Summary

In this episode, Kurt and Jamie discuss a variety of topics ranging from personal updates, golfing, and university experiences to the challenges of live streaming and technical difficulties. They delve into coffee preferences and the significance of art, particularly in the context of activism. The conversation highlights the importance of using art as a tool for social commentary and encourages listeners to find their voice through creative expression.


Takeaways

Kurt shares his recent family vacation and its impact on the podcast schedule.
Jamie and Kurt discuss their shared interest in golf and potential future outings.
The conversation touches on university experiences and the variety of classes taken.
Kurt shares updates on local sports teams, particularly the Flint Bucks.
Technical difficulties during the live stream lead to humorous exchanges between Kurt and Jamie.
Coffee preferences are discussed, with Jamie sharing his thoughts on a specific blend.
The importance of art and sketching is emphasized, particularly in relation to activism.
Jamie discusses a recent sketch inspired by Banksy and Basquiat, highlighting its themes.
Kurt encourages the use of art as a means of social commentary and activism.
The episode concludes with reflections on the power of art and the importance of finding one's voice.


Sound bites

"I hope so. I would hope so."
"I caught the bug."
"It's a leap of faith."


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
02:08 Golfing and Personal Interests
04:18 University Experiences and Classes
06:22 Sports Talk: Flint Bucks and MLS
08:29 Technical Difficulties and Streaming Challenges
09:48 Coffee Talk and Closing Remarks
13:50 Birds of a Feather: A Lighthearted Debate
19:54 Sketching the Scene: Artistic Exploration
36:13 Art as Activism: The Power of Expression

Send Feedback :)

Support the show

Buy some Coffee! Support the Show!
https://ko-fi.com/coffeesketchpodcast/shop

Our Links

Follow Jamie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/falloutstudio/

Follow Kurt on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kurtneiswender/

Kurt’s Practice - https://www.instagram.com/urbancolabarchitecture/

Coffee Sketch on Twitter - https://twitter.com/coffeesketch

Jamie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/falloutstudio

Kurt on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kurtneiswender

Exploring Creative Anchors and Pop Culture Influence

In this episode, Jamie and Kurt navigate through technical difficulties and dive into an intriguing discussion about drawing, design, and the impact of pop culture on creativity. They explore the themes of nationalism and identity through recent sketches, including a portrait of Frederick Douglass and Marvel characters. The conversation touches on the influence of comic books and graffiti art on their architectural practice and creative process, with nods to figures like Basquiat and Ryan Coogler. They also reflect on the importance of storytelling in architecture and share insights from Evelyn Lee and Janine Grossmann's podcast 'Practice Disrupted.'

00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
00:39 Custom Baseball Hat and Patches
02:45 Summer of Soccer and World Cup 2026
04:58 Dallas Stadium Renovations for World Cup
12:20 Canada Day and Fireworks
15:00 Dual Nationality and Citizenship Test
17:27 Coffee Talk and Greater Goods Espresso
18:52 Discussing Coffee Preferences
20:08 Caddy Shack and Movie Quotes
21:46 Analyzing Sketches and Themes
23:44 Graffiti Art and Influences
33:34 Marvel Characters and Nostalgia
47:40 Storytelling in Architecture

Send Feedback :)

Support the show

Buy some Coffee! Support the Show!
https://ko-fi.com/coffeesketchpodcast/shop

Our Links

Follow Jamie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/falloutstudio/

Follow Kurt on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kurtneiswender/

Kurt’s Practice - https://www.instagram.com/urbancolabarchitecture/

Coffee Sketch on Twitter - https://twitter.com/coffeesketch

Jamie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/falloutstudio

Kurt on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kurtneiswender

Boston AIA 2025: Conference Recap & Architectural Adventures

In this episode, Kurt and Jamie recount their experiences at the AIA 2025 conference in Boston. They discuss a variety of highlights, including keynote speeches from Pete Buttigieg and Evelyn Lee, and their own activities at the event. The hosts also share insights from their visit to the ICA, complete with an impromptu drag show, and touch on their podcast meetup and cocktail napkin sketch initiative. Plus, they offer a sneak peek into next year's conference plans in San Diego.

00:00 Surprise Introduction
00:37 Home Renovation Woes
03:48 Coffee Talk
08:15 Conference Recap
19:32 Expo Highlights and Networking
21:04 Memorable Moments and Follow-Ups
22:21 Conference Keynotes and Special Guests
26:18 Architectural Insights and Reflections
30:26 ICA Meetup and Design Observations
42:18 Karaoke Night and Final Thoughts

Send Feedback :)

Support the show

Buy some Coffee! Support the Show!
https://ko-fi.com/coffeesketchpodcast/shop

Our Links

Follow Jamie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/falloutstudio/

Follow Kurt on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kurtneiswender/

Kurt’s Practice - https://www.instagram.com/urbancolabarchitecture/

Coffee Sketch on Twitter - https://twitter.com/coffeesketch

Jamie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/falloutstudio

Kurt on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kurtneiswender

In this episode, hosts discuss the origins and humor of a DEFCON scale in their discussions, delve into city planning debates with a focus on Austin's highway project and its implications, and share detailed insights about future urban development. They also brainstorm ideas and showcase collaborative sketching, highlighting the creative process behind urban design. The episode wraps up with plans for an upcoming event in Boston, blending architecture with local culture and community activities.

00:00 Getting Ready to Go Live
00:43 Defcon Levels Explained
02:50 House Preparation and Moving Struggles
05:15 Coffee Talk and Boston Plans
07:16 Hockey Playoffs Discussion
10:10 Conference Swag and Activities
17:14 The Architect's Wardrobe Dilemma
17:39 Shoutout to Chris Novelli
18:17 ICA Event Details
20:43 Discussing the Rococo Theme
21:54 Roads and Intersections Sketch
22:52 Austin's Highway Dilemma
28:08 The Cap and Stitch Debate
31:27 Comparing to Boston's Big Dig
36:07 Collaborative Sketching
41:51 Student Sketch Competitions
45:10 Cormick's Chicago Tour
46:35 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Send Feedback :)

Support the show

Buy some Coffee! Support the Show!
https://ko-fi.com/coffeesketchpodcast/shop

Our Links

Follow Jamie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/falloutstudio/

Follow Kurt on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kurtneiswender/

Kurt’s Practice - https://www.instagram.com/urbancolabarchitecture/

Coffee Sketch on Twitter - https://twitter.com/coffeesketch

Jamie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/falloutstudio

Kurt on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kurtneiswender

In this episode, Jamie and Kurt dive deep into a lively discussion about the utilization of AI in editing their podcast episodes and the creative possibilities it holds. They reminisce about their seven-year journey, accumulating over 181 hours of conversations. The focus shifts to an intriguing debate on shipping containers as adaptive spaces for libraries, public restrooms, and third places. They explore the potential for these temporary structures to serve communities in innovative ways. The episode wraps up with thoughts on how such creative solutions can foster community engagement and provide essential public amenities. Additionally, they touch on upcoming events and plans for a podcast meetup in Boston.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Theme
00:41 AI and Creative Editing
02:10 Podcasting Journey and Reflections
04:48 Coffee Talk and Recommendations
09:47 Upcoming Events and Plans
15:14 Sketch Discussion
18:01 Exploring Architectural Inspirations
18:38 Design as Activism: Quick Deployable Strategies
19:56 The Concept of Third Spaces
21:02 Revisiting Old Projects: Shipping Containers
22:37 Innovative Uses for Shipping Containers
25:56 Student Projects and Neoliberalism
34:21 Pop-Up Retail and Community Spaces
36:53 Concluding Thoughts and Future Ideas

Send Feedback :)

Support the show

Buy some Coffee! Support the Show!
https://ko-fi.com/coffeesketchpodcast/shop

Our Links

Follow Jamie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/falloutstudio/

Follow Kurt on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kurtneiswender/

Kurt’s Practice - https://www.instagram.com/urbancolabarchitecture/

Coffee Sketch on Twitter - https://twitter.com/coffeesketch

Jamie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/falloutstudio

Kurt on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kurtneiswender

Coffee Sketch Podcast – Episode 180: Architect to Developer with Jeff Pastva, FAIA

Hosts: Kurt Neiswender & Jamie
Guest: Jeff Pastva, FAIA

Summary:
In this episode, Kurt and Jamie are joined by architect and developer Jeff Pastva, FAIA, for a lively conversation that weaves together sports banter, coffee rituals, and a deep dive into the evolving role of architects in real estate development. Jeff shares his journey from traditional practice to working in development, discusses the value of design thinking beyond design, and encourages architects to explore new business models and opportunities in the built environment.

Show Notes (with Timestamps):

• [0:00] – Banter and technical difficulties; introduction of guest Jeff Pastva.
• [2:20] – Sports talk: football, March Madness, and the ups and downs of fandom.
• [10:45] – Coffee chat: favorite local roasters, K-Cups, and coffee rituals.
• [19:35] – Jeff’s background: growing up near Philly, career path, and AIA involvement.
• [22:35] – Transition from architecture to development: inspiration, Rose Fellowship, and lessons learned.
• [32:40] – The value of design thinking in development, zoning, and feasibility.
• [44:00] – Adaptive reuse, sustainability, and the economics of keeping vs. demolishing buildings.
• [54:50] – The growing trend of architects joining development teams and the benefits for projects.
• [57:30] – Jeff’s call to action: architects should consider acquiring and entitling land, leveraging their skills for new business models.
• [59:45] – Where to find Jeff: LinkedIn is the best place to connect.

Connect with Jeff Pastva:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-pastva-faia-cphc-a39a153/

Listen & Subscribe:
Find Coffee Sketch Podcast on your favorite platform for more conversations at the intersection of design, practice, and creativity.

Send Feedback :)

Support the show

Buy some Coffee! Support the Show!
https://ko-fi.com/coffeesketchpodcast/shop

Our Links

Follow Jamie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/falloutstudio/

Follow Kurt on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kurtneiswender/

Kurt’s Practice - https://www.instagram.com/urbancolabarchitecture/

Coffee Sketch on Twitter - https://twitter.com/coffeesketch

Jamie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/falloutstudio

Kurt on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kurtneiswender

Coffee Talks, Liberty Bell Sketches, and Designing with Purpose

In this episode, Kurt and Jamie dive into various topics from their morning coffee routines to architectural sketches of the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia. They discuss the importance of site orientation, design interpretation, and the evolving role of architects in preserving heritage while embracing innovation. The duo also reflects on their experiences with students and share insights on meaningful architectural design.

00:00 Launching the Rocket
00:38 Jamie's Rant
01:34 Coffee Talk
08:11 Current Events and COAD Zine
12:05 Sketch Time: Liberty Bell Center
24:09 Architectural Reflections and Preservation
30:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Send Feedback :)

Support the show

Buy some Coffee! Support the Show!
https://ko-fi.com/coffeesketchpodcast/shop

Our Links

Follow Jamie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/falloutstudio/

Follow Kurt on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kurtneiswender/

Kurt’s Practice - https://www.instagram.com/urbancolabarchitecture/

Coffee Sketch on Twitter - https://twitter.com/coffeesketch

Jamie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/falloutstudio

Kurt on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kurtneiswender

Exploring Urban Fabric, Adaptive Reuse, and Iconic Influences in Architecture

In this episode, Jamie and Kurt delve into the concept of adaptive reuse in architecture, discussing how existing buildings can be revitalized to meet modern needs. Influential books such as Jane Jacobs' 'The Death and Life of Great American Cities' and Carl Elefante's 'Going for Zero' are highlighted for their insights into urbanism and sustainability. The hosts share sketches depicting bustling downtown environments, emphasizing the importance of creativity in transforming existing structures. They also touch on the upcoming walkie-talkie event in Boston and compare favorite coffees. Join the conversation on how historical context and modern ambitions intersect in the field of architecture.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:26 YouTube and Content Creation
03:01 Influences and Inspirations
03:58 Robocop and Prop Design
14:46 Coffee Talk
19:37 Nostalgic Toys and Childhood Memories
20:34 Podcast Dynamics and Listener Engagement
21:43 Upcoming Event: Boston Walkabout
25:54 Sketching and Architectural Discussions
31:20 Sustainable Architecture and Existing Buildings
41:05 Educational Insights and Future Plans

Send Feedback :)

Support the show

Buy some Coffee! Support the Show!
https://ko-fi.com/coffeesketchpodcast/shop

Our Links

Follow Jamie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/falloutstudio/

Follow Kurt on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kurtneiswender/

Kurt’s Practice - https://www.instagram.com/urbancolabarchitecture/

Coffee Sketch on Twitter - https://twitter.com/coffeesketch

Jamie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/falloutstudio

Kurt on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kurtneiswender

Creative Collaborations & March Madness Musings

In this lively episode, our hosts dive into the intricacies of creative processes, from automatic drawing to collaborative mural art. They share insights on inspiration from graphic novels and famous artists like Shepard Fairey and Sandra Chevalier. Meanwhile, they also provide some humor and reflection on their March Madness brackets. Despite some technical hiccups, the episode is packed with rich conversations on art, architecture, and a bit of sports banter.

00:00 Introduction and Inside Jokes
00:21 Navigating the Coffee Sketch Podcast Merch
02:29 Live Streaming and Podcasting Routine
03:56 Upcoming AIA Conference Meetup
05:38 Coffee Talk and Local Roasters
08:27 Easter Treats and Weather Chat
10:59 March Madness Bracket Woes
11:26 Subreddit Sports Segue
11:42 March Madness Bracket Challenge
13:13 Bracket Results and Reflections
16:49 Transition to Sketch Discussion
17:17 Jamie’s Latest Sketches
18:15 Influences and Inspirations
23:50 Shepherd Fairey and Collaborative Murals
30:51 Conclusion and Technical Difficulties

Send Feedback :)

Support the show

Buy some Coffee! Support the Show!
https://ko-fi.com/coffeesketchpodcast/shop

Our Links

Follow Jamie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/falloutstudio/

Follow Kurt on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kurtneiswender/

Kurt’s Practice - https://www.instagram.com/urbancolabarchitecture/

Coffee Sketch on Twitter - https://twitter.com/coffeesketch

Jamie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/falloutstudio

Kurt on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kurtneiswender

DEFCON Levels and Zaha Hadid: A Nostalgic Dive into Architecture

In this episode of the Coffee Sketch Podcast, Jimmy and Kurt introduce a new DEFCON segment, reminiscing about Y2K, and discussing the art and architecture of Zaha Hadid. They explore the Millennium Dome's controversial legacy and dive into AI-enhanced sketches, juxtaposing traditional and modern architectural techniques. The conversation meanders through topics such as teaching, design iterations, and the influence of past projects on future work, all sprinkled with lighthearted banter and pop culture references.

00:00 Introduction and New Podcast Feature
01:27 Defcon Levels Explained
03:16 Welcome to the Coffee Sketch Podcast
04:27 Pie Day and Fundraising
12:10 Sketch Collaboration and Y2K Memories
16:44 Boomer Prepping and Prince's 1999
19:01 Millennium Dome and Richard Rogers
20:34 Zaha Hadid's Influence and Mind Zone Pavilion
22:44 Teaching Architecture and Student Inspirations
34:49 AI Sketches and Surprising Results

Send Feedback :)

Support the show

Buy some Coffee! Support the Show!
https://ko-fi.com/coffeesketchpodcast/shop

Our Links

Follow Jamie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/falloutstudio/

Follow Kurt on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kurtneiswender/

Kurt’s Practice - https://www.instagram.com/urbancolabarchitecture/

Coffee Sketch on Twitter - https://twitter.com/coffeesketch

Jamie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/falloutstudio

Kurt on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kurtneiswender