We were lucky to catch up with Dimitrius Lynch recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dimitrius, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?
The architecture profession is notoriously underappreciated, with many clients perceiving architects as merely “drawing pretty pictures.” I vividly remember one frustrating moment in 2015 when a client, during the process of developing a complex project, dismissed a significant design change by saying exactly that. Though the comment was offhand, it struck a nerve. It revealed a larger issue: the disconnect between what architects truly do—solve complex, systemic problems—and what many people think we do.
Around the same time, I stumbled upon Marc Kushner’s TED Talk, which highlighted the growing feedback loop between architects and the public thanks to social media. It hit me: we architects had lost control of our narrative, and unless we reclaimed it, we’d remain undervalued and misunderstood.
That moment became the turning point. I gave a presentation at my firm, advocating for storytelling as a tool to communicate the deeper value architects provide. The firm embraced the idea, launching a research and development studio to explore industry challenges, craft solutions, and share them widely through storytelling. The result? A transformation in how we attracted clients—those seeking true partners rather than just deliverers of a service.
Even as this initiative succeeded, I felt my own professional growth stagnating. I had hit a ceiling where even my supervisors lacked the answers I sought. I knew it was time to step out on my own—to build a practice that combined my creative passions, advocacy for the profession, and a new model of engagement with clients and the public. It led to the creation of my architecture and creative studio, LYNES, along with my podcast, SPACES.
Starting my own studio was a leap of faith, but it aligned perfectly with my long-term vision. Soon after, Mark R. LePage invited me to interview on his podcast, the EntreArchitect Podcast. We discovered a shared passion for advocating for the architecture profession and elevating its role in society. That conversation led to a collaboration that quickly evolved into Gābl Media—a platform dedicated to promoting the value of the building industry and its professionals.
Launching my own businesses was not just about professional independence—it was about creating a platform for change. I saw a need to bridge the gap between architects and the public, to tell the stories that make our work meaningful, and to advocate for the value we bring to every project.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Dimitrius Lynch, the founder of LYNES and co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Gābl Media, and my journey into architecture and creative media is rooted in a lifelong fascination with design and storytelling. At the core of what I do is a passion for creating meaningful connections—between people and spaces, ideas and audiences, and innovation and impact.
How I Got Into My Industry
From the time I was in third grade, architecture captivated me. It began with the awe I felt learning about the Great Pyramids of Giza, which sparked a fascination with how structures can stand as symbols of both human ingenuity and cultural legacy. That passion grew into a career where I’ve designed spaces that elevate everyday experiences—homes, offices, hospitality spaces, and more.
However, early in my career, I began noticing the challenges of our industry: the undervaluation of architects and a disconnect between what we provide and how it’s perceived. One pivotal moment came during a large project, when a client dismissed the complexity of design by saying, “You just have to draw a pretty picture.” That comment wasn’t just frustrating—it highlighted a systemic misunderstanding of the value architects bring.
Inspired by this, and by Marc Kushner’s TED Talk on reconnecting architecture with the public, I realized that architects needed to reclaim their narrative. This was the seed that eventually grew into both LYNES and Gābl Media.
LYNES is an architecture + creative studio that focuses on creating spaces that don’t just meet functional needs but inspire and enhance well-being. Our work includes:
Residential Design: From custom homes to energy-efficient accessory dwelling units (ADUs), we design spaces that reflect your unique lifestyle.
Commercial Spaces: We create innovative workplaces, retail environments, and hospitality spaces that blend form and function.
Sustainable and Wellness-Centered Design: As a WELL Accredited Professional and LEED AP, I ensure our designs prioritize human health, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
Every project is approached as a partnership, where we listen to our clients’ needs and craft personalized solutions. Whether it’s maximizing energy efficiency, designing for adaptability, or creating a unique brand experience, we solve problems with creativity and precision.
I truly believe that spaces shape society. Everyone should have access to well-designed spaces. So, I’ve crafted a studio that allows me to provide high-end architectural services while expanding my design reach to as many people as possible through productized offerings — dedicated services, digital media to share what I know and learn, products, and tools and resources for those interacting with the built world.
Gābl Media extends this mission by amplifying the voices of the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) community. As the leading multimedia platform for the built environment, Gābl Media produces engaging podcasts, videos, and written content that inform, inspire, and connect professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Our platform addresses a critical need in the industry: fostering dialogue, sharing knowledge, and advocating for the value that design professionals bring to society. Through shows like my podcast, SPACES, we explore the impact of design on people’s lives, highlight innovative projects, and spark meaningful conversations about the built world.
Both LYNES and Gābl Media are grounded in a commitment to storytelling and connection. What sets us apart is our ability to bridge the gap between technical expertise and public understanding. At LYNES, we design spaces that tell stories about who our clients are and what they value. At Gābl Media, we give professionals the tools to share their stories and advocate for the future of the industry.
We also embrace innovation—whether it’s using sustainable materials, exploring all-electric solutions, or leveraging digital platforms to engage broader audiences. This forward-thinking approach ensures that both LYNES and Gābl Media are shaping not just the present but also the future of our industry.
I’m proud of how our work at LYNES and Gābl Media impacts lives—whether it’s through designing a home that brings joy to a family or creating media that educates and inspires. I’m particularly proud of the trust our clients place in us and the way we’ve helped elevate the conversation around architecture and design.
At the heart of it all, my work is about making connections and creating impact. Whether you’re looking to design a space that transforms how you live or work, or you’re a professional seeking inspiration and advocacy through media, my goal is to be a catalyst for positive change.
LYNES and Gābl Media represent two sides of the same coin: one focused on creating physical spaces that enhance life and the other on fostering ideas and stories that elevate the profession. Together, they reflect my commitment to crafting a better built environment—one project, one story at a time.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Architecture has always been a challenging field to navigate, especially as a Black professional where less than 2% of architects are Black. Throughout college and my career, I often felt like an outsider, lacking a clear path for growth, a model to look to for inspiration, or a strong network to lean on. While I’ve been fortunate to have a few helpful mentors, I’ve also faced instances where opportunities were denied or where others were advanced for reasons unrelated to merit.
One defining moment occurred when I was working for a corporate architecture firm. I was already writing thought pieces about the building industry and actively contributing to industry organizations. My co-worker and mentor at the time believed I had valuable insights and talent to offer the firm in a more public and official capacity, encouraging me to pitch an article to the company. Separately, my mentor also supported my effort to give an internal presentation on the idea of storytelling as a way to communicate the deeper value architects bring to clients and the public. I had hope that both, in addition to excelling in my day-to-day work commitments, would illustrate my value to the firm.
The initial reception, however, was disheartening. The firm’s Marketing & PR executive declined my offer to contribute to their messaging efforts, choosing colleagues in similar roles instead, despite our comparable qualifications. This rejection stung, but I still delivered my presentation. The presentation went on to inspire one of the principals and partners of the company to create a new research and development (R&D) studio—a major step forward in integrating storytelling into their practice.
Yet, when I expressed interest in being part of this studio, I was denied again. Watching my idea take shape without being included was frustrating, but instead of letting this deter me, it became a turning point.
This experience ultimately fueled my decision to start my own architecture and creative studio, as well as co-found Gābl Media. I realized that I didn’t need someone else’s permission to drive change or make an impact. By striking out on my own, I could focus on storytelling and advocacy—not just for architecture, but for the broader building industry and the underrepresented voices within it.
Looking back, these moments of rejection and exclusion weren’t the end of the story—they were the catalysts for building something greater. Resilience, for me, has been about turning obstacles into opportunities and forging a path that aligns with my values and vision. Today, both LYNES and Gābl Media are testaments to the power of persistence, creativity, and the belief that we can create the spaces—both physical and professional—that we want to see in the world.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely, my creative journey is driven by a mission to make a meaningful impact on both the built environment and the perception of the architecture profession. At its core, this mission is twofold:
1. Advocating for the Value of Design and Architecture
Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed firsthand how architects are often misunderstood or undervalued—reduced to “drawing pretty pictures” instead of being recognized as problem-solvers who shape how people live, work, and connect. My goal is to change that narrative. Whether it’s through the projects at LYNES or the content we produce at Gābl Media, I’m committed to highlighting the transformative power of design and storytelling.
This means creating spaces that enhance human well-being, sustainability, and functionality, while also advocating for the broader value architects bring to society. Through storytelling, I aim to bridge the gap between architects and the public, helping people understand the thoughtfulness and complexity behind great design.
2. Championing Representation and Inclusion in the Profession
As a Black architect in a field where representation is woefully low, I’ve personally experienced the challenges of navigating a monolithic profession. My journey has made me deeply passionate about fostering inclusion and providing a platform for underrepresented voices in architecture and design.
Through Gābl Media, I amplify these voices and facilitate conversations that highlight diverse perspectives, innovations, and challenges within the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. By doing so, I hope to inspire the next generation of professionals—particularly those from marginalized backgrounds—to see themselves in this field and to feel empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.
Ultimately, my creative journey is about creating connections—between people and spaces, between design and its impact, and between professionals and the public. Whether it’s through designing a home that transforms how a family lives, or producing media that sparks meaningful conversations, my work is driven by a vision of a built environment that is not only beautiful and functional but also inclusive, sustainable, and deeply impactful.
Every project, every story, and every step forward in this mission brings me closer to that goal. It’s what fuels my passion and keeps me moving forward in this creative journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: lynes.studio; gablmedia.com
- Instagram: @lynes.studio; @dimitriusthearchitect; @gablmedia
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dlynchjr/
- Other: SPACES: https://spaces-podcast.captivate.fm/listen
Image Credits
Tom Pellicer