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 into seamless user experiences, and where the real opportunities lie for residential architects.

We dig into the nitty-gritty: from the difference between Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi protocols, to the challenges of retrofitting systems in older homes. Along the way, we highlight how smart tech isn’t just about gadgets—it’s about extending comfort, enhancing ambiance, and making homes safer, more energy-efficient, and more enjoyable to live in.

If you’ve ever felt out of your depth when a client asks about smart thermostats, color-tunable lighting, or voice-controlled heating, this one’s for you. We’re asking the questions you didn’t know you needed to ask—so you can deliver better outcomes and stay ahead of what’s coming next.

This episode has been made possible with the generous support of Bromic Heating.

Episode Links:

• Jeff Thomas on LinkedIn
• Michael Smith on LinkedIn
• Control4 website
• Bromic website
• Eclipse heaters
• Bromic heater Revit and CAD files
• Design service with a heating expert

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Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com

Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

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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 architectural pilgrimage through Chicago, Cormac shares stories that tie memory, mentorship, and emotion to design. Along the way, we discuss how the demands of modern practice often push this spirit aside in favor of speed, budgets, and repeatability.

Together, we wrestle with what it means to create architecture that belongs—architecture that understands its context, uplifts the human experience, and becomes part of the emotional fabric of our lives. If you’ve ever stood in a space and simply felt something you couldn’t explain, this one’s for you.

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Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com

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’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 connecting displaced residents with licensed professionals to help guide them through the overwhelming process of rebuilding—many for the first time.

We discuss the powerful role architects can play in disaster response, the challenges of balancing speed with resilience in permitting and design, and the implications of relaxed regulations in the name of urgency. Jessica also walks us through what’s happening on the ground, including policy shifts, modular and prefab strategies, bulk material purchasing efforts, and the surprising silver linings some homeowners are finding in being able to reimagine what “home” means.

This conversation highlights the profession’s unique ability to lead with empathy, share knowledge, and organize in the face of crisis—and why this moment is an opportunity for all of us to do better, together.

Episode Links:

• AIAPF website
• AIAPF on LinkedIn
• AIAPF on Instagram
• AIAPF Resources for Homeowners
• Discounted AIA Contracts for architects working on fire rebuilds ($51 each)
• Jessica Orlando on LinkedIn

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Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com

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 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 industry—without relying on traditional survey methods. Together, we unpack why project managers and engineers are out-earning architects, the crucial role of financial literacy, and how radical transparency can shape a more sustainable and prosperous future for the profession.

Episode Links:

• 2025 Architecture & Engineering Business Benchmarks Report
• Robert on LinkedIn
• Monograph on LinkedIn

TRXL Podcast episodes featuring Robert Yuen

• TRXL 086: ‘Here to Do the Hard Thing’, with Robert Yuen
• TRXL 113: ‘Surprises Are Not Good’, with Robert Yuen
• TRXL 185: ‘Radical Transparency’, with Robert Yuen

Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek

• Official website
• Amazon link

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Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com

Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

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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 tackle complex design problems with ingenuity.

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Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com

Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

Support Archispeak by making a donation.

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 architectural documentation, examining how evolving professional roles affect design intent preservation while meeting contractor expectations.

Episode Links:

• The Barnes Foundation by TWBTA

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Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

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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 (Amazon Link)

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Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com

Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

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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:

• William Dodge on LinkedIn
• William’s article on Fast Company - The architecture industry may soon be unrecognizable
• a gang of three
• p-u-b-l-i-c
• Richard England (Maltese godfather of architecture who told me the story about Frank Lloyd Wright + Renzo Piano’s bff)
• Valentino Architects (tiny but amazing Maltese firm William mentioned)
• Matthew Nowicki (original designer of Chandigarh)

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Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com

Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

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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 business director, while highlighting the industry's transformation toward greener technologies and eco-friendly materials. The conversation delves into current trends in mid-size and luxury cruise ships—from seamless indoor-outdoor spaces to health and wellness amenities—and examines social media's influence on cruise tourism and design. Helena emphasizes how strong customer relationships and enduring design solutions play crucial roles in advancing sustainability.

About the Guest:

Helena has worked at TDoS since 1995, during this time, she has worked with some of the largest and most prestigious clients in the marine business, working also with high-end hotels, yachts, and high street boutiques.

Episode Sponsor - Bromic Heating

This episode has been made possible with the generous support of Bromic Heating.

Episode Links:

• Helena Sawelin on LinkedIn
• Tillberg Design of Sweden website
• Tillberg Design on LinkedIn
• Tillberg Design on Instagram
• Bromic website
• Eclipse heaters
• Bromic heater Revit and CAD files
• Design service with a heating expert

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Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com

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 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 emphasizing the value of thorough planning and coordination. We also address the inevitable compromises that emerge during construction's final phases.

Episode Links:

• Have a question for the show? Visit AskArchispeak.com

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Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.com

Thank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.

Support Archispeak by making a donation.