Level Design Podcast

In this special episode, four of us sit down in Austin Texas to discuss the State of Civil Engineering, Infrastructure, entrepreneurship and the future of the A&E career. We also take a deep dive into Scott’s career and the origins of Level Engineering & Architecture, as well as Level Design Partners.

Scott Zurn (Founder and CEO of Level Engineering & Level Design Partners) observed some serious issues in his profession. His peers were dissatisfied and things started heading in the wrong direction.

In 2015, Scott Zurn founded Level Engineering, a national firm of independent design professionals collaborating and ensuring that our built world is positively impacting the planet we live on. Level Engineering & Architecture aims to create a new level of entrepreneurial success for designers while simultaneously creating designs that contribute to a thriving planet.

The idea for Level Engineering didn’t come to fruition without the extensive experience he had in the engineering and public works sector. Scott has worked as the Public Works Director for the City of Estes Park, Civil Engineer for the City of Longmont, and a Project manager for the City of Thornton. In 2013, Scott was named the Transportation Professional of the Year by ITE. 

He was also designated as a Public Works Leadership Fellow by the American Public Works Association (APWA). He has secured and managed 100s of millions of federal grants and grant-funded NEPA studies and transportation projects. He earned the ENR Best Project of 09, for a 300-acre Brownfield Redevelopment including $250 million dollars in infrastructure bridges and 650,000 sf of retail development.

We’re also joined by Peter Modica, P.E. (Structural Engineer in Austin, Texas) who joined Level in 2024 and Andrew Dominguez (Entrepreneur and Growth Strategist) to extract unique perspectives of Scott’s story and paint a picture of the future.

Some of what we discuss includes:

• Interstates, pollution and the state of infrastructure

• Political impact

• Leaning into technology

• Going out on your own as an Engineer

• How Scott got the idea for Level and how he proved it could work

• 110k salary director level (after 30 year career) to making $450k on his own

• Starting and building a new business model in A&E

• The Human Convenience

• For Benefit business model

• Why Peter (PE) joined Level

• Stamping for the first time (and the stress that can come with it)

• Being connected to the work + mentorship

• Marketing

https://levelengineering.com/about-scott-zurn

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.levelengineering.com

This conversation delves into the complexities of community recovery following devastating fires in California, focusing on the emotional toll on municipal staff, the bureaucratic challenges posed by FEMA, and the importance of partnerships in recovery efforts.

We’re joined by Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Manager Allison James as well as Engineers Scott Zurn and Jay Blackburn. They share their experiences with disaster management, the intricacies of debris removal, and the need for effective contracting and procurement processes to ensure successful recovery and rebuilding efforts.

In this conversation, Allison James, Scott Zurn, and Jay discuss the complexities of disaster recovery, focusing on FEMA reimbursements, the importance of documentation, and the emotional toll on communities. They share insights on navigating the recovery process, building resilient infrastructure, and the necessity of trauma-informed care for both staff and residents. The conversation emphasizes teamwork, communication, and the need for proper planning to ensure effective recovery and rebuilding efforts.

If you’ve been affected by the LA fires, don’t hesitate to reach out and discuss how we can help you navigate recovery, FEMA reimbursement, and building back better. Levelengineering.com

Keywords: Fire Recovery, evaluation, reimbursement, FEMA, engineering, rebuilding, California fires, LA Fire, community recovery, FEMA, public works, infrastructure, emotional impact, disaster management, partnerships, debris removal, contracting, disaster recovery, infrastructure, emotional impact, trauma-informed care, community support, reimbursement, rebuilding, resilience

Chapters

00:54 Understanding the Fire Situation

02:49 Community Impact and Emotional Toll

05:57 Public Works and Emergency Response

08:47 FEMA's Role and Bureaucratic Challenges

12:12 Celebrating Recovery Success

15:03 Partnerships in Recovery

17:57 Debris Removal Process

20:59 Contracting and Procurement Challenges

24:01 Building Back Better

27:00 FEMA Reimbursement and Project Management

30:11 Final Thoughts on Community Resilience

39:20 Navigating FEMA Reimbursements

41:31 The Importance of Documentation in Disaster Recovery

43:47 Challenges with Tree Recovery Post-Disaster

45:49 Assessing Infrastructure Damage After a Disaster

48:51 Building Back Better: Infrastructure Resilience

51:33 Emotional Impact of Rebuilding After Disaster

55:57 Trauma-Informed Care for Disaster Recovery

01:01:55 The Role of FEMA in Community Recovery

01:04:58 Teamwork and Support in Disaster Recovery

01:10:40 First Steps for Effective Disaster Recovery

If you’ve been affected by the LA fires, don’t hesitate to reach out and discuss how we can help you navigate recovery, FEMA reimbursement, and building back better. Levelengineering.com

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.

This conversation explores the multifaceted issues surrounding climate change, its impact on migration, and the role of human activity in exacerbating environmental challenges.

We discuss the importance of understanding both natural and human-induced factors contributing to climate change, the implications for human life, and the urgent need for innovative and sustainable design solutions.

What are the real implications of climate change on ecosystems, migration, and food systems, – what are some of the common interconnectedness of economic models and environmental impact.

The discussion highlights the importance of individual action and the potential for the design community to lead the way in addressing these pressing issues.

Chapters

02:57 The Impact of Climate Change on Human Life

06:08 Natural vs. Human-Induced Climate Change

09:02 The Role of Oceans and Ice Melting

12:01 Research Tools and Data on Climate Change

13:30 “The Tipping Point”

14:57 Human Convenience and Its Environmental Impact

17:58 Deforestation and Its Consequences

21:14 The Urgency of Change

25:11 Climate Change and Its Implications

28:09 The Role of Design in Climate Solutions

32:43 Migration and Displacement

36:05 The Interconnectedness of Food Systems and Climate

40:02 Rethinking Economic Models for Sustainability

43:14 The Power of Individual Action and Innovation

Keywords

Climate change, global warming, migration, environmental impact, human convenience, deforestation, ocean acidity, greenhouse gases, research data, sustainability, design solutions, migration, food systems, economic models, environmental impact, adaptation, innovation

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: leveldesignpartners.com

Get involved: ⁠https://leveldesignpartners.com

In this episode of The Level Design Podcast, we dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping the engineering and architecture fields today.

Our guest, Andrew, shares his journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, offering insights into the evolving landscape of mentorship, the lasting impact of COVID-19, and the growing shift toward entrepreneurial models.

He discusses the knowledge gap created by economic downturns and emphasizes the importance of leadership, connection, and fostering a positive work culture.

Andrew also reflects on the emotional toll of traditional work environments and explores how community, collaboration, and open-mindedness can pave the way for a more balanced and fulfilling future in the 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.

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.

Chapters

03:56 The Knowledge Gap in Engineering

07:01 Impact of COVID-19 on Work Culture

10:07 Challenges of Entrepreneurship

12:58 The Importance of Leadership and Connection

16:00 Andrew's Journey to Entrepreneurship

18:56 The Disconnect in Engineering Training

22:07 The Role of Level in Supporting Engineers

24:57 Emotional Drain and Work-Life Balance

28:07 The Future of Collaborative Work

31:02 The Fear of Entrepreneurship

33:56 The Power of Community and Collaboration

36:57 The Value of Mentorship and Learning

40:00 Taking Back Control of Your Career

43:08 The Importance of Youthful Thinking

46:06 The Future of Work and Corporate Structures

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

Get involved: ⁠https://leveldesignpartners.com

The conversation explores critical themes surrounding structural safety, the commoditization of A&Es, and the historical context of the 1740s in our ‘How we got here” series.

Scott addresses the challenges faced by the engineering workforce, including declining interest in engineering careers and the factors contributing to this trend.

We discuss the challenges faced by professionals in the engineering and architecture sectors, particularly focusing on employee turnover, the impact of organizational structures, and the importance of mentorship. We explore how the commoditization of talent is affecting job satisfaction and career advancement, emphasizing the need for individuals to find purpose and uniqueness in their work.

This discussion also highlights the evolution of firms in the industry and the necessity for modernization to attract and retain talent.

Chapters

00:00 Structural Safety and Urgency in Childcare Facilities

02:52 The Commoditization of Design and Engineering

05:59 Historical Context: The 1740s and Its Influencers

09:01 The Role of Benjamin Franklin in Shaping America

12:10 Challenges in the Engineering Workforce

15:09 The Decline of Interest in Engineering Careers

19:28 Understanding the Reasons Behind Employee Turnover

22:58 The Impact of Organizational Structure on Talent

24:14 Strategies to Avoid Becoming a Commodity

28:17 The Role of Willpower in Career Advancement

30:51 The Evolution of Engineering and Architecture Firms

33:39 Finding Purpose and Uniqueness in Your Work

36:32 The Importance of Mentorship in Engineering

39:35 Modernizing the Industry for Future Success

Keywords

structural safety, engineering, historical context, 1740s, design professionals, industry trends, employee turnover, organizational structure, talent management, engineering, architecture, mentorship, career advancement, industry modernization, purpose in work, avoiding commoditization

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 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