#346 - Balancing Academia and Professional Practice

In this episode, we dive into Cormac’s hoarding tendencies (aka our mutual love for architectural collectibles) by unboxing a special edition set of Frank Lloyd Wright Blackwing pencils, then talk about how to protect these valuable items from children. The conversation then shifts to recent travels, including Cormac’s trip to Baltimore to visit his Johns Hopkins project and for a major office collaboration day. Then it’s Evan’s turn to talk about his recent trip to San Diego for the annual Autodesk University conference. While there he had the chance to visit UC San Diego's Geisel Library, a marvel of brutalist architecture. Other topics include ongoing architectural projects, the logistics of managing large-scale adaptive reuse, and the joys and challenges of professional networking and conferences. See the photos of Geisel Library here.Episode Links:Frank Lloyd Wright Blackwing PencilsGeisel LibraryWilliam PereiraFallen Star (the little blue house at UCSD)Autodesk University-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

In this special Episode 350 of the Archispeak podcast, we discuss the celebration of our milestone with an unboxing of fresh beans from “Coffee Boy”. We also talk about Evan’s un-conference experience in Florida that allowed for personal growth, leadership development, and some fun activities like learning to E-foil. Just beware of the 🌀 and 🐊.Episode Links:Coffee Sketch PodcastArchispeak episode 300 with the hosts of the Coffee Sketch Podcast (YouTube)AEC Acoustics Leadership RetreatAutodesk UniversityTurons of Yellowstone Instagram-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

Join us on a captivating exploration of cutting-edge architecture with insights from our special guest, Slade Sheaffer. In this episode we dive into Slade's travels across Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany as he uncovers the fusion of infrastructure and architecture with noteworthy projects like Copenhagen's Camp Adventure Tower and the city’s unique skiing experience at Copenhill, among others. Tune in to the Archispeak YouTube channel for a visual tour through iconic European sites and innovative urban landscapes that inspire sustainable and multifunctional spaces.Episode Links:Robert Saemisch Prize from the Arizona Architecture FoundationProjects visited:CopenhagenCopenHill (BIG) – waste to energy plant doubling as a ski hill!https://www.copenhill.dk/enhttps://www.archdaily.com/925970/copenhill-energy-plant-and-urban-recreation-center-bigCamp Adventure Observation Tower (EFFEKT) – spiraling ramp observation tower in the foresthttps://www.archdaily.com/914486/camp-adventure-observation-tower-effektKaren Blixens Plads Public Square (Cobe)The Opera Park (Cobe)The Mountain (BIG)8 House (BIG) – residential building w/ elevated public promenadehttps://www.archdaily.com/83307/8-house-bigIKEA CPH (Dorte Mandrup) – part of the 1-km long elevated park spacehttps://www.archdaily.com/962740/dorte-mandrups-design-for-ikea-copenhagen-features-a-rooftop-park?ad_campaign=normal-tagKaktus Towers (BIG) – immediately adjacent to IKEA CPH & part of elevated park spacehttps://www.archdaily.com/1012359/bigs-kaktus-towers-near-completion-in-copenhagenSUND Nature Park (SLA)Park ‘n’ Play (JAJA Architects)https://www.archdaily.com/884956/park-n-play-jaja-architectsIsraels Plads (Cobe)Nørreport Station (Cobe)Red Cross Volunteer House (Cobe)Basecamp Lyngby (Larz Gitz Architects) – snaking mass residential building w/ hiking path on roofhttps://archello.com/project/basecamp-in-lyngbyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UHGCWCJkmw&t=41sSuperkilen Color-coded Urban Space (Topotek, BIG, Superflex)AarhusSalling Roofgarden (Henning Larsen)Moesgaard Museum (Henning Larsen)Aarhus Harbor Development (Gehl/BIG + others)Aarhus Harbor Bath (BIG)ARoS Museum of Art, Aarhus (Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects)RotterdamMarkthal (MVRDV)...

In this episode, we kick off with discussions about favorite movies and documentaries, leading into the portrayal of architects in film, and eventually pivot to the intricate world of adaptive reuse projects. Cormac shares his new teaching experiences, detailing a unique studio project involving real-world constraints with students working on an adaptive reuse project in Flint, Michigan.The episode covers various aspects of architectural education and practice, emphasizing the integration of different disciplines, the importance of site visits, and the role of creativity within constraints.Episode Links:Salad Days: A Decade of Punk in Washington D.C. (1980-1990)Interstellar (Wikipedia)Inception (Wikipedia)The Brutalist (Wikipedia)TRXL 073: ‘Design, Equity, & Data’, with Nicholas Cameron-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

Join us as we discuss Evan’s summer family road trip, loaded with scenic stops, family adventures, and unexpected roadside attractions. And fear not! There is also talk about architectural registration as we share personal experiences about the process of obtaining and maintaining licenses in various states. From navigating NCARB procedures to exploring ghost towns and national parks, this episode is packed with travel stories, practical advice, and a touch of nostalgia. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast or a travel buff, there's something in this episode for you!Episode Links:Badlands National ParkJewel Cave National MonumentBlack Hills of South DakotaSinks Canyon State Park, WYMount Rushmore National MonumentCrazy Horse-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

In this episode we have a conversation about Cormac's exciting new adventure as an adjunct faculty member at Lawrence Technical University. We discuss the nuances and challenges of teaching architecture, the importance of understanding the 'why' behind architectural tasks, and the often under-appreciated value of PhDs in the field. Cormac also shares his practical approach to mentoring and the significance of maintaining a holistic perspective in design. Episode Links:Lawrence Technological University College of Architecture + Design-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

Join us as we dive into Cormac's continued architectural summer adventures. This time he’s exploring the East Coast, Prince Edward Island, and visiting one of his favorite architects in Nova Scotia.Today he tells us about his visits to iconic sites such as Yale's Louis Kahn buildings and Eero Saarinen's hockey arena. Hear about his surprise anniversary trip to Anne of Green Gables locations, and a fanboy moment meeting renowned architect Brian MacKay-Lyons. Along the way, absorb insights into regional architecture, family history research at the Canadian Immigration Museum, and vibrant street life in Quebec City. Tune in for another episode of Cormac’s architectural travel tales!Episode Links:Cormac’s Quebec City post on InstagramLunenburg: UNESCO World Heritage CenterMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple:Two-Hulls HouseSliding HouseShobac Campus-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

In this episode, we discuss pen refills and alignment OCD, the significance of what makes some architecture lovable (e.g. the Farnsworth House), a review of the book '100 Buildings' by Thom Mayne, exploring its relevance and the impact of past architectural precedents on modern practices, a deep dive into why certain buildings are preserved with immense dedication (e.g. Fallingwater), while others are overlooked, and more.Episode Links:Louis Sullivan’s Wainright Building is for sale (Archpaper)Wainright Building (ArchDaily)Book: 100 Buildings 1900-2000 by Thom Mayne and Eui-Sung Yi (Amazon)Marilyn Moedinger’s tweet-----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 our experiences with punch lists. What are they? Who should be creating them? Why do they exist? We also talk about the practice of architecture being an adhocracy, what that means, and wonder if there’s any way our profession can change. Episode LinksTRXL podcast 158: ‘AEC is an Adhocracy’, with Andy Robert and Mercedes Carriquiry-----Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

Evan is jealous. Cormac recently went on a road trip with special guest Angelo Pirali to explore many (yes many!) remarkable architectural landmarks, and they’re here today to share about it. Key highlights include visits to Cranbrook, the Farnsworth House, Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic homes and buildings (including Taliesn and Johnson Wax), Millennium Park, and much more. The discussion revolves around Angelo and Cormac’s intention of studying these places “from idea to execution”. From historic masterpieces to contemporary projects, this journey provides deep insights into the essence of experiencing architecture.Links and Trip Itinerary (no, we didn’t talk about all of these):Day 1:Ford House Visitor Center&nbsp;(SmithGroup)Edith and Edsel Ford House&nbsp;(Albert Kahn)Smith House&nbsp;(FLW)Cranbrook&nbsp;(the Saarinen boys)Affleck House&nbsp;(FLW)Tour of downtown Detroit / Grosse PointesDay 2:The Rookery&nbsp;(Burnham and Root / FLW)The Monadnock BuildingChicago Institute of Art (Renzo Addition)Pritzker Pavilion&nbsp;(Gehry)Apple Store&nbsp;(Foster)Chicago Tribune Bldg&nbsp;(Howell’s &amp; Hood)Glessner House&nbsp;(HH Richardson)Stroll down Prairie Ave.Robie House&nbsp;(FLW)Day 3:Fabyan Windmill&nbsp;(?)Farnsworth House&nbsp;(Mies)Unity Temple&nbsp;(FLW)FLW House and StudioOak Park Tour<a...