Evan Troxel & Cormac Phalen

Archispeak

Arts EN ↓ 396 episodes

Archispeak is one of architecture's longest-running podcasts — 383 episodes of honest, unfiltered conversation about what it's actually like to work in the profession. Since 2012, architects Evan Troxel and Cormac Phalen have been exploring design, career, firm culture, tools, work/life balance, mentoring, generational differences, and job hunting — everything that comes with building a life in architecture. This isn't a highlight reel. It's the conversation architects actually have — about the hard parts of practice, the moments that define a career, and the things no one tells you in archite...

Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: www.archispeakpodcast.com

Author

Evan Troxel & Cormac Phalen

Category

Arts

Podcast website

www.archispeakpodcast.com

Latest episode

Oct 12, 2026

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Episodes

#21 - The Title of “Architect” 18.11.2013

discusses some recent articles on the subject and weigh in with their own opinion. Note: We don’t get to it in the show, but do yourself a favor and don’t forget to check out the last link in this episodes 'links' for Annie Choi’s open letter. You can find the show notes at http://archispeakpodcast.com

#20 - The Beauty Pageant 04.11.2013

For Episode 20 Archispeak Podcast considers the question, “Do architects care about the building after it’s been photographed?” In it we discuss the reasons an architect should photograph their projects and provide some tips on how to get good photography on the cheap. We also poke some fun at ourselves for always being the ones that will wait until everyone is out of a photo before taking it. Quo...

#19 - Addendum - The Traditional Way 21.10.2013

When Archispeak episode 18 was submitted, as typical with plan submittals, it was only about 90% done. The tape was still rolling at Archispeak HQ and we had a few more things to tag onto the last episode to fill it out. We diverged a bit, as we typically do, and went down the BIM path too.

#18 - The Traditional Way 07.10.2013

Archispeak Podcast goes “old school” and discusses the trend in architecture away from sketching and what it means for the profession. We “lay the block and swing the steel” to bring you a cornucopia of opinions and in the end discover that all the answers are found in a role of trace paper.

#17 - Experience Architecture 23.09.2013

In this episode the Archispeak Podcast explores the question, “Is Architecture Fashion?” The discussion focuses on how we actually experience architecture, what architectural school should be teaching and if graduates today are good “skinners.” Also, Cormac springs a quote from Frank Gehry on us for the first time to get our reaction. Spoiler; it was not what he was expecting.

#16 - Procrastination and Getting Things Done 09.09.2013

What can architects do to combat procrastination and what tools can we use to get things done? In this episode the Archispeak Podcast discusses both of these topics and suggests that claiming email bankruptcy might not be such a bad thing. We explore ways each of us get things done (Cormac loves his Post-It Notes) and come up with a new television idea for TLC: “Electronic Hoarders." We also learn...

#15 - Constraints 26.08.2013

In this episode of the Archispeak Podcast we discuss all the constraints we have to deal with when creating architecture and ask the question: is possible to design without them? Are there advantages in talking about these constraints with the people who inhabit our projects? Also, Cormac delivers vacation advice from Florida on how to attract sharks.

#14 - “Normal” Business Hours 12.08.2013

In this episode of the Archispeak Podcast we discuss the blurring of the line between “normal” business hours, being available all the time, and boundaries in a world where the growing trend is to be hyper-connected and always available at the client's (and the office's) beck and call. Show notes can be found at http://archispeakpodcast.com/episodes/14

#13 - Missed Opportunities 29.07.2013

Archispeak celebrates its 6-month anniversary! We reflect on the past 12 episodes and acknowledge Apple’s 1-billionth podcast subscription milestone. We then discuss why “good enough is the enemy of great” and explore why architects might design compromises into the project before it goes out of the studio/building.

#12 - Permanence in Architecture 15.07.2013

In this episode of the Archispeak Podcast, Cormac takes a wild ride and ends up at Fallingwater, which leads into a discussion of the permanence in architecture and how we design and specify materials. Are we designing obsolescence into our buildings? Is all architecture meant to be permanent? Join us as we explore these questions and more.

#11 - The Studio Environment 01.07.2013

In this episode Archispeak discusses the place where all the work happens: the studio environment. We examine what is wrong with the modern studio environment and eventually get around to talking about what makes an ideal studio. Are we all just plugged into The Matrix while working in our office cube farm? What is the worst thing that has happened to the architectural studio? Hint: they are often...

#10 - Safety Through Architecture 17.06.2013

In this episode Archispeak discusses how architecture can create safer buildings. We examine how schools are designed and retrofitted using technology to make them safer. Then we look at what is often written into project standards, including the demand for “no fancy-type lights” and how some requirements are created including “bubba-sized” ceiling and plumbing wall design. Also, we warn everyone...

#9 - Everything is Digital 03.06.2013

In this episode Archispeak discusses all things digital. Evan explains the design and 3D printing process for what has become our logo. We also explore how to be a better architect / designer and the tools available to do it. As a bonus, Evan and Neal (Cormac had to actually get real work done) were interviewed by Eric Bobrow for his Best Practices Course, Internet Marketing for Architects. Check...

#8 - Architects and Egos 13.05.2013

In this episode Archispeak discusses the difference between confidence and ego, then examines simple and effective ways to establish camaraderie in an architectural office. We start the conversation with an exploration of the effects on the profession caused by technology and wonder if NCARB is an evil empire or a money laundering scheme. Also, Cormac records in the middle of a wind storm.

#7 - We Kill Your Memories 29.04.2013

In this episode Archispeak takes on questions from our listeners and a group of 3rd graders. Also, Evan gets his first ‘C’ and Cormac panders to the children of Annapolis.

#6 - And Then I'm Very Sad 15.04.2013

In this episode we discuss the importance of collaboration to the process of architecture and incorporating construction into the architectural education. Also, Cormac gets a new mic!

#5 - It’s Communication Stupid! 01.04.2013

In this episode we discuss an architects life/work balance and reference Australian architect Andrew Maynard’s article on ArchDaily and its companion article by São Paulo-based architect Anthony Ling. Also, Cormac joins the army and finds it’s just like architecture.

#4 - Eat, Sleep and Breathe It 18.03.2013

In this episode we discuss the most recent Jobs Report, the importance of practical experience, suggestions for our listeners attending or soon to be graduating college and Evan's obsession with fonts. Links for the show can be found at http://archispeakpodcast.

#3 - An Architect's Library 04.03.2013

In this episode, we share what's on our architectural library shelves. Cormac dug through his basement and found a treasure-trove of these ancient relics we call books, Neal talks about the great content in Graphic Standards and his love of comic books, and Evan talks about how these resources are just some of the necessary tools everyone who calls themselves an architect should have. We get a lit...

#2 - Architect as Juggler 18.02.2013

We discuss the current state of being an architect versus the old days of the master builder, how architects can educate clients, the importance of sleep in our manic profession, and we begin to tackle the topic of proper planning for the ever-looming deadlines that keep us on the move.

#1 - That Ah-ha Moment 04.02.2013

In our inaugural episode, we start things out by defining archispeak, try to define architecture, and talk about what the general public probably thinks architecture is and what it isn't. Neal drops a bomb and tells architecture students that they probably aren't going to be designing the next Freedom Tower. Sad trombone.

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