CE Center Podcasts

DUST architects Jesus Robles Jr. and Cade Hayes discuss their approach to designing and building in often remote sites in the Southwest. Their desire to work with the natural environment and build relationships with clients sometimes means projects take on a longer timeline. The designers describe their process and approach of utilizing natural materials and explain how artistic vision can blossom from the constraints of practicality.

Learning objectives:

1. Describe some of the lessons Robles and Hayes learned while sourcing black sand for the Sombra de Santa Fe project.
2. List some of the qualities DUST looks for when considering whether to pursue a project.
3. Discuss some approaches the firm has taken to reduce budget while meeting design goals.
4. Explain DUST’s philosophy and approach when dealing with larger projects like the Aruba Resort.

0.50 AIA LU/HSW

Speaker: Aaron Prinz

Chandra Robinson, Principal at Portland-Oregon-based firm Lever, discusses the importance of community engagement in architectural projects. While the firm chooses to pursue projects that will challenge them in the realm of innovative design, Robinson and her team consistently approach their work with broader goals in mind, including the local sourcing of materials and a people-first sensibility based in equity and sustainability.   

Learning objectives: 

1. Explain why and how Chandra Robinson and her team at Lever work on open source projects. 
2. Describe the design elements Lever has proposed for their project with the Portland Art Museum in Maine. 
3. Discuss the ways in which Robinson sees engaging with the community first will help the firm’s architectural projects be successful. 
4. List some of the testing research Lever engaged in with their mass timber project. 

0.50 AIA LU/HSW

Speaker: Aaron Prinz

In September 2022, the staff and management of Bernheimer Architecture announced that they had organized an architectural union, Architectural Workers United—the first private sector union of architectural professionals in the U.S. In this podcast, Bernheimer architects Andrew Daley and Danielle Tellez explain the success of their campaign, the pros and cons of the process, and the ways in which they see unionizing strengthening the industry and, ultimately, benefiting everyone. And they discuss how unionizing—even in small firms—can better work culture and help firms grow and innovate.

Learning objectives: 

1. Describe the process of unionizing for Bernheimer Architecture staff and management.
2. List some pros and cons Daley and Tellez mention about unionizing in the American workplace.
3. Explain the ways in which classism plays into attitudes around architecture and unionization.
4. Discuss some of the misconceptions people have about unionizing in small firms and how Daley and Tellez respond to those concerns.

0.50 AIA LU/HSW

Speaker: Aaron Prinz

Kevin Daly of Kevin Daly Architects discusses the Houston Endowment project, a collaboration with Mexico City-based firm Productora. The podcast delves into Daly’s evolution from working with architect Frank Gehry to his current position teaching at UCLA. Daly offers his thoughts on how large, competition-driven projects differ from his small-scale residential projects, and discusses the changing landscape of architecture.

Learning objectives:

1.   Describe how Kevin Daly views the role of physical models in a modern firm.

2.   List some of the key materials used in the Houston Endowment project.

3.   Discuss the pros and cons Daly sees in how young architects come to the field.

4.   Explain how Daly views the benefits and opportunities of collaborative architecture projects.

0.50 AIA LU/HSW

Speaker: Aaron Prinz

In the wake of winning the 2023 AIA Gold Medal, Carol Ross Barney of Ross Barney Architects discusses the design process behind both the Chicago Riverwalk project and the Oklahoma City Federal Building. She explains the importance of design and sustainability in public spheres, the role of mentors, and some of the greatest challenges and learning experiences she’s had in her long, well-renowned career.

Learning objectives:



1.   Describe Carol Ross Barney’s philosophy on the importance of design in all projects.

2.   List the reasons Barney got involved in the Oklahoma City Federal Building and what she learned from it.

3.   Discuss how the two MacDonald’s projects Barney’s firm worked on fit into the work they had done previously in public parks projects.

4.   Explain how Barney views collaboration, leadership, and the evolution of women in architecture.

0.50 AIA LU/HSW

Speaker: Aaron Prinz

Nabr co-founders Bjarke Ingels, Nick Chim and Roni Bahar join the podcast to discuss the design and development of San Jose’s SoFA One, the changing landscape of the American city, and how the firm aims to provide affordable housing solutions through home ownership. The group discusses how their unique backgrounds play into the solution and discuss their vision for desirable housing that can help create vibrant communities.

Learning objectives:

1.    Explain the types of housing issues for which Nabr is trying to solve.

2.    Describe how the Nabr lofts address individual distinctiveness despite their standardized building process.

3.    Discuss how the model invites collaboration with products from other companies, including emerging product designers.

4.    Describe the financing and logarithm aspects of Nabr’s model.

0.50 AIA LU/HSW

Speaker: Aaron Prinz

Annabelle Selldorf, principal at Selldorf Architects, joins the podcast to discuss the process of designing San Diego’s Museum of Contemporary Art, her firm’s work at London National Gallery, and finding her way to architecture through the New York art scene. Throughout this interview, she considers setbacks, proud moments, and the lessons that have helped her navigate the often tricky but rewarding practice of renovating beloved public spaces with a human-centered focus in mind.

Learning objectives:

1.    Describe Annabelle Selldorf’s philosophy on how she approaches public art projects.

2.    Discuss challenges and successes Selldorf faced with the San Diego museum project.

3.    Explain her thoughts on how architects experience setbacks.

4.    List important lessons she learned that she would advise young architects to consider.

0.50 AIA LU/HSW

Speaker: Aaron Prinz

Marlon Blackwell joins the podcast to discuss the design process for the Thaden School in Bentonville, building within the context of Northwest Arkansas, and the impact materiality can have on architecture. He specifically addresses his journey into architecture and discusses the qualities he thinks new architects should keep in mind as they navigate place and space.

Learning objectives:

1.    Discuss the elements of Ozark architecture utilized by Blackwell.

2.    Describe the way Thaden School uses its architectural design to invite education and community.

3.    List the pursuits Blackwell believes students of architecture should consider when it comes to projects.

4.    Explain how Blackwell has taken setbacks and turned them into successes.

0.50 AIA LU/HSW

Speaker: Aaron Prinz

Mark Gardner, a principal at Jaklitsch / Gardner Architects, joins the podcast to discuss designing across cultures, architecture as a social practice, and his non-traditional path to the field. He discusses some of his most formative projects and how what seemed like early setbacks actually turned into strengths once he began practicing.

Learning objectives:

1.    Discuss how understanding a different culture’s design practices and material preferences can lead to successful projects.

2.    Explain how Gardner’s years after architecture school informed his later work in positive ways.

3.    Describe the ways Gardner frames architecture through the lends of social issues.

4.    List some of the ways his Tanzania project transformed Gardner’s ways of thinking about form.

Deborah Berke of Deborah Berke Partners joins the podcast to discuss authenticity in architecture, how her work as dean of Yale influences her practice, and the design process for NXTHVN—an adaptive reuse project for an up-and-coming artist in New Haven, Connecticut. She also discusses the importance of cultivating a good workplace culture in architectural firms, and encouraging students to understand the full process building, and how it impacts communities.

Learning objectives:

1.    Discuss the ways in which Deborah Berke sees academia and professional life interacting in the world of architecture.

2.    Describe the ways in which the NXTHVN project sought to be an authentic part of the New Haven community.

3.    List some of the qualities Berke desires to see in her students at Yale and why.

4.    Explain how Berke sees setbacks and successes when it comes to becoming an architect.

0.50 AIA LU/HSW

Speaker: Aaron Prinz