196: Architecture, And: Kate Aoki on Exhibition Design

How can architects redefine experience through storytelling and space?This week on Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee talks with Kate Aoki, architect, educator, and founding partner of Golden Egg Creative, to explore how designers can blend architecture, storytelling, and community to create immersive, intentional experiences. With a career path that’s taken her through fine arts, museum design, architecture firms, and now entrepreneurship, Kate shares what it means to craft spaces not just for use, but for memory, meaning, and delight.Kate opens up about her nonlinear journey, starting with a degree in textile design, before eventually returning to her lifelong goal of becoming an architect. Along the way, she worked in galleries, lived abroad, and built a foundation in public and nonprofit spaces. Her deep love for fine art and interpretive design led her back to the Dallas Museum of Art as Head of Exhibition Design, fulfilling a long-held dream. But after four years, she realized the bureaucracy of nonprofit work wasn’t a long-term fit. What came next was a leap into co-founding Golden Egg, a firm focused on designing transformative experiences rooted in cultural storytelling and visitor connection.Evelyn and Kate discuss what it takes to launch a niche practice, how to build authentic partnerships with architects and civic institutions, and why experience design is growing in relevance across sectors. Whether developing mobile exhibits for aerospace education or reimagining museum installations, Kate brings a holistic and thoughtful approach to every detail, from lighting and circulation to the words on the wall.“This felt like putting on a pair of shoes that fit perfectly. It’s the kind of work I’ve always been meant to do - blending fine art, architecture, and storytelling into experiences that connect people to something larger than themselves.” – Kate AokiThe episode concludes with reflections on growth, creative courage, and how designers can prototype career pivots by following their curiosity and leaning into interdisciplinary collaboration.Guest:Kate Aoki, AIA, NOMA, is an architect and founding partner at Golden Egg Creative, a design firm specializing in exhibition and experience design. With a background in fine arts, architecture, and interpretive planning, Kate’s work bridges storytelling, culture, and space. She previously served as Head of Exhibition Design at the Dallas Museum of Art and has over a decade of experience working across firms and institutions. Her practice centers on community engagement, accessible design, and building memorable experiences for public audiences.Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if: ✅ You’re a designer interested in museum, exhibition, or experience design ✅ You’re navigating a nonlinear or interdisciplinary career path ✅ You want to integrate storytelling and interpretation into your design work ✅ You’re thinking about starting a small practice aligned with your valuesWhat have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Connect with Kate on LinkedInLearn more about Golden Egg📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation