193: Architecture, And: Rochelle Mills, Shaping Community Stories

How can architecture build dignity, belonging, and home?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Rochelle Mills, President and CEO of Innovative Housing Opportunities (IHO), to explore how architecture and development intersect with justice, memory, and transformation. Rochelle’s story weaves together the worlds of design, cultural tourism, housing equity, and personal grit. From running a groundbreaking architecture tour company to leading one of California’s most creative nonprofit housing developers, her career is a masterclass in reinvention—with purpose.Trained as an architect, Rochelle brings a design-first mindset to affordable housing. But her journey to leadership has been anything but linear. She shares how she and her husband co-founded Mills Studio, launched their cultural tourism company ArchiTours, and weathered the instability of early professional life—all while raising a family and fighting to stay connected to the work that inspired her most.Together, Evelyn and Rochelle unpack what it means to build communities that truly support people. They talk about the emotional power of architecture, the harm of neglectful design, and how seemingly small spatial choices—like the width of a hallway or placement of a window—can dramatically impact lives. Rochelle also reflects candidly on her personal and professional path, the guilt she once felt around licensure, and the many ways architects can lead—even outside of traditional roles.“There’s this misconception that affordable housing should feel temporary or ‘less than.’ But what if we designed spaces that said, ‘You belong here. You’re valued.’ That’s the standard we should be holding ourselves to.” – Rochelle MillsThe episode concludes with a look at what it means to lead with empathy and vision in a mission-driven business, and why Rochelle believes architects are uniquely suited to solve the complex challenges of housing today.Guest: Rochelle Mills is the President and CEO of Innovative Housing Opportunities, a California-based nonprofit developer focused on creating high-quality, affordable housing. With a background in architecture and deep experience in cultural tourism, she brings a design-driven, equity-minded approach to development. Rochelle is a tireless advocate for beauty, dignity, and belonging in the built environment, and her leadership is reshaping what affordable housing looks and feels like.Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if: ✅ You care about housing justice and community impact ✅ You’re exploring career paths beyond traditional architecture ✅ You want to understand how design shapes lives, not just spaces ✅ You’re a mission-driven leader seeking new ways to serveWhat have you done to take action lately? Share your thoughts with us on social media and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Connect with Rochelle Mills on LinkedInLearn more about Innovative Housing OpportunitiesExplore ArchiTours📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TwitterCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation