Ever wonder what your mechanical engineer really thinks about your last-minute design changes?

In this candid and surprisingly fun episode of Check Set, host Brian Swem sits down with Nate Van Heukelum, a mechanical engineer at Millies Engineering, to get real about the daily chaos of building design—from duct sizing drama to documentation nightmares, and what it's really like working across disciplines in today’s architecture world.

Together they dig into:

• Why architects keep forgetting about building performance (and why it matters)
• How collaboration has shifted from “pass the baton” to “just invite me to the meeting”
• The biggest communication breakdowns between engineers and architects
• What it’s like juggling 20+ projects while your notes live across OneNote, email, Teams, and maybe a dream
• Why AI tools like Redmark could finally give engineers and designers time back (and sanity)

Bonus: Nate shares his favorite project horror stories, the soft skills no one talks about, and what advice he’d give to engineers just starting out.

🎯 This is the episode architects didn’t know they needed—and engineers will feel deeply seen.

🧠 Podcast Episode Description:
AI isn’t just generating art or helping you write emails—it’s quietly transforming how architects work, communicate, and design the built world. In this episode of CheckSet, we sit down with Alex Mead, a former construction laborer turned systems PhD and AI engineer, now helping build Redmark, a next-gen tool for architectural communication and collaboration.

Alex breaks down:

• Why so many AI tools feel like toys—and where the real power lies
• How Redmark is streamlining meeting notes, decision tracking, and client feedback
• What “technical debt” means for architecture firms (and why it’s coming for your workflows)
• Why AI won’t replace architects—but the architects using AI might
• How privacy, trust, and mentorship are being reshaped by intelligent tools

If you're curious (or skeptical) about what AI means for your job, your firm, and your future—this conversation is a must-listen.

🎙️ “AI will not replace architects. But it will change who thrives.”

In this conversation, Brian Swem and Phil Leisenga discuss the complexities of architectural project management, focusing on the Mary Free Bed project. They explore the role of technology and AI in enhancing workflow, the challenges faced during project execution, and the importance of collaboration among design teams. Phil shares insights on how technology can both hinder and facilitate the design process, emphasizing the need for effective communication and decision tracking. The discussion concludes with Phil's excitement for future projects and the potential of AI to streamline architectural practices.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Architecture and Project Management
(03:04) The Mary Free Bed Project Overview
(05:50) The Role of Technology in Architecture
(08:53) Workflow Challenges in Project Management
(12:10) AI's Potential in Architecture
(15:07) Future of Architectural Design and Collaboration
(18:07) Conclusion and Future Projects

In this conversation, Brian discusses his journey to Pure Architects, the evolution of the architecture industry, the challenges faced in modern architecture, and the impact of AI on the field. He also introduces RedMark, a new tool designed to streamline communication and reduce paperwork for architects, allowing them to focus more on design and innovation.

(00:00) Journey to Pure Architects
(01:01) Evolution of the Architecture Industry
(06:53) Challenges in Modern Architecture
(11:51) The Impact of AI on Architecture
(16:57) Introducing RedMark: A New Tool for Architects