Archispeak

In this thought-provoking episode, Evan and Cormac engage in a spirited critique of "The Brutalist," with an in-depth analysis of cinema through an architect's lens. We explore how architectural principles like clarity, editing, and supporting a core concept apply equally to filmmaking. We discuss the dangers of creative overindulgence and the importance of restraint in both architecture and storytelling.Whether you're interested in film criticism, architectural theory, or simply enjoy hearing passionate professionals analyze creative work, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of different art forms.Episode Sponsor - TimberTechDiscover how TimberTech is redefining synthetic decking with precision-engineered materials that balance enduring aesthetics with superior performance and sustainability. TimberTech’s advanced technologies replicate natural wood’s allure while minimizing maintenance and environmental impact. Request samples, read case studies or download our architectural white paper here.Episode Links:Nosferatu (2024 film)The Green Knight (film)The Brutalist (film)Brady Corbet (director)The Man Behind the World’s Ugliest Buildings by Comedy CentralMarcel BreuerBrutalist ArchitectureBauhausEero SaarinenLouis KahnChristopher NolanInception (film)Modern Man by Anthony FlintPierre Jeanneret - Corbu’s cousin-----Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.comThank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

03-03

49:15

In this episode, we dive deep into the often overlooked role of architectural specifiers. Our special guest, Jeff Potter, shares his unconventional path to becoming a spec writer and discusses the challenges and triumphs along the way. We use this opportunity to address a listener's question about the perception and value of the specifier role within firms.From personal experiences to industry trends and evolving technologies, this discussion highlights the importance of specifications in architectural projects and explores the financial compensation and career progression in this niche. Join us as we unravel the complexities of the specifier's world and offer insights into navigating the profession.Episode Sponsor - TimberTechDiscover how TimberTech is redefining synthetic decking with precision-engineered materials that balance enduring aesthetics with superior performance and sustainability. TimberTech’s advanced technologies replicate natural wood’s allure while minimizing maintenance and environmental impact. Request samples, read case studies or download our architectural white paper here.-----Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.comThank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

02-12

01:08:11

In this episode, we talk about early AEC exposure to high school students with a discussion of the ACE Mentorship Program. We share personal experiences and insights from mentoring high school students, talk about the program's value in exposing young minds to architecture, construction, and engineering. The conversation covers the challenges and rewards of volunteering, the importance of communication in teamwork, and how practical exercises can simulate real-world architectural practice.Additionally, we have a bit of follow up on the Le Corbusier conversation from the last episode and the complexities of his legacy. This episode is a must-see for anyone passionate about architecture education and youth mentorship.Episode Links:Pierre Jeanneret - Corbu’s cousinModern Man by Anthony Flintaskarchispeak.com - our new Q&A websiteACE Mentor Program websiteEpisode Sponsor - TimberTechDiscover how TimberTech is redefining synthetic decking with precision-engineered materials that balance enduring aesthetics with superior performance and sustainability. TimberTech’s advanced technologies replicate natural wood’s allure while minimizing maintenance and environmental impact. Request samples, read case studies or download our architectural white paper here.-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

02-05

20:44

In this episode, we discuss Cormac’s excitement about the Detroit Lions making the playoffs and explore the significant transformation happening in Detroit. We examine how the city's struggles have led to a new era of development and restoration. The main focus of our conversation centers on Le Corbusier and the often-overlooked contributions of his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, who helped make Corb's innovative designs technically feasible. We also announce our new Q&A website, askarchispeak.com, where listeners can submit questions for future episodes.Episode Links:Announcing askarchispeak.com - our new Q&A websiteModern Man by Anthony FlintPierre Jeanneret - Corb’s cousinThe Image of the City by Kevin LynchA Pattern Language by Christopher AlexanderThe Timeless Way of Building by Christopher Alexander250 Things Architects Should Know by Michael SorkinPhilip Johnson’s Glass HouseEpisode Sponsor - TimberTechDiscover how TimberTech is redefining synthetic decking with precision-engineered materials that balance enduring aesthetics with superior performance and sustainability. TimberTech’s advanced technologies replicate natural wood’s allure while minimizing maintenance and environmental impact. Request samples, read case studies or download our architectural white paper here.-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

01-27

46:48

In this episode, Frank Cavanaugh from the Aria Group joins us to share insights on designing outdoor spaces, focusing on essential considerations for architects. From the importance of local ordinances and understanding health department requirements to the significance of context, lighting, and material selection, this episode covers it all. We also touch on unique challenges such as integrating landscape, seasonal usability, and maintaining brand consistency. Tune in to learn about the critical elements that create remarkable and functional outdoor hospitality environments.About Frank Cavanaugh:As Principal, Frank leads a talented team of architects and interior designers as a studio leader. As a member of the Board of Directors, he advises on the overall direction of the firm. Frank also is involved as a Project Designer on various small and large-scale projects, in particular Planning projects within the office.Frank has led and designed many large-scale projects throughout his career at Aria Group. Large retail and mixed-use projects include City Park Retail Center, The Esplanade of Algonquin. Hospitality and Entertainment designs include the original Hawthorne Casino & Racecourse, Brookfield Zoo - South American Market Place, Blue Chip Resort Hotel and Casino, Viper Alley at City Park, Park Plaza in Bowling Green KY, and Alsea’s Italianni’s restaurant brand in Mexico City. Municipal projects include the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center entry addition and G Hall expansion in Rosemont, IL. Hotel projects include work with Hyatt, the Chicago Hilton, The Wit Hotel, the Palmer House Hilton and The Conrad in Chicago. Frank has also developed many new concepts for Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises over the years, including the design of several Wildfire restaurants. Frank also works with Served Well Hospitality in Massachusetts on several entertainment and hospitality projects.In 1995 Frank joined Aria Group and was promoted to Principal in 2000. He began his career working at the office of Krueck and Olsen Architects. Frank moved on to the office of Lohan Associates where he became an Associate and Project Designer for several corporate and institutional projects including the DePaul Library in Chicago. In addition to producing architectural renderings for Aria Group’s designs, Frank also works at photography, drawing, plein air painting and studio painting. He has completed several painted mural commissions for his architectural clients as well as other publicly displayed work and is a member of the Oak Park Art League.Episode Links:Frank Cavanaugh on LinkedInAria Group websiteAria Group on LinkedInBromic websiteEclipse heatersBromic heater Revit and CAD filesDesign service with a heating expertEpisode Sponsor: Bromic HeatingThis episode has been made possible with generous support from Bromic Heating.-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a a...

01-20

51:25

Today we welcome Kevin Jones who is an architect and professor of practice from Virginia Tech's School of Architecture. We talk about the importance and intricacies of continuing education for architects.In this episode we explore various aspects of Continuing Education Units (CEUs), different state requirements, and effective engagement strategies for those offering courses, share personal anecdotes from our careers as architects, some of our favorite courses, and discuss how architects can use CEUs to foster professional growth, advance their careers, and improve practice standards. We also talk about the effectiveness of in-person versus online learning and examine ways to innovate content delivery for maximum impact.Episode Links:Kevin Jones on LinkedInWith Architecture - Kevin’s firmAmber Book Continuing EducationAbout Kevin Jones:Kevin is a practicing architect whose academic pursuits lie at the intersection of teaching, practice, and community engagement, and he has worked with both urban and rural communities on a variety of community-oriented impact design projects. His experience as a practitioner is diverse in type and scale and includes numerous adaptive reuse projects as well as housing, institutional, community, and cultural works. His design and professional work have been recognized by Preservation Virginia, the Urban Land Institute, and AIA Virginia, and he prefers white trace paper over yellow trace paper.Episode Sponsor - Amber Book Continuing EducationThe Amber Book's approach aims to transform CE from a compliance exercise into practical, actionable knowledge through visual and spatial learning methods, making it a great option for architects. Click here to learn more.-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

01-14

01:10:08

Join us as we discuss the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025 which included Evan’s studio makeover (featuring a reveal if you’re watching on YouTube) while doing a water fast, extravagant Christmas light displays of some homeowners, and then main topic: group projects, communication, and team collaboration in both educational and professional settings. We share some important lessons about performance reviews, setting clear expectations, and the intricacies of teaching and learning architecture.Tune in to hear insights on how to handle underperformers, the significance of teamwork, and the experiences of teaching architecture students.Episode Sponsor - WorldTeamsWorldTeams can help your firm grow with a skilled and reliable remote team. Schedule a free consultation at https://worldteams.com/hire-top-talent.-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

01-06

01:01:47

Join us in our last episode of 2024 as we explore how to balance emotional energy while maintaining high service standards during the year-end rush. We also discuss effective communication and presentation skills in architectural education, sharing tips for creating engaging, streamlined presentations that translate seamlessly into professional practice.Episode Links:Enjoy The Silence by Depeche Mode (YouTube)Episode Sponsor:WorldTeamsWorldTeams can help your firm grow with a skilled and reliable remote team. Schedule a free consultation at https://worldteams.com/hire-top-talent.-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

12-26

01:04:31

In this episode of 'Archispeak Theater,' we begin with some musical nostalgia and then transition into a detailed exploration of the complexities and challenges involved in managing large Revit models for architectural projects. Episode Sponsor - WorldTeamsWorldTeams can help your firm grow with a skilled and reliable remote team. Schedule a free consultation at https://worldteams.com/hire-top-talent.-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

12-09

59:52

In this episode, we discuss a listener's concerns about the financial burden of architectural education. We explore various career paths and alternative routes to licensure, examine the challenges young architects face, address the rising costs of education, and consider potential solutions such as specialization and entrepreneurship. We also reflect on our own career experiences and discuss how the profession continues to evolve.Episode Links:Minor ThreatSalad Days FilmCentre PompidouRichard RogersRenzo PianoArchispeak 332 - ‘Navigating Internships and Early Career Steps’, with Michael ErmannNCARB - Pathways to PracticeArchispeak 335 - ‘Multiple Pathways to Architectural Licensure’, with Jon BakerEpisode Sponsor - WorldTeamsWorldTeams can help your firm grow with a skilled and reliable remote team. Schedule a free consultation at https://worldteams.com/hire-top-talent.-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

12-05

59:22

In this episode, we talk with Israel Peña, who shares his incredible 13-year journey working on a historic elementary school modernization project in Beverly Hills. From the challenges of agency approval, unforeseen structural issues, and the complexities of preserving the historical fabric of buildings, Israel takes us through the entire process that he has actively worked on since it began in early 2011. We also explore his unique way of coping with stress through running and fitness, along with his passion project: an elaborate Pirates of the Caribbean-themed Halloween display at his home that also serves as a charitable endeavor.Episode Sponsor - WorldTeamsWorldTeams can help your firm grow with a skilled and reliable remote team. Schedule a free consultation at https://worldteams.com/hire-top-talent.Episode Links:Bridging Centuries - El Rodeo Elementary School YouTube videoIsrael’s Pirates of the Caribbean Halloween Display-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

11-21

01:15:40

In this episode, we dive into Cormac’s hoarding tendencies (aka our mutual love for architectural collectibles) by unboxing a special edition set of Frank Lloyd Wright Blackwing pencils, then talk about how to protect these valuable items from children. The conversation then shifts to recent travels, including Cormac’s trip to Baltimore to visit his Johns Hopkins project and for a major office collaboration day. Then it’s Evan’s turn to talk about his recent trip to San Diego for the annual Autodesk University conference. While there he had the chance to visit UC San Diego's Geisel Library, a marvel of brutalist architecture. Other topics include ongoing architectural projects, the logistics of managing large-scale adaptive reuse, and the joys and challenges of professional networking and conferences. See the photos of Geisel Library here.Episode Links:Frank Lloyd Wright Blackwing PencilsGeisel LibraryWilliam PereiraFallen Star (the little blue house at UCSD)Autodesk University-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

11-11

01:02:08

In this special Episode 350 of the Archispeak podcast, we discuss the celebration of our milestone with an unboxing of fresh beans from “Coffee Boy”. We also talk about Evan’s un-conference experience in Florida that allowed for personal growth, leadership development, and some fun activities like learning to E-foil. Just beware of the 🌀 and 🐊.Episode Links:Coffee Sketch PodcastArchispeak episode 300 with the hosts of the Coffee Sketch Podcast (YouTube)AEC Acoustics Leadership RetreatAutodesk UniversityTurons of Yellowstone Instagram-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

11-04

52:24

Join us on a captivating exploration of cutting-edge architecture with insights from our special guest, Slade Sheaffer. In this episode we dive into Slade's travels across Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany as he uncovers the fusion of infrastructure and architecture with noteworthy projects like Copenhagen's Camp Adventure Tower and the city’s unique skiing experience at Copenhill, among others. Tune in to the Archispeak YouTube channel for a visual tour through iconic European sites and innovative urban landscapes that inspire sustainable and multifunctional spaces.Episode Links:Robert Saemisch Prize from the Arizona Architecture FoundationProjects visited:CopenhagenCopenHill (BIG) – waste to energy plant doubling as a ski hill!https://www.copenhill.dk/enhttps://www.archdaily.com/925970/copenhill-energy-plant-and-urban-recreation-center-bigCamp Adventure Observation Tower (EFFEKT) – spiraling ramp observation tower in the foresthttps://www.archdaily.com/914486/camp-adventure-observation-tower-effektKaren Blixens Plads Public Square (Cobe)The Opera Park (Cobe)The Mountain (BIG)8 House (BIG) – residential building w/ elevated public promenadehttps://www.archdaily.com/83307/8-house-bigIKEA CPH (Dorte Mandrup) – part of the 1-km long elevated park spacehttps://www.archdaily.com/962740/dorte-mandrups-design-for-ikea-copenhagen-features-a-rooftop-park?ad_campaign=normal-tagKaktus Towers (BIG) – immediately adjacent to IKEA CPH & part of elevated park spacehttps://www.archdaily.com/1012359/bigs-kaktus-towers-near-completion-in-copenhagenSUND Nature Park (SLA)Park ‘n’ Play (JAJA Architects)https://www.archdaily.com/884956/park-n-play-jaja-architectsIsraels Plads (Cobe)Nørreport Station (Cobe)Red Cross Volunteer House (Cobe)Basecamp Lyngby (Larz Gitz Architects) – snaking mass residential building w/ hiking path on roofhttps://archello.com/project/basecamp-in-lyngbyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UHGCWCJkmw&t=41sSuperkilen Color-coded Urban Space (Topotek, BIG, Superflex)AarhusSalling Roofgarden (Henning Larsen)Moesgaard Museum (Henning Larsen)Aarhus Harbor Development (Gehl/BIG + others)Aarhus Harbor Bath (BIG)ARoS Museum of Art, Aarhus (Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects)RotterdamMarkthal (MVRDV)...

10-28

01:11:40

In this episode, we kick off with discussions about favorite movies and documentaries, leading into the portrayal of architects in film, and eventually pivot to the intricate world of adaptive reuse projects. Cormac shares his new teaching experiences, detailing a unique studio project involving real-world constraints with students working on an adaptive reuse project in Flint, Michigan.The episode covers various aspects of architectural education and practice, emphasizing the integration of different disciplines, the importance of site visits, and the role of creativity within constraints.Episode Links:Salad Days: A Decade of Punk in Washington D.C. (1980-1990)Interstellar (Wikipedia)Inception (Wikipedia)The Brutalist (Wikipedia)TRXL 073: ‘Design, Equity, & Data’, with Nicholas Cameron-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.