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.

#357 - ‘The Value of Lifelong Learning in Architecture’, with Kevin Jones

Join us as we talk with architect and Virginia Tech professor Kevin Jones about transforming continuing education from a checkbox requirement into a powerful career asset. We explore effective learning strategies, delivery methods, and how strategic education choices can reshape architectural careers.

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#356 - That ‘New Me’ Glow

Join us for a discussion about Evan's studio makeover (with YouTube reveal), water fasting, holiday light displays, and our main topic: group projects and team collaboration in architecture. We explore performance reviews, expectations, and teaching experiences.

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#355 - Full Flip Flop Mode

In our final 2024 episode, we explore balancing energy and service during year-end rush, while diving into effective architectural presentation skills - from education to professional practice.

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#354 - Fighting Revit

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.

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#353 - Architecture Students are Screwed

In this episode, we address the financial challenges of architectural education, explore alternative career paths, discuss routes to licensure, examine industry challenges, and consider solutions like specialization and entrepreneurship.

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#352 - ‘A 13-Year Architecture Project’, with Israel Peña

In this episode, we chat with Israel Peña about his work on a Beverly Hills school renovation project that took 13 years to complete. He tells us about the many challenges he faced, including getting government approvals, dealing with unexpected building problems, and carefully updating the school while keeping its historic features. Israel also shares how he stays balanced through running and exercise. As a fun side project, he creates an amazing Halloween display at his home based on Pirates of the Caribbean, which helps raise money for charity.

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#351 - Frank Lloyd Garbage

We discuss architectural collectibles and recent architectural field trips. We also touch on ongoing projects, adaptive reuse challenges, and professional networking in architecture.

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#350 - Coffee, Hurricanes, and Leadership

In Archispeak's 350th episode, we celebrate with a "Coffee Boy" bean unboxing and explore Evan's Florida un-conference experience.

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#349 - ’Experiencing Infratecture‘, with Slade Sheaffer

Explore innovative architecture with Slade Sheaffer as he shares insights from his travels across Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany. This episode highlights the fusion of infrastructure and architecture, featuring projects like Copenhagen's Camp Adventure Tower and Copenhill, a unique urban skiing experience.

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#348 - Witnessing the Birth of Passion

Cormac discusses his recent teaching experience highlighting a studio project where students tackle real-world constraints in an adaptive reuse project in Flint, Michigan.

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#347 - Evan’s Summer Adventures

Join us as we discuss Evan’s summer family road trip and a new development in his architectural career.

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#346 - Balancing Academia and Professional Practice

This episode explores Cormac's new role as an adjunct faculty member at Lawrence Technical University. We talk about teaching challenges in architectural education, the importance of understanding design rationales, and the value of PhDs in the field.

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#345 - Cormac's Continued Architectural Summer Adventures

Join us as we dive into Cormac's continued architectural summer adventures. This time he’s exploring the East Coast, Prince Edward Island, and visiting one of his architectural hero in Nova Scotia.

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#344 - He Pulled it Out of His _____

Pen refills and alignment OCD, the significance of what makes some architecture lovable, a review of the book '100 Buildings' by Thom Mayne, why certain buildings are preserved with immense dedication, and more.

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#343 - Punching the Building

What is a punch list? Who should be creating them? Why do they exist? We also talk about the practice of architecture being an adhocracy, what that means, and wonder if there’s any way our profession can change.

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#342 - From Idea to Execution

Cormac recently went on a road trip with special guest Angelo Pirali to explore many (yes many!) remarkable Midwest architectural landmarks, and they’re here today to share it with us.

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#341 - The Kevin Bacon of Architecture

Hats, road trips, and architecture: a chat about summer adventures.

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#340 - AIA’24 Recap

Join us in this episode as we recount our time at the 2024 AIA Conference on Architecture recently held in Washington DC. We highlight the travel, keynote speakers, the expo hall, the incredible museums, and the architectural community.

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#339 - AU - Outdoor Design Innovation with StruXure and Bromic Heating

Archispeak welcomes Scott Selzer, CEO of Struxure, and Scott Smith, CEO of Bromic Heating, to discuss the evolution, current state, and innovations in outdoor heating and pergolas in how they enhance outdoor living spaces.

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#338 - Musical Appreciation

We use another podcast’s deep analysis of Radiohead's 'In Rainbows' as the basis for a discussion about the unrealistic project timelines of HGTV-like home makeover shows compared to the actual architectural design process.

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