PEOPLEVERSE Blog

In the final episode of our first season of episodes, Ian Merker, AIA, LEED AP joins the Peopleverse podcast live from the Tect booth in the expo hall at the American Institute of Architects National Conference on Architecture which took place on June 23-25 in Chicago, Illinois.

In this episode we talk about what attending the National Conference on Architecture is like from an architect's perspective and we discuss some professional activities architects are involved with—beyond their day job—to serve their communities. This peek into the life of an architect illuminates additional corners of the profession for those who want to know more.

Dena Prastos, AIA of Indigo River joins the podcast to talk about her multidisciplinary background and approach to a career in architecture. The bulk of this conversation is about how architects can and should differentiate their practice using examples from her waterfront-focused work and about the value of architects through specialization during changing times, among many other important topics listed in the notes.

In this episode Kyle Morck of Reynolds+Myers shares his insight into modern marketing strategies for building product manufacturers. Key takeaways from this discussion are how product manufacturing marketing and sales teams should be moving beyond design professionals as "lead gen", how marketing and sales should be differentiated for results, the only worthwhile marketing BPM's should be doing, and how these teams can be best prepared to interact with architects and design professionals early in the design process when it matters most in order to build long term relationships.

Special guest Shannon DeFranza, AIAS, Assoc. AIA, NOMA joins the Peopleverse after serving her term as National Vice President of the American Institute of Architecture Students to discuss her perspective of the architectural profession and the larger building industry as a recent graduate and emerging professional.

Michael Chambers, FAIA of MCA Specifications joins the Peopleverse podcast live from the Tect booth in the expo hall at the American Institute of Architects National Conference on Architecture which took place on June 23-25 in Chicago, Illinois.

In this episode Michael gives an introductory master class into the specification process on projects. He not only shares useful information for architects and specifiers, but for building product reps and manufacturers as well.

Special guest William Mandara Jr, AIA of Mancini Duffy joins the Peopleverse to talk about a project that is sure to become an icon. It’s called TSX Broadway and it’s located at Times Square in New York City. Listen in as we go behind the scenes from the very beginning of the feasibility studies all the way through construction with some fantastic stories along the way of this project that’s part historic Broadway theater, part high-rise hotel, part multi-event venue, and part performance backdrop situated at the “Crossroads of the World”.

Mohammed Atif Shehzad of Atriade joins the Peopleverse podcast live from the Tect booth in the expo hall at the American Institute of Architects National Conference on Architecture which took place on June 23-25 in Chicago, Illinois. 

In this episode we discuss the value of leveraging relationships between design professionals and experts early to remove friction from the design process in regards to the complex nature of physical building security.

Glass aficionado David Corle joins the Peopleverse to talk about the benefits of engaging a product expert early in the life of a project and to share his knowledge and passion for glass.

This are so many great bits of information for design professionals to glean in this episode that open up design possibilities, expose things everyone should be aware of in the product category, and learn significant ways to save money on projects. 

Mike Kunard of Hidden Step Marketing joins the Peopleverse live from the Tect booth in the expo hall at the American Institute of Architects National Conference on Architecture which took place on June 23-25 in Chicago, Illinois. 

In this episode we discuss Mike's role working with building product manufacturers to help them more effectively bridge the gap and reach design professionals. Building product manufacturers will not want to miss Mike's insight when it comes to getting found, communicating effectively, and getting invited to projects early.

For architects and design professionals it's reassuring to learn that people like Mike are out there, understanding what we need to give our design intent the best chances of surviving throughout the design and build process.

Learn more about Mike and add him to your Peopleverse.

Gina Almaguer of Ortal Fireplaces joins the Peopleverse live from the Tect booth in the expo hall at the American Institute of Architects National Conference on Architecture which took place on June 23-25 in Chicago, Illinois.

In this episode Gina and Evan discuss how the element of fire has evolved in the digital age. They also talk about how fire can be used in new, unexpected ways as a tool in a design professional's toolbox.