#376 - Across the Street from Genius: Yale’s A&A and Art Gallery
In this episode of Archispeak, we walk across the street in New Haven—literally and figuratively—to explore two masterworks by Paul Rudolph and Louis Kahn. These buildings, separated by time but connected by place and purpose, offer a rare opportunity to see two giants of architecture in conversation across the street.We kick things off outside Paul Rudolph’s brutalist Art and Architecture Building, a six-story monument to concrete, shadow play (which is Cormac’s favorite), and interlocking geometries. From rough textures to zigzagging stair sequences, we unpack how Rudolph’s massing, detail, and bold restraint create an intensely dynamic corner in the city.Then, just steps away, we head into Louis Kahn’s Yale University Art Gallery. Built 20 years prior, it’s a study in geometric discipline, restrained materiality, and the classic served-and-servant spatial philosophy. From triangular waffle slabs and coffered ceilings to floating stair treads, we peel back the layers of this early Kahn work and talk about how it set the stage for what came later in his career.We also announce a new series: What Makes This Building Great?, available exclusively on our YouTube channel, where we take our conversations further by sketching over photos and plans to peel back the onion of master works of architecture. These are the kinds of deep, nerdy dives we’ve always wanted to do—and we’d love your feedback as we build this series out.Head to our YouTube channel to watch the first episode featuring Kahn’s Yale Center for British Art. And let us know what buildings you think are worthy of the title.-----Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.comThank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.
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#375 - Yale Center for British Art by Louis Kahn
In this episode of Archispeak, we walk through the Yale Center for British Art by Louis Kahn and reflect on what makes this building truly great. From its masterful use of natural light and honest materials to the clarity of its spatial organization, Kahn’s final building is both a work of art and a place for art. We discuss what it feels like to experience the space firsthand, how it invites contemplation, and why it continues to resonate with architects decades later. Along the way, we explore timeless questions about authorship, permanence, and what architecture has the power to communicate.Episode Links:Watch a YouTube-only visual version of this episode hereYale Center for British Art (Wikipedia)-----Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.comThank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.
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1:06:22
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#374 - 2025 Summer of Architecture, Part 1
In part 1 of our summer series centered on the 2025 AIA Conference on Architecture, we discuss Evan's first visit to Boston and share his and Cormac's impressions of the city.Rather than focusing on CEUs or presentations, we explore how the AIA Conference continues to serve as a powerful gathering place for the profession. The serendipity of in-person meetups, the nuance of hallway conversations, and the inspiration found in real-world architecture make it a unique moment in the calendar year.Whether you made it to Boston or not, this episode captures the essence of what makes architectural travel and community engagement so energizing. It's a reminder that often the most meaningful aspects of being an architect happen outside the office—walking the streets of a great city or reconnecting with colleagues over drinks after years apart.Episode Links:Evelyn Lee, FAIA - AIA 2025 PresidentArcolArchistarUpcodesHotel Marcel-----Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.comThank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.
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1:21:55
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1:21:55
#373 - ‘Slowing Down to Speed Up’, with Carla Johnson
In this episode of Archispeak, we’re joined by Carla Johnson—author, speaker, and innovation strategist—for a conversation that’s both energizing and reflective. We dive into the idea of “slowing down to speed up” and how reconnecting with our innate curiosity might be the most important skill for architects and creative professionals today.Carla shares her journey from engineering to architecture marketing to helping AEC firms rediscover the lost art of asking better questions. We explore how our industrial-era systems stripped us of critical thinking and why now—thanks to tools like AI—we have a new opportunity to reawaken our creativity.Together, we talk about reframing failure, why safe ideas might be the riskiest ones, and how even a simple breath can change the way we approach problem-solving. Whether you’re a student staring down deadlines or a project manager caught in the machine, this one’s a reminder to pause, stretch, and let your curiosity lead the way.Episode Links:Carla Johnson on LinkedInCarla’s websiteMichael Easter’s The Comfort CrisisJony Ive’s interview at Stripe Sessions-----Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.comThank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.
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1:17:46
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1:17:46
#372 - AU - The Future of Home Automation
In this episode of Archispeak, we explore the evolving frontier of home automation with Jeff Thomas of Control4 and Michael Smith of Bromic Heating. Together, we unpack the layered relationship between architecture and integrated technology—why it’s critical to bring smart home specialists in early, how lighting, heating, and sound are blending into seamless user experiences, and where the real opportunities lie for residential architects.We dig into the nitty-gritty: from the difference between Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi protocols, to the challenges of retrofitting systems in older homes. Along the way, we highlight how smart tech isn’t just about gadgets—it’s about extending comfort, enhancing ambiance, and making homes safer, more energy-efficient, and more enjoyable to live in.If you’ve ever felt out of your depth when a client asks about smart thermostats, color-tunable lighting, or voice-controlled heating, this one’s for you. We’re asking the questions you didn’t know you needed to ask—so you can deliver better outcomes and stay ahead of what’s coming next.This episode has been made possible with the generous support of Bromic Heating.Episode Links:Jeff Thomas on LinkedInMichael Smith on LinkedInControl4 websiteBromic websiteEclipse heatersBromic heater Revit and CAD filesDesign service with a heating expert-----Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.comThank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.
What’s it really like to work in architecture? The hosts of Archispeak know, and they’re here to share real-life experiences. Since 2012 architects Evan Troxel and Cormac Phalen have been podcasting their brand of real talk on everything from design, tools, and work/life balance to generational differences, mentoring, job hunting, and more. Probing questions, revelatory interviews, and unique insights have grown their audience and become a weekly ritual for students and seasoned professionals alike. To join the conversation or learn more about the hosts, visit archispeakpodcast.com
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