TRXL

Joachim Viktil joins the podcast to talk about the growing gap between how architects are trained to think and how architectural firms are structured to operate. We explore the hidden cost of staying busy, the limits of billable-hour business models, and why architects, despite being trained as systems thinkers, are often confined to producing deliverables instead of improving the systems behind t...

Joshua Schultz joins the podcast to talk about lightweight structures, including cable nets and glass design, as well as insights from his upcoming book, “Structural Design of Lightweight Structures,” co-authored with Christian Stutzki, highlighting the future of architectural design. To learn more about Joshua Schultz, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/220 To get more great co...

George Guida joins the podcast to talk about how AI is reshaping architectural practice. As founder of xFigura, George shares insights on building tools that keep architects in control while leveraging AI for ideation and collaboration. We explore the challenges of AI adoption, the future of design interfaces, and how the profession can thoughtfully integrate these technologies without losing the...

Zach Kron joins the podcast to talk about what it really means to apply architectural thinking to products for AEC from inside a technology company. We explore designing systems, learning by shipping imperfect work, the real tradeoffs that come with pursuing leverage beyond traditional practice, and more. This is an honest conversation for architects considering a move into tech, or looking to evo...

In this special Campfire Series episode, Neil Katz joins the podcast to tell us about the evolution of architectural technology from first principles. Long before CAD, BIM, parametrics, or AI became industry buzzwords, Neil was there. From technics and morphology, to early programming in BASIC and geometry-driven thinking, to custom software at SOM, to landmark projects that pushed behavior-based...

Randy Deutsch joins the podcast to talk about what real adaptation looks like inside architectural practice. Not trend-chasing. Not tool collecting. But a fundamental shift in how architects think, learn, and operate in an AI-accelerated world. Randy draws on decades of experience as an educator, practitioner, and author to explore why resilience, convergence, and continuous learning are now core...

Wes Reynolds and Hugh Soward join the podcast to talk about how OPN Architects is intentionally shaping its future through digital practice, experimentation, and culture-building. They discuss the evolution of OPN’s digital practice group, how they evaluate and adopt emerging technology, and why their long-running annual retreat has become essential infrastructure for aligning design, tech, and pe...

In this special partner episode, Todd Henderson and Christopher Parsons join the podcast to talk about what it really takes to build a learning culture inside an architecture firm—one that actually sticks, scales, and improves project delivery over time in this final installment of the KM 3.0 series. Drawing from Todd’s background in Lean, Scrum, and healthcare design—as well as Chris’s leadership...

Jonathan Nelson, Nirva Fereshetian, Heath May, and Shane Burger join the podcast to talk about one of the biggest questions facing our industry: How do design technologists grow into firmwide leaders? What was originally planned as a one-way presentation quickly became a true two-way conversation. Instead of a traditional panel format, we created a space where the audience guided the discussion wi...

Ashley Hastings joins the podcast to talk about what it really means to make curiosity a key performance indicator (KPI). 📐 A note from Evan: The phrase “curiosity as a KPI” contains its own contradiction, and hopefully the irony landed with you, dear listener. Obviously, KPIs are about measurement, control, and predictability—the very things that can kill curiosity when applied too rigidly. True...

In this special partner episode, Evan Troxel is joined by James Martin and Jess Purcell of Shepley Bulfinch, along with Christopher Parsons of Knowledge Architecture, to explore how AI experimentation in architecture is revealing tangible value inside real firms. The conversation dives deep into how disciplined experimentation—running small, intentional AI pilots with measurable goals—helps firms...

Matt Goldsberry joins the podcast to talk about how data is reshaping architecture practice. From computational design roots to leading digital strategy, Matt shares how Power BI and analytics can uncover insights that drive better business and design outcomes. The conversation covers building dashboards that matter, translating BIM data into meaningful decisions, and helping architects evolve fro...

Cesar Escalante joins the podcast to talk about his journey from practicing architect and early CAD adopter to firm technologist and now national AIA leader shaped the way he’s guiding the AIA Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP) Knowledge Community today. The conversation centers on how TAP is creating new connections across the AIA, especially with the Committee on the Environment (COTE),...

Kate Grimes and Christopher Parsons join the podcast to talk about how firms can align AI with their values, evolve knowledge platforms responsibly, and balance technology with culture. We cover the realities of building value-based tech stacks, structuring data for reliability, measuring ROI, and protecting collaboration as AI adoption accelerates. To learn more about Kate Grimes and Christopher...

Craig Barbieri joins the podcast to talk about his experience of hard-won lessons from the trenches. We get practical about what actually moves the needle in firms: training culture vs. one-off sessions, reality capture as “cheap insurance,” ACC-era coordination, and taming tool sprawl with strategy. We also dig into framing ROI so leaders and teams align, where AI is quietly helping today (think...

Rachelle Ray joins the podcast to talk about how AEC marketing and BD teams are really using AI today: what’s working, what’s not, and where things are headed. While proposals are a recurring thread, the broader focus is on how AI can clear space for strategy and creativity by reducing manual, repetitive work. Rachelle brings insights from OpenAsset’s customer feedback from both survey data and re...

Robert Otani and Alexandra Pollock join the podcast to talk about how they’re rethinking Thornton Tomasetti’s engineering practice by making technology the foundation rather than an add-on. They share practical lessons on bringing computation into practice at scale, adopting product thinking inside a services business, measuring the ROI of innovation, and eliminating redundancy so teams can focus...

Dave Gilmore joins the podcast to talk about the urgent need for firms to proactively disrupt themselves before they’re disrupted by external forces, and why transformation is first and foremost a leadership challenge, not a technology one. Dave shares insights on the limits of the production mindset, the dangers of outsourcing strategic thinking, and the critical role that psychological safety, e...

Peter Markos joins the podcast to talk about rethinking the traditional business model of architecture by developing products instead of relying solely on client-based services. The conversation covers Peter’s journey from winning Airbnb’s OMG! Fund to creating a prefabricated, scalable cabin business, the role of investors and partnerships, the realities of risk and operations, and how timeless d...

Katie Robinson and Christopher Parsons join the podcast to talk about how LS3P’s knowledge management program evolved from a marketing necessity into a strategic advantage. We discuss the origins of their Data Manager program, how they’ve integrated firm-wide data into their intranet platform “Frank,” and why they’ve embraced AI-powered search to democratize access to knowledge. A highlight of the...

Phil Putnam joins the podcast to talk about what it really takes to lead in today’s workplace. We explore his “Give to Get” leadership framework, the staggering cost of employee turnover, and why loyalty no longer means what it used to. From generational shifts in motivation to the myth of paycheck-based performance, Phil shares practical strategies for building teams that thrive—starting with und...

Nathan Miller joins the podcast to talk about why most digital transformations in AEC fail, and what to do about it. In this milestone 200th episode, we discuss the high cost of misalignment between strategy, culture, and operations, the dangers of tool chasing without purpose, and the critical role of authenticity in building sustainable, tech-enabled practices. Nate also shares his “smarts, heal...

Amy Bunszel joins the podcast to talk about the future of Autodesk’s architectural tools. From AI-driven productivity features to contextual design with Forma, Amy shares how Autodesk is reimagining workflows, connecting data across the cloud, and helping architects spend less time “doing the dishes” and more time designing. To learn more about Amy Bunszel, see the full show notes with links at ht...

Corey Squire and Christopher Parsons join the podcast to talk about how knowledge platforms, culture shifts, and intentional frameworks can turn individual expertise into firm-wide intelligence. We explore the role of intranets, AI, onboarding, and the AIA’s Framework for Design Excellence—all aimed at embedding sustainability into everyday practice. To learn more about Corey Squire and Christophe...

Phil Read and Harlan Brumm join the podcast to talk about the often-overlooked transition from technical expert to team leader, and how the AEC Acoustics Leadership Retreat was designed to support this journey. We explore the power of shared experience, vulnerability, and creating space for meaningful personal and professional growth in an industry that rarely provides resources for this critical...