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 learning about the latest emerging ideas on workplace.

your teaming partner

Je’Nen M. Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA
Founder, Apostrophe Consulting

(pronounced JE-NEEN)

As the founder and driving force behind Apostrophe Consulting, Je’Nen is a business strategy consultant who empowers AEC professionals to lead their firms toward strategic growth and innovation. Her tailored solutions help clients secure new business, cultivate a culture of leadership and trust in their studio, and foster a pipeline for emerging talent. Her work is rooted in a belief that advancing the AEC industry requires a fresh approach to strategy and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders.

In addition to her consulting work, Je’Nen is actively involved in shaping the profession’s future. She holds a Business Innovation Certificate from IDEO U and serves on the Pro Practice Education Library Editorial Board, appointed by NCARB and ACSA. With a strategic mindset, a passion for industry advancement, and a track record of driving meaningful change, Je’Nen is a sought-after partner for AEC firms seeking to elevate their practice.

Je’Nen’s contributions have been recognized through numerous awards, including the prestigious AIA Associates Award and Presidential Citations from AIA California and AIA North Carolina.

collaborators

Megan Bowles, AIA
Senior Consultant

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. She is the 2024 AIA North Carolina president and founded Lucy Hawk in 2022.

Jennifer Matthews
Collaborator

Jennifer designs conversations to support students, recent grads, and early career professionals as they transition into our industry. She founded Creative’s XP, a nationwide professional development platform that introduces collegiate architecture students and emerging professionals to traditional and nontraditional design careers.

what sets us apart

architecturally trained

Advanced degrees in business administration and architecture, combining academic rigor with practical experience in professional practice to drive effective solutions.

forward-thinking

Emphasis on future-focused business strategies and piloting new ideas on practice management to help firms stay ahead of workplace trends and workplace shifts.

commitment to equity

Strong focus on equitable practices and diverse leadership, supporting clients in cultivating inclusive team environments.

emphasis on culture

Designing to shape and strengthen organizational culture through engagement strategies that align people and culture.

what people are saying

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)