In today’s episode, we discuss the subtle effect Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) will have on communities, highlighting their potential benefits and challenges, including increased density and the need for careful planning to avoid overwhelming existing infrastructure.

We discuss the cyclical nature of public perception towards infrastructure, the role of shared community resources, and the intriguing concept of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a potential solution for affordable housing. Tune in as we connect the dots between history, community, and the future of urban living.

Keywords

Infrastructure, community, ADUs, urbanization, shared resources, history, housing, community planning, transportation, roads

Chapters

00:11 - The Cyclical Nature of Infrastructure Perception

01:55 - Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Business

02:18 - Community Perspectives on Infrastructure

04:17 - Historical Context of Infrastructure Development

05:17 - The Tribal Effect and Urbanization

08:32 - Early Road Improvements

09:40 - Infrastructure's Achilles Heel

11:37 - Financing and Management of Infrastructure

12:48 - Shared Infrastructure and Community Responsibility

17:12 - The Pros and Cons of ADUs

19:52 - The Impact of ADUs on Communities

24:40 - The Future of Urban Development

31:30 - The Importance of Transit Planning

33:03 - Closing Remarks and in invitation

Connect with us: The Level Design Podcast is a podcast for Architects and Engineers who want to thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, fulfillment and financial security.

Join us in uncovering how to restore value and honor to the unique people who choose to be designers and caretakers of our built world and why it’s essential to the future of our society, our industry, and our planet.

Podcast website: ⁠leveldesignpod.com⁠

Get involved: leveldesignpartners.com⁠

In this conversation, we’re joined by Trevanna Frost Grenfell. Trevanna is faculty at reNourish Studio as well as working with businesses and organizations independently on developing self-organizing potential through application of living systems thinking and developmental processes to their work.

She has a background in nonprofit strategic consulting work, but pivoted to organizational development in her current form when she encountered the work of Carol Sanford in 2016, since she found that the methodology and thinking of this regenerative community was the missing piece in much of her previous organizational work.

Layering the rigorous application of the principles or regeneration into the practical application of business and organizational leadership development allows Trevanna to work with teams and organizations to re-inspirit their work and to grow into the next levels of their potential within the systems of our world -- many of which deeply need regeneration and restructuring.

Trevanna also has academic training in conflict resolution, mediation, and negotiation with international NGO and community partners and graduate study in "Leadership for Sustainability", and she interweaves her business consulting work with her deep personal experiences of wildlife tracking, wilderness guiding, and community-building in connection with the natural world around us. What role can you and your work play in supporting the systems evolutions that are imperative in our current world?

In this conversation we discuss changing systems, the “problem” with problem-solving and the need for creativity,  mentorship, the development of human potential, and the evolution of business paradigms from profit-driven to purpose-driven.

What does all this mean for the design industry? How can this shift dramatically impact the way you work? How can this impact your career, your thinking, your decision making, your community, your wealth, and your fulfillment?

Chapters

00:00 The Meeting of Minds: Indigenous Perspectives on Environmentalism

02:55 Living Systems Thinking: The Interconnection of People and Places

06:02 Engineering for Change: The Role of Creativity in Problem Solving

09:01 The Evolution of Business Paradigms: From Profit to Purpose

11:52 The Importance of Nested Systems in Global Change

14:58 Behavioral Shifts: Learning from Nature's Ecosystems

17:59 The Role of Community in Engineering and Design

20:57 Developing Human Potential: The Key to Thriving Organizations

23:47 Metrics of Success: Beyond Financial Capital

27:04 The Journey of Self-Development in Professional Growth

29:48 Entrepreneurship: Navigating Barriers and Building Community

32:55 The Power of Mentorship in Shaping Future Leaders

35:57 Creating a Regenerative Culture in Business

38:54 The Future of Engineering: Embracing Change and Innovation

42:00 The Role of Leadership in Fostering Development

44:57 The Interplay of Traditional and Innovative Thinking

47:58 The Path Forward: Building a Supportive Ecosystem for Entrepreneurs

Resources

Keywords

Regenerative business, environmentalism, living systems thinking, engineering, creativity, business paradigms, community, change, entrepreneurship, mentorship, regenerative culture

Connect with us

The Level Design Podcast is a podcast for Architects and Engineers who want to thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, fulfillment and financial security.

Join us in uncovering how to restore value and honor to the unique people who choose to be designers and caretakers of our built world and why it’s essential to the future of our society, our industry, and our planet.

Podcast website: ⁠leveldesignpod.com

Get involved: ⁠leveldesignpartners.com

Today, Scott talks about 3 main career options you have as a design professional. He lays out his experience in both the corporate world (private, public etc) and in the entrepreneurial world, and his path to a more attractive career path for design professionals.

Over the past 8 years, we’ve created a new way of working for A&E’s that combines the benefits of entrepreneurship with the support and resources of a collaborative organization.

The goal is to create a more attractive career path for design professionals and address the declining interest in the industry. Level provides mentorship, support, and a sense of community while allowing individuals to have the freedom and flexibility to work on their own terms.

The organization focuses on lifelong learning and creating a sustainable future for the built environment in the United States.

We discuss:

Chapters

08:16 The Need for a New Way of Working

13:23 The Declining Interest in Architecture and Engineering

18:53 The Benefits of Level Collaborative

21:14 Onboarding and the Unique Structure of Level

25:31 The Growing Collaborative and the Future of Level

30:52 The Importance and Excitement of the Built Environment

Keywords

Level Collaborative, architects, engineers, entrepreneurship, collaborative organization, career path, mentorship, support, community, freedom, flexibility, lifelong learning, sustainable future, built environment

Connect with us: The Level Design Podcast is a podcast for Architects and Engineers who want to thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, fulfillment and financial security.

Join us in uncovering how to restore value and honor to the unique people who choose to be designers and caretakers of our built world and why it’s essential to the future of our society, our industry, and our planet.

Podcast website: ⁠https://www.leveldesignpod.com⁠

Get involved: ⁠https://leveldesignpartners.com⁠

In today’s episode, we dive into green infrastructure and sustainable materials, emphasizing the urgent need for eco-friendly practices to combat climate change. But, what if we’re talking about the wrong problem?

In today’s episode, we explore the growing knowledge gap as well as the critical importance of mentorship for Architects and Engineers. We discuss why mentorship is baked into everything we do in our collaborative, Level Design Partners.

We also address the challenges of climate change and how the built environment affects the planet. We explore the need for sustainable design and the role of technology in our field.

Then, we shift to the history of infrastructure development in the early 1700s, focusing on transportation, bridge construction, and urban planning, highlighting both the frustrations and opportunities of that era.

Are you one of the 5% of Engineers and Architects who's ready to take on Entrepreneurship?

By combining the benefits of independent work with the support and resources of a collaborative organization, Level Design Partners is charged with creating a different path for Engineers & Architects.

Dive deeper, fill out the form, and our leadership team will personally connect with you, address your questions and explore reclaiming your professional independence: https://leveldesignpartners.com

Keywords

Mentorship, design industry, engineering, architecture, infrastructure, climate change, built world, sustainable design, transportation, bridge construction, urban planning

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences

03:12 The Impact of Climate Change and the Built World

08:01 The Importance of Mentorship in the Design Industry

14:51 The Knowledge Gap and the Need for Mentoring

20:59 Combining Tech and Traditional Approaches in Level

28:09 Exploring the History of Infrastructure Development

34:56 The Frustration and Opportunities of the Early 1700s

Connect with us:

The Level Design Podcast is a podcast for Architects and Engineers who want to thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, fulfillment and financial security.

Join us in uncovering how to restore value and honor to the unique people who choose to be designers and caretakers of our built world and why it’s essential to the future of our society, our industry, and our planet.

Podcast website: ⁠https://www.leveldesignpod.com⁠

Get involved: ⁠https://leveldesignpartners.com⁠

The conversation explores the history and challenges of underground infrastructure. From the complexity and challenges it presents today, the transition to clean energy, regulatory challenges, and the importance of planning for the future.

It highlights the shortage of knowledge and expertise in maintaining these systems and the overwhelming amount of underground infrastructure that requires creative solutions.

Chapters

00:37 Infrastructure in the early 1700s

5:42 Foundations of American Infrastructure

7:32 Early Water Distribution Systems

8:11 Challenges of Sanitation and Waste Disposal

9:05 Overview of Underground Infrastructure

12:06 Evolution of Water Mains

15:23 The Need for Creative infrastructure Solutions

16:17 Overview of Underground Infrastructure

20:28 Complexity and Challenges

21:06 Contractor Responsibilities and Insurance

22:16 Ownership and Responsibility of Underground Facilities

23:14 Job Security and the Future of Infrastructure

25:12 Shortage of Knowledge and Expertise

27:31 The Overwhelming Amount of Underground Infrastructure

28:20 Modern Solutions: Tunnels and Boring Machines

29:35 The Transition to Clean Energy

41:44 Regulatory Challenges and Planning for the Future

44:45 An exciting advancement in Water Filtration Technology

Keywords

US infrastructure, engineering, architecture, infrastructure, water systems, Job Security, Water Mains, Water Distribution Systems, Sanitation, underground infrastructure, water filtration, tunnels

Connect with us:

The Level Design Podcast is a podcast for Architects and Engineers who want to thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, fulfillment and financial security.

Join us in uncovering how to restore value and honor to the unique people who choose to be designers and caretakers of our built world and why it’s essential to the future of our society, our industry, and our planet.

Podcast website: ⁠https://www.leveldesignpod.com⁠

Get involved: ⁠https://leveldesignpartners.com

Many people aren't aware of how roads are designed, funded, or function. Road infrastructure is crucial in our society, connecting communities and enabling easy travel. In today’s episode, we dive into this topic to reveal insights about modern civil engineering and how we got here.

Scott talks a lot about how taxpayer dollars are actually being used (or misused) to support our infrastructure. Today, we get an inside look with guest Whitney Pogue, Civil Engineer, P.E., Value Engineering & Estimates Coordinator for ODOT (Oklahoma Department of Transportation) for 10 years and now with Level Engineering.

Part of Whitney’s role is to ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. After working in roadway design for three years, Whitney transitioned to a project management role in one of ODOT’s field offices. There, she was able to be the project manager on projects totaling over $250 million, including the largest project in ODOT history at the time of its construction.

We get an inside look at her career, her passion for value engineering, the current state of infrastructure and what the future holds.

We discuss:

Keywords

US infrastructure, Transportation, Construction, Project Management, Roadways, Value engineering, mentoring

Connect with us:

The Level Design Podcast is a podcast for Architects and Engineers who want to thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, fulfillment and financial security.

Join us in uncovering how to restore value and honor to the unique people who choose to be designers and caretakers of our built world and why it’s essential to the future of our society, our industry, and our planet.

Podcast website: https://www.leveldesignpod.com

Get involved: https://leveldesignpartners.com

“The bridges and highways we fail to repair today will have to be rebuilt tomorrow – at many times the cost.” - President Ronal Reagan.

Our conversation begins with a story set in the 1680s, describing the simple life of a young woman named Abigail in the Connecticut colony. We explore the evolution from local self-reliance to national and international interdependence and the speed of change.

We take a look at the latest Transportation bill - how it’s broken up, what it actually means, and what the future could look like. Scott highlights the importance of clean water and the need to replace lead service lines.

They also discuss the economic impact of infrastructure investment and the potential for job creation. The conversation concludes with a call for better communication and transparency regarding infrastructure projects.

Timestamps

00:00 Life in the 1680s: Challenges and Resilience

06:18 From Self-Reliance to Interdependence: The Evolution of Society

11:36 The Importance of Investing in Water Systems

12:06 The Economic Impact of Infrastructure Investment

19:11 Improving Communication and Transparency in Infrastructure Projects

Keywords

US infrastructure, history, tradespeople, engineering, architecture, mentoring, infrastructure bill, water systems, transparency

Connect with us:

The Level Design Podcast is a podcast for Architects and Engineers who want to thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, fulfillment and financial security.

Join us in uncovering how to restore value and honor to the unique people who choose to be designers and caretakers of our built world and why it’s essential to the future of our society, our industry, and our planet.

Podcast website: https://www.leveldesignpod.com

Get involved: https://leveldesignpartners.com

Join us as we explore the state of infrastructure in the US, the cost and burden on taxpayers, the economic impact of infrastructure investment, and the need for increased investment.

We dive into the political nature of infrastructure, the importance of infrastructure for competitiveness as a country, and the declining interest in civil engineering.

Scott shares his thoughts on why civil engineers are underpaid and what the future holds for them. He’s got a compelling case for why engineers and architects should be excited about the industry’s future. Spoiler: It’s looking bright!

Chapters

00:23 The State of Infrastructure in the US

02:58 The Burden on Taxpayers

04:12 The Economic Impact of Infrastructure Investment

05:26 The Connection Between Infrastructure and the Economy

08:07 The Need for Investment and the Broken System

09:21 The Political Nature of Infrastructure

10:11 The Importance of Infrastructure for Competitiveness

11:36 The Role of Engineers and Architects

12:23 The Decline in Interest in Civil Engineering

14:12 The Low Compensation for Civil Engineers

15:05 The Future Opportunities for Engineers

16:39 The Positives and Potential in the Industry

19:40 The Distraction and Disconnect from Infrastructure

21:00 The Exciting Future for Engineers

23:52 Summary of Positives and Opportunities

24:27 Historical Context: American Infrastructure in the 1670s

Keywords

US infrastructure, history, civil engineering, engineering, architecture, shortage of engineers

Connect with us:

The Level Design Podcast is a podcast for Architects and Engineers who want to thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, fulfillment and financial security.

Join us in uncovering how to restore value and honor to the unique people who choose to be designers and caretakers of our built world and why it’s essential to the future of our society, our industry, and our planet.

Podcast website: https://www.leveldesignpod.com
Get involved: https://leveldesignpartners.com