Best Evan Troxel & Cormac Phalen Podcasts (2025)

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#375 - Yale Center for British Art by Louis Kahn 1:06:22

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18h ago1:06:22

1:06:22

In this episode of Archispeak, we walk through the Yale Center for British Art by Louis Kahn and reflect on what makes this building truly great. From its masterful use of natural light and honest materials to the clarity of its spatial organization, Kahn’s final building is both a work of art and a place for art. We discuss what it feels like to e…

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#374 - 2025 Summer of Architecture, Part 1 1:21:55

22d ago1:21:55

1:21:55

In part 1 of our summer series centered on the 2025 AIA Conference on Architecture, we discuss Evan's first visit to Boston and share his and Cormac's impressions of the city. Rather than focusing on CEUs or presentations, we explore how the AIA Conference continues to serve as a powerful gathering place for the profession. The serendipity of in-pe…

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#373 - ‘Slowing Down to Speed Up’, with Carla Johnson 1:17:46

1M ago1:17:46

1:17:46

In this episode of Archispeak, we’re joined by Carla Johnson—author, speaker, and innovation strategist—for a conversation that’s both energizing and reflective. We dive into the idea of “slowing down to speed up” and how reconnecting with our innate curiosity might be the most important skill for architects and creative professionals today. Carla …

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#372 - AU - The Future of Home Automation 1:02:46

2M ago1:02:46

1:02:46

In this episode of Archispeak, we explore the evolving frontier of home automation with Jeff Thomas of Control4 and Michael Smith of Bromic Heating. Together, we unpack the layered relationship between architecture and integrated technology—why it’s critical to bring smart home specialists in early, how lighting, heating, and sound are blending int…

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#371 - Genius Loci 57:02

2M ago57:02

57:02

What makes architecture memorable? Why do some spaces hit you in the chest while others feel hollow? In this episode of Archispeak, we explore a concept that’s rarely taught but deeply felt. Genius loci. The spirit of the place. From volunteering as a docent at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home and Studio to taking a group of recent grads on an architectur…

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#370 - Rebuilding After The LA Fires 39:25

2M ago39:25

39:25

In this episode of Archispeak, we’re joined by Jessica Orlando, Vice President and President-Elect of the AIA Pasadena Foothill chapter, to explore how architects are stepping up in the aftermath of the recent Altadena and Palisades wildfires in Southern California. Jessica shares how the AIA’s volunteer-led “Ask an Architect” initiative is connect…

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#369 - Salary Transparency in Architecture 57:41

3M ago57:41

57:41

In this episode of Archispeak, we sit down with Robert Yuen, CEO and co-founder of Monograph, to dive into the findings from their latest Architecture and Engineering Salary and Business Benchmarks Report 2025. We discuss how Monograph’s anonymized real-world data provides a clearer picture of salaries, utilization, and realization rates across the…

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#368 - Architectural Ratchet Straps 48:44

3M ago48:44

48:44

In this episode we explore the intersection of structural engineering, adaptive reuse, and creative problem-solving in architecture. From a lighthearted discussion about ratchet straps as unconventional structural solutions to a deep dive into the challenges of modernizing existing buildings, this episode showcases how architects and engineers tack…

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#367 - Level of Expected Standard of Care 1:19:15

4M ago1:19:15

1:19:15

Join us for an engaging discussion with Chad Clary where we explore how architectural projects differ from movies and video games in terms of crediting contributors. We talk about whether the industry needs a better system for recognizing all those involved in building projects. The conversation also covers the critical importance of specificity in…

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#366 - Why Architects MUST Question Everything to Create Memorable Spaces 55:15

4M ago55:15

55:15

In this episode, we have a discussion about the value of sketching for idea development, the importance of questioning everything in architecture, the impact of architecture on people's memories and experiences, and the need for architects to engage with users and understand the spaces they create. Episode Links: The Art Museums of Louis I. Kahn (A…

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#365 - Why Architects MUST Reimagine the Profession 1:19:48

4M ago1:19:48

1:19:48

William Dodge joins the podcast to discuss his latest article the integration of AI in architecture, its impact on creativity, the evolving role of architects, and the shift towards innovative practices and micro studios, highlighting the future of the profession. Click here for images that William shared during the conversation. Episode Links: Wil…

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#364 - AU - Outdoor Design Trends on Cruise Ships 44:59

4M ago44:59

44:59

In this episode we welcome Helena Sawelin from Tillberg Design to explore the evolution of cruise ship design. Helena shares her company's impressive 60-year legacy and their expertise in luxury cruise, yacht, and residential ship design, along with their commitment to sustainability. She reflects on her 30-year progression from FF&E designer to bu…

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#363 - The Ramifications of Decisions 51:49

5M ago51:49

51:49

In this episode, we talk about design intent and construction tolerances. We examine how architectural designs intersect with construction realities, exploring the crucial communication between architects, contractors, and clients. The discussion covers the challenges of maintaining construction standards within specified tolerances, while emphasiz…

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#362 - A Brutal(ist) Review 49:15

5M ago49:15

49:15

In this thought-provoking episode, Evan and Cormac engage in a spirited critique of "The Brutalist," with an in-depth analysis of cinema through an architect's lens. We explore how architectural principles like clarity, editing, and supporting a core concept apply equally to filmmaking. We discuss the dangers of creative overindulgence and the impo…

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#361 - ‘Does the Profession Value Specifiers?’, with Jeff Potter 1:08:11

6M ago1:08:11

1:08:11

In this episode, we dive deep into the often overlooked role of architectural specifiers. Our special guest, Jeff Potter, shares his unconventional path to becoming a spec writer and discusses the challenges and triumphs along the way. We use this opportunity to address a listener's question about the perception and value of the specifier role with…

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#360 - Guiding Without Influencing 49:09

6M ago49:09

49:09

In this episode, we talk about early AEC exposure to high school students with a discussion of the ACE Mentorship Program. We share personal experiences and insights from mentoring high school students, talk about the program's value in exposing young minds to architecture, construction, and engineering. The conversation covers the challenges and r…

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#359 - Cormac’s Problem with Corbusier 46:48

6M ago46:48

46:48

In this episode, we discuss Cormac’s excitement about the Detroit Lions making the playoffs and explore the significant transformation happening in Detroit. We examine how the city's struggles have led to a new era of development and restoration. The main focus of our conversation centers on Le Corbusier and the often-overlooked contributions of hi…