Archispeak

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 op...

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 stori...

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 professional...

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 me...

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. ----- H...

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 evolvi...

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?...

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...

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 indust...

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 coordinatio...

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 story...

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 tr...

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 communic...

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...

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...

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 anecd...

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 perf...

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 Depech...

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-ta...

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 t...

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 ea...

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 col...

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 ep...

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 other...

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 episo...