The High Point podcast - Atelier Crescendo's podcast

Vince Granato, Chief Projects Officer at the Port of Portland, takes us inside the $2.15 billion transformation of PDX (Portland International Airport), Oregon’s largest-ever public infrastructure project. From the cult following of the airport carpet to partnerships with local Native American tribes, Vince reveals how the new terminal was built with flexibility, seismic resilience, and sustainability in mind. Discover how a modular timber roof was constructed across the airfield, then moved into place, and how working with the Yakama Nation helped redefine what sustainable sourcing really means.00:00:00 - Episode Begins00:01:13 - Intro to Vince and the PDX Project00:04:04 - The Famous PDX Carpet00:07:37 - America’s Best Airport?00:08:55 - The Main Terminal Building Redesign00:15:37 - Building the Structure out of Timber00:19:42 - Seismic Resilience00:25:57 - Finances00:33:35 - Why Such a Unique Design?00:36:15 - The Architect + Contractor00:43:17 - How Long did the Design Take?00:45:42 - Where Were the Elements Built?00:53:07 - Working with the Yakama Nation01:07:09 - Different Phases of the Project01:09:02 - Sustainability01:11:14 - Environmental Impact of Air Travel01:14:27 - Consulting for Other Airports01:18:13 - Final Thoughts01:19:31 - How to Get in TouchLearn more about the Port of Portland, the award-winningredesign of PDX Airport,and connect with Vince on LinkedIn.Subscribe, rate, and review High Pointwherever you listen—and tell us: would youtake a foot selfie on the carpet?

Architect Emmy from Falugruppen Arkitektkontor and timberconstruction expert Emma from Stora Enso reveal the behind-the-scenes challenges of designing the new Kristinehallen Concert Hall in Falun, Sweden. (Special thanks to Stora Enso for their help in organising the episode)From the decision to feature exposed timber beams to a design change that saved nearly 10 million Swedish Krona, the process is packed with innovation, cost-saving strategies, and architectural risk-taking. The duo dive into mass timber architecture, CLT (cross-laminated timber), and sustainable building practices, all while working within the constraints of a heritage site. Learn how timber and concrete were combined to meet strict acoustic performance standards, accessibility goals, and budget pressures in this bold example of Scandinavian sustainable design.00:00:00 - Episode Begins00:01:00 - Introduction to Emmy + Emma00:02:26 - Kristinehallen Concert Hall project00:04:23 - The design choice to use timber00:05:45 - Collaboration with the constructor00:06:57 - Other materials used in the design00:07:42 - Benefits of timber00:09:29 - Acoustics00:10:53 - StoraEnso's work on the project00:13:20 - Where do StoraEnso source their materials from?00:15:03 - What were the main challenges of the project?00:17:12 - Cost of the project00:18:07 - Main design features00:19:42 - Budget changes pre and post pandemic00:25:18 - Designing a Timber construction with or without a contractor?00:26:19 - How to get in touch with Emmy and Emma Learn more about Falugruppen Arkitektkontor, Stora Enso, and the KristinehallenConcert Hall redesign.

SummaryDiscover how the construction industry is being reshaped by circular economy principles in this episode featuring Rob Smith, co-founder of Material Index. Rob shares his journey from oil and gas to sustainable construction, revealing the massive carbon footprint of traditional materials like concrete—and how smarter reuse can change everything.We dive into the practical challenges and scalable opportunities of material reuse, pre-demolition audits, secondary materials marketplaces, and SaaS technology that supports environmental consultancy and material cataloging. Learn how Material Index is driving innovation in building deconstruction, material passports, and the reuse of kitchens, building components, and more—while helping architects, developers, and contractors meet rising demand for low-carbon solutions.If you are in architecture, property development, or sustainable construction, this conversation explores real-world case studies, pricing models, and the digital tools accelerating change in a carbon-intensive industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Material Index and Reuse in Construction10:10 Transition from Oil and Gas to Construction20:10 Founding Material Index and Initial Challenges29:54 The Role of Pre-Demolition Audits39:53 Developing the Platform and Services50:03 Market Landscape and Future Directions40:53 The Market for Reused Materials43:46 SaaS Solutions for Material Auditing46:10 Guidance for Architects on Material Reuse48:05 Case Studies in Material Decommissioning50:55 Understanding Material Value and Pricing54:02 Challenges in Reusing Concrete56:07 Exploring the Market for Secondary Materials01:01:06 The Future of Kitchen Reuse01:03:06 Innovations in Material Recovery and Reuse

Summary Step inside London’s Brutalist masterpiece as Philippa Simpson — Director for Buildings & Renewal at the Barbican Centre — unpacks the once-in-a-generation project to refresh this 1970s cultural icon. From tricky way-finding through its residential estate to an ambitious master-plan that weaves sustainability, accessibility and new music venues into the concrete fabric, Philippa shares how an international design competition, deep community consultation and a people-first ethos will shape the Barbican’s next chapter. Tune in for candid insights on nurturing fresh talent, funding the arts and what it really takes to future-proof a living legend.Chapters00:00 The Barbican Center: An Architectural Icon12:06 Renovation Plans and Challenges24:06 Design Competition and Team Selection24:18 The Importance of Team Dynamics in Appointments25:34 Navigating Competitions and Tenders in Architecture26:52 Fostering New Talent in the Industry27:54 Long-Term Planning and Phased Deliverables28:36 Addressing London's Music Venue Shortage30:11 Creating a Musical City: Beyond Classical Music32:14 The Role of Funding in Arts and Culture36:25 Challenges in Renovating Iconic Spaces41:09 Community Engagement and Consultation in Design44:33 Future Plans for the Barbican Centre

SummaryThis conversation explores the evolving landscape of mass timber construction, focusing on the importance of early planning, the role of specialists, and the integration of sustainability and acoustics in timber projects. The speakers, Dean Lewis and Mark Chen from Skanska, discuss their experiences and insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by mass timber, including cost efficiency, innovations in materials, and the future of prefabrication in the industry. This conversation delves into the evolving landscape of construction, focusing on the comparison between panelized and modular construction, the importance of sustainability, and the role of innovative tools like the EC3 in assessing embodied carbon. The discussion also highlights the integration of AI in construction processes, the potential of 3D printing, and the challenges of using timber and recycling materials in building projects.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Early Planning in Timber Projects02:52 Introduction to Skanska and Its Operations05:48 Mass Timber: Challenges and Opportunities09:05 Roles and Responsibilities in Timber Construction12:00 The Need for Specialists in Timber Engineering14:51 Acoustics in Timber Construction18:02 Sustainability and Carbon Considerations in Timber Projects20:46 Cost Efficiency of Mass Timber vs. Traditional Materials24:10 Innovations in Mass Timber Products26:50 The Future of Prefabrication in Timber Construction34:54 Panelized vs. Modular Construction37:18 Sustainability in Construction Materials40:09 The EC3 Tool and Embodied Carbon42:06 Building Codes and Sustainability Initiatives45:42 The Role of AI in Construction50:53 3D Printing and Concrete Alternatives54:12 Challenges in Using Timber for Construction01:00:00 Recycling and Reusing Building Materials

SummaryIn this conversation, we speak with Jamie and Colin, the founders of Wrapt Homes, a company focused on making homes more energy efficient through innovative retrofit solutions. We discuss their backgrounds, the challenges of starting a business, and the importance of sustainability in construction. The conversation delves into the specifics of Wrapt's services, the materials they use, and their future plans for growth and innovation in the retrofit industry. They also touch on the significance of grant funding, team dynamics, and the need for quality control in delivering their services.Takeaways- Wrapt focuses on making homes more energy efficient.- The retrofit industry faces significant challenges.- Sustainability is a core value for Wrapt.- Innovate UK grants can provide crucial support for startups.- Quality control is essential in construction projects.- Wrapt aims to simplify the retrofit process for homeowners.- The private rented sector has the worst quality housing in the UK.- Collaboration with other companies is important for growth.- Wrapt is exploring prefabrication to reduce disruption during projects.- Trust and relationship-building are key in the energy industry.Chapters00:00 The Genesis of Wrapped02:24 Founders' Backgrounds and Inspirations04:40 Understanding Wrapped's Mission and Services07:32 Navigating the Retrofit Landscape10:08 Innovative Approaches to Retrofit12:36 The Evolution of the Business Model15:25 Challenges and Learning Experiences17:58 Funding and Grants: The Innovate UK Experience20:32 Material Choices and Sustainability22:52 Team Dynamics and Employment Strategies25:33 Quality Control and Project Management27:58 Future Plans and Innovations40:10 Strategic Growth and Team Structure43:18 Organic Growth vs. Investment Opportunities49:25 Innovative Panel Production and Technology52:43 Challenges in the Private Rented Sector58:16 Innovate UK Projects and Community Engagement01:02:43 Draft Busting Services and Customer Experience01:15:51 Future Projects and Collaborations

SummaryIn this conversation, Aaron Vaden-Youmans and Peter Swallow from Grimshaw discuss the importance of sustainability in architecture, the role of sustainability leads, and the evolution of the definition of sustainability. They share insights from their experiences with various projects, including the challenges and opportunities presented by mass timber construction. The discussion also covers the significance of engaging engineers early in the design process, the benefits of design-build methods, and the future of circular construction and material reuse in the industry.TakeawaysSustainability leads are essential for managing complex sustainability agendas.Sustainability is about doing less harm to the environment and people.The definition of sustainability is evolving and needs to be context-specific.Successful projects often involve early engagement with sustainability consultants.Mass timber presents both opportunities and challenges in construction.Cost implications of mass timber can vary based on project specifics.Engaging engineers early can prevent costly redesigns later.Design-build methods are often more effective for mass timber projects.Circular construction and material reuse are critical for sustainability.Material passports can facilitate the reuse of materials in construction.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Grimshaw and Sustainability in Architecture10:54 The Role of Sustainability Leads in Architecture23:52 Case Studies: Successful Sustainable Projects38:59 Mass Timber: Opportunities and Challenges41:08 Design-Build Framework for Mass Timber Projects43:56 Navigating Building Safety and Timber Construction Risks49:11 Circular Construction and Material Reuse Innovations56:32 The Future of Timber in Sustainable Housing01:01:13 Deconstruction and Internalizing Negative Externalities01:07:01 Engaging with Material Passports and Circular EconomyFor more episodes of the High Point podcast, follow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this one⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Youtube⁠⁠.

SummaryIn this conversation, Brad Schell, the founder of SketchUp, shares his journey of creating a revolutionary 3D modelling software that transformed the design industry. He discusses the challenges and successes of building SketchUp, the acquisition by Google, as well as the importance of community feedback and the future of design with AI. Brad emphasises the significance of accessibility in design software and reflects on his entrepreneurial experiences, encouraging others to pursue their ideas without fear of failure.TakeawaysSketchUp was a game changer for 3D modelling.Accessibility in design software is crucial.Community feedback played a significant role in SketchUp's success.The acquisition of his first company by Autodesk provided valuable insights into corporate culture.Google's acquisition allowed for greater innovation and reach.Free support was a key factor in customer satisfaction.The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with challenges and rewards.AI is set to revolutionise design and modeling.Starting a company requires courage and commitment.The importance of a supportive and open company culture. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest02:43 The Magic of 3D Modeling05:46 The Birth of CADZUX08:39 The Acquisition by Autodesk11:27 Transitioning from Autodesk to Innovation14:32 The Concept Behind SketchUp17:32 The Journey to Founding a New Company20:34 Raising Funds and Building a Team23:31 The Evolution of Ideas and Products26:36 Reflections on Entrepreneurship and Innovation33:36 Navigating the Challenges of Fundraising39:19 The Birth of SketchUp: Naming and Prototyping43:53 The First Impressions: Demos and Feedback50:58 Building a Team and Product Launch57:25 Innovative Distribution: The Free Model and Market Penetration01:04:12 Word of Mouth: How SketchUp Gained Popularity01:08:53 The Birth of a Collaboration with Google01:12:08 The Exclusive Deal with Google01:14:44 Navigating the Acquisition Process01:17:10 Transitioning to Google: A New Era01:19:47 The Impact of Google on Company Culture01:24:41 The Importance of Creativity and Open Culture01:27:28 Life After Google: New Adventures01:32:28 Reflections on SketchUp and Future AspirationsFor more episodes of the High Point podcast, follow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this one⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Youtube⁠⁠.

Debbie Thompson, Theater Director of St George's Theatre in Great Yarmouth, shares the challenges of managing this Grade I listed building. Balancing her role with Sheringham Little Theatre, Debbie secured funding to revive the theatre, creating a vibrant community space. Despite post-COVID hurdles, St George’s thrives with youth programs and audience engagement. Local historian, Paul Davis, then highlights its transformation from a church to a theatre, preserving Great Yarmouth's richheritage. Find out more about St George’s and it’s partners: https://www.stgeorgestheatre.com/https://sheringhamlittletheatre.com/https://www.greatyarmouthpreservationtrust.org/ 00:00:00 - Episode Begins00:00:58 - Introduction to Debbie00:05:16 - Strengths and Issues in GreatYarmouth00:09:20 - How Has the Renovation Impactedthe Town?00:15:17 - Hosting Weddings00:17:01 - Finances00:21:17 - What's the Difference BetweenGrade 1 and Grade 2 Listed Buildings?00:22:55 - Future Improvements00:24:46 - Insurance00:26:18 - Capacity00:28:09 - Other Ideas for GeneratingRevenue00:29:53 - Restrictions00:30:58 - About Paul Davies00:32:34 - The Cafe00:34:20 - Acoustics of the Building00:41:10 - Debbie Outro00:42:38 - Intro to Paul and His Book00:46:09 - History of the Theatre as aChurch00:48:23 - Conversion to a Theatre00:49:21 - Why did the Church Close?00:50:13 - Church Layout and Design00:53:56 - The Roof00:56:49 -Past Incumbents00:59:52 - Some Final History01:01:07 - Great Yarmouth's HeydayFor more episodes of the High Point podcast, follow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this one⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Youtube⁠⁠.

SummaryIn this conversation, Paul Brannen discusses his book on timber and its role in combating climate change. He shares insights from his experience in the European Parliament and the importance of using wood in construction to reduce carbon emissions. The discussion covers the challenges and opportunities in the timber industry, the significance of insulation materials, and the impact of lobbying on policy decisions. Paul emphasizes the need for transparency in lobbying and the potential for timber to play a crucial role in sustainable urban development.Takeaways Wood can contribute significantly to climate change solutions. Insulation is essential for reducing energy consumption in buildings. Timber construction is gaining traction in urban areas. Nature-based insulation materials are underutilised in the market. Lobbying plays a vital role in shaping environmental policies. Transparency in lobbying efforts is crucial for public trust. Better insulation standards are needed for new buildings. The future of timber construction looks promising with new technologies. Climate change presents opportunities for innovation in construction. Public awareness is key to increasing demand for sustainable materials.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Timber and Climate Change04:36 The Journey to Writing the Book09:00 Understanding the Climate Change Problem13:33 The Role of Insulation in Energy Efficiency18:01 Exploring Nature-Based Insulation Materials22:39 The Future of Timber in Urban Construction32:27 The Fire Safety Debate in Timber Construction40:03 The Future of Timber Building Regulations43:25 Modular Housing: A Solution for the Future49:39 Rebuilding Ukraine: Opportunities for Timber Construction58:57 Lobbying in the Construction IndustryConnect with Paul on LinkedIn ⁠here .For more episodes of the High Point podcast, follow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this one⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Youtube⁠⁠.