The Architectural Technologist

In this episode, hosts Jonathan Pickup and Ethan Johnson engage with Johnny Gordon from Iconic Construction to explore the revolutionary world of 3D concrete printed houses. Nestled in Hamilton, New Zealand, Johnny's partnership with QOROX has paved the way for the region's first show home, showcasing the potential of advanced 3D printing technology in transforming traditional building pra...

In this episode of the Architectural Technologist podcast, host Jonathan Pickup engages in an enlightening conversation with remote work expert Steven Puri. They explore the implications of remote work within the architectural field, discuss how flow states boost creativity and productivity, and consider how these insights could reshape modern workplace dynamics. Whether for architectural firms or...

In this engaging episode, Jonathan and Ethan delve into the evolving landscape of educational resources in architecture and construction. They explore the invaluable role that textbooks and traditional learning materials still play in a world increasingly dominated by digital media and video content. Jonathan reflects on his experiences with writing training manuals for Vectorworks and contemplate...

In this enlightening episode, Jonathan and Ethan delve into the practical applications of the seven habits outlined in Stephen R. Covey's renowned book, "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." They explore the intricacies of time management and the Eisenhower Matrix, offering a deep dive into how these concepts can be effectively incorporated into everyday life and professional environments...

In this engaging episode, hosts Jonathan and Ethan delve into the essence of motivation and the pursuit of passion-driven work. Jonathan shares his journey from academia to running his own successful website dedicated to teaching Vectorworks, emphasizing the importance of passion and planning in achieving success. Drawing insights from motivational figures like Gary Vaynerchuk, Jonathan reflects o...

In this episode of the Building Knowledge Podcast, hosts Jonathan and Ethan delve into the intricacies of Building Information Modeling (BIM) model standards. They explore the need for uniform classification systems across different software platforms like AutoCAD, Revit, and ArchiCAD, emphasizing the importance of standardized model execution documents. Through insightful discussion, they navigat...

In this episode, Jonathan and Ethan delve into the pervasive question in the building industry: "Is BIM a software or a process?" Against the backdrop of a recent LinkedIn post and Chuck Eastman's BIM Handbook, the duo embarks on a discussion that challenges the traditional views of BIM. They emphasize the importance of the 'I' in BIM, representing the information that requir...

In this episode, Ethan and Jonathan delve into the intricacies of the BIM Execution Plan (BEP), unpacking the document's role in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. With his expert knowledge, Jonathan provides a detailed examination of how BIM execution plans differ across countries, specifically highlighting New Zealand's adaptation and comparing it to global standards...

In this insightful episode, Jonathan and Ethan dive into the nuances of Levels of Development (LOD) in architecture and construction, discussing its significance in BIM practices. They explore the practicality and challenges of implementing LOD at various stages of project development, shedding light on the importance of well-defined stages from LOD 200 to LOD 500, alongside real-world application...

In this episode, Ethan shares insights from the DigiCom conference, hosted by the New Zealand Institute of Building, which spotlighted the intersections of digital economy and the construction sector. Key topics included the adoption of AI in construction, focusing on real-life applications like AI-driven design and safety enhancements. A notable highlight was Ethan's student receiving recogni...

Jonathan and Ethan delve into the transformative role of data in green construction, emphasizing Building Information Modeling (BIM) and its critical 'information' component. They explore sustainable practices like site analysis, waste reduction, and rainwater harvesting, using real-world examples such as the sustainable Furry Building in Wellington. They discuss the significance of tools...

In this episode of "The Architectural Technologist" podcast, Jonathan and Ethan delve into the crucial topic of Building Information Modeling, exploring the nuances between Open BIM and Closed BIM. They offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of these two approaches, highlighting the importance of interoperability and the challenges that come with software dependency in construction modeling...

Dive into this enlightening discussion with Jonathan and Ethan as they revisit the challenges and opportunities in transitioning from traditional 2D architectural drafting to dynamic 3D modeling. With the advent of powerful CAD software and BIM techniques, our hosts argue that understanding and implementing 3D modeling right from the start significantly enhances both learning and design efficiency...

In this first episode of Season 2, Jonathan and Ethan dive into new beginnings and evolving interests. Jonathan discusses his return to education with a night school course in garden design, highlighting the refreshing experience of being on the 'other side' of the desk and the parallels between landscape architecture and construction technology. This episode promises a dynamic season ahead, with...

Join Jonathan and Ethan as they wrap up their inaugural podcast season. Reflecting on the year's journey from inception to their current standing as voices in the architectural and educational sectors, they explore the success of episodes touching on student motivation and the integration of AI in design. Recounting their serendipitous meeting in Wellington, they narrate how their mutual passion f...

In this captivating episode, host Jonathan welcomes Gus Watt, a prominent figure in architectural design celebrated for injecting humor into his projects. Reflecting on their collaborative experiences, Jonathan highlights Gus's talent for uplifting structures with creative touches that capture attention and imagination. As they delve into Gus's journey, they explore how his distinctive style has b...

Architectural technologist Jonathan chats with Gus Watt, exploring Gus's fascinating journey into architecture, beginning from his early fascination in primary school to a robust career filled with diverse projects. Gus shares insights from his education struggles, memorable projects like the James Cook Hotel, and unique experiences with business challenges in architecture. A highlight includes Gu...

In this enlightening episode, Jonathan and Ethan dive into the concept of night schools, particularly within the fields of construction, quantity surveying, and architectural technology. They explore the motivations behind starting these night school programs at EIT and WITT, the benefits they present, and the challenges faced along the way. Jonathan and Ethan discuss the origins of their night sc...

n this engaging episode, Jonathan and Ethan dive into a crucial conversation about the importance of internal motivation and self-discipline in education and professional settings. They explore the mindset of students who believe they will work harder once employed, stressing that true dedication and effort start long before entering the workforce. Their dialogue highlights the necessity of cultiv...

In this engaging episode, hosts Ethan and Jonathan sit down with Sol, an architectural designer with extensive experience in full-service projects. The conversation dives deep into the intricacies of architectural practice, focusing on the merits and challenges of offering full-service architectural design. Sol shares his insights from early career experiences in Wellington and how those have shap...

Join host Jonathan Pickup in an engaging conversation with Sol Atkinson, a local architect making waves with his innovative designs and meticulous attention to detail. Sol shares his journey from university to becoming a seasoned architect, navigating the challenging phases of the industry, including the Global Financial Crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Explore insights into his professional expe...

In this fascinating episode, Jonathan and Ethan delve into the intricacies of architectural registration and what it means to be a registered architect in different parts of the world. They explore the nuances of the term "architect," examining its legal protections and how it affects the professional landscape in New Zealand and beyond. The conversation kicks off with Jonathan explainin...

In this episode, Jonathan and Ethan delve into the debate of whether aspiring architects should pursue architectural technology courses at polytechnics or take the traditional university route to study architecture. They explore the different pathways to becoming a qualified architect or architectural technologist, weighing the pros and cons of each educational approach. Jonathan argues that while...

In this enlightening episode, Jonathan welcomes his old friend and seasoned architect, Dick Jenkins, to discuss the intricate details of architectural drawing and the often underappreciated art of documentation. They delve into the blend of passion and pragmatism that governs the world of architecture, reflecting on the love-hate relationship many architects have with drawing detailed technical do...

This episode dives deep into the strategies and steps necessary to secure architectural work overseas. Jonathan and Ethan share their extensive knowledge and personal experiences to highlight how architects can expand their practice beyond local boundaries. They explore essential principles such as understanding international building codes, relentless self-promotion, and active community engageme...