TheSquare Ep #109 · Biomimicry In Built Environments

Join host Bryan Greene for a lively journey into the craft of interior design at Corgan. Nicole Cain and Abby Valliere trace their paths from early inspirations to firm leadership, revealing how clear client visioning, “this or that” kick-off drills, and clever cost-versus-wow decisions turn blank plans into spaces people love.  They unpack the realities of ground-up work and adaptive reuse, share a fast-track delivery playbook that keeps schedules intact and teams healthy, and swap tips for avoiding ceiling “acne,” marrying finishes with lead-time realities, and weaving hospitality vibes and bold palettes into modern workplaces.  Favorite tools like Revit, Procreate, notebooks, and hands-on site walks come to life in success stories from tech headquarters to Park Place and Wells Fargo, all underscoring why collaboration beats silos every time. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:32 Nicole's Journey into Interiors 01:31 Abby's Role and Passion for On-Site Work 03:02 Client Relationships and Initial Meetings 05:16 Balancing Client Expectations and Design Integrity 10:12 Challenges in Adaptive Reuse vs. Ground-Up Projects 12:34 Collaboration with Engineers and Contractors 15:20 Managing Ceiling Design and Expectations 18:40 Material Selection Criteria 19:18 Fast-Tracking Projects: Key Considerations 19:38 Making Budget-Friendly Design Choices 20:45 Effective Collaboration and Team Management 22:48 Defining Success in Design Projects 24:53 Leveraging Technology in Design 30:42 Industry Trends and Personal Insights 33:58 Favorite Projects and Final Thoughts Visit: https://www.Corgan.com/  Also connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CorganInc/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CorganInc/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/CorganInc  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corgan  Video Produced by: Corgan Have Questions? We’d love to hear from you.  Email: [email protected]

What happens when a desert‑born dreamer discovers the secrets of living buildings? Join host Bryan Greene on The Square as he sits down with Dr. Eiman Graiz, Echo’s resident sustainability wizard. From her childhood in Jordan to a doctorate in digital fabrication, Eiman’s story is packed with resilience, radical curiosity, and a vision for architecture that breathes. Hear how termite mounds inspire cooler schools, why glazing isn’t the only answer, and how you can weave nature’s playbook into your next project. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:30 Growing Up in Jordan 01:12 Journey into Architecture 02:34 Educational Pursuits 05:55 Cultural Transition to the US 08:06 Research and Teaching at KU 16:58 Publications and Research Impact 23:44 Biomimicry in Architecture 25:22 Exploring Animal Texture and Function 25:47 Reflecting on Jordan and Post-COVID Changes 27:00 Future Innovations in Facade Systems 27:49 Challenges and Alternatives to Glazing 31:00 Sustainable Design and Performance Analysis 32:22 Pride in Impactful Architectural Work 34:17 Collaboration and the Role of a Sustainability Analyst 37:43 Integrating Sustainability in Design 45:44 Misconceptions and Passion for Nature 49:15 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Visit: https://www.Corgan.com/  Also connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CorganInc/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CorganInc/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/CorganInc  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corgan  Video Produced by: Corgan Have Questions? We’d love to hear from you.  Email: [email protected]

In this episode of TheSquare, we sit down with Gabriel Oros and Callea McGehee to explore how design shapes both spaces and lives. From their early sparks of inspiration to solving real-world challenges in airports and hospitals, they unpack what it means to design with empathy, intention, and impact. We dive into topics like daylighting, acoustics, the psychology of wayfinding, and how trust - and a bit of self-editing - play into the creative process. Whether you're in the weeds of a project or reflecting on your architectural legacy, this episode offers insights into the art and soul of thoughtful design. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:33 Gabriel's Journey into Architecture 02:19 Callie's Design Inspirations 05:03 Architectural Challenges and Solutions 10:24 Healthcare Design Insights 12:18 Technology's Impact on Design 17:41 Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life 31:42 Self-Editing and Client Trust 32:41 High Sea Gates at DFW: A Case Study 41:09 Designing for Short Attention Spans 46:22 Balancing Advertising and Wayfinding 49:01 Legacy and Community Impact in Design 56:51 The Importance of Daylighting and Acoustics 01:00:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Visit: https://www.Corgan.com/  Also connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CorganInc/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CorganInc/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/CorganInc  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corgan  Video Produced by: Corgan Have Questions? We’d love to hear from you.  Email: [email protected]

In this episode of TheSquare, Brandon Carmichael and architect James Adams delve into the intersection of architecture and gangster films. They discuss how key architectural settings contribute to storytelling in classic gangster movies like The Untouchables and The Departed, and evaluate the recent film Alto Nights. The pair also explores tropes common to the gangster genre, dissects pivotal scenes, and offers their unique architectural perspectives on how these spaces shape the characters and narratives. Join them for an engaging conversation filled with film analysis, architecture insights, and even some fun exercises. Don't miss their thoughts on what a modern gangster hideout might look like, their drawings of character types inspired by architectural styles, and their take on the future of gangster films. 00:00 Introduction to Gangster Films 00:58 Diving into Alto Nights 01:43 Analyzing the Genre 02:20 Key Scenes and Performances 09:57 Comparing Gangster Classics 12:15 The Untouchables: A Deep Dive 14:48 The Departed: Modern Masterpiece 25:35 Exploring Brutalist Architecture in Film 28:58 The Role of Power in Gangster Films 31:23 Iconic Gangster Tropes and Settings 31:39 Designing a Mob Boss's Headquarters 34:43 Female Characters in Gangster Films 44:21 The Importance of Architecture in Gangster Films 46:22 Choosing the Best Gangster Film 48:18 Final Thoughts and Audience Engagement Visit: https://www.Corgan.com/  Also connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CorganInc/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CorganInc/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/CorganInc  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corgan  Video Produced by: Corgan Have Questions? We’d love to hear from you.  Email: [email protected]

In this insightful episode, Brandon Carmichael and James Adams explore two films selected by their senior producer, Adam Fly, focusing on themes of architecture, emotion, and societal reflections. Dive into the contrasting yet intriguing worlds of "Equals" (2015) and "The Great Beauty" (2013), and discover how architecture subtly enhances their storytelling. Join this engaging conversation that blends thoughtful cinematic critique with architectural insights, prompting viewers to reflect on how the spaces we inhabit influence and shape our experiences. 00:00 Introduction to Episode and Film Selection 01:53 Overview of "Equals" and "The Great Beauty" 03:46 Architecture and Rome in "The Great Beauty" 12:09 Cinematic Techniques in "The Great Beauty" 16:12 Emotional Suppression and Minimalism in "Equals" 22:16 Architectural Significance in "Equals" 27:32 Comparing Emotion and Architecture in Both Films 33:25 Maximalist vs. Minimalist Architectural Trends 42:44 Preservation and Timelessness in Architecture 49:30 Authenticity, Human Connection, and Conclusion Visit: https://www.Corgan.com/  Also connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CorganInc/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CorganInc/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/CorganInc  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corgan  Video Produced by: Corgan Have Questions? We’d love to hear from you.  Email: [email protected]

Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of adaptive reuse with James Adams. Learn how existing buildings like ancient warehouses and mid-century offices are converted into modern apartments, office spaces, and more. Understand the distinctions among renovations, repositioning, and adaptive reuse, and explore case studies like the 2401 Cedar Springs project, the John Deere warehouse, and more. Discover the design challenges, the importance of sustainability, and the intricate value of preserving historic structures while adapting them for contemporary use. Visit: https://www.Corgan.com/  Also connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CorganInc/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CorganInc/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/CorganInc  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corgan  Video Produced by: Corgan Have Questions? We’d love to hear from you.  Email: [email protected]

In this episode of TheSquare, we visit Keeley Elementary in Garland ISD for a special conversation with Steve Hulsey, recently retired President from Corgan. Steve reflects on his 35-year career, sharing how he first got into architecture and how his journey led him to designing educational spaces. Keeley Elementary holds a unique place in his heart—it was the first school project he worked on from start to finish. As we walk through the school, Steve recounts the design process, the inspirations behind key architectural elements, and the challenges he faced along the way. We also explore how schools serve as the heart of a community, shaping generations of students and families. Beyond architecture, Steve discusses his approach to leadership, mentorship, and the importance of being involved in one's community. Plus, he shares what’s next in retirement—including a surprising new passion for music! Join us for a fascinating discussion about architecture, education, and the lasting impact of thoughtful design.  Visit: https://www.Corgan.com/    Also connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CorganInc/    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CorganInc/    Twitter: https://twitter.com/CorganInc    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corgan    Video Produced by: Corgan   Have Questions? We’d love to hear from you.    Email: [email protected] #Architecture #Education #Community #SchoolDesign #TheSquare #Corgan

In this special episode of TheSquare, we continue our series exploring the intersection of architecture and film. We dive into The Brutalist, a three-hour cinematic odyssey that captures the power, tension, and artistry of design. With our first-ever guest in the Architecture & Film segment, Barak Epstein of the historic Texas Theatre, we discuss what makes this film a compelling portrait of an architect’s vision, ambition, and struggle. 🚪 Is the American Dream real or a myth? 🏗️ How does architecture shape identity and legacy? 🎞️ What role does film play in shaping our perception of design? From its unique VistaVision cinematography to its controversial use of AI, we discuss the film’s masterful storytelling, its portrayal of architecture as both personal and political, and its lasting impact on design culture. Plus, we dissect the real-world inspiration behind the fictional architect Laszlo Toth and his journey to create a monumental work of Brutalist architecture. Whether you're a designer, architect, cinephile, or all of the above, this episode offers insight into how The Brutalist elevates architecture as a narrative force. 🔊 Tune in and join the conversation! Water Series Catch a flick at the Texas Theatre

This week on The Square, we’re back with our annual tradition: unpacking two iconic films through a design lens. What do "Die Hard" and "It’s a Wonderful Life" have in common? At first glance, maybe not much—one’s a high-octane action flick, the other a sentimental holiday classic. But dive deeper with us, and you’ll find surprising parallels in their themes, characters, and even architectural settings. Join Brandon Carmichael and James Adams as they explore how these two films reflect their eras, from the suburban dreams of Bedford Falls to the towering corporate ambitions of Nakatomi Plaza. We’ll discuss how architecture plays a role in storytelling, the emotional impact of design, and the subtle messages about community, sacrifice, and redemption. Plus, we settle the ultimate debate: Is "Die Hard" really a Christmas movie? (Spoiler: Yippee-ki-yay, yes it is.) Whether you're here for the design insights, the holiday spirit, or just a little Bruce Willis and Jimmy Stewart love, this episode has it all. 🎄🏢 Happy Holidays from TheSquare! Visit: https://www.Corgan.com/    Also connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CorganInc/    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CorganInc/    Twitter: https://twitter.com/CorganInc    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corgan    Video Produced by: Corgan   Have Questions? We’d love to hear from you.    Email: [email protected]

Award-winning architect and designer Umesh Kelkar, Project Designer II in the Aviation Studio, spills on his Summer Design Competition-winning project, "Deep Rooted Ellum." Intended to revitalize the district in the Southeast Dalla neighborhood, Unmesh's vision for a vibrant mixed-use development on the Southeast side of Dallas garnered critical acclaim from the Urban Land Institute and AIA Dallas as well as the Texas Society of Architects and won the FW Land Award.   Long known for its deep roots in Dallas and contributing to the urban fabric as the center of art, music, history, and culture, this mixed-use plan draws upon jazz music and blues, creating a vibrant, connected environment focused on vitality, richness, and cultural flourishes. His aviation and public spaces background informs his project, which the City of Dallas embraced.   Influenced by Jane Jacobs, the renowned writer American-Canadian journalist, author, theorist, and activist who influenced urban studies, sociology, and economics. Her book The Death and Life of Great American Cities (1961) argued that "urban renewal" and "slum clearance" did not respect the needs of city dwellers. Profoundly influential in changing the built environment, she coined the terms "mixed primary uses" and "eyes on the street" and remains one of the most influential thinkers and leaders of 21st-century urban architecture. Don't miss this riveting episode of The Square as Unmesh shares his inspiration and design processes. Be sure to include your thumbs up and comments below.   Visit: https://www.Corgan.com/    Also connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CorganInc/    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CorganInc/    Twitter: https://twitter.com/CorganInc    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corgan    Video Produced by: Corgan   Have Questions? We’d love to hear from you.    Email: [email protected]