Archispeak

A look back at the '90s, from Nirvana and Napster to car stereos worth more than the car, turns into a look forward at what AI leaves for architects to do. Evan, back from Autodesk University in Las Vegas, walks through the capability, alignment, and accountability framework from his workshop on building a firm's AI adoption plan. He and Cormac get into why drawings and models are the results of decisions rather than the decisions themselves, what happens to drafting, and how Cormac already uses AI as a tool on real projects. This episode is especially relevant for practicing architects and firm leaders who can't decide whether AI is a crutch or a way to spend more time on the work that matters. It pushes back on waiting for permission and asks why you chose architecture in the first place. Episode Links: Autodesk University — https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/ Carlo Scarpa — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlo_Scarpa TRXL — https://trxl.co ----- Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more…

Evan and Cormac dig into how Lawrence Tech's architecture studio is evolving its comprehensive design curriculum in real time, and why buildability still beats a flashy final presentation. They explore a new semester experiment forcing quiet students into leadership roles, a real Habitat for Humanity adaptive-reuse project in Flint that gives students an actual client and a messy existing building, and a field trip to IIT that turned into a lesson about not confusing polished renderings with substance. This episode is especially relevant for studio professors and emerging architects navigating group projects and comparison anxiety in school. It's a look at how one program is closing the gap between what school teaches and what firms actually need, and a reminder that the coordination nobody photographs is what makes architecture architecture. Episode Links: Lawrence Technological University — College of Architecture + Design Lawrence Technological University — Department of Architecture Genesee County…

Some weeks the conversation just goes where it goes. Evan and Cormac spend this one reading Wikipedia and AI overviews at each other in real time — the AIA convention ping-ponging from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, SoFi Stadium sunk 100 feet into the ground for the LAX flight path, its cable-net roof that expands and contracts like a tennis racket until Cormac christens it a "thermal reactive umbrella." Along the way: stadiums built as war memorials, U2 tours, and Public Enemy's opening statement in Birmingham. Underneath the tangents is a real question for the profession. The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) has sat below 50 for a year, job confidence is low, and the flagship AIA convention costs each attendee around $1,500 before tours and CEUs. This episode is especially relevant for architects deciding whether that show is still worth attending when the economy is soft — and anyone who's quietly started reading the convention as an expense instead of an investment. It's a loose, funny episode that lands…

What do you do when you finish six years of architecture school, land in the profession, and realize none of it speaks to you? Evan and Cormac start with a former student on a Detroit construction tour who says the buildings around her are falling on deaf ears, and they take the question seriously instead of waving it off. They dig into the difference between dreading the work and feeling nothing for it, why the degree opens far more doors than the traditional path, and how meaning has to be found before happiness can follow it. From there the conversation widens into attitude and its contagious effect on a team, the collapse of the mentorship that used to teach young architects why a single line matters, and a misplaced fire department connection that reveals how coordination breaks down when nobody asks the question. This episode is especially relevant for emerging professionals second-guessing the path they chose, and for the people managing them. You'll leave with a harder, more honest frame: the…

Evan and Cormac dig into why architects deliberately stop detailing at "design intent" instead of shop-drawing level, and how that decision has handed constructability over to contractors and manufacturers. They explore the level of detail (LOD) gap between US and overseas practice, a real design-assist story about pushing a terracotta fin cantilever further with a manufacturer, and why competitive bidding punishes architects who over-detail their own work. That leads into a wider conversation about why so much new construction feels generic and developer-driven, and why "breaking the mass" isn't the daring move it's marketed as. Using Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian houses and Sam Mockbee's Rural Studio as examples, they make the case that affordability is a design tool, not a constraint that kills architecture. This episode is especially relevant for project architects and BIM managers navigating construction documentation expectations, and for anyone frustrated by how mundane the built environment has…

Evan and Cormac catch up on Cormac's 6,800-mile road trip from Detroit to the AIA National Convention in San Diego with his daughter, built around a bucket list of architectural pilgrimage stops. They explore what happens when a non-architect finally sees a building that lands emotionally (Thorncrown Chapel), what happens when a canonical masterpiece doesn't (the Salk Institute reads as "a parking garage"), and what the 2026 AIA National Convention got right and wrong. This episode is especially relevant for architects who've ever tried to get a non-architect family member excited about a building they love, and for anyone curious what 18 states and 10 national parks look like when the itinerary is built around Route 66 gas stations, Louis Sullivan bank buildings, and a soda shop with a 66-foot bottle out front. Expect a reminder that the buildings people love most aren't always the ones architects were taught to revere. Buildings & Projects Mentioned Thorncrown Chapel — E. Fay Jones The E. Fay Jones…

David Prutting joins Evan and Cormac to talk about what 50 years of building high-end contemporary homes has taught him about the relationship between architects, owners, and builders. They explore the trust triangle that makes or breaks a custom project, why David actively steers clients away from design-build, and the floor plan theory he's developed over decades: the stranger the plan, the better the architect was listening. This episode is especially relevant for architects at any career stage who want to understand how their work lands with the people who actually build it. David's perspective is rare — a builder who has spent five decades alongside Steven Holl, Toshiko Mori, Olson Kundig, and KieranTimberlake, who hires architects into his own construction firm, and who has been on both sides of the client chair. His book, A Builder's Life Done Well, is available on Amazon (link below). Episode Links: Get the book: A Builder's Life Done Well Prutting + Company — prutting.com David Prutting on LinkedIn…

Sven Shockey, FAIA joins Evan and Cormac to talk about Virginia Tech Academic Building One — a 300,000-square-foot computer science and computer engineering building on a new campus in Alexandria, Virginia whose faceted, photovoltaic-integrated form was derived through 1,400 computational iterations. They explore what it means to design a building's exterior before the interior program is finalized, how three distinct types of building-integrated photovoltaics get assigned to 17 different facades based on orientation and performance data, and what a sewage wastewater energy exchange system has to do with a tunnel under a parking lot. This episode is especially relevant for design architects and architecture students who want to understand how computational tools actually interact with design judgment — and for anyone who's ever wondered what it looks and feels like to sit inside a building where the facade is doing real work. The shadows move. The light is soft. The algorithm found a non-intuitive answer,…

A van conversion project that was supposed to take three days is now four months in and an eighth of the way done. Evan and Cormac dig into what actually happened and why an architect's brain might be the single biggest obstacle to finishing a personal fabrication project on time. They cover the scope creep hiding in "wouldn't you do it differently?", why one wrong cut forces every subsequent piece to compensate, and the design-build logic that makes real-time problem-solving both efficient and indefinitely slow. This episode is especially relevant for architects and designers who've ever started a hands-on project with a realistic-sounding timeline and found themselves months later still fitting cedar lining around corners that aren't quite 90 degrees, holding a saw, and refusing to call it good enough. ----- Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com. Support Archispeak by making a donation.

Cormac spent last week driving from Detroit to Baltimore for a punch review, then north to a factory two hours outside Toronto to inspect replacement vestibule glass — only to reject it for the second time because the print scale was still wrong. Along the way, he squeezed in an unplanned tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin Martin House in Buffalo, ended up teaching the docents, and toured AGNORA's glass factory, where he found something almost no other manufacturer will attempt: a fully miterless, corner-glazed insulated glazing unit. He also saw a project where a developer printed the image of a demolished historic building onto the glass facade of its replacement. Evan and Cormac dig into what "punch ready" is supposed to mean, whether we can still build at the level of FLW's Prairie homes, and what it costs (in time, travel, and patience) to hold a project to the standard it was designed to. This episode is especially relevant for project architects and CA practitioners who know the exhaustion of…

Five years into one project. Ten into another. Three principals retired before the second one wrapped. Evan and Cormac dig into what long-duration architecture projects reveal about career identity, why the profession has always romanticized the architect who works until death, and what retirement actually looks like when architecture is all you've ever done. They also get into the slow erosion of architectural vocabulary, why Cormac put a massive "WHY" at the center of his studio board, and the design decisions that unravel when nobody stops to ask the most basic question. This episode is especially relevant for mid-career and senior architects who are quietly wondering where the work fits in the rest of their life — and for educators and mentors in the profession who want to give students the reasoning skills, not just the technical ones. Episode Links: Archispeak’s “What Makes This Building Great” - Kahn’s British Museum ----- Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit…

Ten years into a $600M research laboratory project, Cormac reflects on what it actually means to see a complex build through to the end — the COVID-era redesign, the permit battles across three code cycles, and the people who've been on site since day one. He and Evan unpack the case for continuity: why the architects who know every decision that was ever made are essentially irreplaceable, and why the grinding sameness of long construction administration is also the kind of rare, compacted education that most architects never get in an entire career. This episode is especially relevant for project architects and CA teams who've ever wondered whether staying on a long, demanding project is actually worth it — and for anyone who's adopted someone else's mid-stream project and immediately felt the weight of not knowing why. ----- Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com. Support Archispeak by making a donation.

Cormac spent twelve hours trying to send one email. Evan has seventeen apps open at all times. This week they trace the architecture of modern distraction — from "you're on mute" killing the flow of real-time thinking, to AI making it easier to do more of the wrong things faster, to the structural reason architects keep saying yes when they should say no. The profession runs on availability, responsiveness, and service, and those instincts are now at war with the deep, focused work that good architecture actually requires. This episode is especially relevant for architects who recognize the gap between how busy they feel and how much actual work they can point to at the end of the day — and who are starting to wonder whether the answer is less technology, better boundaries, or just learning to say no. ----- Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com. Support Archispeak by making a donation.

Architecture firms are adopting AI faster than they're building the expertise to judge it. In this episode, we explore the AI and expertise paradox with Christopher Parsons, Founder and CEO of Knowledge Architecture, the firm behind Synthesis — a knowledge and learning platform built for AEC firms — digging into what happens when the tools your firm is counting on require more institutional knowledge to evaluate than the people on staff actually have. AI tools for technical work in architecture — code checking, quality assurance, documentation review — don't run themselves. They require experienced practitioners who can distinguish a real error from a flagged decision, catch what the model missed, and exercise judgment the model can't replicate. The problem is that the people who can do this are retiring. And the emerging professionals now entering firms are, in many cases, actively avoiding the deep technical tracks that build that kind of expertise. The knowledge gap is structural, and most firms aren't…

In this episode of Archispeak, we catch up after Evan’s trip to New York City and the AECtech conference, where he moderated a panel with design technology leaders who’ve climbed all the way into firm leadership. We also talk about the continuing education grind it takes just to keep our licenses alive, why there’s really no such thing as “architecture without technology” anymore, and how technologists are quietly becoming some of the most strategic voices in practice. From the culture and community around AECtech’s workshops and hackathon, to studio juries that ask students whether they actually had fun, to wandering Heatherwick’s Little Island and wrestling with the idea that architecture is allowed to be whimsical and purely experiential, we connect the dots between career paths, culture-building, and remembering why we fell in love with this profession in the first place. ----- Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit…

In this episode of Archispeak, we pull back the curtain on what modern practice actually feels like when AI, meetings, and the architecture grind all collide. We talk about coming back from travel feeling not three weeks behind but three months, calendars that look like Tetris played on hard mode, and what happens when you join a call and realize you’re the only human in a grid full of AI note-takers. Cormac and Evan dig into how AI meeting companions, transcripts, and recordings change the way we think, remember, and take responsibility for decisions—and why it’s getting harder to even know where the “real” record of a project lives when it’s scattered across Zoom chats, email, Revit, and shared drives. From there, we zoom out to the bigger question: what this nonstop communication and tool-stack chaos is doing to actual design work, mentorship, and the next generation coming up inside firms. We wrestle with whether AI is really relieving the grind or quietly raising expectations so everyone is “on” all the…

In this episode of Archispeak, we sit down with architect Anthony Laney to explore the ideas behind his new book, Poetics of Home. We talk about what it really takes to design spaces that feel deeply human and how his team at Laney LA has built a practice around clarity, rigor, and emotional resonance. We dig into the invisible forces that shape a great project: the trust between architects and builders, the discipline required to strip a design down to its essentials, and the humility it takes to let a home reveal what it wants to become. Anthony shares stories from the field, from working with an extraordinary build team to navigating the inevitable surprises that show up during construction, and how those moments often lead to the most beautiful outcomes. Across generations in our profession, there’s a hunger for meaning in the work. This conversation gets right to the heart of that. Whether you’re just entering architecture or you’ve been at it for decades, Anthony’s perspective is a powerful reminder of…

In this episode of Archispeak, we talk about that elusive quality that aligns people with great art (and spaces)—but this time through the lens of a real-world architectural field trip. Evan shares his recent trip to Iowa, where he spent time touring projects and hanging out with the folks at OPN Architects. We dive into why the atmosphere of a place, both in architecture and in practice, matters more than most people realize. Episode Links: Watch this episode on YouTube (with all the pictures that go along with the conversation!) Jeff Skunk Baxter - Harmonic Vibration & the Human Spirit (YouTube) The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin (Amazon) tetragrammaton podcast Rick Beato’s interview of David Gilmour (YouTube) OPN Architects Pickle Palace ----- Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com. Support Archispeak by making a donation.

In this episode we discuss how taking a step back from work leads to better architecture. We talk about concrete ways to break free from constant busyness, when to pause instead of charging ahead, and how technology can both help and hurt creative solutions. We offer clear, practical advice on finding the right balance between thinking things through and getting work done. ----- Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com. Support Archispeak by making a donation.

In this episode of Archispeak, we trade fresh field notes from Cormac’s latest midwestern architecture road trip and wrestle with the title theme: Misalignments of Rigor. Cormac stands in the rain in Toledo to watch a Gehry facade actually perform, peek at SANAA’s elegant double-skin glass and its (imperfect) parapet detail, and then compare all of it to a new addition grafted onto a Louis Kahn building that seems to ignore his relentless order. Along the way, we unpack preservation vs. recreation, how committees and clients steer “of-our-time” interventions, and why tiny choices like material transitions, door proportions, and device locations (aka wall warts) make or break the whole. For students, emerging pros, and firm leaders alike, we turn on-the-ground observations into practical takeaways: where rigor matters, when to prototype, how to collaborate with manufacturers, and how to keep design intent aligned with construction reality so your next addition reads as deliberate, not accidental. ----- Have a…

In this episode of Archispeak, we dive into the tough reality of how the architecture profession often fails its own. From the way firms accelerate project timelines while under-developing young talent, to the disconnect between academia and practice, we ask hard questions about why architects feel overworked, underprepared, and sometimes completely betrayed by the system they’ve dedicated their careers to. We explore how the industry’s obsession with speed and efficiency robs emerging professionals of essential learning opportunities, and why bad leadership and broken processes keep compounding the problem. Through real-world stories—from 52-minute model load times to lessons learned only through hard-earned experience—we grapple with whether the profession can change course, or if it’s destined to keep “eating its young.” Episode Links: Are students prepared for practice? (AIA article) ----- Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes…

In this episode of Archispeak, we walk across the street in New Haven—literally and figuratively—to explore two masterworks by Paul Rudolph and Louis Kahn. These buildings, separated by time but connected by place and purpose, offer a rare opportunity to see two giants of architecture in conversation across the street. We kick things off outside Paul Rudolph’s brutalist Art and Architecture Building, a six-story monument to concrete, shadow play (which is Cormac’s favorite), and interlocking geometries. From rough textures to zigzagging stair sequences, we unpack how Rudolph’s massing, detail, and bold restraint create an intensely dynamic corner in the city. Then, just steps away, we head into Louis Kahn’s Yale University Art Gallery. Built 20 years prior, it’s a study in geometric discipline, restrained materiality, and the classic served-and-servant spatial philosophy. From triangular waffle slabs and coffered ceilings to floating stair treads, we peel back the layers of this early Kahn work and talk…

In this episode of Archispeak, we walk through the Yale Center for British Art by Louis Kahn and reflect on what makes this building truly great. From its masterful use of natural light and honest materials to the clarity of its spatial organization, Kahn’s final building is both a work of art and a place for art. We discuss what it feels like to experience the space firsthand, how it invites contemplation, and why it continues to resonate with architects decades later. Along the way, we explore timeless questions about authorship, permanence, and what architecture has the power to communicate. Episode Links: Watch a YouTube-only visual version of this episode here Yale Center for British Art (Wikipedia) ----- Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com. Support Archispeak by making a donation.

In part 1 of our summer series centered on the 2025 AIA Conference on Architecture, we discuss Evan's first visit to Boston and share his and Cormac's impressions of the city. Rather than focusing on CEUs or presentations, we explore how the AIA Conference continues to serve as a powerful gathering place for the profession. The serendipity of in-person meetups, the nuance of hallway conversations, and the inspiration found in real-world architecture make it a unique moment in the calendar year. Whether you made it to Boston or not, this episode captures the essence of what makes architectural travel and community engagement so energizing. It's a reminder that often the most meaningful aspects of being an architect happen outside the office—walking the streets of a great city or reconnecting with colleagues over drinks after years apart. Episode Links: Evelyn Lee, FAIA - AIA 2025 President Arcol Archistar Upcodes Hotel Marcel ----- Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com Thank you for…

In this episode of Archispeak, we’re joined by Carla Johnson—author, speaker, and innovation strategist—for a conversation that’s both energizing and reflective. We dive into the idea of “slowing down to speed up” and how reconnecting with our innate curiosity might be the most important skill for architects and creative professionals today. Carla shares her journey from engineering to architecture marketing to helping AEC firms rediscover the lost art of asking better questions. We explore how our industrial-era systems stripped us of critical thinking and why now—thanks to tools like AI—we have a new opportunity to reawaken our creativity. Together, we talk about reframing failure, why safe ideas might be the riskiest ones, and how even a simple breath can change the way we approach problem-solving. Whether you’re a student staring down deadlines or a project manager caught in the machine, this one’s a reminder to pause, stretch, and let your curiosity lead the way. Episode Links: Carla Johnson on…

In this episode of Archispeak, we explore the evolving frontier of home automation with Jeff Thomas of Control4 and Michael Smith of Bromic Heating. Together, we unpack the layered relationship between architecture and integrated technology—why it’s critical to bring smart home specialists in early, how lighting, heating, and sound are blending into seamless user experiences, and where the real opportunities lie for residential architects. We dig into the nitty-gritty: from the difference between Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi protocols, to the challenges of retrofitting systems in older homes. Along the way, we highlight how smart tech isn’t just about gadgets—it’s about extending comfort, enhancing ambiance, and making homes safer, more energy-efficient, and more enjoyable to live in. If you’ve ever felt out of your depth when a client asks about smart thermostats, color-tunable lighting, or voice-controlled heating, this one’s for you. We’re asking the questions you didn’t know you needed to ask—so you can…

What makes architecture memorable? Why do some spaces hit you in the chest while others feel hollow? In this episode of Archispeak, we explore a concept that’s rarely taught but deeply felt. Genius loci. The spirit of the place. From volunteering as a docent at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home and Studio to taking a group of recent grads on an architectural pilgrimage through Chicago, Cormac shares stories that tie memory, mentorship, and emotion to design. Along the way, we discuss how the demands of modern practice often push this spirit aside in favor of speed, budgets, and repeatability. Together, we wrestle with what it means to create architecture that belongs—architecture that understands its context, uplifts the human experience, and becomes part of the emotional fabric of our lives. If you’ve ever stood in a space and simply felt something you couldn’t explain, this one’s for you. ----- Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes…

In this episode of Archispeak, we’re joined by Jessica Orlando, Vice President and President-Elect of the AIA Pasadena Foothill chapter, to explore how architects are stepping up in the aftermath of the recent Altadena and Palisades wildfires in Southern California. Jessica shares how the AIA’s volunteer-led “Ask an Architect” initiative is connecting displaced residents with licensed professionals to help guide them through the overwhelming process of rebuilding—many for the first time. We discuss the powerful role architects can play in disaster response, the challenges of balancing speed with resilience in permitting and design, and the implications of relaxed regulations in the name of urgency. Jessica also walks us through what’s happening on the ground, including policy shifts, modular and prefab strategies, bulk material purchasing efforts, and the surprising silver linings some homeowners are finding in being able to reimagine what “home” means. This conversation highlights the profession’s unique…

In this episode of Archispeak, we sit down with Robert Yuen, CEO and co-founder of Monograph, to dive into the findings from their latest Architecture and Engineering Salary and Business Benchmarks Report 2025. We discuss how Monograph’s anonymized real-world data provides a clearer picture of salaries, utilization, and realization rates across the industry—without relying on traditional survey methods. Together, we unpack why project managers and engineers are out-earning architects, the crucial role of financial literacy, and how radical transparency can shape a more sustainable and prosperous future for the profession. Episode Links: 2025 Architecture & Engineering Business Benchmarks Report Robert on LinkedIn Monograph on LinkedIn TRXL Podcast episodes featuring Robert Yuen TRXL 086: ‘Here to Do the Hard Thing’, with Robert Yuen TRXL 113: ‘Surprises Are Not Good’, with Robert Yuen TRXL 185: ‘Radical Transparency’, with Robert Yuen Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek Official website Amazon link ----- Have a…

In this episode we explore the intersection of structural engineering, adaptive reuse, and creative problem-solving in architecture. From a lighthearted discussion about ratchet straps as unconventional structural solutions to a deep dive into the challenges of modernizing existing buildings, this episode showcases how architects and engineers tackle complex design problems with ingenuity. ----- Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com. Support Archispeak by making a donation.

Join us for an engaging discussion with Chad Clary where we explore how architectural projects differ from movies and video games in terms of crediting contributors. We talk about whether the industry needs a better system for recognizing all those involved in building projects. The conversation also covers the critical importance of specificity in architectural documentation, examining how evolving professional roles affect design intent preservation while meeting contractor expectations. Episode Links: The Barnes Foundation by TWBTA ----- Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com. Support Archispeak by making a donation.

In this episode, we have a discussion about the value of sketching for idea development, the importance of questioning everything in architecture, the impact of architecture on people's memories and experiences, and the need for architects to engage with users and understand the spaces they create. Episode Links: The Art Museums of Louis I. Kahn (Amazon Link) ----- Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com. Support Archispeak by making a donation.

William Dodge joins the podcast to discuss his latest article the integration of AI in architecture, its impact on creativity, the evolving role of architects, and the shift towards innovative practices and micro studios, highlighting the future of the profession. Click here for images that William shared during the conversation. Episode Links: William Dodge on LinkedIn William’s article on Fast Company - The architecture industry may soon be unrecognizable a gang of three p-u-b-l-i-c Richard England (Maltese godfather of architecture who told me the story about Frank Lloyd Wright + Renzo Piano’s bff) Valentino Architects (tiny but amazing Maltese firm William mentioned) Matthew Nowicki (original designer of Chandigarh) ----- Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com. Support Archispeak by making a donation.

In this episode we welcome Helena Sawelin from Tillberg Design to explore the evolution of cruise ship design. Helena shares her company's impressive 60-year legacy and their expertise in luxury cruise, yacht, and residential ship design, along with their commitment to sustainability. She reflects on her 30-year progression from FF&E designer to business director, while highlighting the industry's transformation toward greener technologies and eco-friendly materials. The conversation delves into current trends in mid-size and luxury cruise ships—from seamless indoor-outdoor spaces to health and wellness amenities—and examines social media's influence on cruise tourism and design. Helena emphasizes how strong customer relationships and enduring design solutions play crucial roles in advancing sustainability. About the Guest: Helena has worked at TDoS since 1995, during this time, she has worked with some of the largest and most prestigious clients in the marine business, working also with high-end hotels,…

In this episode, we talk about design intent and construction tolerances. We examine how architectural designs intersect with construction realities, exploring the crucial communication between architects, contractors, and clients. The discussion covers the challenges of maintaining construction standards within specified tolerances, while emphasizing the value of thorough planning and coordination. We also address the inevitable compromises that emerge during construction's final phases. Episode Links: Have a question for the show? Visit AskArchispeak.com ----- Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com. Support Archispeak by making a donation.

In this thought-provoking episode, Evan and Cormac engage in a spirited critique of "The Brutalist," with an in-depth analysis of cinema through an architect's lens. We explore how architectural principles like clarity, editing, and supporting a core concept apply equally to filmmaking. We discuss the dangers of creative overindulgence and the importance of restraint in both architecture and storytelling. Whether you're interested in film criticism, architectural theory, or simply enjoy hearing passionate professionals analyze creative work, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of different art forms. Episode Sponsor - TimberTech Discover how TimberTech is redefining synthetic decking with precision-engineered materials that balance enduring aesthetics with superior performance and sustainability. TimberTech’s advanced technologies replicate natural wood’s allure while minimizing maintenance and environmental impact. Request samples, read case studies or download our architectural…

In this episode, we dive deep into the often overlooked role of architectural specifiers. Our special guest, Jeff Potter, shares his unconventional path to becoming a spec writer and discusses the challenges and triumphs along the way. We use this opportunity to address a listener's question about the perception and value of the specifier role within firms. From personal experiences to industry trends and evolving technologies, this discussion highlights the importance of specifications in architectural projects and explores the financial compensation and career progression in this niche. Join us as we unravel the complexities of the specifier's world and offer insights into navigating the profession. Episode Sponsor - TimberTech Discover how TimberTech is redefining synthetic decking with precision-engineered materials that balance enduring aesthetics with superior performance and sustainability. TimberTech’s advanced technologies replicate natural wood’s allure while minimizing maintenance and…

In this episode, we talk about early AEC exposure to high school students with a discussion of the ACE Mentorship Program. We share personal experiences and insights from mentoring high school students, talk about the program's value in exposing young minds to architecture, construction, and engineering. The conversation covers the challenges and rewards of volunteering, the importance of communication in teamwork, and how practical exercises can simulate real-world architectural practice. Additionally, we have a bit of follow up on the Le Corbusier conversation from the last episode and the complexities of his legacy. This episode is a must-see for anyone passionate about architecture education and youth mentorship. Episode Links: Pierre Jeanneret - Corbu’s cousin Modern Man by Anthony Flint askarchispeak.com - our new Q&A website ACE Mentor Program website Episode Sponsor - TimberTech Discover how TimberTech is redefining synthetic decking with precision-engineered materials that balance enduring…

In this episode, we discuss Cormac’s excitement about the Detroit Lions making the playoffs and explore the significant transformation happening in Detroit. We examine how the city's struggles have led to a new era of development and restoration. The main focus of our conversation centers on Le Corbusier and the often-overlooked contributions of his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, who helped make Corb's innovative designs technically feasible. We also announce our new Q&A website, askarchispeak.com, where listeners can submit questions for future episodes. Episode Links: Announcing askarchispeak.com - our new Q&A website Modern Man by Anthony Flint Pierre Jeanneret - Corb’s cousin The Image of the City by Kevin Lynch A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander The Timeless Way of Building by Christopher Alexander 250 Things Architects Should Know by Michael Sorkin Philip Johnson’s Glass House Episode Sponsor - TimberTech Discover how TimberTech is redefining synthetic decking with precision-engineered materials…

In this episode, Frank Cavanaugh from the Aria Group joins us to share insights on designing outdoor spaces, focusing on essential considerations for architects. From the importance of local ordinances and understanding health department requirements to the significance of context, lighting, and material selection, this episode covers it all. We also touch on unique challenges such as integrating landscape, seasonal usability, and maintaining brand consistency. Tune in to learn about the critical elements that create remarkable and functional outdoor hospitality environments. About Frank Cavanaugh: As Principal, Frank leads a talented team of architects and interior designers as a studio leader. As a member of the Board of Directors, he advises on the overall direction of the firm. Frank also is involved as a Project Designer on various small and large-scale projects, in particular Planning projects within the office. Frank has led and designed many large-scale projects throughout his career at Aria Group.…

Today we welcome Kevin Jones who is an architect and professor of practice from Virginia Tech's School of Architecture. We talk about the importance and intricacies of continuing education for architects. In this episode we explore various aspects of Continuing Education Units (CEUs), different state requirements, and effective engagement strategies for those offering courses, share personal anecdotes from our careers as architects, some of our favorite courses, and discuss how architects can use CEUs to foster professional growth, advance their careers, and improve practice standards. We also talk about the effectiveness of in-person versus online learning and examine ways to innovate content delivery for maximum impact. Episode Links: Kevin Jones on LinkedIn With Architecture - Kevin’s firm Amber Book Continuing Education About Kevin Jones: Kevin is a practicing architect whose academic pursuits lie at the intersection of teaching, practice, and community engagement, and he has worked with both urban and…

Join us as we discuss the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025 which included Evan’s studio makeover (featuring a reveal if you’re watching on YouTube) while doing a water fast, extravagant Christmas light displays of some homeowners, and then main topic: group projects, communication, and team collaboration in both educational and professional settings. We share some important lessons about performance reviews, setting clear expectations, and the intricacies of teaching and learning architecture. Tune in to hear insights on how to handle underperformers, the significance of teamwork, and the experiences of teaching architecture students. Episode Sponsor - WorldTeams WorldTeams can help your firm grow with a skilled and reliable remote team. Schedule a free consultation at https://worldteams.com/hire-top-talent. ----- Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com. Support Archispeak by making a donation.

Join us in our last episode of 2024 as we explore how to balance emotional energy while maintaining high service standards during the year-end rush. We also discuss effective communication and presentation skills in architectural education, sharing tips for creating engaging, streamlined presentations that translate seamlessly into professional practice. Episode Links: Enjoy The Silence by Depeche Mode (YouTube) Episode Sponsor: WorldTeams WorldTeams can help your firm grow with a skilled and reliable remote team. Schedule a free consultation at https://worldteams.com/hire-top-talent. ----- Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com. Support Archispeak by making a donation.

In this episode of 'Archispeak Theater,' we begin with some musical nostalgia and then transition into a detailed exploration of the complexities and challenges involved in managing large Revit models for architectural projects. Episode Sponsor - WorldTeams WorldTeams can help your firm grow with a skilled and reliable remote team. Schedule a free consultation at https://worldteams.com/hire-top-talent. ----- Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com. Support Archispeak by making a donation.

In this episode, we discuss a listener's concerns about the financial burden of architectural education. We explore various career paths and alternative routes to licensure, examine the challenges young architects face, address the rising costs of education, and consider potential solutions such as specialization and entrepreneurship. We also reflect on our own career experiences and discuss how the profession continues to evolve. Episode Links: Minor Threat Salad Days Film Centre Pompidou Richard Rogers Renzo Piano Archispeak 332 - ‘Navigating Internships and Early Career Steps’, with Michael Ermann NCARB - Pathways to Practice Archispeak 335 - ‘Multiple Pathways to Architectural Licensure’, with Jon Baker Episode Sponsor - WorldTeams WorldTeams can help your firm grow with a skilled and reliable remote team. Schedule a free consultation at https://worldteams.com/hire-top-talent. ----- Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com. Support Archispeak by…

In this episode, we talk with Israel Peña, who shares his incredible 13-year journey working on a historic elementary school modernization project in Beverly Hills. From the challenges of agency approval, unforeseen structural issues, and the complexities of preserving the historical fabric of buildings, Israel takes us through the entire process that he has actively worked on since it began in early 2011. We also explore his unique way of coping with stress through running and fitness, along with his passion project: an elaborate Pirates of the Caribbean-themed Halloween display at his home that also serves as a charitable endeavor. Episode Sponsor - WorldTeams WorldTeams can help your firm grow with a skilled and reliable remote team. Schedule a free consultation at https://worldteams.com/hire-top-talent. Episode Links: Bridging Centuries - El Rodeo Elementary School YouTube video Israel’s Pirates of the Caribbean Halloween Display ----- Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please…

In this episode, we dive into Cormac’s hoarding tendencies (aka our mutual love for architectural collectibles) by unboxing a special edition set of Frank Lloyd Wright Blackwing pencils, then talk about how to protect these valuable items from children. The conversation then shifts to recent travels, including Cormac’s trip to Baltimore to visit his Johns Hopkins project and for a major office collaboration day. Then it’s Evan’s turn to talk about his recent trip to San Diego for the annual Autodesk University conference. While there he had the chance to visit UC San Diego's Geisel Library, a marvel of brutalist architecture. Other topics include ongoing architectural projects, the logistics of managing large-scale adaptive reuse, and the joys and challenges of professional networking and conferences. See the photos of Geisel Library here. Episode Links: Frank Lloyd Wright Blackwing Pencils Geisel Library William Pereira Fallen Star (the little blue house at UCSD) Autodesk University ----- Thank you for…

In this special Episode 350 of the Archispeak podcast, we discuss the celebration of our milestone with an unboxing of fresh beans from “Coffee Boy”. We also talk about Evan’s un-conference experience in Florida that allowed for personal growth, leadership development, and some fun activities like learning to E-foil. Just beware of the 🌀 and 🐊. Episode Links: Coffee Sketch Podcast Archispeak episode 300 with the hosts of the Coffee Sketch Podcast (YouTube) AEC Acoustics Leadership Retreat Autodesk University Turons of Yellowstone Instagram ----- Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com. Support Archispeak by making a donation.

Join us on a captivating exploration of cutting-edge architecture with insights from our special guest, Slade Sheaffer. In this episode we dive into Slade's travels across Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany as he uncovers the fusion of infrastructure and architecture with noteworthy projects like Copenhagen's Camp Adventure Tower and the city’s unique skiing experience at Copenhill, among others. Tune in to the Archispeak YouTube channel for a visual tour through iconic European sites and innovative urban landscapes that inspire sustainable and multifunctional spaces. Episode Links: Robert Saemisch Prize from the Arizona Architecture Foundation Projects visited: Copenhagen CopenHill (BIG) – waste to energy plant doubling as a ski hill! https://www.copenhill.dk/en https://www.archdaily.com/925970/copenhill-energy-plant-and-urban-recreation-center-big Camp Adventure Observation Tower (EFFEKT) – spiraling ramp observation tower in the forest…

In this episode, we kick off with discussions about favorite movies and documentaries, leading into the portrayal of architects in film, and eventually pivot to the intricate world of adaptive reuse projects. Cormac shares his new teaching experiences, detailing a unique studio project involving real-world constraints with students working on an adaptive reuse project in Flint, Michigan. The episode covers various aspects of architectural education and practice, emphasizing the integration of different disciplines, the importance of site visits, and the role of creativity within constraints. Episode Links: Salad Days: A Decade of Punk in Washington D.C. (1980-1990) Interstellar (Wikipedia) Inception (Wikipedia) The Brutalist (Wikipedia) TRXL 073: ‘Design, Equity, & Data’, with Nicholas Cameron ----- Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com. Support Archispeak by making a donation.