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PODCAST

Archispeak Podcast

Evan Troxel, Cormac Phalen

Archispeak is one of architecture"s longest-running podcasts — 383 episodes of honest, unfiltered conversation about what it"s actually like to work in the profession. Since 2012, architects Evan Troxel and Cormac Phalen have been exploring design, career, firm culture, tools, work/life balance, mentoring, generational differences, and job hunting — everything that comes with building a life in architecture. This isn"t a highlight reel. It"s the conversation architects actually have — about the

art design

All Episodes

51:06

#394 - Your Architecture Degree Isn't A Dead End

Archispeak Podcast ·

2026/07/27

What do you do when you finish six years of architecture school, land in the profession, and realize none of it speaks to you? Evan and Cormac start with a former student on a Detroit construction tour who says the buildings around her are falling on deaf ears, and they take the question seriously instead of waving it off. They dig into the difference between dreading the work and feeling nothing for it, why the degree opens far more doors than the traditional path, and how meaning has to be found

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01:24:03

#391 - A Builder’s Life Done Well with David Prutting

Archispeak Podcast ·

2026/06/05

David Prutting joins Evan and Cormac to talk about what 50 years of building high-end contemporary homes has taught him about the relationship between architects, owners, and builders. They explore the trust triangle that makes or breaks a custom project, why David actively steers clients away from design-build, and the floor plan theory he's developed over decades: the stranger the plan, the better the architect was listening.This episode is especially relevant for architects at any career stage

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01:12:21

#390 - From Idea to Execution: Heliomorphism

Archispeak Podcast ·

2026/05/26

Sven Shockey, FAIA joins Evan and Cormac to talk about Virginia Tech Academic Building One — a 300,000-square-foot computer science and computer engineering building on a new campus in Alexandria, Virginia whose faceted, photovoltaic-integrated form was derived through 1,400 computational iterations. They explore what it means to design a building's exterior before the interior program is finalized, how three distinct types of building-integrated photovoltaics get assigned to 17 different facades

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35:46

#389 - I Want To See Tears

Archispeak Podcast ·

2026/05/01

A van conversion project that was supposed to take three days is now four months in and an eighth of the way done. Evan and Cormac dig into what actually happened and why an architect's brain might be the single biggest obstacle to finishing a personal fabrication project on time. They cover the scope creep hiding in "wouldn't you do it differently?", why one wrong cut forces every subsequent piece to compensate, and the design-build logic that makes real-time problem-solving both efficient and

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38:30

#388 - Frank Lloyd Wright Lemonade

Archispeak Podcast ·

2026/04/24

Cormac spent last week driving from Detroit to Baltimore for a punch review, then north to a factory two hours outside Toronto to inspect replacement vestibule glass — only to reject it for the second time because the print scale was still wrong. Along the way, he squeezed in an unplanned tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin Martin House in Buffalo, ended up teaching the docents, and toured AGNORA's glass factory, where he found something almost no other manufacturer will attempt: a fully miterless,

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56:20

#387 - The Walmart Greeter of Architecture

Archispeak Podcast ·

2026/04/18

Five years into one project. Ten into another. Three principals retired before the second one wrapped. Evan and Cormac dig into what long-duration architecture projects reveal about career identity, why the profession has always romanticized the architect who works until death, and what retirement actually looks like when architecture is all you've ever done. They also get into the slow erosion of architectural vocabulary, why Cormac put a massive "WHY" at the center of his studio board, and the

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37:44

#385 - Why Architects Can't Say No

Archispeak Podcast ·

2026/03/27

Cormacspenttwelvehourstryingtosendoneemail.Evanhasseventeenappsopenatalltimes.Thisweektheytracethearchitectureofmoderndistraction—from"you'reonmute"killingtheflowofreal-timethinking,toAImakingiteasiertodomoreofthewrongthingsfaster,tothestructuralreasonarchitectskeepsayingyeswhentheyshouldsayno.Theprofessionrunsonavailability,responsiveness,andservice,andthoseinstinctsarenowatwarwiththedeep,focusedworkthatgoodarchitectureactuallyrequires.Thisepisodeisespeciallyrelevantforarchitectswhorecognizethegapbe

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01:19:00

#384 - The AI and Expertise Paradox, with Chris Parsons

Archispeak Podcast ·

2026/03/20

Architecture firms are adopting AI faster than they're building the expertise to judge it.In this episode, we explore the AI and expertise paradox with Christopher Parsons, Founder and CEO of Knowledge Architecture, the firm behind Synthesis — a knowledge and learning platform built for AEC firms — digging into what happens when the tools your firm is counting on require more institutional knowledge to evaluate than the people on staff actually have.AI tools for technical work in architecture — code

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53:50

#381 - Anthony Laney on Craft, Clarity, and the...

Archispeak Podcast ·

2025/11/25

In this episode of Archispeak, we sit down with architect Anthony Laney to explore the ideas behind his new book, Poetics of Home. We talk about what it really takes to design spaces that feel deeply human and how his team at Laney LA has built a practice around clarity, rigor, and emotional resonance.We dig into the invisible forces that shape a great project: the trust between architects and builders, the discipline required to strip a design down to its essentials, and the humility it takes to

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53:24

#377 - The Disconnect Between Academia and Practice

Archispeak Podcast ·

2025/09/08

In this episode of Archispeak, we dive into the tough reality of how the architecture profession often fails its own. From the way firms accelerate project timelines while under-developing young talent, to the disconnect between academia and practice, we ask hard questions about why architects feel overworked, underprepared, and sometimes completely betrayed by the system they’ve dedicated their careers to. We explore how the industry’s obsession with speed and efficiency robs emerging professionals

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01:17:46

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

Archispeak Podcast ·

2025/06/16

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

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57:02

#371 - Genius Loci

Archispeak Podcast ·

2025/06/02

What makes architecture memorable? Why do some spaces hit you in the chest while others feel hollow? In this episode of Archispeak, we explore a concept that’s rarely taught but deeply felt. Genius loci. The spirit of the place.From volunteering as a docent at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home and Studio to taking a group of recent grads on an architectural pilgrimage through Chicago, Cormac shares stories that tie memory, mentorship, and emotion to design. Along the way, we discuss how the demands of

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57:41

#369 - Salary Transparency in Architecture

Archispeak Podcast ·

2025/04/28

In this episode of Archispeak, we sit down with Robert Yuen, CEO and co-founder of Monograph, to dive into the findings from their latest Architecture and Engineering Salary and Business Benchmarks Report 2025. We discuss how Monograph’s anonymized real-world data provides a clearer picture of salaries, utilization, and realization rates across the industry—without relying on traditional survey methods. Together, we unpack why project managers and engineers are out-earning architects, the crucial

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44:59

#364 - AU - Outdoor Design Trends on Cruise Ships

Archispeak Podcast ·

2025/03/17

In this episode we welcome Helena Sawelin from Tillberg Design to explore the evolution of cruise ship design. Helena shares her company's impressive 60-year legacy and their expertise in luxury cruise, yacht, and residential ship design, along with their commitment to sustainability. She reflects on her 30-year progression from FF&E designer to business director, while highlighting the industry's transformation toward greener technologies and eco-friendly materials. The conversation delves into

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51:49

#363 - The Ramifications of Decisions

Archispeak Podcast ·

2025/03/11

In this episode, we talk about design intent and construction tolerances. We examine how architectural designs intersect with construction realities, exploring the crucial communication between architects, contractors, and clients. The discussion covers the challenges of maintaining construction standards within specified tolerances, while emphasizing the value of thorough planning and coordination. We also address the inevitable compromises that emerge during construction's final phases.Episode

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49:15

#362 - A Brutal(ist) Review

Archispeak Podcast ·

2025/03/03

In this thought-provoking episode, Evan and Cormac engage in a spirited critique of "The Brutalist," with an in-depth analysis of cinema through an architect's lens. We explore how architectural principles like clarity, editing, and supporting a core concept apply equally to filmmaking. We discuss the dangers of creative overindulgence and the importance of restraint in both architecture and storytelling.Whether you're interested in film criticism, architectural theory, or simply enjoy hearing

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46:48

#359 - Cormac’s Problem with Corbusier

Archispeak Podcast ·

2025/01/27

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,

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51:25

#358 - AU - ‘Mastering Outdoor Space Design’, with...

Archispeak Podcast ·

2025/01/20

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

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01:04:31

#355 - Full Flip Flop Mode

Archispeak Podcast ·

2024/12/26

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:WorldTeamsWorldTeams can help your firm grow with a skilled and reliable

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59:52

#354 - Fighting Revit

Archispeak Podcast ·

2024/12/09

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 - WorldTeamsWorldTeams can help your firm grow with a skilled and reliable remote team. Schedule a free consultation at https://worldteams.com/hire-top-talent.-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit

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