Coffee Sketch Podcast

Kurt Neiswender / Jamie Crawley

Coffee Sketch Podcast is our take on the intersection of old tech and new tech. The space between the traditional practice of the hand-drawn sketch that has been performed by architects and designers for centuries and the modern day use of the #hashtag as a representation of sentiment or a movement! Each week will plan to deliver a new pod about our ideas, sketches, and what’s going in our daily lives as we pursue our love of architecture, design, and sharing this knowledge with the next generation. 

  1. 193 - Ad Astra

    FEB 11

    193 - Ad Astra

    Summary In this engaging conversation, Kurt and Jamie explore a variety of topics ranging from digital practices in architecture, culinary experiences, and the evolution of technology, to reflections on significant historical events like the Challenger disaster. They also delve into the artistic process behind sketching, the cultural commentary found in films like The Fifth Element, and personal experiences related to identity and citizenship. The discussion is rich with humor, insights, and a shared passion for creativity and exploration. Takeaways Kurt shares his temporary basement setup for recording. Jamie discusses a 3D print of an Italian hilltown. The conversation touches on culinary experiences and restaurant recommendations. They reflect on the challenges of learning new software and technology. Kurt emphasizes the importance of practice in mastering skills. Jamie shares insights on the significance of space exploration and historical events. The duo discusses the impact of the Challenger disaster on education and public perception. They explore the artistic process and the meaning behind sketches. The conversation highlights the cultural significance of films like The Fifth Element. Kurt and Jamie reflect on personal experiences related to identity and citizenship. Titles Exploring Digital Practices in Architecture Culinary Adventures and Cultural Insights Sound bites "I found the mirror." "You know, it's funny." "Enjoy it." Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Green Room 02:32 Exploring Digital Practices and 3D Printing 04:48 Culinary Adventures and Cultural Insights 07:09 The Green Room Podcast Dynamics 08:34 Navigating Technology and Learning 11:04 Reflections on Software Evolution 13:24 Coffee Conversations and Personal Touches 15:57 Sports and Cultural Connections 18:23 Sketching and Artistic Expression 20:48 Space Exploration and Historical Reflections 23:40 The Challenger Disaster and Its Impact 26:43 Artistic Inspirations and Aspirations 29:36 Cultural References in Film 32:27 The Fifth Element: A Cinematic Exploration 35:28 Current Events and Social Commentary 38:23 Personal Experiences and Identity 41:22 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions Send Feedback :) Support the show Buy some Coffee! Support the Show! https://ko-fi.com/coffeesketchpodcast/shop Our Links Follow Jamie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/falloutstudio/ Follow Kurt on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kurtneiswender/ Kurt’s Practice - https://www.instagram.com/urbancolabarchitecture/ Coffee Sketch on Twitter - https://twitter.com/coffeesketch Jamie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/falloutstudio Kurt on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kurtneiswender

    1h 1m
  2. 192 - Sketching the Future of Design

    FEB 4

    192 - Sketching the Future of Design

    Summary In this engaging conversation, Kurt and Jamie explore a variety of topics ranging from the unpredictable weather patterns affecting their regions to the significance of sketches and diagrams in architecture. They reflect on personal growth through New Year resolutions, delve into the cultural impact of coffee, and discuss the Venice Biennale's architectural exhibits, particularly focusing on the themes of porches and the homage to renowned architect Carlo Scarpa. The dialogue emphasizes the relationship between form and function in design, highlighting how temporary structures can convey deeper meanings and the innovative use of books as structural elements. Takeaways Weather patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable. Coffee culture often intertwines with personal and cultural narratives. New Year resolutions can lead to personal growth and reflection. Sketching is a vital tool in the architectural design process. The Venice Biennale showcases innovative architectural ideas. The concept of the porch serves as a cultural and architectural symbol. Carlo Scarpa's influence is evident in contemporary architecture. Temporary structures can have significant cultural implications. The relationship between form and function is crucial in design. Books can serve as integral structural elements in architecture. Titles Weather and Architecture: A Conversation Sketching the Future of Design Sound bites "I want to get to the sketches." "I love talking about diagrams." "It's an homage to Scarpa." Chapters 00:00 Weather Whirlwinds: A Winter Discussion 02:49 Coffee Conversations: A Toast to David Lynch 04:57 Reflections on Self-Care and Creativity 07:34 The Art of Diagramming: Insights for Students 09:40 Pecha Kucha: Engaging Storytelling Through Sketches 12:31 Exploring Venice: Architecture and the Biennale 19:29 Exploring the U.S. Pavilion at the Biennale 24:01 The Concept of the Porch in Architecture 33:21 Homage to Carlo Scarpa: The Sterling Pavilion 41:44 The Relationship Between Old and New Libraries Send Feedback :) Support the show Buy some Coffee! Support the Show! https://ko-fi.com/coffeesketchpodcast/shop Our Links Follow Jamie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/falloutstudio/ Follow Kurt on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kurtneiswender/ Kurt’s Practice - https://www.instagram.com/urbancolabarchitecture/ Coffee Sketch on Twitter - https://twitter.com/coffeesketch Jamie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/falloutstudio Kurt on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kurtneiswender

    49 min
  3. New Years 2026!

    JAN 13

    New Years 2026!

    Summary In this engaging conversation, Kurt and Jamie reflect on the past year, discussing their experiences, creative processes, and personal growth. They explore the concept of the 'Forgotten Week' as a time for creativity and reflection, the impact of AI on design education, and celebrate personal milestones. As they set intentions for the new year, they share their chosen words for 2026, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and creativity in their lives. Takeaways The New Year is a time for reflection and setting goals. The 'Forgotten Week' offers a unique opportunity for creativity. Finding beauty in brokenness can lead to personal growth. AI is transforming design education and creative processes. Celebrating personal milestones can enhance motivation. Setting intentions for the year can guide personal development. Simplicity can lead to a more focused and fulfilling life. Creativity should be embraced as a continuous process. Engaging with past work can enhance design projects. Collaboration and dialogue are key in creative environments. Titles New Year, New Goals: A Creative Journey The Forgotten Week: Embracing Creativity Sound bites "We made it to 2026!" "This is the Forgotten Week." "Do epic shit!" Chapters 00:00 New Year Reflections 02:29 The Forgotten Week 05:09 Creative Opportunities During Downtime 07:46 Year-End Recap and Resolutions 22:29 Finding Beauty in Brokenness 31:08 Reflections on the Past Year 49:24 Words of the Year: A New Beginning Send Feedback :) Support the show Buy some Coffee! Support the Show! https://ko-fi.com/coffeesketchpodcast/shop Our Links Follow Jamie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/falloutstudio/ Follow Kurt on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kurtneiswender/ Kurt’s Practice - https://www.instagram.com/urbancolabarchitecture/ Coffee Sketch on Twitter - https://twitter.com/coffeesketch Jamie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/falloutstudio Kurt on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kurtneiswender

    1 hr
  4. 190 - The Genius of Frank Gehry

    JAN 7

    190 - The Genius of Frank Gehry

    Keywords Frank Gehry, architecture, design, legacy, influence, sketches, furniture design, modern architecture, cultural impact, art Takeaways Frank Gehry's work transcended traditional architecture, blending art and functionality. His influence extended beyond architecture, impacting popular culture and design. Gehry's designs often challenged conventional norms, showcasing creativity and innovation. The importance of research and exploration in becoming a subject matter expert. Gehry's furniture designs reflect his architectural philosophy and creativity. The role of sketches in understanding and celebrating architectural design. Gehry's legacy continues to inspire new generations of architects and designers. The connection between architecture and personal experiences in design. Gehry's ability to create iconic structures that resonate with the public. The significance of collaboration and dialogue in the architectural community. Summary This conversation delves into the legacy of Frank Gehry, exploring his profound impact on architecture and design. The hosts discuss Gehry's unique approach to blending art with functionality, his influence on popular culture, and the importance of research and exploration in the field. They also reflect on personal experiences with Gehry's work and the significance of sketches in understanding architectural design. Titles Celebrating Frank Gehry: A Legacy of Innovation The Art of Architecture: Frank Gehry's Influence Sound bites "You can't stop this." "No take backs." "The train has left the station." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties 09:59 Exploring Harry Bertoia and Design Influence 14:15 Soccer Talk: Messi and the World Cup 16:23 Show Kickoff and Episode 190 17:07 Introduction and Coffee Talk 21:04 Remembering Frank Gehry 21:16 The Legacy of Frank Gehry 32:55 Exploring Gehry's Architectural Influence 41:31 Gehry's Furniture Design and Personal Touch 56:54 Student Engagement and Sketching Gehry's Work Send Feedback :) Support the show Buy some Coffee! Support the Show! https://ko-fi.com/coffeesketchpodcast/shop Our Links Follow Jamie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/falloutstudio/ Follow Kurt on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kurtneiswender/ Kurt’s Practice - https://www.instagram.com/urbancolabarchitecture/ Coffee Sketch on Twitter - https://twitter.com/coffeesketch Jamie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/falloutstudio Kurt on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kurtneiswender

    48 min
  5. 189 - Archinktober 2025 Wrap Up

    12/11/2025

    189 - Archinktober 2025 Wrap Up

    Keywords grunge music, alternative architecture, corporate design, recycling materials, citizen architecture, cultural influence, 90s grunge Summary The conversation explores the intersection of grunge music and alternative architecture, emphasizing a rejection of corporate design in favor of recycling materials and creating impactful structures in impoverished areas. It highlights the cultural influence of 90s grunge on contemporary architectural practices. Takeaways Grunge music embodies a spirit of rebellion against corporate norms. Alternative architecture seeks to reflect the same values as grunge music. Recycling materials is a key principle in creating sustainable architecture. Citizen architecture focuses on community needs and local resources. The influence of 90s grunge extends beyond music into various cultural domains. Architecture can serve as a form of social commentary. Impoverished areas can benefit from innovative architectural solutions. The ethos of grunge can inspire modern design practices. Collaboration between artists and architects can lead to unique outcomes. Cultural movements can shape the way we think about space and design. Titles The Rebellion of Grunge: Architecture Against the Grain Building Beyond Corporate: The Grunge Influence Sound bites "The whole beat of grunge was against the corporate." "Grunge music was all about being an alternate alternative." "My sandbox could be for Kurt and 90s grunge." Send Feedback :) Support the show Buy some Coffee! Support the Show! https://ko-fi.com/coffeesketchpodcast/shop Our Links Follow Jamie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/falloutstudio/ Follow Kurt on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kurtneiswender/ Kurt’s Practice - https://www.instagram.com/urbancolabarchitecture/ Coffee Sketch on Twitter - https://twitter.com/coffeesketch Jamie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/falloutstudio Kurt on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kurtneiswender

    1h 4m
  6. 188 - Archinktober 2025

    12/04/2025

    188 - Archinktober 2025

    Keywords architecture, sketching, Archinktober, Michigan, design, creativity, podcast, conversation, community, education, architecture, sketching, AI, design, Archinktober, creativity, collaboration, artistic process, technology, inspiration Takeaways The importance of sketching in architecture cannot be overstated. Archinktober encourages daily sketching to keep skills sharp. Sketching is a powerful communication tool in design. The process of sketching fosters collaboration and creativity. Engaging in sketching can unlock new ideas and perspectives. Sketching should be fun and not overly serious. The community aspect of sketching challenges enhances participation. Sketching helps bridge the gap between ideas and execution. It's essential to embrace the fluidity of design conversations. Every sketch has the potential to spark meaningful dialogue. Sketching is a powerful tool that engages audiences. AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance creativity. The Archinktober challenge encourages daily artistic practice. Curating AI outputs is essential for maintaining artistic integrity. Themes in sketching can reflect personal and cultural narratives. Collaboration among architects can lead to richer ideas. Critique and iteration are vital in the creative process. Embracing imperfection can lead to unexpected outcomes. Artistic expression can be influenced by music and culture. Sharing artistic processes fosters community and understanding. Summary In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore the significance of sketching in architecture, the unique culture of Michigan, and the annual Archinktober sketching challenge. They discuss how sketching serves as a vital communication tool, fostering collaboration and creativity among architects and designers. The episode emphasizes the importance of community in sketching and encourages listeners to embrace the process, making it enjoyable and fluid. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the significance of sketching in architecture, the integration of AI in design processes, and the creative challenges posed by the Archinktober initiative. They explore the balance between traditional sketching and modern technology, emphasizing the importance of the artistic process and collaboration. The discussion highlights the evolving themes in architectural sketching, reflecting on personal experiences and the impact of technology on creativity. Titles Sketching the Future: The Power of Archinktober Michigan's Architectural Identity: A Sketching Journey Sound bites "All you need is a pen." "AI is a tool, not the thing." "Thanks for having me." Chapters 00:00 Introduc Send Feedback :) Support the show Buy some Coffee! Support the Show! https://ko-fi.com/coffeesketchpodcast/shop Our Links Follow Jamie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/falloutstudio/ Follow Kurt on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kurtneiswender/ Kurt’s Practice - https://www.instagram.com/urbancolabarchitecture/ Coffee Sketch on Twitter - https://twitter.com/coffeesketch Jamie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/falloutstudio Kurt on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kurtneiswender

    1h 16m
  7. 187 - AI Visualization Tooling and Workflows

    10/31/2025

    187 - AI Visualization Tooling and Workflows

    Takeaways The importance of community in creative challenges like Arch Inktober. Using prompts can enhance creativity and push artistic boundaries. AI tools can assist in the design process but require careful curation. Sketching techniques vary and can be influenced by technology. The significance of architectural history in contemporary design. Engaging with prompts allows for experimentation and exploration. Collaboration between artists can lead to richer outcomes. Reflection on one's work is crucial for growth and improvement. The balance between traditional and digital methods in art is evolving. Encouragement to embrace challenges and not overthink the creative process. Titles Navigating the Challenges of Live Recording Celebrating Arch Inktober: A Creative Journey Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Glitches 05:11 Coffee Talk and Trends in Technology 09:33 The Importance of Community and Student Engagement 13:52 Arch Inktober: A Creative Challenge 18:41 Creative Challenges and Experimentation 23:07 Engaging with Artistic Prompts 25:33 Sketching Techniques and Processes 37:05 AI in Art: Mid-Journey Exploration 44:41 Curating Artistic Outputs 52:53 Reflections on Artistic Growth and Learning Send Feedback :) Support the show Buy some Coffee! Support the Show! https://ko-fi.com/coffeesketchpodcast/shop Our Links Follow Jamie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/falloutstudio/ Follow Kurt on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kurtneiswender/ Kurt’s Practice - https://www.instagram.com/urbancolabarchitecture/ Coffee Sketch on Twitter - https://twitter.com/coffeesketch Jamie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/falloutstudio Kurt on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kurtneiswender

    51 min
  8. 186 - In Memoriam, Sunny

    10/28/2025

    186 - In Memoriam, Sunny

    Keywords podcast, architecture, coffee, friendship, sketches, Alexandria Library, personal stories, design, tribute, learning curves Summary In this episode, Kurt and Jamie engage in a heartfelt conversation that weaves together personal anecdotes, reflections on coffee culture, and a tribute to a dear friend. They discuss the challenges of podcasting, the evolution of coffee quality, and the significance of sketches that represent their shared experiences. The conversation culminates in a poignant remembrance of a friend who had a profound impact on their lives, highlighting the connections between architecture, art, and personal memories. Takeaways The importance of learning curves in personal and professional growth. Coffee quality can significantly enhance the morning routine. Personal anecdotes can enrich conversations and deepen connections. Sketching can serve as a therapeutic outlet for processing emotions. Tributes to friends can be a meaningful way to honor their legacy. Architecture can evoke memories and connections to loved ones. The Alexandria Library project symbolizes the intersection of history and design. Friendship is characterized by shared experiences and mutual support. Reflecting on loss can lead to deeper appreciation of relationships. Conversations about art and architecture can foster community and connection. Titles Navigating Technical Challenges in Podcasting The Art of Coffee: Quality and Experience Sound bites "Quality has jumped up." "We thought we had more time." "Cheers to Sonny." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Apologies 02:18 Coffee Conversations and Experiences 04:42 Learning Curves and Technology 07:08 Sketches and Personal Reflections 09:36 Memories and Tributes 12:04 Architecture and Design Discussions 14:44 The Alexandria Library Project 17:56 Personal Connections and Friendships 20:30 Reflections on Loss and Legacy Send Feedback :) Support the show Buy some Coffee! Support the Show! https://ko-fi.com/coffeesketchpodcast/shop Our Links Follow Jamie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/falloutstudio/ Follow Kurt on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kurtneiswender/ Kurt’s Practice - https://www.instagram.com/urbancolabarchitecture/ Coffee Sketch on Twitter - https://twitter.com/coffeesketch Jamie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/falloutstudio Kurt on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kurtneiswender

    30 min
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Coffee Sketch Podcast is our take on the intersection of old tech and new tech. The space between the traditional practice of the hand-drawn sketch that has been performed by architects and designers for centuries and the modern day use of the #hashtag as a representation of sentiment or a movement! Each week will plan to deliver a new pod about our ideas, sketches, and what’s going in our daily lives as we pursue our love of architecture, design, and sharing this knowledge with the next generation.