The role of an information architect is to build information structures that support findability and the flow of information in systems. We aren't subject experts in the domains in which we work, but experts in how information works. We have to scale learning curves quickly and iteratively, and we can do so by leveraging our expertise.
Angela Madsen's introduction to IA was finding missing books in her college library while studying for an art degree. All the implicit information in that scenario—information structures, metadata, time-based logs, information gaps, human behavior, design, and perception—have all contributed long-term to how she approaches information design. She's worked as an information architect, UX'er, and content designer.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angmadsen/
The World IA Café is a speaker series hosted by the World Information Architecture Association (WIAA), supported by the Rutgers Master of Business and Science (MBS) Program.