In this episode Cormac discovers that math can determine the age of his house faster than his mind can, Evan prepares his house and property for the inevitable, and we talk about the permanence of buildings and the link to true sustainability. Oh, and we go on a journey to find the tallest peak in the continental United States… spoiler alert: it's not Mt. Shasta, which comes in at an elevation of 14,180ft.
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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.
#304 - The Summer Vacation Happy Hour
In this episode we discuss a much needed summer vacation for Cormac: a complete cold turkey detachment from architecture as he ventures into the woods and how he can miraculously turn any trip into an architectural trip. Then we go out of the woods and into the big city of Chicago where we talk more in-depth about how the world's largest Starbucks and the river front Apple Store create experiences for their patrons.
Read More#303 - The X Episode
In this episode Evan asks Cormac 2 questions about the potential impact of AI on the architecture profession & have a discussion about the need for firms differentiate themselves in a commoditized market.
Read More#302 - We Absolutely Suck At It
In this episode we discuss Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City, Cormac’s desire to design, own and operate an old timey feeling movie theater, Evan quizzes Cormac on AI and gives him a few what if questions…and at the end of the day we suck at it (but what does that mean?).
Read More#301 - NCARB the Gift That Keeps on Taking
This episode we discuss Archispeak Podcast joining the new socials like Threads and Instagram (finally). Evan discusses the letter NCARB send out welcoming back all of the new members with a little gift of fee increases and how Cormac avoided future fee increases by not reinstating his NCARB record.
Read More#300 - Coffee Sketch and Archispeak: A Crossover Episode Without Coffee
A conversation about the use of technology in architecture, including the evolution of tools and the importance of maintaining a creative mindset. The discussion touches on the idea of what constitutes a "sketch" in the modern era, and the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on technology in the design process. The hosts also offer a glimpse into their own creative processes and the tools they use to bring their ideas to life.
Read More#299 - Networking and Community at the AIA Conference
In this episode we discuss our experiences at the 2023 AIA Conference on Architecture and the election of Evelyn Lee, FAIA as the 2025 President elect. The conversation also touches on the increasing role of AI in architecture and the need to reinvent the profession for the future.
Read More#298 - Prototyping Ideas and Making Stuff with Cam Anderson of BlacktailStudio
In a conversation about woodworking and content creation, Cam Anderson of BlacktailStudio joins the podcast to discuss the importance of making interesting projects rather than chasing algorithms or demographics.
Read More#297 - Literal and Figurative Scars
We discuss scars from our youth and scars from the profession, object visualizers versus text-based learners, the lack of hands-on education in schools and the devaluation of blue-collar work, and the result of a disconnection between architects and the physical construction process.
Read More#296 - From Ice Cubes to CEUs
Sparked by a new offer, we revisit the value of NCARB membership.
Read More#295 - AI in Architecture
Evan and Cormac discuss the use of AI in architecture, including image and text generation, automating mundane tasks, increasing productivity, as well as the ethical implications of its use, and more.
Read More#294 - ‘Three Recessions Away from Extinction’, with Evelyn Lee
Special guest Evelyn Lee joins Evan and Cormac to discuss the pressing need for architectural firms to evolve in order to survive during economic downturns.
Read More#293 - Architecture School is ___K__
Evan and Cormac talk about the importance of understanding the "why" in architecture education and transitioning into a career in architecture.
Read More#292 - ‘Out of Architecture’, with Jake Rudin
We have a conversation with Jake Rudin, co-author of the recently published book titled "Out of Architecture" to discuss the need for architects to appropriately value themselves and their skills to create a more positive and sustainable profession, or perhaps to leave it altogether.
Read More#291 - Architects are an Endangered Species
We discuss the value of negotiation during a job search, the lack of training in architectural education about money and business, the ongoing talent drought, waning architectural publications as an analogy to the profession, and provide our take on a provocative LinkedIn post.
Read More#290 - “Rough” Inspections
We discuss the value of doing home renovations and learning construction skills as an architect, talk about the importance of compromise, collaboration, and learning from hands-on experiences.
Read More#289 - An Architect Walks Into a Building
We have a conversation about the process of becoming a licensed architect in the United States and discuss the challenges of taking multiple Architect Registration Exams (ARE), NCARB’s rolling clock policy changes, and the need for change in the profession.
Read More#288 - Birth Control for Engineers
We discuss Evan’s tireless experience of the “sufferfest” that is moving one’s family into a new home, Cormac’s recent experiences with the ACE Mentor program, and we ask the question more people in the profession should be: Would people become architects if the we were honest about what it’s really like to be one?
Read More#287 - 42 Degrees North Latitude
Saying goodbye to a house, spaces that evoke memories and emotion, personal experiences of working (and living) remotely, mentoring emerging professionals, and how the architectural profession has been the model for Elon’s recent email to Twitter employees (except for the severance option).
Read More#286 - Skyhooks Are Rea
We discuss the different types of architectural degrees offered and why one might pick one type over another (To B.Arch or not to B.Arch? That is the question.) based on an #askarchispeak question from a listener, and Cormac toured the Exchange Tower that’s currently under construction in Detroit. It’s being built… differently.
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