Arcfluence - The Architecture and Design Podcast

Nick and Paul share their experience at the 2025 AIA National Conference in Boston, held June 4–7. They recount tours of notable projects, including Boston’s largest residential tower, a 61-story structure with a Four Seasons hotel, and adaptive reuse developments like a repurposed Masonic temple and a medical office campus. Keynotes by Ali K. Miller on AI’s evolving role in design, Pete Buttigieg...

Nick and Paul are joined by Adam Mesmer from LFG Lending to discuss real estate investing, creative financing, and the evolution of the Central Ohio Investor Network (COIN)—Columbus’s largest free meetup for real estate professionals. COIN brings together investors, lenders, agents, and contractors every third Tuesday of the month to network, share strategies, and build smarter deals. The trio cov...

This one’s quite a detour! A field episode recorded on the move through San Marino, Modena, and Imola, Nick, Paul, and Nino trade studio mics for hillside balconies and F1 grandstands, reflecting on a week of castles, supercars, espresso, and design done right. It’s a fun conversation about how Italy builds, from ancient stone towers to Ferrari’s wind tunnel, and what it feels like to drive 130 mp...

The team sits down with an old friend, Bryan Prignano, whose career has spanned the full evolution of architectural visualization—from static renderings to immersive, data-rich environments. With nearly two decades of experience translating design intent into visual understanding, he’s seen the tools transform, but the core challenge remains the same: helping people comprehend things that don’t ye...

The Arcfluence team is joined by Jessie Lang, author of Rentals Made Easy, to explore strategies for scaling a real estate portfolio to 75 doors using the BRRRR method and robust systems. Learn how to transition from wholesaling to long-term rentals, leveraging hard money and private lending to drive growth. Discover the value of building in-house teams to manage properties effectively, avoiding c...

In this episode of the ArcFluence Podcast, Nick Karakaian, Nino Samardzic, and Paul Fatkins sit down with Fred Parrish of Inspired Spaces to dive into the often-overlooked role of landscape design in architectural success. From the fundamentals of plant selection and seasonal strategy to the integration of outdoor kitchens, patios, and pollinator gardens, Fred walks through the essentials that tur...

In this episode of the ArcFluence podcast, Nick Karakaian, Paul Fatkins, and Nino Samardzic break down the strategic, technical, and experiential elements of commercial architecture. Whether you're opening a boutique storefront, retrofitting a restaurant, or launching a new development, this conversation demystifies what it takes to succeed. The team walks through real-world project workflows—from...

The crew breaks down the core terminology every client, contractor, and designer should know—from programming and schematic design to sections, elevations, and building envelopes. Along the way, they dive into practical distinctions between passive and active systems, the real meaning of “value engineering,” and why architectural language matters more than you think.

The ArcFluence crew—Nick Karakaian, Paul Fatkins, and Nino Samardzic—welcomes Scott and Danette from Ron Scott Design Build to explore their holistic approach to design. They discuss the redesign of a 4,000-square-foot chiropractic office in Powell, Ohio, where chromotherapy—color and light science—enhances wellness. With ArcFluence offering architectural input, Ron Scott Design Build led with inn...

Thinking about taking on a DIY project? Whether it's a simple home upgrade or a full-scale renovation, knowing when to roll up your sleeves and when to call in the pros can make all the difference. In this episode, Nick, Paul, and Nino share their personal experiences with DIY—from first-time home projects to investment properties—and the lessons learned along the way. They discuss budgeting, sour...

As Columbus rapidly grows, Hocking Hills is experiencing an investment surge—driven by demand for unique getaways, luxury cabins, and short-term rentals. In this episode, we break down the journey of acquiring 134 acres, designing A-frames, mirror homes, and exploring 3D-printed structures. We discuss why Hocking Hills is becoming a prime location for real estate investors, the challenges of build...

In this episode of The ArcFluence Podcast, hosts Nick Karakaian, Paul Fatkins, and Nino Samardzic sit down with veteran architect Bill Griffith of Sol Harris/Day Architecture. With nearly five decades in the field, Bill shares insights from his journey—from starting as a draftsman to leading one of Northeast Ohio’s top firms.   Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational...

Paul Fatkins and Nino Samardzic dive into the evolution of architectural technology, exploring its journey from hand-drafting to CAD, BIM, and the emerging role of AI. Through historical insights and personal anecdotes, they unpack how tools shape the way architects design, collaborate, and innovate.

In this episode of the ArcFluence Podcast, Nick and Paul sit down with Liz Lawrence, founder of LFG Lending and an avid real estate investor, to explore the dynamic intersection of financing and design. Discover how hard money loans, DSCR products, and the BRRRR method empower investors to tackle fix-and-flips, build profitable rental portfolios, and boost property value—all while making smart des...

Nick and Paul welcome Alan Albrecht to dive into the dynamic relationship between architects and engineers. From debunking stereotypes to exploring innovative building materials like cross-laminated timber, this episode uncovers how collaboration shapes successful construction projects. Note: The content provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intende...

The crew of the ArcFluence Podcast explores the concept of innovation districts, examining their role in fostering economic growth, technological advancement, and urban revitalization. They highlight examples from cities like Dubai, Oslo, and Columbus, discussing how these districts bring together businesses, research institutions, and communities to spark collaboration and innovation. The convers...

In this episode of the ArcFluence Podcast, Nick, Paul, and Nino are joined by Fabio Zaniboni, a leader in the IoT and smart building industry. Fabio shares insights from his journey in engineering and how IoT is revolutionizing design. From circadian lighting to energy-efficient systems, learn how cutting-edge technology enhances wellness, productivity, and sustainability. The conversation explore...

Nick and Paul dig in on the evolving trends and challenges of the open concept design in this milestone 20th episode! From short-term rentals to long-term living spaces and custom builds, they explore how open floor plans are being reimagined to better serve modern lifestyles. With insights on natural lighting, furniture flow, acoustics, and even HVAC considerations, they tackle the pros, cons, an...

The ArcFluence crew dives into the charm and challenges of vintage housing and its unique role in modern real estate. Join Nick and Paul as they explore the intricacies of renovating historical homes, from defining “vintage” properties to preserving original materials and tackling unforeseen structural issues. They discuss everything from repurposing elements like bricks and antique vanities to na...

The ArcFluence crew dives into the world of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and their growing role in modern architecture and real estate. Join Nick and Paul as they discuss how ADUs can alleviate housing shortages, provide rental income, and offer flexible space for family needs. From basement conversions to freestanding backyard structures, they explore the various types of ADUs, challenges with...

In this episode, the ArcFluence team dives into career development in architecture, focusing on how design professionals navigate their paths. From exploring remote work opportunities for architects during the pandemic to achieving professional licensure, this episode provides valuable insights into building a successful design career in today’s fast-changing landscape. Special guest Mario Peña sh...

The ArcFluence crew jumps into the art and intricacies of interior design with Tabi Mund, the creative force behind Swoon Rugs. As an interior designer with a passion for sourcing unique vintage rugs and sustainable decor, Tabi shares her journey of building spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful. We explore the importance of embracing experimentation, learning from mistakes, and find...

In Episode 15 of the Arcfluence Podcast, hosts Nick Karakaian, Paul Fatkins, and Nino Samardzic dive into the ambitious new "Zone In" zoning initiative in Columbus, Ohio. They explore how this plan is set to transform the city's urban corridors, increasing building heights and density, while aiming to address the housing shortage. The team shares insights from recent city meetings, discusses the b...

The Arcfluence crew shares their experiences from the recent AIA conference in Washington, D.C. They dive into the creative process of turning old commercial buildings into new residential spaces, discussing everything from dealing with tricky post-tension slabs to solving floodplain challenges. They highlight some standout projects and how thoughtful design can breathe new life into underused spa...

The Arcfluence crew dives into the world of attic and basement conversions. Join as they explore how to transform these spaces into valuable, functional areas of your home. They discuss the importance of understanding building codes, structural considerations, and the pros and cons of attic versus basement conversions. Learn about cost-effective strategies, design tips, and common challenges faced...