Life of an Architect
149 episodes - English - Latest episode: 18 days ago - ★★★★★ - 296 ratingsA gifted storyteller communicating the role and value of architecture to a new audience, host Bob Borson uses the experiences acquired over a 25-year career to inform his podcast. A small firm owner, architect, and college design instructor, co-host Andrew Hawkins brings his insight from his 20 years in various roles within the profession. It responds to the public curiosity and common misunderstanding about what architects do and how it is relevant to people’s lives, engaging a wide demographic of people in a meaningful way without requiring an understanding of the jargon or knowledge of the history of the profession. With a creative mix of humor and practicality, Borson’s stories are informative, engaging, and approachable, using first-person narratives and anecdotes that have introduced transparency into what it really means to be a practicing architect. To learn more about Bob, Andrew, and what life is like as an architect, please visit Lifeofanarchitect.com
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Episodes
Ep 148: Meetings are a Waste of Time
April 07, 2024 19:00 - 1 hour - 98.2 MBYou check the time and realize that you have 4 minutes before your next meeting. Maybe it’s an internal meeting, maybe clients are coming in. Is it in person or online? Depending on how you answer those questions, time to start scrambling so that you are where you need to be and have the information required to make this meeting a good use of your time. But guess what? I promise that you will end up waiting on someone … maybe you are that someone. Either way, you aren’t getting that time back...
Ep 147: Draw Like an Architect
March 24, 2024 19:00 - 56 minutes - 81 MBHow good do you need to be at drawing if you want to become an architect? Or … How can I be an architect – I can’t draw? Is there an easy answer to these questions? Of course there is, but that doesn’t mean the getting is easy.
Ep 146: Ask the Show Spring 2024
March 10, 2024 19:00 - 1 hour - 90.4 MBTracking productivity, Bucket list vacation, Leadership styles, and Learning how to Draw Details ... We answer these questions and more today on Ep 146: Ask the Show Spring 2024
Ep 145: Delegated Design
February 25, 2024 20:00 - 1 hour - 80.7 MBIf you have ever wondered what Delegated Design and Design Assist mean and how the distinction between the two could impact you and your liability and responsibility then this is a good resource of information as we break it down and discuss it in fairly simple terms.
Ep144: Objects of Design
February 11, 2024 20:20 - 1 hour - 99 MBFrom a design standpoint, some things are just cooler than other things – and these things don’t need to be justified to anyone because people either understand it or they don’t … but that doesn’t mean there isn’t an interesting and amazing story behind these objects that might contribute to their coolness in a meaningful way. Today Andrew and I each selected three items and we are going to share with you some amazing stories … Welcome to EP 144: Objects of Design [Note: If you are reading ...
EP 143: Architectural Drawings: Excessive or Essential
January 28, 2024 20:00 - 1 hour - 80.8 MBThe episode "Architectural Drawings: Excessive or Essential" will focus on drawings and the question that first comes to mind is to talk about what we draw, why we draw it, and who we draw it for and why that impacts all other considerations
Ep 142: When I Grow Up
January 14, 2024 20:00 - 1 hour - 86.9 MBIn Episode 142: When I Grow Up, Andrew and I discuss how things take place that divert you from your expected path as you move through your career. It's a natural evolution to move into new roles and responsibilities that break the idea you have for yourself when you decided to chart your future.
Ep 141: 2023 Yearapalooza
December 17, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 89.6 MBAs the end of the 2023 season comes to an end, Life of an Architect looks at Fan Favorite Episodes, the Blog posts, and the graphics created to support the topics.
Ep 140: Communicating Through Drawings
December 10, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 95.6 MBDrawings have always played a role in the process of study and discussion of what we do and why we do it. Today we are going to look at the different forms of drawing and talk about when they are used and how we align these different drawing types and the messages they convey as we discuss "Communicating Through Drawings"
Ep 139: Holiday Gift Guide for Architects
November 26, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 108 MBIt’s almost that gift-giving time of the year and if you have an architect in your life, you know that getting them a gift is potentially the most agonizing experience possible - but that’s why we’re here. Now in its 14th consecutive year, Welcome to Episode 139 Holiday Gift Guide for Architects 2023!
Ep 138: Is Architecture School Broken pt. 2
November 12, 2023 21:35 - 1 hour - 92.9 MBAre students graduating from architecture school prepared for the profession? Is the educational system aligned with the workplace? What is the best software to teach students? Can we all just get along? We started this exploration of the idea that Architecture School may need some modifications in Episode 137. The system needs to change to provide the skills, knowledge, and pathways for the future of the profession, but what else may need to be addressed? What does all of this mean to studen...
Ep 137: Is Architecture School Broken pt. 1
October 29, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 96.4 MBThe architectural education system hasn't been around for that long, yet it has it's issues and concerns. So that leads us to ask the question... Is Architecture School Broken? Join us for Part One of the conversation in Episode 137. We discuss the short history of arch edu, some common concerns with the system, and the shortcomings of the studio-based learning environments.
Ep 136: Leadership vs. Management
October 15, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 86.3 MBWhat is the difference between Leadership and Management – there is definitely some overlap, but the key distinction lies in … wait, you thought I was going to tell you in the opening? It’s going to take some time to talk through those distinctions before we get there …Welcome to EP 136: Leadership vs. Management [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player] googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1562005974350-0'); }); T...
Ep 135: Employee Takeover
October 01, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 88 MBIt was podcast Episode 130: Employee Evaluations, and Andrew and I were discussing the process and criteria used to assess and measure an individual employee’s performance when we made the point that there would be value in creating a process where upward evaluations could be implemented, one that allowed the employee to share their thoughts and opinions on what mattered to them from their managers, from their team leads, even their employers. We decided to have that discussion to do just tha...
Ep 134: Management 101
September 17, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 97.2 MBToday we are talking about firm management – but at a fairly introductory level so that we can focus on a broad range of considerations that are applicable to a broader range of individuals who are transitioning into management roles.
Ep 133: Ask the Show Fall 2023
September 04, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 102 MBManagement transition, Where to start a design, the Role of Artificial Intelligence in architecture, and What Cocktail Should Architects drink ... We answer your questions today on Ep 133: Ask the Show. Fall 2023
Ep 132: Starting Architecture School Part 2
August 20, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 101 MBYou have made the decision where to study architecture. You've chosen the architecture school and your degree path. So now what? How much work is this going to be? How much will this cost? We covered some issues in Part 1, and now we will finish the monumental task of summarizing what it's like to start architecture school.
Ep 131: Starting Architecture School Part 1
August 06, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 53 MBSo you are thinking about starting architecture school or looking to study architecture. Well, no matter your situation; we’ve got you covered today with all the introductory info in Episode 131: Starting Architecture School Part 1.
Ep 130: Employee Evaluations
July 23, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 91.4 MBIn this episode we discuss the role that structured and organized employee evaluations have a valuable role to play in the process of evaluating the role that employees fill in any office environment
Ep 129: Built to Last
July 09, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 94.6 MBHistorically, modern trends in the AEC industry do not provide for buildings with a longer life span. In 'Built to Last' we will discuss ways to improve the lifespan of buildings through mitigating various aspects of impact on the built environment.
Ep 128: Focus
June 25, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 83.9 MBFocus is a subject matter that warrants revisited attention from each of us as it is something that is in a constant state of change and in need of improvement.
Ep 127: Context and Design
June 11, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 79.6 MBDo architects have a responsibility to acknowledge the time, place and style of architecture they design? How does form based zoning figure into this? Context and Design are the topics we are exploring in today's episode.
Ep 126: Architectural Bucket List
May 29, 2023 19:00 - 54 minutes - 74.4 MBAlmost 4 years to the day and 100 episodes later, Andrew and I are going to go through an architectural bucket list of people places, and things. I don’t know what Andrew has in mind but I’m feeling that my list will inspire you and change your life…
Ep 125: A Great Employee
May 14, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 94.4 MBHow do you define a great employee? The answer is most likely dependent on who is attempting to respond, the employee or the employer. I will concede that I have told previous employers that I would be the best employee they have ever had. And I actually meant it when I said it. Did it happen? I like to think so; at least once or twice, but it’s not for me to say. Andrew and I have been both employee and employer, and this is a topic that I think deserves a little time in the spotlight … Welc...
Ep 124: Show Me the Money
April 30, 2023 19:00 - 54 minutes - 74.3 MBIn Ep 124: Show Me the Money, we discuss the current architectural marketplace, where we can find value, what’s the going salary rate based on skill set and experience, and how badly we need this spot or that spot filled. Understanding your value involves a lot of variables and this will help you set your own priorities when making a decision on your worth.
EP 123: Interviews Just Aren’t that Hard
April 16, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 86.9 MBYou’re about to graduate from architecture school, or maybe you already have a job, and you’re just simply looking for a change. Going through interviews is part of the sequence of getting a new job, and there are some things that are worth knowing before you step into the room.
Ep 122: Architecture and Artificial Intelligence
April 02, 2023 19:50 - 1 hour - 76.9 MBEven though artificial intelligence can conceptually trace its roots back to the 1950s, the reality is AI and Machine learning went mainstream not too long ago, but what does this mean to the profession of architecture?
Ep 121: Material Selection
March 19, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 84.3 MBWhen you think of a building – whatever scale or project type, the items that go to create that building are most frequently associated with the materials that are selected that define the appearance of the building. Brick, glass, wood, and metal are all great choices – but the decision on what to clad your project in goes a long way towards deciding things beyond the appearance. . … Welcome to EP 121: Material Selection [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-s...
Ep 120: Ask the Show – Spring 2023
March 05, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 88.3 MBDeficiencies of the Architectural Profession? Best non-architecture source for creative inspiration? When are you going to retire? We answer questions and more on Ep 120: Ask the Show - Spring 2023
Ep 119: Architectural Defrag
February 19, 2023 20:05 - 1 hour - 96.2 MBThere are a lot of things going on behind the scenes on the Life of an Architect podcast. In today's episode, we cover some changes that we think you will find amazing and some other changes that might merely be incredible. We are pulling the curtains back and discussing 2023 in a way that we've never done before.
Ep 118: Architectural Interns
February 05, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 80.8 MBGetting a job as an architectural intern is important, it is critical to gain an understanding of what type of firm and what sort of projects you will want to work on as a practicing architect. Welcome to Episode 118: Architectural Interns.
Ep 117: Graphic Matters
January 22, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 84.1 MBArchitects still communicate their designs through the use of graphics – and there are a lot of techniques that are up for consideration ... these are Graphic Matters.
Ep 116: Workaholic
January 08, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 89.6 MBDoes the architectural profession expect more time out of its employees compared to any other highly educated service provider? Architects do seem to romanticize the amount of time and effort that goes into our craft, but are we actually a workaholic?
115: The Art of Getting it Wrong
December 11, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 72.4 MBArchitecture is not a trade, it’s a craft … and since this suggests that time and evolution are a consideration to development, it also suggests that architects don’t always get it right. Today we are discussing Architects and "The Art of Getting it Wrong"
114: Holiday Gift Guide for Architects (2022)
November 27, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 89.4 MBFor the 13th consecutive year, Life of an Architect presents THE definitive holiday gift guide for architects.
Ep 113: An Architect’s Office
November 14, 2022 20:35 - 1 hour - 51.5 MBThe design of an Architect's office presents a unique opportunity to address design culture while providing an opportunity to show off your creative side.
Ep 112: Final Presentations in Architecture School
October 30, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 91.1 MBWe are talking about "Final Presentations in Architecture School" today as we review what that process looks like, how to prepare, and discuss what really matters.
Ep 111: Talking Shop with Kevin Rice
October 16, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 67.5 MBIn this episode of our Talking Shop series. we are joined by Kevin Rice of Diller Scofidio + Renfro and we discuss careers, office culture, and architecture.
EP 110: Modern Home Challenge
October 02, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 86.8 MBWe are starting a design exercise called the "Modern Home Challenge" with the intent to go through a design process that would help us understand how to design a modern house that people could afford and would actually want to live in.
Ep 109: Traveling for Work
September 18, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 82.4 MBMost architects are able to get out of the office and travel as part of their job ... but is work-related travel as awesome as we all thought it would be? In today's post and podcast, we discuss the pros and cons of "Traveling for Work".
Ep 108: Ask the Show (Fall 2022)
September 05, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 84.2 MBHow much drafting does a fully licensed architect do? What is something you learned in the industry that you hadn’t been taught in school? Are you as condescending to your employees as your redlines let on? All this and potentially other hateful questions on today’s episode as Andrew and I answer discuss the questions submitted by the listeners. Welcome to episode 108: Ask the Show – Fall Edition. [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player] ...
Ep 107: Design Development
August 21, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 89.5 MBLearn about what happens during the design development phase of a residential project when you hire an architect. This is typically the phase the clients enjoy the most as they see their project come to life and start to get an understanding of what their new home will look like once completed.
Ep 106: Architecture School 101: Equipment
August 07, 2022 19:00 - 59 minutes - 74 MBAround this time every year that a new crop of potential future architects are about to start their first year of architecture school, and they have questions. What equipment and supplies do I need? Well, get ready as we talk about everything you could possibly need in Episode 106: Architecture School Equipment.
Ep 105: Interior Architecture
July 24, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 77.4 MBArchitecture is a field with a wide variety of possible pathways and careers. Today we will focus our attention on the closely related field of Interior Architecture. We have a conversation with award-winning architect Joey Shimoda to discuss all things interior architecture.
Ep 104: Conventions – The Best and Worst of Times
July 10, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 80.9 MBDepending on your age, sooner or later you will end up at one convention or another. For some people, this is a yearly migration full of can’t-miss opportunities. For others, it’s three days of questionable decisions and most likely, a lot of fun. Welcome to Episode 104: Conventions – The Best and Worst of Times
Ep 103: Architects and the Art of Being Happy
June 26, 2022 19:00 - 54 minutes - 70.2 MBArchitects and the Art of Being Happy is a difficult topic but there are some direct and simple steps you can take that will improve your daily experience.
Ep 102: Business Development
June 13, 2022 05:01 - 1 hour - 84.4 MBToday, we are discussing the concepts around business development, which is something that, with almost 99% certainty, no architect was ever taught in school. So we invited our long-time friend, who has dedicated himself to improving the business aspects of small firms across the country, to join us in this conversation.
Ep 101: Design Process
May 30, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 84.5 MBThe design process for each person is different even though there will always be some similarities. I assembled my own sequence process of Discovery - Exploration – Presentation – Modification – and then Execution. This is a formulaic process that I use that allows creative people a methodology to going about their business without needing “inspiration.”
Ep 100: The 100th Episode
May 15, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 111 MBIt's taken almost 4 years to get here, but the Life of an Architect is celebrating a milestone. Welcome to the 100th Episode where Andrew and I take exactly 100 minutes to tell you all the insider secrets as well as behind-the-scenes stories of things that went wrong.
Ep 99: Construction Drawings
May 01, 2022 19:00 - 58 minutes - 73.9 MBConstruction Drawings are the documents architects use to convey architectural intent - size, location, quantity - and learning how to properly prepare them is getting harder and harder.