In this episode of Archispeak, we trade fresh field notes from Cormac’s latest midwestern architecture road trip and wrestle with the title theme: Misalignments of Rigor. Cormac stands in the rain in Toledo to watch a Gehry facade actually perform, peek at SANAA’s elegant double-skin glass and its (imperfect) parapet detail, and then compare all of it to a new addition grafted onto a Louis Kahn building that seems to ignore his relentless order. Along the way, we unpack preservation vs. recreation, how committees and clients steer “of-our-time” interventions, and why tiny choices like material transitions, door proportions, and device locations (aka wall warts) make or break the whole. For students, emerging pros, and firm leaders alike, we turn on-the-ground observations into practical takeaways: where rigor matters, when to prototype, how to collaborate with manufacturers, and how to keep design intent aligned with construction reality so your next addition reads as deliberate, not accidental.-----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.
In this episode of Archispeak, we dive into the tough reality of how the architecture profession often fails its own. From the way firms accelerate project timelines while under-developing young talent, to the disconnect between academia and practice, we ask hard questions about why architects feel overworked, underprepared, and sometimes completely betrayed by the system they’ve dedicated their careers to. We explore how the industry’s obsession with speed and efficiency robs emerging professionals of essential learning opportunities, and why bad leadership and broken processes keep compounding the problem. Through real-world stories—from 52-minute model load times to lessons learned only through hard-earned experience—we grapple with whether the profession can change course, or if it’s destined to keep “eating its young.”Episode Links:Are students prepared for practice? (AIA article)-----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.
In this episode of Archispeak, we walk across the street in New Haven—literally and figuratively—to explore two masterworks by Paul Rudolph and Louis Kahn. These buildings, separated by time but connected by place and purpose, offer a rare opportunity to see two giants of architecture in conversation across the street.We kick things off outside Paul Rudolph’s brutalist Art and Architecture Building, a six-story monument to concrete, shadow play (which is Cormac’s favorite), and interlocking geometries. From rough textures to zigzagging stair sequences, we unpack how Rudolph’s massing, detail, and bold restraint create an intensely dynamic corner in the city.Then, just steps away, we head into Louis Kahn’s Yale University Art Gallery. Built 20 years prior, it’s a study in geometric discipline, restrained materiality, and the classic served-and-servant spatial philosophy. From triangular waffle slabs and coffered ceilings to floating stair treads, we peel back the layers of this early Kahn work and talk about how it set the stage for what came later in his career.We also announce a new series: What Makes This Building Great?, available exclusively on our YouTube channel, where we take our conversations further by sketching over photos and plans to peel back the onion of master works of architecture. These are the kinds of deep, nerdy dives we’ve always wanted to do—and we’d love your feedback as we build this series out.Head to our YouTube channel to watch the first episode featuring Kahn’s Yale Center for British Art. And let us know what buildings you think are worthy of the title.-----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.
In this episode of Archispeak, we walk through the Yale Center for British Art by Louis Kahn and reflect on what makes this building truly great. From its masterful use of natural light and honest materials to the clarity of its spatial organization, Kahn’s final building is both a work of art and a place for art. We discuss what it feels like to experience the space firsthand, how it invites contemplation, and why it continues to resonate with architects decades later. Along the way, we explore timeless questions about authorship, permanence, and what architecture has the power to communicate.Episode Links:Watch a YouTube-only visual version of this episode hereYale Center for British Art (Wikipedia)-----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.
In part 1 of our summer series centered on the 2025 AIA Conference on Architecture, we discuss Evan's first visit to Boston and share his and Cormac's impressions of the city.Rather than focusing on CEUs or presentations, we explore how the AIA Conference continues to serve as a powerful gathering place for the profession. The serendipity of in-person meetups, the nuance of hallway conversations, and the inspiration found in real-world architecture make it a unique moment in the calendar year.Whether you made it to Boston or not, this episode captures the essence of what makes architectural travel and community engagement so energizing. It's a reminder that often the most meaningful aspects of being an architect happen outside the office—walking the streets of a great city or reconnecting with colleagues over drinks after years apart.Episode Links:Evelyn Lee, FAIA - AIA 2025 PresidentArcolArchistarUpcodesHotel Marcel-----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.
In this episode of Archispeak, we’re joined by Carla Johnson—author, speaker, and innovation strategist—for a conversation that’s both energizing and reflective. We dive into the idea of “slowing down to speed up” and how reconnecting with our innate curiosity might be the most important skill for architects and creative professionals today.Carla shares her journey from engineering to architecture marketing to helping AEC firms rediscover the lost art of asking better questions. We explore how our industrial-era systems stripped us of critical thinking and why now—thanks to tools like AI—we have a new opportunity to reawaken our creativity.Together, we talk about reframing failure, why safe ideas might be the riskiest ones, and how even a simple breath can change the way we approach problem-solving. Whether you’re a student staring down deadlines or a project manager caught in the machine, this one’s a reminder to pause, stretch, and let your curiosity lead the way.Episode Links:Carla Johnson on LinkedInCarla’s websiteMichael Easter’s The Comfort CrisisJony Ive’s interview at Stripe Sessions-----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.
In this episode of Archispeak, we explore the evolving frontier of home automation with Jeff Thomas of Control4 and Michael Smith of Bromic Heating. Together, we unpack the layered relationship between architecture and integrated technology—why it’s critical to bring smart home specialists in early, how lighting, heating, and sound are blending into seamless user experiences, and where the real opportunities lie for residential architects.We dig into the nitty-gritty: from the difference between Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi protocols, to the challenges of retrofitting systems in older homes. Along the way, we highlight how smart tech isn’t just about gadgets—it’s about extending comfort, enhancing ambiance, and making homes safer, more energy-efficient, and more enjoyable to live in.If you’ve ever felt out of your depth when a client asks about smart thermostats, color-tunable lighting, or voice-controlled heating, this one’s for you. We’re asking the questions you didn’t know you needed to ask—so you can deliver better outcomes and stay ahead of what’s coming next.This episode has been made possible with the generous support of Bromic Heating.Episode Links:Jeff Thomas on LinkedInMichael Smith on LinkedInControl4 websiteBromic websiteEclipse heatersBromic heater Revit and CAD filesDesign service with a heating expert-----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.
What makes architecture memorable? Why do some spaces hit you in the chest while others feel hollow? In this episode of Archispeak, we explore a concept that’s rarely taught but deeply felt. Genius loci. The spirit of the place.From volunteering as a docent at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home and Studio to taking a group of recent grads on an architectural pilgrimage through Chicago, Cormac shares stories that tie memory, mentorship, and emotion to design. Along the way, we discuss how the demands of modern practice often push this spirit aside in favor of speed, budgets, and repeatability.Together, we wrestle with what it means to create architecture that belongs—architecture that understands its context, uplifts the human experience, and becomes part of the emotional fabric of our lives. If you’ve ever stood in a space and simply felt something you couldn’t explain, this one’s for you.-----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.
In this episode of Archispeak, we’re joined by Jessica Orlando, Vice President and President-Elect of the AIA Pasadena Foothill chapter, to explore how architects are stepping up in the aftermath of the recent Altadena and Palisades wildfires in Southern California. Jessica shares how the AIA’s volunteer-led “Ask an Architect” initiative is connecting displaced residents with licensed professionals to help guide them through the overwhelming process of rebuilding—many for the first time.We discuss the powerful role architects can play in disaster response, the challenges of balancing speed with resilience in permitting and design, and the implications of relaxed regulations in the name of urgency. Jessica also walks us through what’s happening on the ground, including policy shifts, modular and prefab strategies, bulk material purchasing efforts, and the surprising silver linings some homeowners are finding in being able to reimagine what “home” means.This conversation highlights the profession’s unique ability to lead with empathy, share knowledge, and organize in the face of crisis—and why this moment is an opportunity for all of us to do better, together.Episode Links:AIAPF websiteAIAPF on LinkedInAIAPF on InstagramAIAPF Resources for HomeownersDiscounted AIA Contracts for architects working on fire rebuilds ($51 each)Jessica Orlando on LinkedIn-----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.
In this episode of Archispeak, we sit down with Robert Yuen, CEO and co-founder of Monograph, to dive into the findings from their latest Architecture and Engineering Salary and Business Benchmarks Report 2025. We discuss how Monograph’s anonymized real-world data provides a clearer picture of salaries, utilization, and realization rates across the industry—without relying on traditional survey methods. Together, we unpack why project managers and engineers are out-earning architects, the crucial role of financial literacy, and how radical transparency can shape a more sustainable and prosperous future for the profession.Episode Links:2025 Architecture & Engineering Business Benchmarks ReportRobert on LinkedInMonograph on LinkedInTRXL Podcast episodes featuring Robert YuenTRXL 086: ‘Here to Do the Hard Thing’, with Robert YuenTRXL 113: ‘Surprises Are Not Good’, with Robert YuenTRXL 185: ‘Radical Transparency’, with Robert YuenLeaders Eat Last by Simon SinekOfficial websiteAmazon link-----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.
In this episode we explore the intersection of structural engineering, adaptive reuse, and creative problem-solving in architecture. From a lighthearted discussion about ratchet straps as unconventional structural solutions to a deep dive into the challenges of modernizing existing buildings, this episode showcases how architects and engineers tackle complex design problems with ingenuity.-----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.
Join us for an engaging discussion with Chad Clary where we explore how architectural projects differ from movies and video games in terms of crediting contributors. We talk about whether the industry needs a better system for recognizing all those involved in building projects. The conversation also covers the critical importance of specificity in architectural documentation, examining how evolving professional roles affect design intent preservation while meeting contractor expectations.Episode Links:The Barnes Foundation by TWBTA-----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.
In this episode, we have a discussion about the value of sketching for idea development, the importance of questioning everything in architecture, the impact of architecture on people's memories and experiences, and the need for architects to engage with users and understand the spaces they create.Episode Links:The Art Museums of Louis I. Kahn (Amazon Link)-----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.
William Dodge joins the podcast to discuss his latest article the integration of AI in architecture, its impact on creativity, the evolving role of architects, and the shift towards innovative practices and micro studios, highlighting the future of the profession.Click here for images that William shared during the conversation.Episode Links:William Dodge on LinkedInWilliam’s article on Fast Company - The architecture industry may soon be unrecognizablea gang of threep-u-b-l-i-cRichard England (Maltese godfather of architecture who told me the story about Frank Lloyd Wright + Renzo Piano’s bff)Valentino Architects (tiny but amazing Maltese firm William mentioned)Matthew Nowicki (original designer of Chandigarh)-----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.
In this episode we welcome Helena Sawelin from Tillberg Design to explore the evolution of cruise ship design. Helena shares her company's impressive 60-year legacy and their expertise in luxury cruise, yacht, and residential ship design, along with their commitment to sustainability. She reflects on her 30-year progression from FF&E designer to business director, while highlighting the industry's transformation toward greener technologies and eco-friendly materials. The conversation delves into current trends in mid-size and luxury cruise ships—from seamless indoor-outdoor spaces to health and wellness amenities—and examines social media's influence on cruise tourism and design. Helena emphasizes how strong customer relationships and enduring design solutions play crucial roles in advancing sustainability.About the Guest:Helena has worked at TDoS since 1995, during this time, she has worked with some of the largest and most prestigious clients in the marine business, working also with high-end hotels, yachts, and high street boutiques.Episode Sponsor - Bromic HeatingThis episode has been made possible with the generous support of Bromic Heating.Episode Links:Helena Sawelin on LinkedInTillberg Design of Sweden websiteTillberg Design on LinkedInTillberg Design on InstagramBromic websiteEclipse heatersBromic heater Revit and CAD filesDesign service with a heating expert-----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.
In this episode, we talk about design intent and construction tolerances. We examine how architectural designs intersect with construction realities, exploring the crucial communication between architects, contractors, and clients. The discussion covers the challenges of maintaining construction standards within specified tolerances, while emphasizing the value of thorough planning and coordination. We also address the inevitable compromises that emerge during construction's final phases.Episode Links:Have a question for the show? Visit AskArchispeak.com-----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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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