying yes.Key TakeawaysSay yes, then figure it out: Nick’s “yes-man” energy led to leadership, chaos, and deep connectionJoy is strategy: Allan led with fun and intention—not formality—and it workedImprov leadership works: The Philly board thrived on a “yes, and” modelMake the rules you want to follow: Their chapter challenged AIGA norms and still pulled off a national retreat Design community is real: Lifelong friendships, national networks, and a bar under the bathroom sink prove itKey Moments in This Episode00:55 – First AIGA impressions: From Manhattan design to mutual funds and velvet curtains03:10 – Allan’s big goal: Build community, make Philly matter nationally08:30 – Building a gallery, a vibe, and a keg-fueled design hangout16:40 – Spody, sponsorships, and mystery wine in milk bottles21:50 – The bathroom bar: Allan’s secret stash under the sink28:40 – Salt Lake City retreat: colonial costumes and on-stage panic35:40 – After-after-parties: A ruined mattress and a disassembled sink42:10 – Leading by vibes: how Allan brought out the best in everyone46:30 – The “yes, and” board: fun first, excellence followedAbout Our GuestsAllan Espiritu is a designer, educator, and founder of GDLOFT PHL. He served as President of AIGA Philadelphia and is Chair of Graphic Design at Rutgers–Camden. Known for blending creative rigor with rebellious energy, Allan helped put Philly’s design scene—and its parties—on the map.Nick Prestileo is a creative operations leader, design educator, and former AIGA Philadelphia President. Known for his spreadsheet skills, mascot costumes, and unstoppable yes-saying, Nick helped build one of AIGA’s most memorable chapter cultures.FeaturingGuest Allan Espiritu, connect on LinkedInGuest Nick Prestileo, connect on LinkedInHost Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedInHost Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedIn Support the ShowTheme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic OceansProduced by Chapter 2 MediaSubscribe to the Together by Design newsletter for more community-building and podcast episode updatesSponsored by: Able Made, The Original Off Pitch Soccer Style: shop nowSponsored by: Draplin Design Company, check us out!Sponsored by: The People's Graphic Design Archive: browse, contribute, and research