Unstruct

In this episode, we talk with Roger Krulak, Founder and Principal at FullStack Modular and David Farnsworth, PE, Principal at Arup.  We talk about the best project delivery system and about options available for modular construction.   Roger and David have worked on numerous modular construction projects, creating structures that exceed 20 stories tall, truly building onsite Lego-li...

In this episode, Julian Lineham, PE, Founding Principal at Studio NYL, talks about the Bonnett Springs Park project.  This site was previously inaccessible due to an abandoned rail line.  So by removing the abandoned line, many acres of land were suddenly opened up and accessible.  This project includes the design and construction of several buildings throughout the site but our tal...

In this episode, Cherise Lakeside, FCSI, Senior Specification Writer for RDH Building Science Inc. talks about the importance of good specification writing for structural engineers and architects.  Cherise is based out of Portland, Oregon and, in addition to her duties at RDH, teaches the SCI CDT certification program and hosts the ARCAT podcast “DETAILED”, produced by Gabl Media.  “DETA...

What is structural engineering and what do structural engineers actually do? How much does it cost to hire one? This episode demystifies structural engineering and breaks down the major processes that we perform from job to job. If you’ve ever wondered about the ins and outs of structural engineering, this episode is for you. If you enjoy this show and want more content like this, visit www.gablme...

In the second portion of this special two part series, we talk about the necessity of sustainability extending beyond the design phase.  Dena and Indigo River also have a vested interest in offshore wind generation and training programs for implementation.   We also get into Dena’s dream for the future of the profession. Waterfront Architecture is Dena Prastos, AIA niche design market.&n...

Waterfront Architecture is Dena Prastos, AIA niche design market. With degrees in civil engineering and architecture from Harvard Business School, Dena brings a diverse background as the Founder and CEO of Indigo River. Waterfront architect, civil engineer, futurist, climate adaptation expert, entrepreneur, and creative original, Dena is driven to transform the built world at the water’s...

Many businesses are finding a niche market for carbon reduction consulting.  At KL&A in Golden, CO they have specific department, comprised of structural engineers, to provide expertise in this area.  Alexis Feitel is a licensed professional engineer and the Team Carbon Unit Director at KL&A.  As a CO native with homestead roots in CO and an outdoor enthusiast, Alexis is pas...

Lee Roberts is the Installation Manager at Nana Wall Systems, Inc.  In this A’23 on location episode, Lee talks about special structural engineering and architectural requirements necessary to accommodate these larger wall systems.  With openings sometimes spanning up to 90’, adequate structural support is of the utmost importance.  This is a great opportunity to learn more about th...

With over 200 published research papers and over 50 seismic seminars to his name, Dr. Satyendra K. Ghosh is an expert in seismic design.  Dr. Ghosh has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a master’s and doctorate degree in Structural Engineering.  He is also the founder of S.K. Ghosh Associates, LLC, who focuses on code development and implementation.    Dr. Ghosh...

How is structural safety ensured during construction?  Contractors and erectors are great at their jobs but sometimes complex structures need additional engineering support during construction.  While this temporary condition is typically outside the scope of the engineer of record’s work as they are designing for the final built condition, it does not mean that engineering support is no...

Ascent Tower in Milwaukee, WI was completed in 2022 and is currently the tallest mass timber structure in the world.  It is 25 stories (284ft) tall and comprised of cross laminated timber floor systems and glulam columns and beams throughout with cast in place concrete at the lower levels.  In many areas, the timber structural elements are exposed, creating the architecture of the space...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging at a fast pace and beginning to integrate into many facets of our day to day lives.  Architecture and engineering are no exception.  Kat Stevens is a Masters in Architecture student at the University of Westminster in London, England and is immersed in the beginning stages of AI integration into Architecture.  She was first introduced to this...

Exterior public art sculptures are creative, unique and typically organic in nature, making their structural design both complex and intriguing.  While quite different from building design, sculpture structural design has its own set of challenges and unique solutions.   Bryan Starr, PE, SE with Tarantino Engineering Consultants is an expert in the niche field of sculptural structur...

Luke Nichols is a sophomore Civil Engineering student at South Dakota State University.  In the fall of 2021, Luke and I were paired as part of a mentorship program at South Dakota State University, my alma mater.   In this episode, we take a break from a specific building and focus on the importance of mentorships.  Luke currently leads the mentorship program at SDSU and throu...

What does it mean to be a good neighbor?  Dense neighborhoods sometime require special precautions for new structures.  In many urban areas, with land being a scarce commodity, there can sometimes be less than four feet between structures, with some foundations installed right up to the property line.  This close proximity many times means that structures are influencing one another...

Reciprocal framing creates a grid-like patterned structure, relying on a system for load transfer instead of single element-to-element load transfer.  While visually pleasing, the analysis of this type of system can be somewhat complex.  However, with the advancement of parametric design tools coupled with the sustainability benefits of this type of system, it becomes easier to design an...

What if buildings could act like trees? The building sector generates nearly 40 percent of all global carbon emissions. An Urban Sequoia designed building could reduce upfront embodied carbon by 70 percent and over the building’s 100-year lifespan, could absorb more than 300 percent of the amount of carbon emitted during its construction and operation.   In this episode, I talk with Mark...

You are the energy you bring to the room.  To keep good clients, they have to want to actually work with you.  Technical competency is a minimum benchmark; a great working relationship centered on trust and great communication are what clients are ultimately looking for.  While energy can be perceived instantly, it takes many intentional steps to be cultivated.  In this solo ep...

It is anticipated by 2070, our world’s largest cities could top 50 million people.  Today’s largest city is around 8.5 million people.  How will engineers accommodate a population so large, while preserving the city’s historic character, conserving natural resources, promoting accessible green space, and supporting a diverse array of lifestyles and economies?   Future World Vis...

In this episode, I talk with Nich Allan, Director, QC and Product Development at Bamcore about the River Run Townhomes project, located in Utah.  Nich is a Professional Engineer and has been the Director of Product Development for BamCore since 2017. BamCore wall systems address four main concerns of the built environment: carbon, cost, labor and time.  By using timber bamboo to create w...

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit company with projects in more than 70 countries and has helped more than 39 million people improve their living conditions since 1976.  Habitat works together with families, local communities, volunteers and partners so that more people are able to live in affordable and safe homes.  When a local Habitat for Humanity project surfaced in Grand Rapids, M...

Episode 012: Richmond Olympic Oval with Paul Fast, PE As the founder of Fast + Epp, Paul has emerged a leader in architecturally exposed structures and is recognized for his unconventional use of materials, including hybrids of timber, concrete and steel.  To this note, the Richmond Olympic Oval was constructed for the 2010 Olympic speed skating events.  This structure capitalizes on Fas...

011: Below Grade with Kari Sebern, PE What’s really going on below the ground level of buildings?  What supports the things that we see above the ground?  Who is responsible for this support?  These are all questions that come up from time to time on projects so I thought I’d take a little time to do some metaphoric excavation into what happens below grade on construction projects.&...

Episode 010: Eagle Nest with Ray Hooft, PE How do you make a home a nest?  In this episode, I sit down with Ray Hooft, PE who is a Senior Project Engineer at Simplengi Engineering in Berkeley, CA.  We talk about the Eagle Nest project which is located in Temecula, CA.  With two wish bone shaped wings, one of which cantilevers 26 feet from the ground below, Ray and the rest of the de...

009: Broadgate - Exchange House with Bill Baker, PE, SE Get ready for a real treat! A new engineer, a seasoned veteran, or someone outside of the industry altogether, there’s incredible insight in this episode!  As the lead structural engineer for the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, Bill Baker is a world-renowned structural engineer with projects sprinkled in many prominent skyli...