Episodes

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 professionals alike.

#23 - Favorite Things

It's the 1st Annual Archispeak Podcast “Favorite Things” episode! Join Evan, Neal and Cormac as we discuss our list of gift ideas for the architect in your life or for yourself! Also, for a limited time, you can order your very own Archispeak Podcast t-shirt! All the details about dates, sizes and colors (who are we kidding... it only comes in “Architectural Black”) can be found here.

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#22 - Sketch Book Mechanics

The Archispeak Podcast becomes “The Cormac Show” as we revisit the art of sketching in Episode 22. This time around we converse about the tools. We review what makes a good sketch book and talk about the merits of using pens, pencils plus paper and trace. 

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#21 - The Title of “Architect”

Who should and can use the title “Architect?” In Episode 21 the Archispeak Podcast discusses some recent articles on the subject and weigh in with their own opinion.

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#20 - The Beauty Pageant

For Episode 20 Archispeak Podcast considers the question, “Do architects care about the building after it’s been photographed?” In it we discuss the reasons an architect should photograph their projects and provide some tips on how to get good photography on the cheap.

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#19 - Addendum - The Traditional Way

When Archispeak episode 18 was submitted, as typical with plan submittals, it was only about 90% done. The tape was still rolling at Archispeak HQ and we had a few more things to tag onto the last episode to fill it out. We diverged a bit, as we typically do, and went down the BIM path too.

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#18 - The Traditional Way

Archispeak Podcast goes “old school” and discusses the trend in architecture away from sketching and what it means for the profession. We “lay the block and swing the steel” to bring you a cornucopia of opinions and in the end discover that all the answers are found in a role of trace paper.

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#17 - Experience Architecture

In this episode the Archispeak Podcast explores the question, “Is Architecture Fashion?” The discussion focuses on how we actually experience architecture, what architectural school should be teaching and if graduates today are good “skinners.”

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#16 - Procrastination and Getting Things Done

What can architects do to combat procrastination and what tools can we use to get things done? In this episode the Archispeak Podcast discusses both of these topics  and suggest that claiming email bankruptcy is not such a bad thing. We explore ways we each get things done (Cormac loves his Post-It Notes) and come up with a new television idea for TLC: Electronic Hoarders. We also learn that Cormac isn’t Superman. (He cannot really see through walls.)

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#15 - Constraints

In this episode of the Archispeak Podcast we discuss all the constraints we have to deal with when creating architecture and ask the question: is possible to design without them? Are there advantages in talking about these constraints with the people who inhabit our projects? Also, Cormac delivers vacation advice from Florida on how to attract sharks.

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#14 - “Normal” Business Hours

In this episode of the Archispeak Podcast we discuss the blurring of the line between “normal” business hours, being available all the time, and boundaries in a world where the growing trend is to be hyper-connected and always available at the client's (and the office's) beck and call.

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#13 - Missed Opportunities

Archispeak celebrates its 6-month anniversary! We reflect on the past 12 episodes and acknowledge Apple’s 1-billionth podcast subscription milestone. We then discuss why “good enough is the enemy of great” and explore why architects might design compromises into the project before it goes out of the studio/building. 

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#12 - Permanence in Architecture

In this episode of the Archispeak Podcast, Cormac takes a wild ride and ends up at Fallingwater, which leads into a discussion of the permanence in architecture and how we design and specify materials. Are we designing obsolescence into our buildings? Is all architecture meant to be permanent? Join us as we explore these questions and more.

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#11 - The Studio Environment

In this episode Archispeak discusses the place where all the work happens: the studio environment. We examine what is wrong with the modern studio environment and eventually get around to talking about what makes an ideal studio.

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#10 - Safety Through Architecture

In this episode Archispeak discusses how architecture can create safer buildings. We examine how schools are designed and retrofitted using technology to make them safer.

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#9 - Everything is Digital

In this episode Archispeak discusses the all things digital. Evan explains the design and 3D printing process for what has become our logo. We also explore how to be a better architect / designer and the tools available to do it.

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#8 - Architects and Egos

In this episode Archispeak discusses the difference between confidence and ego then examines simple and effective ways to establish camaraderie in an architectural office.

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#7 - We Kill Your Memories

In this episode Archispeak takes on questions from our listeners and a group of 3rd graders. Also, Evan gets his first ‘C’ and Cormac panders to the children of Annapolis. 

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#6 - And Then I'm Very Sad

In this episode we discuss the importance of collaboration to the process of architecture and incorporating construction into the architectural education. Also, Cormac gets a new mic! 

 

Links for the episode (all links open in a new window in case you're listening to the podcast here):

The music for this episode is This is What You Get by System Kid. You can buy it on iTunes. Support the band!

Comment Rules: Be cool like the Fonz. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, we’ll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation!
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#5 - It’s Communication Stupid!

In this episode we discuss an architects life/work balance and reference Australian architect Andrew Maynard’s article on ArchDaily and its companion article by São Paulo-based architect Anthony Ling. Also, Cormac joins the army and finds it’s just like architecture.

Links for the episode (all links open in a new window in case you're listening to the podcast here):

The music for this episode is This is What You Get by System Kid. You can buy it on iTunes. Support the band!

 

Comment Rules: Be cool like the Fonz. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, we’ll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation!
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#4 - Eat, Sleep and Breathe It

In this episode we discuss the most recent Jobs Report, the importance of practical experience, suggestions for our listeners attending or soon to be graduating college and Evan's obsession with fonts.

Links for the episode (all links open in a new window in case you're listening to the podcast here):

 

The music for this episode is Run by System Kid. You can buy it on iTunes. Support the band!

 

Comment Rules: Be cool like the Fonz. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, we’ll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation!
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