Archispeak

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...

Topic We discuss the power of negotiation that an in-demand candidate has during a job search, the lack of training in architectural education about money and business, the ongoing talent drought, the mythical bonus, AIA dues, waning architectural publications as an analogy to the profession, provide our take on a provocative LinkedIn post by Evelyn Lee, and we take a stab at figuring out how long...

Topic We discuss the value of doing home renovations and learning construction skills as an architect, talk about the importance of compromise, collaboration, and learning from hands-on experiences. We also touch on the differences between architects of the past and present, and the evolving role of technology in the industry. Episode Links Steve Baczek’s Instagram Risinger Build’s Instagram Aweso...

Topic We have a conversation about the process of becoming a licensed architect in the United States and discuss the challenges of taking multiple Architect Registration Exams (ARE), NCARB’s rolling clock policy changes, and the need for change in the profession. We also touch on the potential impact of technology on the licensing process with some personal anecdotes and opinions. We also talk abo...

Topic We discuss Evan’s tireless experience of the “sufferfest” that is moving one’s family into a new home, Cormac’s recent experiences with the ACE Mentor program, and we ask the question more people in the profession should be: Would people become architects if the we were honest about what it’s really like to be one? Episode links Ronnie Lott  (Wikipedia) ACE Mentor Program of America &nb...

Saying goodbye to a house, spaces that evoke memories and emotion, personal experiences of working (and living) remotely, mentoring emerging professionals, and how the architectural profession has been the model for Elon’s recent email to Twitter employees (except for the severance option). Links Elon Musk demands Twitter staff commit to ‘long hours’ or leave: Read the email (CNBC)

We discuss the different types of architectural degrees offered and why one might pick one type over another (To B.Arch or not to B.Arch? That is the question.) based on an #askarchispeak question from a listener, and Cormac toured the Exchange Tower that’s currently under construction in Detroit. It’s being built… differently. Links With Exchange, LIFTbuild Delivering First Top-Down Project in th...

In this episode, we discuss Deborah Berke FAIA’s presentation and James Wines’ interview from the 2022 Monterey Design Conference which recently happened at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in California. We get into the adaptive reuse typology as well as environmental art and architecture. Links Monterey Design Conference (MDC) 2022 website Asilomar Conference Grounds by Julia Morgan (Wikipedia) D...

Cormac talks about his recent attendance of a lecture about architectural ornamentation from yesteryear in Detroit while Evan is speaking at the inaugural EntreArchitect Annual Meeting in Austin. Links Wirt C. Rowland (Wikipedia) Corrado Parducci (Wikipedia) Albert Kahn The Life of Albert Kahn Albert Kahn (History of Detroit) Guardian Building (History of Detroit) Guardians of Detroit: Architectur...

In this episode, we discuss various mental, psychological, and physical injuries sustained from architectural (or construction) projects. Links Archispeak 31 - Architecture Will Kill You

This episode is about communication in our profession. Are you elevating or dumbing down the conversation? Is anybody listening? We also talk about wasting time in “valuable” “meetings”, how when the size of teams grows the lines of communication and complexity grows at a larger rate (Brooks’s Law), and more. Links Brooks’s Law (Wikipedia)

It’s a “rantiversary”! We have some fresh follow-up on a 2-year-old episode about a Twitter thread on why one individual was sounding the alarms and contemplating leaving the industry — who then did leave — and hasn’t looked back. The conversation then ties into additional follow-up from a more recent topic about accountability for predatory and toxic educational and workplace environments kindled...

We discuss how Evan’s recent talks about the future of the practice were received by two different audiences: architects and CFO’s. One group is much more excited about where we’re going… can you guess which one? Link Lamy Safari fountain pen (Amazon)

We discuss a recent rant by Thomas Heatherwick about boring architecture, emotional responses to the built environment, the fabric of the city, what community is, cool scars, and more. Links Add your name to the list at Tect "We're living through an epidemic of boringness" says Thomas Heatherwick Listen and Subscribe to Archispeak

Evan is delivering a keynote titled ‘Disruptive Technology in Architecture, and You’ at the 2022 AIA Kansas Annual Conference, rural architecture and architects, presentation skills, communication, and more. Links Johnny America ‘zine website AIA Kansas 2022 Annual Conference

Topic Following our ‘quiet quitting’ episode we now discuss ‘quiet firing’, the objectification of roles in the profession and the unsustainable nature of this approach by incumbents for the future of the labor force, additional thoughts on other recent episodes and how they tie into this discussion and topic, workaholism, MidJourney AI image creation, and more. Links The Hustle Architect on Twitt...

Topic We discuss the latest news on the #quietquitting trend, the architectural response to the subject, under-living and overworking, and more. Links Quiet Quitting (New York Times) EntreArchitect Facebook Community EntreArchitect community quiet quitting discussion Innovation Theater Deltek sucks TikTok video about making paper (on Evan’s Twitter) Work/life/work balance by Andrew Maynard (ArchDa...

Topic After discussing how there’s no shortage of things to be responsible for when adulting, we answer more listener questions regarding graduate school and licensure while throwing our personal experience into the mix. Link Friend of the show Cherise Lakeside, FSCI on Twitter

What does the little green status light next to your name signal? In this episode we get into expectations and conditioning, time management, discipline, and saying yes versus no in the always-on work environment.

Topic A conversation about the current state of the architectural job market, a critique of the lackluster listings firms use to “attract talent”, and more. Listen and Subscribe to Archispeak