Jen Vogel

We recently chatted with our friend Alexander Loyer Hughes, AIA, an architect with a unique perspective. 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗼 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺? Alex shared an interesting story. He's from Chile, a country where energy is scarce. Conserving energy is on everyone's mind! 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 In Chile and places like Germany, energy efficiency is part of life. Buildings are designed to save energy. It’s a necessity. But in the U.S.? Many old buildings leak heat like crazy. Ever cracked open a window because the boiler runs non-stop? It’s mind-boggling to those from energy-conscious countries. 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 With new regulations and a focus on sustainability, the lessons Alex learned in Chile are now critical. Modern technologies and techniques, like Passive House, are game changers. Retrofits to make old buildings energy-efficient? It's a whole new world and a fascinating challenge. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 Alex finds retrofitting old buildings to be incredibly motivating. It’s about fixing the past to build a sustainable future.

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Happy Earth Day YALL! As designers focused on sustainable design solutions we try and bring the spirit of Earth day to our jobs always. However, there are moments in our lives and careers that the Earth teaches us how to be better designers as well. My DLR Group colleague Prem Sundharam's post below shares one of those moments and is a message to us all. Check it out!

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- AI of the day - [49] “”” Impact of AI in AEC “”” AI is revolutionizing the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry by enhancing design capabilities, improving project management, and introducing innovative construction applications. This leads to cost reductions, productivity improvements, and unparalleled quality in construction projects. While some envision AI as simply jiggling cubes or chat bots, a company as Hypar see it as the catalyst for revolutionizing how we design and construct buildings. AI in AEC won't be about reinventing the wheel; it'll be about enhancing our existing processes with a wealth of design expertise, accelerating decision-making and innovation. #AI #AEC #Innovation #HyparBeta #UrbanDesign #AI #FutureCities #Sustainability #ArtificialIntelligence #Robotics #Innovation #TechAdvancements #Productivity #AITools #OpenSourceAI #Innovation #Collaboration #AICommunity #smartercities #smartercountries #tom2200 #thailandonmars2200 #THtransformation4nextcentury #masterplanfordevelopingcountry be —> Original | Professional | Legacy <—

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Today Andrew Hawkins, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB and I are talking about inspiration – what is it, how does it manifest, can you fabricate or force it into existence? It’s not always easy to find, especially when looking for it. We just got back from the AIA Conference on Architecture in Washington DC and what we want to get out of a trip like this led to a discussion on inspiration. So what is it and where can you find it? Inspiration allows architects to break free from traditional constraints and explore various ideas. It encourages us to think beyond the immediate and the obvious, considering alternative approaches that might not be immediately apparent. This openness to new ideas is essential for developing unique and impactful architectural designs. Inspiration is not just about generating ideas; it’s about fostering continuous evolution and growth. For society to progress, architects must constantly evaluate their thought processes and the ways in which they solve problems. By staying inspired, we can build upon past ideas and solutions, integrating new information and perspectives to create more advanced and effective designs. This iterative process ensures that our work remains relevant and forward-thinking, contributing to the ongoing development of our built environment. The more I’ve thought on this topic, the more I believe inspiration has more to do with having an open mind and being receptive to thinking through what is right in front of you. #architecture #creative #inspiration Special thanks to episode sponsor Construction Specialties for their ongoing support.

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"Cataldo said the July 1 code amendment is "minimal enough" that it will likely be an easy and quick issue to address, even for those who are surprised by it. The analysis is very close to the LEED analysis for embodied carbon, Cataldo said, so if a consultant is needed to complete the paperwork, it will likely be easy to find one that can do it." I wouldn't call this "minimal". Your biggest hitter in many buildings will be concrete, and reducing embodied carbon in concrete is going to require new mixes, with different structural properties, different cure times. My favorite local engineers are on it, but it is going to be a vetting point in engineer selection. You've also got your sustainability consultants, and while it may be "very close to LEED", it's still a different software being used for analysis. And gosh I hope this doesn't add a lot of time to plan check... So we're changing cost, schedule, consultant selection... doable, sure, but not "minimal".

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Recently, I wrapped up my 24 "Professional Development Hours" (PDH) for my Minnesota architect's license, which renews every June 30th of even-numbered years. Interestingly, the Minnesota licensing Board doesn't approve required courses, only recommending content that "forwards your development as a licensed professional", and mandating 2 hours in "professional ethics." (I do appreciate the professional ethics requirement, although the courses are hard to find, as it is important to reinforce the soft skills required of our profession.)   In contrast, my Florida license, renewing every December 31st of even-numbered years, requires 22 hours in "health, safety, and welfare related courses", borrowing language from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and 2 hours in "Florida Building Code advanced courses". The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) provides a comprehensive list of approved courses.   I believe employers should take an active role in helping staff identify relevant content for the balance of the hours. If the licensing jurisdictions only dictate 2 hours how do we ensure the other 22 are well allocated in forwarding professional development? Make sure your company supports professional development through continuing education and be a champion for improvement.

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Looking for the Secret Sauce on PAR: Productivity, Acquisition & Retention? We found it, we wrote about it, and now we want your feedback on whether you can add more ideas. I'm not generally one for design trends—a trend seems fleeting. But when it comes to design trends, they are more like a movement, even if 'movement' isn't as catchy. In edition 1 of the Spaceworks Interior Architecture Design Trends for 2024, we focus on how design impacts Productivity, Acquisition & Retention. Read more and share your thoughts! #designtrends #spaceworks_nz #interiordesign #design #trends

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Big EPIC update: carbon emissions now broken down by category, not just "embodied" or "operational". So you can really see where the impacts are coming from and explore measures to reduce them. Watch the video to see it in action, and let us know what you think. 🚀

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Not everyday I'm featured in an article with Carlo Ratti, Bjarke Ingels and Molly Wright Steenson. This piece was a long time coming and am happy to finally see it in print. Enjoy! #ai #artificialintelligence #designtechnology #architects #architecture #designeducation

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Last night, Andy Christoforou, AIA and Sherel Liu from KPF talked about all our fave rendering engines - the good, the bad, and the too complicated. At minute 5:45 to 10:00 there's several graphics with cold hard judgments - those alone are worth watching. They also talk a lot about the human side of choosing, implementing and standardizing in a large organization The video is here:

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Ever wondered what drives the mindset of innovators shaking up traditional industries? I recently had the privilege of picking the brains of two founders in the real estate industry - Jordan Bem of Moliving and bj siegel, LEED AP of Juno. Our conversations offered a glimpse into the unconventional thinking propelling alternative practices and business models in real estate. From relentlessly pursuing moonshot ideas to meeting customers where they truly are, their approaches to “productizing” architecture could catalyze shifts across the architecture, engineering, construction (AEC) and real estate sectors. How will AEC and real estate companies cultivate and manage innovation in the years to come? What will the "next normal" look like as disruption reshapes these sectors? I'm endlessly intrigued by these questions and would love to hear your thoughts and perspectives in the comments. https://lnkd.in/eKCdWnn3 #architecturestartups #innovation #disruption #realestate #businessmodelinnovation

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Will you be claiming your share of the $30,000 JBC Masonry Innovation Competition prize money this year? Deadline to submit is July 15. Eric Pros of DS ARCHITECTURE in Cleveland was winner in the Young Architect/Engineer category in the 2022 competition sponsored by International Masonry Institute. I recently sat down with Eric to discuss his award- winning project, a Senior Community Center in Westlake Ohio, and to ask what advice he would give architects, engineers, or students who may be on the fence about entering this year’s competition. Here’s what he had to say: ✌️"The application process was fairly easy. If you’ve got a project in the works, and it doesn’t have to be built, it could be an imagined project or something theoretical… there is no entry fee to submit your project, it’s relatively easy to do… so I would encourage others to throw their hat in the ring."✌️ I think you’ll agree Eric’s passion for masonry really shines through as he takes us through his design process in this short video. He also reveals how he spent his $10,000 winnings! I hope you take Eric’s advice and submit your innovative masonry design solution. Get the process started at https://lnkd.in/gXb72sjE.

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In honor of the #NYSAFAH conference starting today, a quick nugget for those doing HPD Preservation deals: Over the last few years, HPD has reworked and tightened up their Preservation Design Guidelines, and drawn a clear line in the sand between Moderate ('Mod') and Substantial ('Sub') Rehabilitation. Any job which checks the following three boxes must follow the Sub Rehab track: 1️⃣ Complete heating system replacement. That means boiler, risers and terminal units. 2️⃣ Doing work in 75% of the units. Yes, even just fixture replacements. 3️⃣ 'Significant' work on the envelope. For example, replacing 50% or more of the windows. This decision must get made early on in the project, because any Sub Rehab has to provide a host of sustainability upgrades, starting with full electrification of heating systems, as well as green building certification. In fact, the City's mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions drives this process as much, if not more, than any other factor. If they plan to invest a large amount of capital into a building, then in addition to securing affordability they also have to guarantee a signification improvement in its performance. Make sure that you have a clear discussion with your HPD project manager which track you fall into, because it drives the entire approval process, and you don't want to have to go back and do things twice. #zoninghacks Meltzer/Mandl Architects., P.C.

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My work with architects and planners always starts with my client's business strategy. It's never a surprise when I am told they don't have one. It's not that these firms lack agreed upon goals or a keen understanding of the influencing forces in their markets, but all too often, they've never taken the time to codify their objective and map out their intended path to reaching it. If this sounds familiar, I found a resource for you and your colleagues! In her recent Architizer article, my friend Evelyn Lee pulled together her favorite visual business model tools that can support your strategy development. Weave your strategy through every program of the firm--business development, marketing, communications, recruiting, and staff development--and the time spent developing it will pay off.

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Stantec's Malcolm Yull suggests that "getting the full value from landscape and green design requires real forethought and planning from the earliest conceptual stages". Read his thoughts on urban greening in BE News

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Another week, another webinar… this one is hosted by AIA Illinois and it’s one of my favorite topics to present: Materiality of Masonry. Please join us next Monday if you’re able. The enduring popularity of masonry in all its forms is largely attributed to the intrinsic properties offered by the materials of brick, block, stone, terra cotta, tile, and terrazzo. But in this era of rapid innovations in construction materials and techniques, does masonry continue to provide value, and how have these materials and assemblies evolved? This seminar takes a close look at the historic architectural significance held by traditional masonry materials, but it also challenges participants to use these materials in innovative ways, showing examples of contemporary design to balance their classic applications. The program then builds on the materials themselves, showing common wall and floor assembly details and emphasizing the importance of designing for performance and contructibility. Finally, it addresses the topic of sustainability and how masonry and tile’s composition of natural and healthy ingredients and their inherent durability translate to buildings that are healthy, long-lasting, and able to be repurposed generations after their initial construction. Register at https://lnkd.in/d2amZuBf #Masonry #Materiality #Education #AIA

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What architects should expect, whether they care to explore AI internally or not, is that their clients will be using AI to come to the table with more definition, stronger opinions. When technology compresses some part of the value chain, it just means it's more accessible upstream or downstream. By extension, expect new and old tech-enabled service providers to emerge that can offer a host of "feasibility" services folding programming with schematic design.

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