All Things Facades

What really determines whether a roof or facade system performs - the product, or the people installing it?In this episode of All Things Facades, we are joined by Edward and Manny for a candid conversation on roofing, waterproofing, and facade performance across contrasting regions like New York and South Florida. The discussion dives into why most leaks originate at transitions and penetrations rather than in the field membrane, the practical advantages of liquid-applied flashings, the realities of rain screen versus barrier systems, and how special inspections and QA/QC shape project outcomes.At its core, this episode reinforces a key industry truth: most systems can work - but long-term performance depends on thoughtful detailing and quality craftsmanship.#AllThingsFacades #MadocksArchitecture #FacadeEnvelope #Roofing #Waterproofing #BuildingEnvelope #FacadeEngineering #RainScreen #LiquidFlashing #MiamiDadeNOA #ConstructionQuality #SpecialInspections #BuildingScience #TradesMatterallthingsfacadesgroup.com

What does it really take to bend glass without compromising performance, quality, or design intent?In this episode of the All Things Facades Podcast, we sat down with Patrisia Yanez and Javier Sánchez Gil from Cristacurva to explore the craftsmanship and engineering behind high-performance curved and specialty glass. They break down the differences between float manufacturers, fabricators, and installers — and why fabrication plays such a critical role in today’s complex façade projects.From post-temperable coatings and laminated IG units to heat soaking, traceability, and aesthetic tolerances, the conversation highlights the precision required to deliver ambitious architectural designs. They also discuss the importance of early collaboration, plant visits, and mock-ups in aligning expectations and bringing bold concepts to life.If you’re involved in façade design, engineering, or installation, this episode offers valuable insight into the art and science of modern glass fabrication.#AllThingsFacades #Cristacurva #ArchitecturalGlass #CurvedGlass #GlassFabrication #FacadeEngineering #InsulatingGlass #HeatSoak #TemperedGlass #LaminatedGlass #StructuralGlass #GlassDesign #BuildingEnvelope #FacadeInnovation

What does it really take to deliver a façade in one of the most complex construction markets in the world?Recorded live at Facades+ San Francisco, this episode of All Things Facades Podcast features Jack Paal, Rebecca Sharkey, Karen Brandt, James Kraus, Brad Jacobson, Phillip Summers, and Felix Weber in a candid, high-energy discussion about the realities of building on the West Coast.From seismic demands and aggressive energy codes to supply chain pressure, rising costs, retrofit constraints, and performance expectations that keep climbing, the panel dives into the decisions happening behind the drawings. Where are teams taking risks? Where are owners pushing back? And how are façade specialists adapting their strategies to deliver resilient, buildable, and high-performing envelopes in today’s environment?This conversation goes beyond theory — it’s about field experience, lessons learned, and the mindset required to execute complex projects in San Francisco right now.#AllThingsFacades #FacadesPlus #TheArchitectsNewspaper #FacadesPlusSanFrancisco #FacadeEngineering #BuildingEnvelope #SeismicDesign #HighPerformanceFacades #GlazingIndustry #CurtainWallDesign #SustainabilityInDesign #UrbanConstruction #FacadeInnovation #BuildingResilience #AECLeadership

In this new episode of All Things Facades Podcast, industry experts Irene Martin and Tali Mejicovsky discuss how regional conditions, evolving climate patterns, and local codes shape façade design decisions. Drawing on experience from California, New York, and international markets, the conversation highlights how consistent best practices are adapted to different climates, building typologies, and regulatory environments.The discussion explores the increasing use of performance-based design approaches, including energy modeling and selective wind tunnel testing, and why going beyond prescriptive code minimums can improve comfort, reduce overdesign, and support long-term resilience. The episode closes with a candid look at professional responsibility, code enforcement, and what it means to design façades in an era of shifting climate, materials, and expectations; reinforcing why informed decision-making, early collaboration, and thoughtful performance analysis are more critical than ever.#AllThingsFacades #Arup #TurnerConstruction #FacadeEngineering #BuildingEnvelope #ClimateResilience #PerformanceBasedDesign #GlazingSystems #FireSafety #FacadeConsultants #BuildingCodes

In this episode of All Things Facades Podcast, we sat down with Russ and Richard for a practical, experience-driven discussion on the realities of architectural glass design today. Drawing from decades in glass engineering and investigation, they explore emerging glazing technologies, performance targets, and why higher thermal performance often comes with added risk and complexity.The conversation covers critical trade-offs around U-value, solar control, embodied carbon, appearance, durability, and serviceability, along with the growing influence of codes, climate, and impact-resistant glazing. From thermal stress failures and spandrel issues to fabrication consistency and replacement logistics, this episode highlights the importance of early owner engagement, clear communication, and sound engineering judgment when specifying glass façades.#AllThingsFacades #StructuralGlass #ArchitecturalGlass #FacadeEngineering #GlassDesign #HighPerformanceFacades #ThermalStress #ImpactGlazing #HurricaneGlazing #IGUDesign #BuildingEnclosures #FacadeConsulting #GlassEngineering

In this episode of All Things Facades Podcast, Matt Verderamo joins us for a candid conversation on the evolving role of estimators, sales, and leadership in today’s construction industry. From the impact of “document over create” to negotiating work without racing to the bottom, they challenge traditional thinking around bidding, margins, and value.Using real-world subcontractor and GC examples, the discussion explores how estimators can move beyond number crunching—leveraging discovery meetings, key moments of leverage, and direct questioning to qualify fit, protect pricing, and build ethical working relationships. We’ll also dive into culture, ownership, escalation risk, and executive decision-making, offering practical frameworks for clarity, accountability, and healthier construction businesses.#AllThingsFacades #WellBuiltConsulting #ConstructionEstimating #SalesForEstimators #SubcontractorLife #NegotiatedWork #ConstructionLeadership #EthicalBidding #Preconstruction #ConstructionCulture #MaterialEscalation #BusinessDevelopment #EstimatingExcellence

Recorded live during the Facades+ Conference in Los Angeles, this episode of All Things Facades Podcast brings together a cross-section of industry leaders to explore how façade performance is defined, delivered, and verified in today’s built environment. Featuring insights from Stanley Yee, Michael Steinhuelb, Stephen Selkowitz, David Goldenberg, Drew Forester, Wei Lam, Gijsbert Libourel, Alejandro Ballester, and Alexander Itsekson, the conversation spans material innovation, structural and architectural glass, high-performance window systems, retrofit strategies, quality control, and end-of-life sustainability. From hands-on testing and construction administration to thin-glass technology, bespoke façade engineering, and glass recycling, this episode highlights why early collaboration, field verification, and lifecycle thinking are essential to delivering durable, resilient, and future-ready façades.In partnership with The Architect’s Newspaper#AllThingsFacades #FacadesPlus #TheArchitectsNewspaper #FacadeEngineering #BuildingEnvelopes #HighPerformanceFacades #StructuralGlass #ArchitecturalGlass #Glazing #WindowPerformance #QualityControl #ConstructionAdministration #FacadeTesting #MaterialInnovation #Sustainability #GlassRecycling #LifecycleDesign #BuildingScience

In this new episode of All Things Facades Podcast, we dive into what it actually takes to decarbonize buildings at scale, starting with the building envelope. Featuring Andrew Zech, CEO of Alpen, the conversation traces his path from financing billions of dollars in commercial energy retrofits to leading a high-performance glazing manufacturer. We unpack why retrofits—not just new construction—are critical to reducing emissions, how secondary glazing and thin-glass IGUs can deliver real payback and comfort gains, and why tenant experience often drives decisions more than regulations alone. We also discuss how manufacturing automation, third-party validation, and a flexible “toolkit” approach are helping bring high-performance glazing into the commercial mainstream. This episode is for anyone focused on envelope performance, retrofit strategy, and making decarbonization work in the real world.#AllThingsFacades #Alpen #BuildingEnvelope #FacadeEngineering #BuildingScience #Decarbonization #EnergyRetrofits #HighPerformanceWindows #SecondaryGlazing #ThinGlass #IGU #CommercialBuildings #EnvelopePerformance #SustainableDesign #Fenestration

In this new episode of All Things Facades Podcast, we sit down with Ed Madocks for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on what really drives building envelope success and failure. Drawing from decades of experience across roofing, facades, and envelope consulting, Ed explains why most leaks and performance issues don’t come from the products themselves, but from human error at interfaces, transitions, and overlooked field conditions. We dig into the gap between idealized details and jobsite reality, the trade-offs between energy upgrades and long-term maintainability, and why QA/QC, access, and experienced oversight matter more than over-specifying systems. This episode is for anyone who wants to design and build envelopes that actually perform in the real world — and last.#AllThingsFacades #MadocksArchitecture #FacadeDesign #FacadeEngineering #BuildingEnvelope #BuildingScience #HighPerformanceBuildings #EnvelopePerformance #ConstructionQuality #Fenestration #CurtainWall #ArchitectureDesign #BuildingPerformance #ConstructionInsights

In this new episode of All Things Facades Podcast, we break down what Passive House actually is — and what it isn’t.Featuring Enrico Bonilauri, co-founder of EmuPassive, the conversation cuts through common myths around cost, materials, and prescriptive checklists, and reframes Passive House as a performance-based approach grounded in building physics. We talk about applying Passive House principles to commercial buildings and retrofits, why whole-window performance and airtightness matter more than individual products, and how phased upgrades can deliver real energy and comfort gains over time.This episode is for architects, engineers, and builders who want to understand Passive House in practical, real-world terms.#AllThingsFacades #EmuPassive #PassiveHouse #BuildingEnvelope #FacadeEngineering #BuildingScience #HighPerformanceBuildings #EnergyEfficiency #Airtightness #WholeBuildingDesign #Fenestration #WindowPerformance #SustainableDesign #EnvelopePerformance

In this new episode of All Things Façades Podcast, we explore the real challenges of bringing new technology and innovation into the façade market. Featuring Robert Voigt, a façade industry expert with extensive experience in advanced glazing systems, the conversation uses electrochromic glass and vacuum insulated glass (VIG) as case studies to unpack the gap between innovation and adoption — from perceived risk and lack of standardized specs to integration challenges, cost, and unrealistic performance expectations. We discuss where these technologies truly add value, why whole-assembly thinking matters more than single-product solutions, and what it takes for new glazing technologies to move from niche applications into mainstream façade design. This episode is for anyone navigating emerging technologies in real-world projects, not just on paper.#AllThingsFacades #FacadeDesign #FacadeEngineering #BuildingEnvelope #GlazingIndustry #ElectrochromicGlass #SmartGlass #VacuumInsulatedGlass #VIG #BuildingScience #HighPerformanceBuildings #ConstructionInnovation #EnvelopePerformance #SustainableDesign #Fenestration

In this special live episode of All Things Facades, recorded on-site at Facades+ Seattle on November 20, 2025, we bring together insights from Brian White, Spencer Culhane, Irene Martin, Brad Glauser, Richard Green, J-F Robert, Anthony Pydych, and Doug Bevier. As our second live-recorded episode—following Facades+ Boston—this conversation captures real-time perspectives on façade performance, materials, sustainability, glass, prefabrication, and the evolving challenges shaping the building envelope.A wide-ranging discussion reflecting the energy of the event and the voices driving where the industry is headed next.#AllThingsFacades #FacadesPlus #FacadesPlusSeattle #TheArchitectsNewspaper #FacadeDesign #FacadeEngineering #BuildingEnvelope #BuildingScience #GlazingIndustry #CurtainWall #Sustainability #Prefabrication #StructuralGlass #Fenestration #ConstructionInnovation #AECIndustry #LivePodcast #SeattleEvents

In this episode of All Things Facades Podcast featuring Eliot Benor (BET), we tackle one of the biggest issues in building science: how focusing too much on details can cause us to miss what truly matters in building performance. Eliot unpacks the evolution of today’s energy codes, why real-world thermal testing is becoming essential, and the growing disconnect between modeling assumptions and actual field conditions. We also dig into the realities of prefabrication, electrification, and what it really takes to maintain technical rigor in the industry.A focused, candid conversation on why the future of façade engineering depends on balancing technology with experience—and seeing the whole system, not just the parts.#AllThingsFacades #BuildingEnvelopeTesting #FacadeEngineering #BuildingScience #WindowSystems #ConstructionInnovation #GlazingIndustry #BuildingPerformance #ConstructionInsights

For the first time, All Things Façades Podcast goes on the road—recorded live at Facades+ Boston. This special edition brings together seven industry voices, each offering a rapid-fire deep dive into the biggest trends shaping façades today. In this in-person series of mini-interviews, we explore:BIPV & Building-Integrated Solar featuring Brian Vaz (Mitrex) — How architects are using photovoltaic façades to meet strict energy requirements without compromising design.Terracotta’s Modern Comeback featuring Jen Marchesani (Shildan Group) — Why this historic material is now leading sustainability and performance discussions.Global Fire-Stop Expertise featuring Brad Davis & Sreenivas Narayanan (Siderise) — What the U.S. façade market can learn from international best practices—and how early coordination prevents failures.Massachusetts Stretch Code featuring Alejandra Menchaca (AIRLIT Studio) — A technical yet practical breakdown of compliance, energy modeling, infiltration testing, and new workflows.Spandrel Thermal Performance featuring Shu Talun (RDH Building Science) — Why spandrel areas are proving to be one of the biggest gaps between design intent and actual energy performance.Thermal Bridging in New & Existing Buildings featuring Felipe Francisco (Studio NYL) — How modeling, prescriptive pathways, and real-world constraints shape envelope performance decisions.The Future of Building Enclosures featuring Marty Wood (The Architect's Newspaper) — Conference insights on collaboration, chaos, and the sustainability-driven evolution of facades+ events.This episode captures the energy and expertise that make Facades+ one of the most influential gatherings in the industry.#AllThingsFacades #TheArchitectsNewspaper #FacadesPlus #FacadeDesign #BuildingEnvelope #FacadeEngineering #BuildingScience #ConstructionInnovation #ArchitectureDesign #GlazingIndustry #ConstructionInsights #BuildingPerformance #FacadePodcast #BIPV #Terracotta #FireStopping #ThermalPerformance #StretchCode #HighPerformanceBuildings

In this episode of All Things Façades podcast, Jason and Spencer take a deep dive into one of the most debated topics in the industry — aluminum versus UPVC windows. From structural performance to installation challenges, they share first-hand insights from years in the field and explore how each material stacks up across different project types and regions.They break down what installers really think about aluminum’s long-standing dominance, UPVC’s rapid rise in energy-efficient applications, and the practical realities that influence every window selection — from code requirements and hardware to cost, aesthetics, and field conditions.Whether you’re a façade engineer, architect, or installer, this conversation sheds light on how material innovation, market trends, and real-world experience continue to shape the future of window systems. #AllThingsFacades #FacadeDesign #AluminumWindows #UPVCWindows #BuildingEnvelope #FacadeEngineering #BuildingScience #WindowSystems #ConstructionInnovation #InstallerPerspective #ArchitectureDesign #GlazingIndustry #ConstructionInsights #BuildingPerformance

In this episode of All Things Façades podcast, we sit down with building science legend Dr. Joe Lstiburek — a storyteller, educator, and straight-talking voice of reason in an ever-evolving industry.Joe shares how decades of field experience, mentorship, and even lawsuits have shaped the way we design and build today. From the fundamentals of the Perfect Wall concept to the quirks of different climate zones, he breaks down what really drives good building performance — and why understanding physics beats following trends.With his signature humor and sharp insights, Joe dives into the challenges of modern construction: poor installation practices, gaps in education, and the growing role of insurance and liability in pushing better building science. But he remains optimistic — seeing a future shaped by smarter collaboration, stronger fundamentals, and the next generation of builders who care about doing it right.#AllThingsFacades #BuildingScience #FacadeDesign #Architecture #Engineering #ConstructionIndustry #BuildingEnvelope #PerfectWall #BuildingPerformance #FacadeSystems #SustainableDesign #BuildingPhysics #ConstructionInnovation #DesignEducation #BuildingEnclosure

In this new episode of All Things Facades Podcast, we’re joined by two industry powerhouses — Peter Cornellier of PSRK Products Inc. and Kurt Le Van of Entekk — for a deep yet down-to-earth conversation on unitized curtain wall systems and how they’ve reshaped the façade industry from Chicago to D.C.From the early days of stick-built glazing to today’s streamlined unitized systems, Pete and Kurt share how evolving practices, smarter partnerships, and sharper quality control are changing the way buildings go up — and stay up. They dive into everything from contracting models and layout control to design assist, field testing, and how the next generation of façade professionals is stepping up with fresh ideas.Whether you’re a seasoned façade geek or just love a good “how it’s built” story, this episode has plenty of laughs, lessons, and real-world wisdom from two pros who’ve truly seen it all.#AllThingsFacades PSRKProducts #Entekk #CurtainWall #UnitizedSystems #FacadeEngineering #BuildingEnvelopes #ConstructionInnovation #GlazingIndustry #ArchitectureDesign #DesignAssist #DelegatedDesign #QualityControl #LayoutControl #FieldTesting #BuildingScience #ConstructionPodcast #FacadeDesign #GlazingContractors #BuildingExteriors #ModernConstruction #SustainableDesign

What does it really take to build — or rebuild — a high-performance facade that meets today’s Passive House and energy code standards?In this episode of All Things Facades podcast, Matt Capone from FacadesX and Eliot Benor from BET, break down the evolving world of building envelopes — from structural insulated sheathing and magnesium oxide boards to the realities of retrofits, reclads, and office-to-residential conversions.We dig into performance-based design, testing, and why expert coordination is key to achieving both efficiency and durability.This episode is perfect for architects, engineers, and developers looking to stay ahead in the high-efficiency building space.#AllThingsFacades #FacadesX #BuildingEnvelopeTesting #BET #FacadeDesign #BuildingEnvelope #PassiveHouse #EnergyEfficiency #SustainableConstruction #HighPerformanceBuildings #Reclad #Retrofit #BuildingScience #ArchitecturalDesign #ConstructionInnovation #FacadeEngineering #BuildingPerformance #GreenBuilding #SmartConstruction #DesignBuild #MagnesiumOxideBoard #StructuralInsulatedSheathing #BuildingCodes #NetZeroBuildings

Nashville’s skyline is evolving fast, and so are the challenges behind its facades. In this episode of All Things Facades podcast, Mo Wright (Gate Precast) and Lee Davis (ESa) dive into the city’s shift from all-glass towers to layered, textured designs, the role of local industry in sustainable building, and how developers are navigating growth pressures, regulations, and collaboration demands. From solar heat gain strategies to hospitality projects shaping the city, this conversation unpacks the design, market, and cultural forces redefining Nashville’s architecture.#AllThingsFacades #GatePrecast #ESa #FacadeDesign #NashvilleArchitecture #BuildingEnvelope #SustainableDesign #PrecastConcrete #UrbanGrowth #ConstructionTrends #ArchitecturalDesign

The fenestration industry is at a crossroads. From shifting markets and evolving codes to the rise of vinyl and fiberglass products challenging aluminum’s dominance, the game is changing fast. In this new episode of All Things Facades Podcast, we sit down with Brad Glauser of Edify Studios to break down the forces reshaping the industry.We cover it all: market trends, material innovations, the growing overlap between manufacturers and glazing subcontractors, and how design-build and digital tools are transforming project delivery. Whether you’re an architect, manufacturer, contractor, or just curious about where facades are headed, this conversation will give you a front-row seat to the future of building envelopes. #Fenestration #CurtainWall #BuildingEnvelope #FacadeDesign #ConstructionInnovation #WindowSystems #ArchitectureTrends #SustainableDesign #AllThingsFacades #EdifyStudios