Archispeak

Join us as we discuss Evan’s summer family road trip, loaded with scenic stops, family adventures, and unexpected roadside attractions. And fear not! There is also talk about architectural registration as we share personal experiences about the process of obtaining and maintaining licenses in various states. From navigating NCARB procedures to exploring ghost towns and national parks, this episode...

In this episode we have a conversation about Cormac's exciting new adventure as an adjunct faculty member at Lawrence Technical University. We discuss the nuances and challenges of teaching architecture, the importance of understanding the 'why' behind architectural tasks, and the often under-appreciated value of PhDs in the field. Cormac also shares his practical approach to mentoring and the sig...

Join us as we dive into Cormac's continued architectural summer adventures. This time he’s exploring the East Coast, Prince Edward Island, and visiting one of his favorite architects in Nova Scotia. Today he tells us about his visits to iconic sites such as Yale's Louis Kahn buildings and Eero Saarinen's hockey arena. Hear about his surprise anniversary trip to Anne of Green Gables locations, and...

In this episode, we discuss pen refills and alignment OCD, the significance of what makes some architecture lovable (e.g. the Farnsworth House), a review of the book '100 Buildings' by Thom Mayne, exploring its relevance and the impact of past architectural precedents on modern practices, a deep dive into why certain buildings are preserved with immense dedication (e.g. Fallingwater), while others...

In this episode, we talk about our experiences with punch lists. What are they? Who should be creating them? Why do they exist? We also talk about the practice of architecture being an adhocracy, what that means, and wonder if there’s any way our profession can change. Episode Links TRXL podcast 158: ‘AEC is an Adhocracy’, with Andy Robert and Mercedes Carriquiry ----- Thank you for listening to A...

Evan is jealous. Cormac recently went on a road trip with special guest Angelo Pirali to explore many (yes many!) remarkable architectural landmarks, and they’re here today to share about it. Key highlights include visits to Cranbrook, the Farnsworth House, Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic homes and buildings (including Taliesn and Johnson Wax), Millennium Park, and much more. The discussion revolves a...

In this episode, join Evan and Cormac as they reminisce about unique road trips, discuss the importance of taking time off, and share plans for exciting summer adventures. Discover why it's essential to leave the office, explore new destinations, and enrich your life with meaningful experiences. ----- Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.c...

Join us in this episode as we recount our time at the 2024 AIA Conference on Architecture recently held in Washington DC. We highlight the travel, keynote speakers, the expo hall, the incredible museums, and the architectural community. Episode Links: Mecanoo and OTJ Architects complete renovation of Mies van der Rohe's Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Library Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center  (the...

Archispeak welcomes Scott Selzer, CEO of StruXure, and Scott Smith, CEO of Bromic Heating, to discuss the evolution, current state, and innovations in building products, specifically focusing on outdoor heaters and pergolas. In this episode we talk about these building products in both residential and commercial projects and how they enhance outdoor living spaces. Scott and Scott share their uniqu...

In this episode, we use a critical analysis of Radiohead’s ‘In Rainbows’ album as a jumping-off point to discuss the parallels between creating music and buildings, including the management of client expectations, budget constraints, and the value of documenting the design process. Episode Links: Dissect podcast: Radiohead’s ‘In Rainbows’ In Rainbows: From the Basement  (YouTube) ----- Thank...

Cormac is on a new project. In this episode we explore the complexities of working with historic buildings and the nuances of adaptive reuse projects. We discuss the importance of accurate documentation, the impact of technology in documenting existing conditions, and the implications of design decisions on future use of the building through the negotiation between preserving history and accommoda...

In this episode of the Archispeak podcast, Thomas Ventura of Gensler joins us to talk about evolving expectations in office and outdoor space design, influenced by sustainability trends and the need for adaptable, multi-use spaces in response to changing client needs and environmental responsibilities. We talk about Gensler's massive scale as a firm, boasting close to 7,000 employees and over 50 o...

In this episode of Archispeak, Jon Baker shares his unique journey to becoming an architect and discusses the different pathways to licensure offered by NCARB. The conversation covers the importance of licensure, initiatives like the IPAL program, and the need for practical experience to be integrated with education. Jon tackles criticisms and emphasizes the role of licensure in expanding career o...

In this episode of the Archispeak podcast, Je’Nen Chastain, founder of Apostrophe Consulting, joins us to discuss the shifts and challenges in the realm of architectural practice and running a successful firm, emphasizing leadership, business management, mentorship, and the need for adaptability within organizations. Je’Nen also touches on her personal challenges and professional evolution, the im...

The Archispeak University (AU) series provides educational content for architects and designers. In this episode of the Archispeak podcast, Primo Orpilla, Principal and Owner of O+A Architecture, shares his extensive experience in workplace design, tracing his experiences in the evolution of office spaces over the last 30 years. Starting his career during a challenging period, Primo talks about ho...

In this episode, Michael Ermann of Amber Book and Virginia Tech joins us as we tackle the topic of architectural internships – both for those seeking and for the firms providing them. We kick off by sharing our early internship experiences and comparing them to modern practices. We discuss the treatment of internships as a scarce resource by many architectural firms and its impact on the industry...

In this episode, podcaster Enoch Sears joins us to do a deep dive into the evolution of architectural podcasting over the last 12 years, the challenges and triumphs of running an architecture practice, and the importance of adopting a business mindset in order to run a successful practice. Episode Links: Enoch on LinkedIn Enoch on Instagram Business of Architecture website ----- Thank you for lis...

We discuss Australia's 'Right to Disconnect' law, which aims to protect employees from having to engage in work-related communications outside of work hours, and the implications for both workers and companies. We get into the challenges and inefficiencies of modern work environments, including constant connectivity, the impact of email, and how technology has both helped and worsened work-life ba...

The Archispeak University (AU) series provides educational content for architects and designers. In this episode, Sara Schneider of TCA Architects joins us to talk about design trends in multi-family and mixed use project types. Sara is a veteran in the interior design field with a 20-year background, predominantly in hospitality, now focusing on multifamily residential projects with a mixed-use a...

In this episode, we talk about the things we do where we are so “in the zone” that we completely lose track of time. We also talk about the importance of failing as part of the learning process, the idea of the ‘flow state’, and how this can be achieved when deeply engaged in problem solving. We also touch on the notion of self-doubt and imposter syndrome and the importance of intrinsic motivation...

In this episode, Cormac reflects on the challenges, memories, and learnings from his most successful and intense project. He shares the story of the EO Wilson Biophilia Center in Florida which he compares to 'jazz' due to the ensemble of different ideas, skills, and experiences that came together to create something harmonious. We also explore our experiences with difficult projects, budgets, and...

In this episode of Archispeak, we discuss the overwhelming volume of emails we receive and the culture of "ASAP" that often accompanies it. We reflect on the time-consuming nature of emails and question how firm leadership would react if they knew how much time their employees spend managing their inboxes. The conversation then shifts to the topic of boundaries in the workplace and the struggle to...

In this episode, Cormac tells us a story from the Army which sparks a discussion of various experiences on renovation and remodel projects which brings to light the meaning of the term “unforeseen conditions”.  Episode Sponsor Chaos Enscape is soon launching something special that will make your 3D workflow the best 3D workflow for a special price. In the meantime, you can experience it for...

In this episode we start off by acknowledging the 12th birthday of the Archispeak podcast. Our  first episode  titled “That Ah-ha Moment” was published on February 3, 2013 and we don’t recommend listening to it! Then we explore the potential of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in architectural practices and talk about how these technologies could revolutionize the way arch...

We discuss Cormac’s snow shoveling incident and then go deep into talking about work-life balance and how architects often struggle with this, and what it means to truly be an architect. We further discuss the impact of emerging technology on architecture, particularly regarding the impending release of Apple’s Vision Pro headset. We also explore the industry’s work culture, explore some intital t...