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.

#334 - ‘Evolving Architectural Practice’, with Je’Nen Chastain

Je’Nen Chastain joins us to discuss architectural practice challenges, firm management, leadership, mentorship, and organizational adaptability. She also shares her personal and professional journey, the economic downturn's effects on her generation, and the importance of mentorship and communication in creating a supportive workspace.

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#333 - AU - Evolving Workplace Design

Primo Orpilla, Principal and Owner of O+A Architecture, shares his extensive experience in workplace design, tracing his experiences in the evolution of office spaces over the last 30 years.

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#332 - ‘Navigating Internships and Early Career Steps’, with Michael Ermann

In this episode, Michael Ermann of Amber Book and Virginia Tech joins us as we tackle the topic of architectural internships – both for those seeking and for the firms providing them.

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#331 - ‘The Business of Architecture’, with Enoch Sears

Fellow podcaster Enoch Sears joins us to discuss the evolution of architectural podcasting, running an architecture practice, and the necessity of proper systems and a business mindset for success.

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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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#330 - Pseudo Productivity and the Right to Disconnect

We discuss Australia's 'Right to Disconnect' law, its protections, and its implications. We also discuss modern work challenges like constant connectivity, email impact, and technology's dual effect on work-life balance. We end with thoughts on managing workloads and boundaries in the digital age.

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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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#329 - AU - Designing the Future of Multifamily Living

The Archispeak University (AU) series introduces educational content for architects and designers. Sara Schneider of TCA Architects joins us to talk about design trends in multi-family and mixed use project types.

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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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#328 - Losing Track of Time

In this episode, we discuss being “in the zone”, the significance of failure in learning, the concept of ‘flow state’ in problem-solving, self-doubt and imposter syndrome, and the role of intrinsic motivation and habits in success.

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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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#327 - Broke, Broken, and Broke-In

In the episode, Cormac shares his experiences from his most intense and fulfilling project, the EO Wilson Biophilia Center in Florida, likening the collaboration of different ideas and skills to 'jazz'. The discussion also covers challenges with difficult projects, budgets, and client relationships that nonetheless led to remarkable results.

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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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#326 - The Culture of “ASAP”

In this episode, we dive deep into the future of architecture in the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, but we start by stepping back and making an assessment of the sheer magnitude of email we are all drowning in. As architects, we can't help but feel a sense of excitement about the potential that new tools hold for enhancing architectural design and storytelling, but how will that happen if we’re all doing email all day every day?

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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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#325 - Unforeseen Conditions

Cormac tells us a story from the Army which sparks a discussion of various experiences on renovation and remodel projects which brings to light the meaning of the term “unforeseen conditions”.

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#324 - Archispeak Turns 12

In this episode we acknowledge the podcast’s 12th anniversary. We then jump into exploring the potential of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in architectural practices and talk about how these technologies could revolutionize the way architects work now that the Apple Vision Pro is out.

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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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#323 - The Life Afforded

We discuss work-life balance in architecture, the impact of emerging technology like Apple's Vision Pro headset, the importance of a side-hustle, and the need for architects to continuously adapt. We also chat about on the financial implications in architectural projects and the tension between design aesthetics and budget constraints.

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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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#322 - A Special Place in Hell

In this episode, we discuss the importance of details in architectural designs, highlight the influence of technology and BIM on architectural drawings and the art of detailing, and reflect on past experiences, including learning from old architectural manuals and dive into architectural design philosophy and practices.

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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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#321 - AU - New Trends in Custom Residential

The Archispeak University (AU) series introduces educational content for architects and designers. Danny Wang of Danny Wang Design joins us to discuss new trends in custom residential design and construction.

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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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#320 - A Workaholic’s Resolution

We all know architects work hard. Some work way too hard. In this episode, we discuss Cormac’s self-proclaimed workaholism and what he’s going to do about it in 2024.

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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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