Archispeak

In this episode of the Archispeak Podcast we discuss all the constraints we have to deal with when creating architecture and ask the question: is possible to design without them? Are there advantages in talking about these constraints with the people who inhabit our projects? Also, Cormac delivers vacation advice from Florida on how to attract sharks.

In this episode of the Archispeak Podcast we discuss the blurring of the line between “normal” business hours, being available all the time, and boundaries in a world where the growing trend is to be hyper-connected and always available at the client's (and the office's) beck and call. Show notes can be found at http://archispeakpodcast.com/episodes/14

Archispeak celebrates its 6-month anniversary! We reflect on the past 12 episodes and acknowledge Apple’s 1-billionth podcast subscription milestone. We then discuss why “good enough is the enemy of great” and explore why architects might design compromises into the project before it goes out of the studio/building.

In this episode of the Archispeak Podcast, Cormac takes a wild ride and ends up at Fallingwater, which leads into a discussion of the permanence in architecture and how we design and specify materials. Are we designing obsolescence into our buildings? Is all architecture meant to be permanent? Join us as we explore these questions and more.

In this episode Archispeak discusses the place where all the work happens: the studio environment. We examine what is wrong with the modern studio environment and eventually get around to talking about what makes an ideal studio. Are we all just plugged into The Matrix while working in our office cube farm? What is the worst thing that has happened to the architectural studio? Hint: they are often white and dangle from your ears. These questions and even some Super 8 spoilers are exposed for all to listen to.

In this episode Archispeak discusses how architecture can create safer buildings. We examine how schools are designed and retrofitted using technology to make them safer. Then we look at what is often written into project standards, including the demand for “no fancy-type lights” and how some requirements are created including “bubba-sized” ceiling and plumbing wall design. Also, we warn everyone against those clients who say “I know a guy.” The music for this episode is Karate by System Kid. You can buy it on iTunes. Support the band!

In this episode Archispeak discusses all things digital. Evan explains the design and 3D printing process for what has become our logo. We also explore how to be a better architect / designer and the tools available to do it. As a bonus, Evan and Neal (Cormac had to actually get real work done) were interviewed by Eric Bobrow for his Best Practices Course, Internet Marketing for Architects. Check it out. Although, we have to warn you, you will actually see and hear us.

In this episode Archispeak discusses the difference between confidence and ego, then examines simple and effective ways to establish camaraderie in an architectural office. We start the conversation with an exploration of the effects on the profession caused by technology and wonder if NCARB is an evil empire or a money laundering scheme. Also, Cormac records in the middle of a wind storm.

In this episode Archispeak takes on questions from our listeners and a group of 3rd graders. Also, Evan gets his first ‘C’ and Cormac panders to the children of Annapolis.

In this episode we discuss the importance of collaboration to the process of architecture and incorporating construction into the architectural education. Also, Cormac gets a new mic!

In this episode we discuss an architects life/work balance and reference Australian architect Andrew Maynard’s article on ArchDaily and its companion article by São Paulo-based architect Anthony Ling. Also, Cormac joins the army and finds it’s just like architecture.

In this episode we discuss the most recent Jobs Report, the importance of practical experience, suggestions for our listeners attending or soon to be graduating college and Evan's obsession with fonts. Links for the show can be found at http://archispeakpodcast.

In this episode, we share what's on our architectural library shelves. Cormac dug through his basement and found a treasure-trove of these ancient relics we call books, Neal talks about the great content in Graphic Standards and his love of comic books, and Evan talks about how these resources are just some of the necessary tools everyone who calls themselves an architect should have. We get a little derailed (in a good way of course) to talk about Design vs. design (capital D vs. little d), the "hand off" of the project between different teams in an office, working with teams, and ownership of a project by the people who work on it versus the mindless assembly line-mentality of picking up redlines. And there's a bonus "secret track" after the episode's official end at 1:14:17. Join the conversation and share what's in your architect's library on twitter by using the #architectslibrary hash tag and post a picture! Links to all the books we've talked about are on our website at http://archispeakpodcast.com.

We discuss the current state of being an architect versus the old days of the master builder, how architects can educate clients, the importance of sleep in our manic profession, and we begin to tackle the topic of proper planning for the ever-looming deadlines that keep us on the move.

In our inaugural episode, we start things out by defining archispeak, try to define architecture, and talk about what the general public probably thinks architecture is and what it isn't. Neal drops a bomb and tells architecture students that they probably aren't going to be designing the next Freedom Tower. Sad trombone.