CE Center Podcasts

DescriptionIn this Design:ED conversation, Rick Cook of COOKFOX Architects discusses his firm’s ethos, which centers on environmental stewardship, human connection, and biophilic design. He reflects on projects like the Terminal Warehouse and Google’s St. John’s Terminal, highlighting the transformation of historic buildings into sustainable, modern spaces while maintaining respect for their original materials and context. Cook emphasizes the value of site-specific design, craftsmanship across scales, and integrating nature into the built environment. He also shares insights into his partnership with Bob Fox, born from shared values rather than business strategy, and his growing interest in academic architecture aimed at benefiting future generations.Learning Objectives:Examine how principles of historic preservation and environmental stewardship can guide sustainable architectural design.Analyze strategies for integrating biophilic elements into urban projects to strengthen human-nature connections.Evaluate the challenges and solutions involved in adaptive reuse of large-scale historic buildings within dense urban environments.Explore approaches for maintaining design quality and craft across different building scales and typologies.Credits: 1.0 AIA LU/ElectiveSpeaker:   Rick Cook

DescriptionListen in as DESIGN:ED features architect Peter Ruggiero of HOK discussing key principles in contemporary airport design, emphasizing passenger experience, spatial transparency, adaptability, and sustainability. He highlights the importance of designing for change, citing projects like LaGuardia, O'Hare, and the Dulles expansion. Ruggiero reflects on his design philosophy, advocating for functional, flexible, and civic-minded architecture that responds to evolving travel demands. He also addresses material authenticity, clutter reduction, and the role of infrastructure in shaping public spaces. The discussion concludes with insights into his career journey and aspirations to enhance infrastructure design in future projects.Learning Objectives:Describe key principles of passenger-focused airport design, including transparency, flexibility, and spatial fluidity.Analyze the impact of evolving air travel demands on airport architecture and long-term planning.Evaluate the role of material selection, environmental considerations, and visual clarity in enhancing airport user experience.Examine how civic identity and infrastructure design intersect in the creation of modern transportation hubs.Credits: 1.0 AIA LU/ElectiveSpeaker:   Peter Ruggiero

DescriptionIn this conversation with DESIGN:ED, architects Jack Becker and Andrew Linn of BLD.US discuss their material-driven design philosophy, emphasizing the use of natural, locally sourced materials that weather gracefully over time. They explore the importance of craftsmanship, adaptability in construction, and the influence of historic buildings on their work. The conversation also touches on the challenges young architects face balancing creativity and financial realities, the need for material sensitivity in contemporary architecture, and their ongoing academic contributions through Virginia Tech, where they engage students in reimagining civic-scale projects in Washington, D.C. They conclude by reflecting on future opportunities, including expanding their material palette with brick in upcoming projects.Learning Objectives:Understand the role of material selection, climate responsiveness, and craftsmanship in creating enduring architectural designs.Analyze how direct involvement in construction and development processes can enhance architectural practice and project outcomes.Explore strategies for bridging academic research, civic engagement, and real-world architectural practice to drive meaningful design solutions.Evaluate the evolving role of natural materials, formal restraint, and sustainability in shaping the future of contemporary architecture.Credits: 1.0 AIA LU/ElectiveSpeaker:   Jack Becker and Andrew Linn

DescriptionIn a wide-ranging conversation, with [Speaker Name] of Perkins+Will,  DESIGN:ED discusses the adaptive reuse of malls and office spaces in response to declining retail and changing workplace habits, focusing particularly on transforming such spaces into healthcare facilities. They highlight the Perkins+Will-designed Saunders Center in Rochester, a former Sears converted into a major orthopedic outpatient facility, emphasizing design strategies such as improving patient experience, maximizing daylight, and fostering community integration. The discussion also explores broader themes in healthcare design, including sustainability, adaptability for future needs, and the evolution of hospital typologies toward more flexible, community-centered environments.Learning Objectives:Understand the design and strategic considerations involved in adaptively reusing retail and office spaces for healthcare facilities.Explore how architectural design can enhance patient experience through improved accessibility, daylighting, and community integration.Analyze the challenges and opportunities of creating flexible, sustainable healthcare environments that can adapt to future needs.Evaluate the evolving role of mixed-use developments and decentralized healthcare delivery in shaping urban and suburban communities.Credits: 1.0 AIA LU/ElectiveSpeakers:  Rob Goodwin and Scott Hansche 

DescriptionIn this engaging discussion, acclaimed architects Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi share insights into their design philosophy, innovative projects, and the evolving landscape of architecture. They explore the intersection of art, infrastructure, and urban design, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces that inspire and connect communities. Through their collaborative approach, they discuss challenges, breakthroughs, and the future of architecture in a rapidly changing world. Their conversation offers a compelling look at the creative vision and thoughtful strategies behind some of their most celebrated works.Learning Objectives:Analyze the design philosophy of Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi, focusing on their approach to integrating architecture with urban landscapes.Evaluate the challenges and innovative solutions presented in their architectural projects to enhance community engagement and functionality.Explore the intersection of art, infrastructure, and sustainability in contemporary architectural design as discussed in the conversation.Apply key insights from Weiss and Manfredi’s collaborative process to inform best practices in design thinking and project execution. Credits: 1.0 AIA LU/ElectiveSpeaker:   Marion Weiss & Michael Manfredi

DescriptionListen in as DESIGN:ED talks with Nico Keinzl, a sustainability consultant from Atelier Ten, a firm that evolved from a mechanical engineering background into a leader in sustainability and environmental design consulting. The conversation explores the firm's role in integrating sustainability into architecture through performance analysis, benchmarking, and resiliency planning. Keinzl critiques the overuse of the term "sustainability," emphasizing the need for measurable strategies rather than superficial greenwashing. Key challenges addressed include reducing carbon emissions in both building operations and material supply chains, designing for long-term adaptability, and shifting toward a circular economy. The conversation also highlights the firm's roadmap toward "absolute zero" emissions, advocating for deep reductions over reliance on carbon offsets. Additionally, the discussion touches on the industry's broader transformation, the importance of innovative yet practical architectural solutions, and the need for global cooperation in sustainable development. Looking ahead, Atelier Ten aims to expand its global impact, leveraging new resources and expertise to drive meaningful change in sustainability practices worldwide.Learning Objectives:Understand the role of sustainability consulting in architecture.Analyze strategies to reduce carbon emissions in buildings.Evaluate the limitations of carbon offsets and benefits of absolute zero.Apply adaptive and circular design for sustainable buildings.Credits: 1.0 AIA LU/ElectiveSpeaker: Nico Kienzl

DescriptionDESIGN:ED presents a conversation with Jonathan Mallie of Populous as he discusses the evolution of stadium and entertainment venue design, emphasizing the shift from purely functional spaces to immersive, memory-driven experiences. The discussion highlights how modern stadiums integrate technology, branding, and user-centric design to enhance engagement, referencing projects like the Buffalo Bills’ new stadium and the Barclays Center renovations. Jonathan, soon to be Managing Director of the Americas at Populous, reflects on the firm’s growth, the importance of community and storytelling in architecture, and the continued demand for innovative event spaces. The conversation also touches on personal career insights, leadership philosophies, and the future direction of Populous in the evolving entertainment industry.Learning ObjectivesAnalyze the evolution of stadium and entertainment venue design, focusing on user experience, branding, and technological integration.Evaluate the role of architecture in shaping community engagement and fan experiences within sports and entertainment venues.Identify key considerations in designing multipurpose venues that accommodate diverse events, from sports to concerts and large-scale gatherings.Examine leadership strategies and best practices for managing large-scale architectural projects, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation in the industry. Credits: 1.0 AIA LU/ElectiveSpeaker: Jonathan Mallie

DescriptionJoin the conversation with Mat Cash as he explores the innovative design philosophy of Heatherwick Studio, emphasizing creativity, attention to detail, and a commitment to improving the built environment. Mat highlights key projects, including Little Island in New York, Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town, and The Vessel, focusing on their unique design approaches and challenges. The studio prioritizes human-centered experiences, ensuring structures engage people emotionally and functionally. Additionally, the conversation touches on Heatherwick Studio's mentorship programs and the Humanise campaign, advocating for more thoughtful and character-rich urban spaces. The discussion underscores the studio’s dedication to creating lasting, meaningful architecture that enhances public interaction.Learning Objectives:Analyze Heatherwick Studio’s design philosophy to understand how creativity and problem-solving drive innovative architectural solutions.Evaluate the impact of human-centered design in major projects such as Little Island and Zeitz MOCAA to assess how architecture enhances public engagement and experience.Examine the role of adaptive reuse and sustainability in modern architecture by exploring the transformation of historical structures into functional contemporary spaces.Discuss the significance of mentorship and public engagement in architectural practice to promote diversity, accessibility, and meaningful urban development. Credits: 1.0 AIA LU/ElectiveSpeaker: Mat Cash

DescriptionListen in to this compelling interview discussing the recent AIA Student Forum in Austin, highlighting its decentralized approach that allowed students to engage with the city's culture and firms. Our guest, Jordan Luther is the sitting president of AIA Students (AIAS), and outlines the organization's mission to promote leadership, design, and service among students globally. The discussion covers key challenges in the architecture profession, including the disconnect between academic expectations and professional realities, work-life balance, and the need for meaningful equity and sustainability efforts. The guest emphasizes AIAS initiatives such as Freedom by Design, which encourages students to collaborate with communities on impactful projects. The importance of mentorship, professional networking, and advocacy for a healthier architecture culture is also explored, along with AIAS’s efforts to expand its influence and support students worldwide.Learning Objectives:Understand the mission and impact of AIAS in fostering leadership, design, and service among architecture students globally.Analyze the challenges of transitioning from academic studies to professional practice, including work-life balance and industry expectations.Evaluate the role of mentorship and networking in career development and the advancement of equitable and sustainable architectural practices.Explore the significance of community engagement in architecture through initiatives like Freedom by Design and its impact on local and global communities. Credits: 1.0 AIA LU/ElectiveSpeaker:   Jordan Luther

DescriptionThis conversation with Mike Armstrong, from NCARB, provides an in-depth look at the architectural licensure process, its history, and upcoming changes aimed at increasing accessibility and flexibility. Armstrong explains NCARB’s role as an advisory body to state licensing boards and outlines the three core components of licensure: education, experience, and examination. He discusses efforts to make the licensure process more inclusive, including alternative pathways for candidates without a NAAB-accredited degree and a shift toward competency-based evaluation. The discussion also touches on reducing financial barriers, improving the quality of continuing education, and modernizing the exam to better reflect professional practice. Armstrong emphasizes NCARB’s commitment to maintaining rigorous standards while creating more flexible and equitable pathways to licensure.Learning Objectives:Understand the role of NCARB in the architectural licensure process and its function as an advisory body to state licensing boards.Identify the three core components of architectural licensure—education, experience, and examination—and the alternative pathways available for candidates.Analyze the impact of competency-based licensure reforms on the profession and how they aim to create more flexible and inclusive qualification standards.Evaluate the financial and educational barriers to licensure and explore NCARB’s initiatives to improve accessibility, affordability, and professional competency development.Credits: 1.0 AIA LU/ElectiveSpeaker:   Mike Armstrong