Archispeak Podcast

David Bradley, AIA PCC joins us to discuss the importance of taking control of your career. We talk about defining outcomes, taking responsibility, setting boundaries, and building trust. We also talk about the need for small steps, accountability, and a clear plan to achieve personal and professional goals. David is also offering upcoming opportunities for coaching and mastermind sessions to supp...

The Archispeak University (AU) series introduces educational content for architects and designers. Liz Neuffer of Aria Group joins the show to discuss the topic of hospitality and outdoor space design. In this episode, we discuss the key factors that contribute to a successful design for hospitality and outdoor spaces. We explore how to design outdoor spaces that cater to different climate zones a...

In this episode, we discuss Cormac’s haunted house, rising license renewal fees, Evan’s first in-person (as an Oregonian) continuing education lunch n’ learn, using the SIPS building system on projects, the challenges of adopting innovative building systems in the building industry, first costs versus operational costs, school projects that are literally driven by the maintenance staff, and the ne...

In this episode, we kick things off with an unsolicited email that Cormac received inquiring about "just needing some plans drawn up”. Then, we welcome Evan back to the darkside as he rejoins the PC realm, as he dives headlong into the world of Microsoft laptops. This plunge down the Microsoft rabbit hole takes us on a nostalgic journey through the annals of Microsoft history, from the Zune to the...

Anger management kicks off our conversation where Cormac gets to deal with infrastructure replacement in his neighborhood and all of the joys that come with it. Evan shares stories about his ride (Ride the Rim) around Crater Lake. Unbeknownst to both of them, the way Evan decided to tackle his ride would foreshadow the ups and downs of their final conversation in which they discuss a code seminar...

First we refresh Evan’s memory on what an “ASI” is, then move on to talk about an article from the Harvard Business Review on the glorification of overwork as we apply it directly to the profession of architecture. Episode links Why We Glorify Overwork and Refuse to Rest  (Harvard Business Review) Archispeak 294 - ‘Three Recessions Away from Extinction’, with Evelyn Lee Archispeak 292 - ‘OUT...

In this episode Evan tells us about “Riding the Rim” which to much of Cormac's chagrin is not an all-you-can-drink margarita bar. We also reminisce about trips to Radio Shack and our first computers, and finally we discuss the insanity of the amount of drawings we tend to submit on a project for agency approvals. Episode links Too Many Drawings Heading to Permit - Cormac’s Instagram Thank you for...

Topic In this episode of the Archispeak podcast, we continue to catch up with FLW and join Cormac as he continues his road trip adventure in search of Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic buildings. However, this time around, Cormac doesn't have to venture far from home as he's uncovered a surprising abundance of Wright's architectural gems right in the heart of the Detroit Metro area. Join Cormac and Evan...

Topic When a project shouldn't go wrong… it will. After a brief counseling session we move beyond the trauma and discuss Cormac’s latest architecturally-epic road trip through Wisconsin on the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail. Episode links Wingspread Exterior - Cormac's Instagram Wingspread Interior - Cormac's Instagram Wingspread Webpage SC Johnson Headquarters and Lab - Cormac's Instagram SC Johnson To...

Topic In this episode we discuss Evan’s earliest of 3D modeling and feeling slighted by Cormac’s reaction to the cutting edge imagery from decades past. Cormac revisits his despair about what he feels is the downfall of architectural magazines and their “content". Episode links Radial Building -  Church of 2000 Freedom Tower Lawsuit Camden Yards concept stolen/borrowed? Architectural Record s...

In this episode we discuss how Cormac plans (or not) for road trips and how Evan is similar but different in his planning strategy. We also talk about the ‘right’ way to pack and learn about song roulette. Episode links Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum (YouTube) The Spirited Man (YouTube) - Essential Travel Packing Tips ----- Thank you for listening to Arch...

In this episode Cormac discovers that math can determine the age of his house faster than his mind can, Evan prepares his house and property for the inevitable, and we talk about the permanence of buildings and the link to true sustainability. Oh, and we go on a journey to find the tallest peak in the continental United States… spoiler alert: it's not Mt. Shasta, which comes in at an elevation of...

Topic In this episode we discuss a much needed summer vacation for Cormac: a complete cold turkey detachment from architecture as he ventures into the woods and how he can miraculously turn any trip into an architectural trip. Then we go out of the woods and into the big city of Chicago where we talk more in-depth about how the world's largest Starbucks and the river front Apple Store create exper...

Topic In this episode, we chat about Twitter rebranding to X, Evan asks Cormac two questions about the potential impact of AI on the architecture profession, and a discussion about the need for firms to embrace technology and the importance of focusing on client experience and innovation to differentiate themselves in a commoditized market. ----- Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more epi...

Topic In this episode we discuss Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City , Cormac’s desire to design, own and operate an old timey feeling movie theater, Evan quizzes Cormac on AI and gives him a few what if questions…and at the end of the day we suck at it (but what does that mean?). Episode Links J Lab Creative (Instagram) ----- Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://...

Topic This episode we discuss Archispeak Podcast joining the new socials like Threads and Instagram (finally). Evan discusses the letter NCARB send out welcoming back all of the new members with a little gift of fee increases and how Cormac avoided future fee increases by not reinstating his NCARB record. Episode links archy_type instagram archy_type threads TRXL instagram TRXL threads Archispeak_...

Topic A conversation about the use of technology in architecture, including the evolution of tools and the importance of maintaining a creative mindset. The discussion touches on the idea of what constitutes a "sketch" in the modern era, and the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on technology in the design process. The hosts also offer a glimpse into their own creative processes and the to...

Topic In this episode we discuss our experiences at the 2023 AIA Conference on Architecture and the election of Evelyn Lee, FAIA as the 2025 President elect. The conversation also touches on the increasing role of AI in architecture and the need to reinvent the profession for the future. ----- Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com

Topic In a conversation about woodworking and content creation, Cam Anderson of BlacktailStudio joins the podcast to discuss the importance of making interesting projects rather than chasing algorithms or demographics. He also talks about the value of showing mistakes and failures in the process of creating, and how it can be engaging for his audience. Episode links BacktailStudio website Cam’s Yo...

Topic We discuss scars from our youth and scars from the profession, object visualizers versus text-based learners, the lack of hands-on education in schools and the devaluation of blue-collar work, and the result of a disconnection between architects and the physical construction process. Episode links Why Only Some of Us Think in Pictures  (YouTube)  -  Van Neistat’s video on The...

Topic Sparked by a new offer, we revisit the value of NCARB membership. Episode links Details about the NCARB offer ----- Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com

Topic In this episode we discuss the use of AI in architecture, including image and text generation. We talk about the potential for AI to automate mundane tasks and increase productivity, including using it to generate meeting minutes and other documents, as well as the ethical implications of its use. We talk about tools such as MidJourney and ChatGPT, and discuss how AI can be trained on a firm...

Topic In this episode with special guest Evelyn Lee, FAIA we discuss the pressing need for architectural firms to adapt to changing business models and billing practices in order to survive during economic downturns. We all know that architectural firms and staff are often hit hard during recessions, and that traditional billing models and the commoditization of architectural services are not sust...

Topic Cormac and Evan discuss the importance of understanding the "why" in architecture education how that transitions into a career in architecture. They discuss the desire for students to have a deeper understanding of the practicalities of building design, and the importance of practitioners and academics working together to provide this education. They also touch on the challenges of AI in arc...

We have a conversation with Jake Rudin, co-author of the recently published book titled "Out of Architecture" to discuss the need for architects to appropriately value themselves and their skills to create a more positive and sustainable profession, or to leave it altogether for something else. We talk about the lack of leadership training, the importance of designing our businesses, and the value...