Level Design Podcast

This conversation delves into the complexities of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), exploring the process, regulations, and the importance of design teams.

We breakdown the various stakeholders involved, the significance of feasibility studies, and the financial implications of building an ADU.

We emphasize the importance of expert guidance to navigate local regulations and ensure that projects are economically viable and compliant with zoning laws.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to ADUs and Context Setting

03:06 Understanding the ADU Process and Stakeholders

05:47 Zoning Regulations and Community Impact

08:41 The Importance of Design Teams in ADU Projects

11:37 Feasibility Studies and Initial Considerations

14:35 Cost Considerations and ROI for Homeowners

17:30 Navigating Local Regulations and Utility Challenges

20:43 Creative Solutions and Variances in ADU Design

23:47 Final Thoughts on ADU Planning and Execution

ADU, Accessory Dwelling Units, home design, construction, zoning regulations, feasibility study, ROI, design team, homeowner, property value, engineering, architecture

Join Us Live: ADU Workshop + Expert Q&A

Everything You Need to Know About Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) - https://levelengineering.com/adu-workshop

Today, we delve into the complexities of wastewater management, the role of Pollution Control Agency, and the challenges faced in maintaining water quality standards. It highlights the importance of community engagement, the impact of agricultural runoff, and the intersection of AI with environmental stewardship. The discussion emphasizes the need for individual responsibility in addressing pollution and the significance of understanding local water sources and infrastructure.

Our guest is Katrina Kessler, P.E.—Commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, former MPCA assistant commissioner, and former director of Minneapolis’s Surface Water & Sewers Division.

With 16+ years in environmental leadership, Katrina:

• Leads 900+ MPCA staff working to ensure healthy air, clean water, sustainable lands, and a better climate across Minnesota.
• Strengthens partnerships with Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations and collaborates with businesses, local governments, and community stakeholders.
• Chairs the Governor’s Climate Change Subcabinet to reduce emissions, boost resilience, and advance equitable climate solutions.
• Represents Minnesota on the Environmental Council of States, the Great Lakes Commission, and EPA’s Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force.

Signature initiatives:

• Developed Minnesota’s PFAS Blueprint to prevent, manage, and clean up “forever chemicals.”
• Co-created flexible, protective industry regulations that safeguard the environment and local jobs.
• Built ag–urban partnerships to improve water quality statewide.

Katrina holds a BA in environmental science and an MS in environmental engineering.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Combined Sewer Systems

02:58 The Role of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

05:44 Permitting and Water Quality Standards

09:04 Challenges in Water Infrastructure

11:52 The Importance of Minnesota's Water Resources

15:03 Economic Impacts of Water Quality

17:47 Addressing Agricultural Runoff

20:54 Future of Wastewater Treatment

23:37 Collaboration for Water Quality Improvement

28:35 Exploring Air Quality Regulations

31:10 Addressing Methane Emissions

35:16 Individual Actions for Environmental Impact

39:34 The Intersection of AI and Environmental Stewardship

46:39 Collaboration Between Engineers and Environmental Agencies

wastewater, pollution control, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, water quality, environmental stewardship, AI, community engagement, agricultural runoff, air quality, infrastructure

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

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

www.leveldesignpartners.com

What does the year 2040 look like? Flying cars, robots, an AI doing most of our thinking? What types of jobs will exist and which will go extinct? What will we have to watch out for and how can we thrive through change? No one really knows, but in this episode, Scott paints a picture of what it could look like for the built environment.

Chapters

00:08 The 15-year horizon: climate, insurance, and infrastructure strain

04:45 AI as standard practice in design and engineering

06:04 LiDAR, inch-accurate surveys, and real-time stormwater simulations

10:19 Immersive BIM: from 3D models to walkable design reviews

13:13 Optimizing materials and reducing carbon with computational tools

14:24 Carbon-neutral construction and the circular economy

16:16 Innovation outpacing codes: the regulatory bottleneck

18:24 From phone video to CAD: rapid as-builts and adaptive reuse

21:17 Agile business models and national collaboration networks

23:30 Visual build guides and tech-forward contractors

25:23 2040 vs 2060: seamless future or peak chaos?

26:46 Ethics, cybersecurity, and the road ahead

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

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

www.leveldesignpartners.com

In this conversation, Scott Zurn shares insights from his recent trip to Germany, where he was part of a delegation focused on water and wastewater management.

The discussion covers the differences in environmental engineering practices between Germany and the United States, highlighting innovative solutions, the role of nonprofit organizations, and the importance of knowledge sharing in addressing global environmental challenges.

Scott emphasizes the need for continued learning and collaboration in the field of engineering to ensure a sustainable future.

Chapters

03:03 Insights from the German Water Treatment Systems

05:46 Comparative Analysis of Population Density and Infrastructure

08:31 Innovative Solutions in Wastewater Treatment

11:29 The Role of Nonprofit Organizations in Water Management

14:22 Environmental Protection and Technological Advancements

17:28 Nature-Based Solutions in Wastewater Management

20:29 The Importance of Care in Environmental Engineering

23:20 Future of Water Management and Global Collaboration

Water treatment, environmental engineering, Germany, wastewater management, population density, technology, nonprofit organizations, environmental protection, innovative solutions, knowledge sharing

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

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

www.leveldesignpartners.com

Join host us for a candid conversation about our everyday impact on the planet—how infrastructure, convenience, and culture shape the environment—and what architects and engineers can practically do to help.

From wildlife crossings to rail vs. trucking, from lighting up our cities to rethinking packaging and food systems, this episode explores simple behavior shifts and bigger systemic choices that move us toward a healthier built world.

• How quickly nature rebounds when human activity slows
• The hidden costs of convenience, throwaway products, and constant illumination
• Roads, game trails, and wildlife crossings
• Freight, rail, and why smarter infrastructure matters
• Bottom-up sustainability: what individuals can do now

Timestamps

00:00 — Nature’s quick rebound during COVID and what it reveals

02:30 — Roadkill, wildlife paths, and green overpasses

03:58 — Lights, energy, and the true cost of nighttime illumination

05:26 — Did previous generations “know”? Intent vs. impact

08:08 — Plastic, packaging, and the throwaway economy

09:04 — Food systems, bulk shopping, and low-waste habits

10:55 — Bottom-up sustainability: small, repeatable choices

12:22 — Trains vs. planes/trucks: freight and carbon efficiency

13:50 — High-speed rail lessons and right-sizing infrastructure

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

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

www.leveldesignpartners.com

We discuss the importance of connecting people through engineering, the role of education in bridging gaps within the industry, and the need for mentorship to retain talent.

We explore the challenges posed by a capitalistic society on the engineering profession and emphasize the necessity of creating a supportive environment for engineers.

The discussion culminates in a reflection on the difference between needs and wants in engineering, advocating for a human-centric approach to problem-solving.

Timestamps

06:05 Bridging the Gap: Engineering and Construction

12:13 Rethinking Engineering in a Capitalistic Society

18:02 Creating a Supportive Environment for Engineers

23:59 Conclusion: What Do We Need vs. What Do We Want?

engineering, mentorship, education, community, construction, capitalism, human-centric design, problem-solving, infrastructure, professional development

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

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

www.leveldesignpartners.com

In this episode, Kevin Walsh, PhD, PE, SE, shares his journey through academia and the structural engineering industry, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities within the profession. We explore the evolving role of technology, including AI, the importance of community impact, and the need to inspire the next generation.

We discuss retention issues, the complexities of historic construction, and the emotional resilience required in the field. Kevin also highlights the responsibility of engineers toward sustainability, the influence of financial drivers, and the critical role of interpersonal skills in professional growth. We reflect on the legacy of engineers and advocate for a shift in how the profession is perceived.

We’re joined by Kevin Q. Walsh, PhD, PE, SE, Associate Teaching Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Director, Master of Engineering (MEng).

Kevin Walsh’s primary areas of research interest are sustainable and resilient infrastructure, pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) structural framing, inventory and seismic assessment of masonry and concrete buildings, large-scale experimental testing including the testing of in situ structures, unbonded post-tensioning strand/anchorage systems, modern masonry construction materials, and the professional practice of structural engineering.

Connect with Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kqwalsh/

Keywords

Engineering, academia, youth engagement, infrastructure, career growth, mentorship, built environment, AI in engineering, community impact, retention issues, historic construction, materials, risk management, environmental responsibility, legacy, interpersonal skills, career purpose

Chapters

03:09 Journey into Engineering

06:10 The Role of Academia in Engineering

09:08 Challenges in Attracting Youth to Engineering

12:11 The Importance of Community and Fulfillment in Engineering

15:03 The Future of Engineering and AI

18:02 The Art and Science of Engineering

20:59 Retention Issues in Engineering

23:55 Infrastructure and Its Impact

27:02 Opportunities in the Built Environment

31:02 Curiosity and Specialization in Engineering

32:26 Historic Construction and Material Challenges

34:51 Teaching Fundamentals and Emotional Resilience

37:30 Navigating Risk and Litigation in Engineering

40:37 Financial Drivers in Engineering Decisions

43:21 The Role of Engineers in Environmental Responsibility

48:15 Legacy and Purpose in Engineering

51:25 Interpersonal Skills and Professional Growth

56:35 Finding Purpose in Engineering Careers

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

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

www.leveldesignpartners.com

In this episode, we speak with Luis Duque, P.E., M. ASCE, an award-winning bridge engineer with a passion for innovation and empowering future generations. With over six years of professional experience, he has tackled complex projects involving bridge removal, erection, jacking, as well as complex modeling for full bridge analysis. 

Beyond technical expertise, Luis is a leader. He founded the "Engineering our Future" podcast to equip students and young engineers with the tools to thrive. His dedication extends to volunteering with organizations like Engineers Without Borders, bringing clean water solutions to communities in need. Luis is a recognized leader in the engineering community. 

He actively participates in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI), advocating for diversity and mentorship. He is involved in the Student Engagement Committee to help students get exposure to SEI at the Structures Congress among other activities and the Business Practices Committee to provide business solutions to engineers. Further, he has collaborated with the Building Structural Leaders Task Committee, Educations and Leadership Committee, and the ASCE 2027 Conference Committee.

In this conversation, Luis Duque shares his journey as a bridge engineer, discussing the challenges he faced as an international student and the importance of mentorship and community engagement in the engineering field. He emphasizes the need for effective communication skills and the impact of technology on the future of engineering careers. The discussion also touches on the challenges facing the engineering industry, including the need to keep engineers engaged and the role of mentorship in bridging the gap for future generations.

Connect with Luis

luisfelipeduque.com

linkedin.com/in/luisduquepe

Chapters

00:00 Journey to Engineering Success

03:06 The Day-to-Day of a Bridge Engineer

05:53 The Impact of Communication in Engineering

08:59 Mentorship and Community Engagement

11:58 The Future of Engineering Careers

14:56 Challenges Facing the Engineering Industry

18:08 The Role of Technology in Engineering

21:01 The Importance of Mentorship

23:56 Navigating Changes in the Engineering Landscape

Keywords

engineering, mentorship, bridge engineering, career development, communication skills, technology in engineering, engineering challenges, community engagement, professional growth, engineering industry

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.

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

www.leveldesignpartners.com

Today, we’re excited to welcome Brandon McGill, an executive recruiter specializing in civil and geotechnical engineering. Brandon is the founder of Charter Executive Search and is widely known as "The Civil Recruiter."

With a passion for building meaningful relationships, Brandon goes beyond qualifications to truly understand the needs of both his candidates and clients, ensuring long-term success for everyone involved.

In this episode, we dive into the challenges and opportunities in the engineering industry, the importance of mentorship, and how Brandon is helping engineers navigate their careers in a rapidly changing market.

From the impact of private equity on engineering firms to the growing demand for entrepreneurial engineers, Brandon shares his unique insights into the current state of the industry and what it takes to thrive.

We’ll also explore the critical gaps in mentorship, the challenges of retaining talent, and why engineers are leaving the profession at alarming rates. Brandon’s approach to recruiting is all about creating win-win situations, and his perspective on the future of engineering is both inspiring and thought-provoking.

Enjoy this insightful conversation with Brandon McGill.

Chapters2:15 Brandon’s Journey into Recruiting6:30 The Role of Relationships in Recruiting10:45 Why Engineers Are Leaving the Profession15:20 The Impact of Private Equity on Engineering Firms20:10 The Importance of Mentorship in Engineering25:45 Challenges in Retaining Mid-Level Engineers30:15 The Rise of Entrepreneurial Engineers35:00 Trends in Remote and Hybrid Work40:30 The Future of Civil and Geotechnical Engineering45:50 How Brandon Helps Engineers Advance Their Careers50:10 The Value of Personal Branding in Engineering

Connect with Brandon:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonmcgill

  
  

  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.

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

www.leveldesignpartners.com

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Dennis Truax, a true leader and innovator in the field of civil engineering. With a career spanning over four decades, Dennis has made remarkable contributions as an educator, researcher, consulting engineer and mentor. He’s the 2022 President of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and professor emeritus of the Richard A. Rula School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Mississippi State University.

An experienced department chair with a demonstrated history of working in higher education, Dennis is a strong business development professional skilled in academic advising, public speaking, private piloting, construction, and stormwater management. He’s also a recognized expert in environmental and water resources engineering, holding multiple advanced certifications and awards, including ASCE’s Edmund Friedman Professional Recognition Award and induction into the Academy of Distinguished Alumni at Virginia Tech.

In this episode, we’ll dive into the difference between a job and a career, finding your competitive advantage, creating loyalty, having pride in our work, the problem with billable hours, and avoiding the 'dinosaur mindset’. We’ll also explore the opportunities and challenges you face whether you’re just starting your career or in the middle of it, and the critical choice every civil engineer needs to make. All this and more with former ASCE President Dennis Truax. 

Enjoy this conversation with Dennis Truax.

Chapters

02:19 Journey to Civil Engineering

06:29 The Difference Between a Job and a Career

10:17 The Role of Civil Engineers in Society

12:44 The Impact of Civil Engineering on Daily Life

16:19 Understanding Infrastructure and Its Importance

20:43 The Disconnect Between Public Perception and Infrastructure Needs

25:14 Celebrating Civil Engineering and Infrastructure

30:21 The Future of Civil Engineering and Its Societal Role

30:52 The Shared Infrastructure of Society

32:14 Understanding Civil Engineering's Role

34:50 Expectations of Water Quality

37:34 The Evolution of Civil Engineering

39:43 Opportunities for Young Engineers

42:00 Navigating Work Environments

46:40 The Commoditization of Engineers

50:25 Innovative Business Models in Engineering

57:27 The Future of Civil Engineering

Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-d-truax-4678308b

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.

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

www.leveldesignpartners.com