Join architect Evan Troxel as he explores important topics surrounding the co-evolution of technology and architecture. Guests from the architectural community and beyond join in long-form conversations about the influence digital transformation is having on the profession with long digressions on leadership, change management, knowledge transfer, where all this may lead to in the future of the building industry, and more.
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Evan Troxel Podcasts
What’s it really like to work in architecture? The hosts of Archispeak know, and they’re here to share real-life experiences. Since 2012 architects Evan Troxel and Cormac Phalen have been podcasting their brand of real talk on everything from design, tools, and work/life balance to generational differences, mentoring, job hunting, and more. Probing questions, revelatory interviews, and unique insights have grown their audience and become a weekly ritual for students and seasoned professional ...
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Launched in 2018, the Brand Groupies Podcast features inspiring leaders who have spent their careers working with AEC brands to create buzz and fuel business growth as part of our “AEC Buzz Makers” series. Hosted by Brand Groupies’ Founder & CEO Carey Balogh, our mission is to amplify the “brand groupies” behind AEC industry brands who are leading the way into the future in an ever-evolving industry. Brand Groupies is a women-owned social media, public relations, and podcast management agenc ...
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206: ‘Purpose-Built AI: Why It Matters in AEC’, with Rachelle Ray
1:06:36
1:06:36
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1:06:36Rachelle Ray joins the podcast to talk about how AEC marketing and BD teams are really using AI today: what’s working, what’s not, and where things are headed. While proposals are a recurring thread, the broader focus is on how AI can clear space for strategy and creativity by reducing manual, repetitive work. Rachelle brings insights from OpenAsse…
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205: ‘Rethinking Your A/E Practice’, with Robert Otani and Alexandra Pollock
1:12:09
1:12:09
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1:12:09Robert Otani and Alexandra Pollock join the podcast to talk about how they’re rethinking Thornton Tomasetti’s engineering practice by making technology the foundation rather than an add-on. They share practical lessons on bringing computation into practice at scale, adopting product thinking inside a services business, measuring the ROI of innovati…
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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…
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204: ‘How to Future-Proof Your Architecture Practice’, with Dave Gilmore
1:05:37
1:05:37
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1:05:37Dave Gilmore joins the podcast to talk about the urgent need for firms to proactively disrupt themselves before they’re disrupted by external forces, and why transformation is first and foremost a leadership challenge, not a technology one. Dave shares insights on the limits of the production mindset, the dangers of outsourcing strategic thinking, …
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#377 - The Disconnect Between Academia and Practice
53:24
53:24
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53:24In 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 completel…
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203: ‘Rethinking the Architecture Business Model’, with Peter Markos
1:13:42
1:13:42
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1:13:42Peter Markos joins the podcast to talk about rethinking the traditional business model of architecture by developing products instead of relying solely on client-based services. The conversation covers Peter’s journey from winning Airbnb’s OMG! Fund to creating a prefabricated, scalable cabin business, the role of investors and partnerships, the re…
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202: ‘Knowledge Management is Everyone‘s Job’, with Katie Robinson and Christopher Parsons
1:15:12
1:15:12
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1:15:12Katie Robinson and Christopher Parsons join the podcast to talk about how LS3P’s knowledge management program evolved from a marketing necessity into a strategic advantage. We discuss the origins of their Data Manager program, how they’ve integrated firm-wide data into their intranet platform “Frank,” and why they’ve embraced AI-powered search to d…
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#376 - Across the Street from Genius: Yale’s A&A and Art Gallery
56:12
56:12
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56:12In 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 Pa…
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201: ‘Redefining Leadership in AEC’, with Phil Putnam
1:23:36
1:23:36
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1:23:36Phil Putnam joins the podcast to talk about what it really takes to lead in today’s workplace. We explore his “Give to Get” leadership framework, the staggering cost of employee turnover, and why loyalty no longer means what it used to. From generational shifts in motivation to the myth of paycheck-based performance, Phil shares practical strategie…
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200: ‘A Framework for Digital Transformation’, with Nathan Miller
1:33:18
1:33:18
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1:33:18Nathan Miller joins the podcast to talk about why most digital transformations in AEC fail, and what to do about it. In this milestone 200th episode, we discuss the high cost of misalignment between strategy, culture, and operations, the dangers of tool chasing without purpose, and the critical role of authenticity in building sustainable, tech-ena…
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199: ‘Autodesk’s Vision for Architects’, with Amy Bunszel
41:40
41:40
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41:40Amy Bunszel joins the podcast to talk about the future of Autodesk’s architectural tools. From AI-driven productivity features to contextual design with Forma, Amy shares how Autodesk is reimagining workflows, connecting data across the cloud, and helping architects spend less time “doing the dishes” and more time designing. To learn more about Amy…
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198: ‘Unlocking Sustainability with AI-Powered Knowledge Management’, with Corey Squire and Christopher Parsons
1:25:44
1:25:44
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1:25:44Corey Squire and Christopher Parsons join the podcast to talk about how knowledge platforms, culture shifts, and intentional frameworks can turn individual expertise into firm-wide intelligence. We explore the role of intranets, AI, onboarding, and the AIA’s Framework for Design Excellence—all aimed at embedding sustainability into everyday practic…
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#375 - Yale Center for British Art by Louis Kahn
1:06:22
1:06:22
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1:06:22In 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 e…
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197: ‘The Hidden Struggles of Leading in AEC Tech’, with Phil Read and Harlan Brumm
36:32
36:32
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36:32Phil Read and Harlan Brumm join the podcast to talk about the often-overlooked transition from technical expert to team leader, and how the AEC Acoustics Leadership Retreat was designed to support this journey. We explore the power of shared experience, vulnerability, and creating space for meaningful personal and professional growth in an industry…
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196: ‘An Undervalued Pipeline in Architecture’, with Joseph Lucido
1:20:45
1:20:45
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1:20:45Joseph Lucido joins the podcast to talk about the evolving role of community colleges in architectural education, emphasizing the need for equitable pathways, integration of technology, and preparing students for diverse career opportunities in architecture while addressing industry challenges and cultural shifts. To learn more about Joseph Lucido,…
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195: ‘The Freedom to Break the Rules’, with Jesper Wallgren
1:16:35
1:16:35
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1:16:35Jesper Wallgren joins the podcast to talk about his journey from running a design studio in Sweden to building a focused software platform for multifamily residential planning called Finch. We explore the lessons learned from trying to do too much, the power of narrowing scope, how Finch integrates with tools like Rhino and Revit, and why letting a…
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#374 - 2025 Summer of Architecture, Part 1
1:21:55
1:21:55
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1:21:55In 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-pe…
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194: ‘CEO as Knowledge Architect’, with Ellen Bensky and Christopher Parsons
1:23:13
1:23:13
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1:23:13Ellen Bensky and Christopher Parsons join the podcast to talk about how Turner Fleischer built a digital twin of their practice. We get into what it means to intentionally work on the firm—not just in it—and how Turner Fleischer has operationalized innovation inside a service-based business. Ellen shares how the firm protects time for internal rese…
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193: ‘Making Ideas Impactful’, with Darren Brooker
1:28:56
1:28:56
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1:28:56Darren Brooker joins the podcast to talk about how storytelling and visual communication, when used together, can transform the way ideas are received and acted upon. We discuss how architectural concepts are often misunderstood not because they’re bad ideas, but because they’re not communicated in a way that sticks. Darren explains why the key to …
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192: ‘Building an AI-First Practice’, with Patrick Chopson and Eric Cesal
1:26:14
1:26:14
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1:26:14Patrick Chopson and Eric Cesal join the podcast to talk about what an architecture practice could look like if it were designed around AI from day one. We discuss the limits of traditional workflows, how education is falling behind the pace of innovation, and why small, agile teams may be better positioned to lead the industry forward. This convers…
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#373 - ‘Slowing Down to Speed Up’, with Carla Johnson
1:17:46
1:17:46
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1:17:46In 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 …
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#372 - AU - The Future of Home Automation
1:02:46
1:02:46
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1:02:46In 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 int…
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191: ‘The Bastardization of Marketing in AEC’, with Kyle Morck
1:39:18
1:39:18
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1:39:18Kyle Morck joins the podcast to talk about about the widespread misuse of marketing in the AEC industry. We unpack why firms rely on vanity metrics that don’t move the needle, how real marketing success comes from long-term relationship building, and why personal branding inside firms is just as critical as the firm’s brand itself. Whether you’re i…
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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 architectur…
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190: ‘AI + KM = Smarter AEC Firms’, with Christopher Parsons
1:26:14
1:26:14
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1:26:14Christopher Parsons joins the podcast to talk about about the evolution of knowledge management (KM) in the AEC industry—from KM 1.0 (knowledge capture) to KM 2.0 (knowledge sharing), to KM 3.0 (knowledge in the flow of work). We explore how AI is catalyzing a shift toward real-time, firm-wide knowledge operations, and why success in this new era i…
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189: ‘The Rise of the Balkan Architect’, with Milos Temerinski
1:31:58
1:31:58
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1:31:58Milos Temerinski joins the podcast to talk about his massively popular YouTube channel Balkan Architect, his journey from architecture student to full-time content creator, and how YouTube became a global classroom for Revit and other architectural software. We also talk about the power of self-directed learning, the realities of working with compl…
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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 connect…
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188: ‘Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable’, with Gavin Crump
1:14:26
1:14:26
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1:14:26Gavin Crump joins the podcast to talk about his personal and professional evolution from an introverted graduate architect who stumbled through his first Revit test to becoming one of the most visible and trusted voices in AEC technology. We talk about programming as a creative outlet, the surprisingly emotional experience of automating his first w…
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187: ‘It’s Just Poly’s on a Map’, with Rob Asher and James Blackwood
1:18:26
1:18:26
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1:18:26Rob Asher and James Blackwood join the podcast to talk about the real-world complexity of designing and delivering projects—and how their work at Giraffe is bridging the gaps between technology, governance, culture, commercial intent, and design. We explore the limits of traditional tools and approach, the pitfalls of over-simplified models, and wh…
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186: ‘Bringing a Bazooka to a Banana Fight’, with Clifton Harness
1:34:23
1:34:23
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1:34:23Clifton Harness joins the podcast to talk about the future of architectural technology, the challenges of competing with established software giants, and the importance of staying true to a focused vision. Clifton shares insights about TestFit's journey, the role of AI in architecture, and why attempting to compete directly with Revit might be miss…
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#369 - Salary Transparency in Architecture
57:41
57:41
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57:41In 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…
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