#330 - Pseudo Productivity and the Right to Disconnect

In this episode of the Archispeak podcast, Je’Nen Chastain, founder of Apostrophe Consulting, joins us to discuss the shifts and challenges in the realm of architectural practice and running a successful firm, emphasizing leadership, business management, mentorship, and the need for adaptability within organizations. Je’Nen also touches on her personal challenges and professional evolution, the impact of the economic downturn on her generation, and the crucial role of mentorship and internal communication in fostering a supportive and engaging workspace.Episode Links:Je’Nen on LinkedInApostrophe Consulting websiteApostrophe Consulting on LinkedInApostrophe Consulting on InstagramLeadership Is an Art by Max Depree (Amazon)-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

The Archispeak University (AU) series provides educational content for architects and designers.In this episode of the Archispeak podcast, Primo Orpilla, Principal and Owner of O+A Architecture, shares his extensive experience in workplace design, tracing his experiences in the evolution of office spaces over the last 30 years.Starting his career during a challenging period, Primo talks about how he adapted to the needs of tech companies in Silicon Valley, contributing to the transformation from traditional cubicle setups to dynamic, agile work environments.Today he discusses the shift towards accommodating a variety of work styles within the office environment, emphasizing choice and flexibility for employees. Primo highlights the impact of amenities, cultural shifts, and the post-COVID landscape on workspace design, aiming to attract talent and foster productivity. Moreover, he explores the significance of creating diverse outdoor workspaces and integrating technology to support and enhance the work experience.The conversation concludes with valuable advice for architects and designers on engaging with clients to craft spaces that resonate with current and future workforce expectations.Episode Sponsor:This episode has been made possible with the generous support of Bromic Heating.Episode Links:Studio O+A websiteStudio O+A on LinkedInStudio O+A on InstagramPrimo on LinkedInPrimo on InstagramBromic websiteEclipse heatersBromic heater Revit and CAD filesDesign service with a heating expert-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

In this episode, Michael Ermann of Amber Book and Virginia Tech joins us as we tackle the topic of architectural internships – both for those seeking and for the firms providing them.We kick off by sharing our early internship experiences and comparing them to modern practices. We discuss the treatment of internships as a scarce resource by many architectural firms and its impact on the industry and transition from education to professional roles.We also reveal essential tips for students seeking summer internships and provide advice for firms on how to create a meaningful internship program and identify the best internship candidates. The conversation also explores the benefits of early licensure for emerging professionals and the pitfalls that hold people back within the profession.Episode SponsorsAmber BookPass the ARE® with Amber Book. Get your architecture license and build your career with our immersive, visually engaging ARE 5.0 exam prep. It’s time to pass the ARE 5.0 and have fun doing it.Episode Links:Amber Book websiteAmber Book on LinkedInAmber Book on InstagramMichael on LinkedIn-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

In this episode, podcaster Enoch Sears joins us to do a deep dive into the evolution of architectural podcasting over the last 12 years, the challenges and triumphs of running an architecture practice, and the importance of adopting a business mindset in order to run a successful practice.Episode Links:Enoch on LinkedInEnoch on InstagramBusiness of Architecture website-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

We discuss Australia's 'Right to Disconnect' law, which aims to protect employees from having to engage in work-related communications outside of work hours, and the implications for both workers and companies. We get into the challenges and inefficiencies of modern work environments, including constant connectivity, the impact of email, and how technology has both helped and worsened work-life balance. We conclude with reflections on potential solutions for managing workloads and maintaining boundaries in the digital age.Episode Links:Australia Introduces Workers’ ‘Right to Disconnect’ (New York Times)-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

The Archispeak University (AU) series provides educational content for architects and designers.In this episode, Sara Schneider of TCA Architects joins us to talk about design trends in multi-family and mixed use project types.Sara is a veteran in the interior design field with a 20-year background, predominantly in hospitality, now focusing on multifamily residential projects with a mixed-use aspect at TCA. Located in Irvine, California, with offices in Los Angeles, Oakland, and Honolulu, TCA specializes in creating multifamily residential spaces that offer a blend of luxury, functionality, and community living.Today Sara discusses the importance of designing for different types of projects including multifamily, mixed-use, and student housing. She emphasizes the incorporation of amenities like outdoor spaces, fitness centers, and community areas that cater to a modern lifestyle, aiming for flexibility and adaptability to cater to various resident needs.The conversation highlights trends in multifamily living, the long term impact of COVID-19 on design considerations and tenant expectations, and the role of amenities in attracting residents. Sara's insights reveal a shift towards creating multifamily spaces that not only serve functional purposes but also foster a sense of community and well-being, reflecting a broader trend in residential design towards lifestyle-driven amenities.This episode has been made possible with the generous support of Bromic Heating.Episode Links:Sara Schneider on LinkedInTCA Architects websiteTCA Architects on LinkedInBromic websiteEclipse heatersBromic heater Revit and CAD filesDesign service with a heating expert-----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 the things we do where we are so “in the zone” that we completely lose track of time. We also talk about the importance of failing as part of the learning process, the idea of the ‘flow state’, and how this can be achieved when deeply engaged in problem solving. We also touch on the notion of self-doubt and imposter syndrome and the importance of intrinsic motivation and good habits in achieving success.Episode Links:System Kid music (Evan’s band)Flow state (Wikipedia)Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Dan Pink (Amazon)-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

In this episode, Cormac reflects on the challenges, memories, and learnings from his most successful and intense project. He shares the story of the EO Wilson Biophilia Center in Florida which he compares to 'jazz' due to the ensemble of different ideas, skills, and experiences that came together to create something harmonious. We also explore our experiences with difficult projects, budgets, and client relationships that still resulted in remarkable outcomes.Episode SponsorChaosFor a limited time, get a 20% discount on Fixed and Floating Annual License of Enscape. Head to https://chaos-enscape.com and use code RES24 at checkout to supercharge your design workflow.-----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, we discuss the overwhelming volume of emails we receive and the culture of "ASAP" that often accompanies it.We reflect on the time-consuming nature of emails and question how firm leadership would react if they knew how much time their employees spend managing their inboxes.The conversation then shifts to the topic of boundaries in the workplace and the struggle to maintain a work-life balance in the face of constant communication and demands.We also explore the potential of AI and emerging technology in the architecture field. We discuss how these advancements could transform the industry despite the rapid pace of change and the challenges it presents.The episode concludes with a listener question about whether we would still choose to enter the architecture field given the potential future influence of AI.Episode SponsorChaosFor a limited time, get a 20% discount on Fixed and Floating Annual License of Enscape. Head to https://chaos-enscape.com and use code RES24 at checkout to supercharge your design workflow.-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

In this episode, Cormac tells us a story from the Army which sparks a discussion of various experiences on renovation and remodel projects which brings to light the meaning of the term “unforeseen conditions”. Episode SponsorChaosEnscape is soon launching something special that will make your 3D workflow the best 3D workflow for a special price. In the meantime, you can experience it for yourself for free at https://chaos-enscape.com/trial-14 or simply by Googling “try Enscape”.-----Get the show notes and links for this episode at https://archispeakpodcast.com/episodes/325-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.