In this episode, we dive deep into the often overlooked role of architectural specifiers. Our special guest, Jeff Potter, shares his unconventional path to becoming a spec writer and discusses the challenges and triumphs along the way. We use this opportunity to address a listener's question about the perception and value of the specifier role within firms.

From personal experiences to industry trends and evolving technologies, this discussion highlights the importance of specifications in architectural projects and explores the financial compensation and career progression in this niche. Join us as we unravel the complexities of the specifier's world and offer insights into navigating the profession.

Episode Sponsor - TimberTech

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Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com

Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

Support Archispeak by making a donation.

In this episode, we talk about early AEC exposure to high school students with a discussion of the ACE Mentorship Program. We share personal experiences and insights from mentoring high school students, talk about the program's value in exposing young minds to architecture, construction, and engineering. The conversation covers the challenges and rewards of volunteering, the importance of communication in teamwork, and how practical exercises can simulate real-world architectural practice.

Additionally, we have a bit of follow up on the Le Corbusier conversation from the last episode and the complexities of his legacy. This episode is a must-see for anyone passionate about architecture education and youth mentorship.

Episode Links:

• Pierre Jeanneret - Corbu’s cousin
• Modern Man by Anthony Flint
• askarchispeak.com - our new Q&A website
• ACE Mentor Program website

Episode Sponsor - TimberTech

Discover how TimberTech is redefining synthetic decking with precision-engineered materials that balance enduring aesthetics with superior performance and sustainability. TimberTech’s advanced technologies replicate natural wood’s allure while minimizing maintenance and environmental impact. Request samples, read case studies or download our architectural white paper here.

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Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

Support Archispeak by making a donation.

In this episode, we discuss Cormac’s excitement about the Detroit Lions making the playoffs and explore the significant transformation happening in Detroit. We examine how the city's struggles have led to a new era of development and restoration. The main focus of our conversation centers on Le Corbusier and the often-overlooked contributions of his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, who helped make Corb's innovative designs technically feasible. We also announce our new Q&A website, askarchispeak.com, where listeners can submit questions for future episodes.

Episode Links:

• Announcing askarchispeak.com - our new Q&A website
• Modern Man by Anthony Flint
• Pierre Jeanneret - Corb’s cousin
• The Image of the City by Kevin Lynch
• A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander
• The Timeless Way of Building by Christopher Alexander
• 250 Things Architects Should Know by Michael Sorkin
• Philip Johnson’s Glass House

Episode Sponsor - TimberTech

Discover how TimberTech is redefining synthetic decking with precision-engineered materials that balance enduring aesthetics with superior performance and sustainability. TimberTech’s advanced technologies replicate natural wood’s allure while minimizing maintenance and environmental impact. Request samples, read case studies or download our architectural white paper here.

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Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

Support Archispeak by making a donation.

In this episode, Frank Cavanaugh from the Aria Group joins us to share insights on designing outdoor spaces, focusing on essential considerations for architects. From the importance of local ordinances and understanding health department requirements to the significance of context, lighting, and material selection, this episode covers it all. We also touch on unique challenges such as integrating landscape, seasonal usability, and maintaining brand consistency. Tune in to learn about the critical elements that create remarkable and functional outdoor hospitality environments.

About Frank Cavanaugh:

As Principal, Frank leads a talented team of architects and interior designers as a studio leader. As a member of the Board of Directors, he advises on the overall direction of the firm. Frank also is involved as a Project Designer on various small and large-scale projects, in particular Planning projects within the office.

Frank has led and designed many large-scale projects throughout his career at Aria Group. Large retail and mixed-use projects include City Park Retail Center, The Esplanade of Algonquin. Hospitality and Entertainment designs include the original Hawthorne Casino & Racecourse, Brookfield Zoo - South American Market Place, Blue Chip Resort Hotel and Casino, Viper Alley at City Park, Park Plaza in Bowling Green KY, and Alsea’s Italianni’s restaurant brand in Mexico City. Municipal projects include the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center entry addition and G Hall expansion in Rosemont, IL. Hotel projects include work with Hyatt, the Chicago Hilton, The Wit Hotel, the Palmer House Hilton and The Conrad in Chicago. Frank has also developed many new concepts for Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises over the years, including the design of several Wildfire restaurants. Frank also works with Served Well Hospitality in Massachusetts on several entertainment and hospitality projects.

In 1995 Frank joined Aria Group and was promoted to Principal in 2000. He began his career working at the office of Krueck and Olsen Architects. Frank moved on to the office of Lohan Associates where he became an Associate and Project Designer for several corporate and institutional projects including the DePaul Library in Chicago. In addition to producing architectural renderings for Aria Group’s designs, Frank also works at photography, drawing, plein air painting and studio painting. He has completed several painted mural commissions for his architectural clients as well as other publicly displayed work and is a member of the Oak Park Art League.

Episode Links:

• Frank Cavanaugh on LinkedIn
• Aria Group website
• Aria Group on LinkedIn
• Bromic website
• Eclipse heaters
• Bromic heater Revit and CAD files
• Design service with a heating expert

Episode Sponsor: Bromic Heating

This episode has been made possible with generous support from Bromic Heating.

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Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

Support Archispeak by making a

Today we welcome Kevin Jones who is an architect and professor of practice from Virginia Tech's School of Architecture. We talk about the importance and intricacies of continuing education for architects.

In this episode we explore various aspects of Continuing Education Units (CEUs), different state requirements, and effective engagement strategies for those offering courses, share personal anecdotes from our careers as architects, some of our favorite courses, and discuss how architects can use CEUs to foster professional growth, advance their careers, and improve practice standards. We also talk about the effectiveness of in-person versus online learning and examine ways to innovate content delivery for maximum impact.

Episode Links:

• Kevin Jones on LinkedIn
• With Architecture - Kevin’s firm
• Amber Book Continuing Education

About Kevin Jones:

Kevin is a practicing architect whose academic pursuits lie at the intersection of teaching, practice, and community engagement, and he has worked with both urban and rural communities on a variety of community-oriented impact design projects. His experience as a practitioner is diverse in type and scale and includes numerous adaptive reuse projects as well as housing, institutional, community, and cultural works. His design and professional work have been recognized by Preservation Virginia, the Urban Land Institute, and AIA Virginia, and he prefers white trace paper over yellow trace paper.

Episode Sponsor - Amber Book Continuing Education

The Amber Book's approach aims to transform CE from a compliance exercise into practical, actionable knowledge through visual and spatial learning methods, making it a great option for architects. Click here to learn more.

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Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

Support Archispeak by making a donation.

Join us as we discuss the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025 which included Evan’s studio makeover (featuring a reveal if you’re watching on YouTube) while doing a water fast, extravagant Christmas light displays of some homeowners, and then main topic: group projects, communication, and team collaboration in both educational and professional settings. We share some important lessons about performance reviews, setting clear expectations, and the intricacies of teaching and learning architecture.

Tune in to hear insights on how to handle underperformers, the significance of teamwork, and the experiences of teaching architecture students.

Episode Sponsor - WorldTeams

WorldTeams can help your firm grow with a skilled and reliable remote team. Schedule a free consultation at https://worldteams.com/hire-top-talent.

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Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

Support Archispeak by making a donation.

Join us in our last episode of 2024 as we explore how to balance emotional energy while maintaining high service standards during the year-end rush. We also discuss effective communication and presentation skills in architectural education, sharing tips for creating engaging, streamlined presentations that translate seamlessly into professional practice.

Episode Links:

• Enjoy The Silence by Depeche Mode (YouTube)

Episode Sponsor:

WorldTeams

WorldTeams can help your firm grow with a skilled and reliable remote team. Schedule a free consultation at https://worldteams.com/hire-top-talent.

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Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

Support Archispeak by making a donation.

In this episode of 'Archispeak Theater,' 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.

Episode Sponsor - WorldTeams

WorldTeams can help your firm grow with a skilled and reliable remote team. Schedule a free consultation at https://worldteams.com/hire-top-talent.

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Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

Support Archispeak by making a donation.