The High Point podcast - Atelier Crescendo's podcast

Vince Granato, Chief Projects Officer at the Port of Portland, takes us inside the $2.15 billion transformation of PDX (Portland International Airport), Oregon’s largest-ever public infrastructure project. From the cult following of the airport carpet to partnerships with local Native American tribes, Vince reveals how the new terminal was built with flexibility, seismic resilience, and sustainabi...

Architect Emmy from Falugruppen Arkitektkontor and timberconstruction expert Emma from Stora Enso reveal the behind-the-scenes challenges of designing the new Kristinehallen Concert Hall in Falun, Sweden. (Special thanks to Stora Enso for their help in organising the episode) From the decision to feature exposed timber beams to a design change that saved nearly 10 million Swedish Krona, the proces...

Summary Discover how the construction industry is being reshaped by circular economy principles in this episode featuring Rob Smith , co-founder of Material Index . Rob shares his journey from oil and gas to sustainable construction, revealing the massive carbon footprint of traditional materials like concrete—and how smarter reuse can change everything. We dive into the practical challenges and s...

Summary Step inside London’s Brutalist masterpiece as Philippa Simpson — Director for Buildings & Renewal at the Barbican Centre — unpacks the once-in-a-generation project to refresh this 1970s cultural icon. From tricky way-finding through its residential estate to an ambitious master-plan that weaves sustainability, accessibility and new music venues into the concrete fabric, Philippa shares...

Summary This conversation explores the evolving landscape of mass timber construction, focusing on the importance of early planning, the role of specialists, and the integration of sustainability and acoustics in timber projects. The speakers, Dean Lewis and Mark Chen from Skanska, discuss their experiences and insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by mass timber, including cost...

SummaryIn this conversation, we speak with Jamie and Colin, the founders of Wrapt Homes , a company focused on making homes more energy efficient through innovative retrofit solutions. We discuss their backgrounds, the challenges of starting a business, and the importance of sustainability in construction. The conversation delves into the specifics of Wrapt's services, the materials they use,...

Summary In this conversation, Aaron Vaden-Youmans and Peter Swallow from Grimshaw discuss the importance of sustainability in architecture, the role of sustainability leads, and the evolution of the definition of sustainability. They share insights from their experiences with various projects, including the challenges and opportunities presented by mass timber construction. The discussion also cov...

Summary In this conversation, Brad Schell, the founder of SketchUp, shares his journey of creating a revolutionary 3D modelling software that transformed the design industry. He discusses the challenges and successes of building SketchUp, the acquisition by Google, as well as the importance of community feedback and the future of design with AI. Brad emphasises the significance of accessibility in...

Debbie Thompson, Theater Director of St George's Theatre in Great Yarmouth, shares the challenges of managing this Grade I listed building. Balancing her role with Sheringham Little Theatre, Debbie secured funding to revive the theatre, creating a vibrant community space. Despite post-COVID hurdles, St George’s thrives with youth programs and audience engagement. Local historian, Paul Davis, t...

Summary In this conversation, Paul Brannen discusses his book on timber and its role in combating climate change. He shares insights from his experience in the European Parliament and the importance of using wood in construction to reduce carbon emissions. The discussion covers the challenges and opportunities in the timber industry, the significance of insulation materials, and the impact of lobb...

(Recording this episode has not and will never result in any sponsorship or financial contributions in some sort) Summary In this episode, we dive deep into the journey behind EWES' Sound Fasteners, aka acoustic screws, a solution developed in collaboration with Acoustoc AB . David, business developer at EWES, shares firsthand insights into overcoming the challenges of the construction industr...

Summary In this conversation, Paul Lynch, the director of EcoCocon, shares his journey into natural building, the challenges and successes of using straw as a sustainable building material, and the importance of education and innovation in the construction industry. He discusses the durability of straw, its acoustic properties, and the future expansion plans for EcoCocon, emphasizing the need for...

Summary Fabia Baumann is a timber engineer from the Danish Technological Institute.  In this episode, we discuss her journey in timber engineering, the importance of early collaboration in construction projects, challenges in timber construction, innovations in timber materials, moisture management, and the recycling and reusing of timber. Fabia shares insights from her work on EU projects like Wo...

Summary In this episode, we sit down with Theo and Joe Jack Williams from Bywater to explore how sustainability is reshaping the construction industry. Our conversation covers: Timber as a Game-Changer: Discover why Bywater champions timber over traditional materials and how this choice influences cost, performance, and environmental impact. The B Corp Journey: Learn about Bywater’s evolution into...

Summary This conversation explores the sustainability initiatives in Amsterdam, focusing on timber construction, community projects like De Warren, and the challenges of transitioning to sustainable practices. Chandar can der Zande shares insights on the municipality's efforts to promote green building, manage waste, and foster community living while addressing the complexities of environmenta...

Summary In this conversation, Marc and Arnie Didier discuss the International Mass Timber Conference, exploring its growth, the evolution of mass timber technologies, and the global representation at the event. Arnie shares insights on the increasing interest in hybrid construction, the conference's success in attracting attendees from around the world, and the financial aspects of organizing...

Summary In this conversation, Marc interviews Hannah Dixon, an architect and passive house designer, about her journey in the field of architecture, her motivations for starting her own practice Progress in Practice, and her current projects. Hannah shares insights into the principles of passive house design, the challenges of retrofitting existing homes, and the importance of community-led housin...

**** we are trying this new format with less edits, a little more AI (surely you've heard and seen it!), less formal but more authentic - let us know what you think in the comments **** Summary In this conversation, Seb Laan Lomas, an associate architect at Architype Architects, discusses his journey into sustainable architecture, the importance of bio-based materials, and the principles of Passiv...

**** we are trying this new format with less edits, a little more AI (surely you've heard and seen it!), less formal but more authentic - let us know what you think in the comments **** Summary In this conversation, Simon, the CEO of the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products, discusses the organisation's mission to transform the built environment into a low carbon and healthy endeavor. He hig...

**** we are trying this new format with less edits, a little more AI (surely you've heard and seen it!), less formal but more authentic - let us know what you think in the comments **** In this conversation, Kelly Harrison, a director at Whitby Wood and a chartered structural engineer, shares her journey into the field of structural engineering, her focus on timber, and the challenges and innovati...

**** we are trying this new format with less edits, a little more AI (surely you've heard and seen it!), less formal but more authentic - let us know what you think in the comments **** In this conversation, Marc and Lauri discuss the evolving landscape of timber construction and sustainability. Lauri, the CEO of Welement, shares insights on the company's innovative approach to prefabrication, the...

Marc travels to Gingen/Fils in Germany to meet Winfreid Holl, Managing Director at Cajon pioneers and all around percussion experts, Schlagwerk. What does Schlagwerk even mean? Listen to find that out and more, such us: - The early days of Schlagwerk and how founders Gearheart Priel and Bendt Schumacher utilised their skills as cabinet and furniture makers to start building percussion instruments...

Marc chats with film and television composer Sam Watts! You might have heard his work on hit shows like Doctor Who: Tales of the TARDIS, The Traitors, Planet Earth, and The Sarah Jane Adventures. He’s spent over 20 years in the industry creating music for science fiction, fantasy, reality, drama, horror, documentary, and much more. Sam has worked with Bad Wolf, BBC, HBO, PBS, NBC Universal and man...

Marc sits down with Ben Morales Frost, film composer, theatre composer, orchestrator and arranger with credits on blockbuster projects Wonka, Argylle, Mission:Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, and Kuther. The conversation delves into the mental health benefits of hobbies necessitating concentration, such as playing instruments, alongside the cognitive advantages of engaging in music from a you...

Marc delves into the extraordinary career of composer Gavin Higgins, hailed by critics as "boldly imaginative," "a talent to watch," and "one of the most interesting voices of his generation."   Born in Gloucestershire in 1983, Higgins' musical journey began at Chetham’s School of Music and continued through prestigious institutions like The Royal Northern College...