Business-Minded Industry Leaders

We’re a dynamic team of business-minded industry leaders. We blend our education, training, and experience in architecture and business management with a passion for the latest ideas on workplace.

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Je’Nen M. Chastain
MBA, Assoc. AIA

CEO & Founder of Apostrophe Consulting

Je’Nen M. Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA, is the CEO and Founder of Apostrophe Consulting, a national advisory practice that partners with architecture and design firms on leadership transitions, organizational design, and business transformation. She advises boards, executive teams, and next-generation leaders on strategy, operating models, leadership development, and sustainable business growth.

With a foundation in architecture and an MBA in Social Entrepreneurship, Je’Nen has built her career at the intersection of leadership, strategy, organizational development, and the future of professional practice. Through Apostrophe Consulting, she and her team are advancing an emerging body of knowledge that reframes practice through the lens of organizational design and development.

Je’Nen is the creator and host of No Exceptions Taken and previously co-created Practice Disrupted, a nationally recognized podcast exploring the future of architecture and design practice. She also served on the national committee that developed the AIA Leadership Institute. Through her writing, speaking, research, and consulting, she continues to advance new ideas that strengthen the future of practice.

Je’Nen also serves on the Pro Practice Education Library Editorial Board (NCARB & ACSA). Her contributions to the profession have been recognized with the BD+C 40 Under 40 Award, AIA Associates Award, and Presidential Citations from AIA California and AIA North Carolina. She studied design thinking, systems thinking, and change leadership from IDEO U and is a member of the Organizational Development Network.

Our mission is to create lasting industry change through collaborative, inclusive, and values-driven practice.

A Future-Forward Vision

We believe the future of practice is human. Transformation isn’t just about systems and strategy—it’s about people stepping into their next chapter with clarity and confidence.

A Purpose-Driven Approach to Growth

We believe businesses are design problems. Apostrophe Consulting brings strategy, structure, and people-focused solutions together to help AEC firms grow with intention.

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Our Team

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Megan Bowles, AIA

Megan partners with leaders to effectively advance their strategic initiatives by refining workplace practices that boost employee engagement and amplify external impact. She works with teams to facilitate continuous improvement through participatory conversations. Megan joined Apostrophe in 2023 and co-leads our strategy work. She is a past president of AIA North Carolina. 

COO / Senior Consultant
Director of Operations / Researcher

Erica Fornaro, MPH

Erica is an experienced researcher with a Master’s in Public Health and leads operations at Apostrophe Consulting. She serves as Executive Producer of No Exceptions Taken and supports clients across learning and leadership development initiatives. With a degree in Leadership and Organizational Development from Purdue, she’s applying evidence-based research to strengthen our clients’ workforce.

Biljana Gajić 

Biljana (pronounced Bee-lyah-nah) is a podcast producer, sound engineer, and co-founder of Editears, a boutique podcast production studio built around a simple belief: great podcasts aren't just edited - they're crafted.  With a professional background in audio and a deep appreciation for storytelling, Biljana brings an editorial ear to every project, shaping conversations through thoughtful pacing, clarity, and attention to detail.

Podcast Producer / Sound Engineer

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Yea Eun Hwang

Yea (pronounced Yay) is a brand and marketing designer with over a decade of experience crafting visual identities that help businesses stand out. She is the founder of Creating Yeah, a design studio dedicated to building compelling brand identities for small businesses, and holds a degree in graphic design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

Collaborator / Graphic Design

7

Professional associations

5

Team members

100%

Women-owned business

What we focus on

We believe the future of practice is human. Transformation isn’t just about systems and strategy. It’s about people stepping into their next chapter with clarity and confidence.

What sets us apart

  • We help leaders and teams find alignment around shared goals and values. Through focused dialogue and collaborative planning, we cultivate trust and encourage confident decision-making.

  • We bring practical frameworks that help teams approach challenges with creativity and agility. Our process encourages reflection and experimentation to adapt and thrive amid change.

  • We partner with firms to design structures and systems that support great work. From organization to workflow, we help teams shape practices that are resilient, efficient, and ready for growth.

  • We strengthen the human side of practice by cultivating cultures that attract and retain talent, foster engagement, and encourage knowledge sharing.

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Strategic & Human-Centered

Our sessions spark honest dialogue and meaningful outcomes through strong relationships. Structured yet flexible, they move teams from complexity to clarity while keeping people at the center of transformation.

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With roots in architectural practice and leadership in organizations such as the AIA and AIAS, we understand the unique dynamics, language, and culture of the profession. We understand the pain points and how to lead change.

Architecture-Rooted Expertise

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We excel at bridging generational perspectives, creating space for seasoned leaders and emerging voices to connect, learn from one another, and co-create the future with clear direction, trust, and shared ownership.

Cross-Generational Insight

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Our facilitation supports firms through complex transitions, from leadership changes to cultural shifts, by engaging teams in inclusive, participatory processes that foster collaboration and growth.

Systems & Culture Focus

Why AEC leaders love working with Apostrophe

“Je’Nen is a strategic thinker with a gift for rapid synthesis and presentation of information. She works to understand her audience and tailor her efforts to their unique needs. She shares her clients’ goals, making her feel like a seamless member of the team.”

Suzanna Kelley, FAIA
Chief Experience Officer, McKinley Advisors
Washington, DC

“Apostrophe Consulting boldly and compassionately empowers architecture firms to thrive in this new era through practice innovation, ensuring our profession’s long-term relevance and prosperity.”

Leah Bayer, AIA
Architects FORA
100% women-owned, virtual firm