Architecture and Innovation

Transforming Workspaces: An Interview with Primo Orpilla of Studio O+A In this episode of the Architecture and Innovation podcast, host Thomas DiOro interviews Primo Orpilla, the principal at Studio O+A, a renowned San Francisco design firm. They discuss the evolution of workplace design from the early days of Silicon Valley, where engineers and software programmers worked in subpar conditions, to...

Inspiring Architecture and Urban Design with Kevin Kennon In this episode of the Architecture and Innovation Podcast, host Tom DiOro interviews visionary architect Kevin Kennon, discussing his impactful career, significant projects including the World Trade Center Design Competition, and his perspectives on beauty and dignity in architecture. Kennon shares his experiences in designing across vario...

Understanding Geo Exchange: An Interview with Larry Lessard In this episode of the Architecture and Innovation Podcast, Tom Dioro interviews Larry Lessard, President of Achieve Renewable Energy. They discuss the benefits and complexities of geo exchange systems for heating and cooling. Larry shares insights from his career in environmental consulting and renewable energy, elaborating on the import...

Innovating Architecture: Embracing Technology and Experimentation at Spectorgroup In this episode of the Architecture and Innovation Podcast, host Tom Dioro interviews Steven South, Design Director at Spectorgroup, and Faizan Zaidi, the firm's Design Technology Specialist. They discuss how Spectorgroup integrates various design tools to avoid limiting creativity, the evolution of design technology...

Reuniting Design and Construction: A Conversation with David Supple In this episode of the Architecture and Innovation podcast, host Tom Dioro interviews David Supple, CEO of NEDC Design and Construction. David shares his journey from studying architecture at Tufts University to founding his own design-build firm. He emphasizes the importance of uniting architects and builders to improve project o...

The Lasting Impact of Classical Architecture with Justin Shubow This episode of the Architecture and Innovation podcast features an in-depth conversation with Justin Shubow, president of the National Civic Arts Society. The discussion covers the influence and importance of classical architecture, the continuous impact of historical designs like those of Greece and Rome, and the philosophy behind a...

High-Performance Facade Systems: Expert Insights from Blair Davies In this episode of the Architecture and Innovation podcast, host Tom Dioro interviews Blair Davies, a professional engineer and expert in high-performance facade systems. Blair discusses key topics such as collaboration, trust, and curiosity in the building industry. He shares his journey from tech companies to building facades, em...

Innovative Lighting for Sustainable Architecture: A Conversation with Fabio Zaniboni In this episode of the Architecture and Innovation Podcast, host Thomas Dioro interviews Fabio Zaniboni, founder and chief vision officer of BubblyNet and Zaniboni Lighting. The discussion delves into Fabio's vision for revolutionizing building wellness through smart technology, such as Bluetooth mesh systems for...

Exploring Civic Space Design with Carol Ross Barney: An Architecture & Innovation Podcast In this episode of the Architecture & Innovation Podcast, host Tom Dioro interviews Carol Ross Barney, a distinguished architect and recipient of the 2023 American Institute of Architects Gold Medal. Carol discusses her extensive career in public and civic space design, including her notable projects...

Building Big and Thinking Ahead: A Conversation with Chris Tatge of Dynamic Construction and DC Materials In this episode of the Architecture and Innovation Podcast, host Tom Dioro interviews Chris Tatge, co-owner of Dynamic Construction and DC Materials in Staunton, Wisconsin. They discuss the keys to success in the construction industry, the importance of doing what you say you’re going to do, a...

The Spirit of High-Design Construction with Victor Mezhvinsky In this episode of the Architecture and Innovation Podcast, host Tom Dioro interviews Victor Mezhvinsky, the president and founder of Forma Construction. Victor discusses his passion for design and construction, the values that drive Forma, and his journey from starting in development during the Great Recession to leading a nationally a...

Building for Future Generations: A Conversation with Zach Heir of Heirloom Builders In this episode of the Architecture and Innovation Podcast, host Tom Dioro interviews Zach Heir, president of Heirloom Builders. Zach discusses the sustainable building practices his firm employs, which focus on creating enduring structures that meet current and future client needs. Drawing inspiration from his bac...

Innovating Through Relationships and Creativity: A Conversation with Krista Coupar In this episode of the Architecture and Innovation Podcast, host Tom Dioro speaks with Krista Coupar, founder and CEO of Coupar, a San Francisco-based design industry consultancy firm. The discussion delves into understanding business structures, the importance of grounding creativity, and the significance of relati...

The Power of Teamwork and Leadership in Architecture: Insights from J.Brandon Dekker This episode of the Architecture and Innovation Podcast features J.Brandon Dekker, Principal at Cannon Designs’ San Diego and Irvine offices. Dekker discusses the key elements of leadership and teamwork, focusing on attitude, energy, and effort as controllable factors for success. He emphasizes the importance of p...

Innovative Sustainable Design and Architectural Insights with Anthony Brower This episode of the Architecture and Innovation Podcast, hosted by Tom Dioro and brought to you by CERACLAD welcomes Anthony Brower, a fellow of the American Institute of Architects and Global Director of Gensler's Climate Action and Sustainability practice. Anthony discusses the intricacies of lighting power density in i...

Balancing Innovation and People-Centric Design: A Conversation with Bert DeViterbo In this episode of the Architecture and Innovation Podcast, host Tom Dioro interviews Bert DeViterbo, an architect and studio director at Gensler's San Francisco office. Bert shares insights from his 13-year journey at Gensler, emphasizing the importance of good design for all, mentorship, and the diverse talent poo...

Innovating Urban Spaces: The Promise of Mass Timber with Ted Panton This episode of the Architecture and Innovation Podcast features Ted Panton, Principal at GGLO, who discusses the complexities and constraints of housing in the architecture industry, emphasizing the potential of mass timber as a transformative solution. Ted highlights his advocacy for urban livability and his dedication to employ...

Building Trust and Legacy in Construction with Danny Van Acker This episode of the Architecture and Innovation Podcast, hosted by Tom Dioro and brought to you by CERACLAD welcomes Danny Van Acker, General Manager of Van Acker Construction. Today we disucss a broad range of topics relevant to the construction industry, including the importance of trust and communication between contractors, clients...

Stan Lew, AIA, Principal and President of RMW, voted the Best Places to Work. Stan was named President in 2020. His humility and vision in assuming this role underscores his leadership approach, which is one of service to the RMW family and the professional architectural and design community. For 50 years, RMW has been recognized as an award-winning workplace for clients in the high-tech, science,...

Revital Kaufman-Meron, architect and principal of BEKOM DESIGN. Born, raised, and educated in Israel, Revital received her B.Arch diploma from Tel Aviv University in 2003 Magna Cum Laude. She spent four years in Boston, MA, specializing in residential design, from high-end single-family residences and vacation homes to high-rise and mixed-use projects. Complimenting her design experience with a st...

Vince DiPofi, PE and CEO of SSOE. Vince joined SSOE in 2000 and has more than 40 years of professional experience. Vince was named Engineer of the Year in 2022. He spearheaded SSOE’s Value Promise program, which has documented more than $1.5 billion in savings for clients initiated by SSOE. Throughout the years, he has been instrumental in developing numerous new accounts for SSOE and startin...

Jenna Knudsen is the managing principal of CO Architects. 2023 National AIA Award-Winners. Jenna has led award-winning large-scale academic, laboratory, and healthcare projects nationwide on university and healthcare campuses. Her groundbreaking projects are innovative in design, sustainability, and project delivery. Jenna has been nationally recognized for the early use of BIM and integrated deli...

Paul Tang, principal, and partner of the Los Angeles and Shanghai-based architecture firm Verse Design. Formerly Paul Tang Architecture. Paul was selected as one of the millennial New Blood 101 designers of Los Angeles in 2001 and 2002.He's also the recipient of the National A I, a foundation award, and a professor at the University of Southern California, where he has taught the school of archite...

Michael Poris, AIA, a founding principal at McIntosh Poris Architects, where he’s led the charge on restoring Detroit’s most iconic neighborhoods and landmark buildings. Since returning to the city in 1995, he has tirelessly worked to preserve the legacy of its beloved 20th-century architecture and historic districts while helping implement change through innovative design. His architectural leade...

Mark Schoeman, Architect and Design Principal at Anderson Brulé Architects, or A-B-A. Mark is a design principal who enjoys creating 21st-century learning and healing environments. His experience includes master planning, programming, and design for higher education, K through 12 education, healthcare, residential, and civic clients. For more information, feel free to visit their  website@aba...