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.

#373 - ‘Slowing Down to Speed Up’, with Carla Johnson

Topic

In 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 shares her journey from engineering to architecture marketing to helping AEC firms rediscover the lost art of asking better questions. We explore how our industrial-era systems stripped us of critical thinking and why now—thanks to tools like AI—we have a new opportunity to reawaken our creativity.

Together, we talk about reframing failure, why safe ideas might be the riskiest ones, and how even a simple breath can change the way we approach problem-solving. Whether you’re a student staring down deadlines or a project manager caught in the machine, this one’s a reminder to pause, stretch, and let your curiosity lead the way.

Episode Links

About Carla Johnson

Companies that buck the status quo redefine what innovation means. Carla Johnson’s spent decades working with leaders, researching, and writing books to teach people how to make innovation everybody’s business. By fusing visionary creativity with pragmatic innovation strategies, Carla helps create cultures that welcome offbeat perspectives while also experiencing unprecedented alignment and growth.

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