CE Center Podcasts

CE Center Podcast

CE Center Podcasts are for architects looking to learn more about today's built environment.

  1. 08/04/2025

    DesignED Podcast: Beka Sturges and Eric Kramer - Reed Hilderbrand

    Description In this conversation, Design:ED interviews Beka Sturges and Eric Kramer of Reed Hilderbrand about the evolving role of landscape architecture in contemporary design. They discuss the historical hierarchy between architecture and landscape architecture, emphasizing how current environmental and social challenges demand a more integrated, site-responsive, and collaborative design approach. Drawing on projects like Storm King and Powder Mountain, they highlight the importance of understanding place, scale, and ecological systems, and how landscape can enrich human experience and civic engagement. The conversation also explores the unpredictable, living nature of landscapes, the urgency of addressing climate change, and the potential of landscape architecture to foster inclusive, meaningful public spaces that reflect shared cultural values. Learning Objectives: Examine the evolving relationship between landscape architecture and traditional architectural practices in response to environmental and social challenges. Evaluate how landscape architecture contributes to site identity, user experience, and cultural narratives across various scales. Apply principles of ecological and civic resilience in the planning and design of contemporary landscape projects. Explore strategies for integrating art, community engagement, and environmental stewardship within large-scale landscape interventions.   Credits: 1.0 AIA LU/Elective Speaker: Beka Sturges and Eric Kramer

    45 min
  2. 07/07/2025

    DESIGN:ED Podcast: Allan Poore - Chaos

    Description In a conversation between Design:ED and Allan Poore of Chaos, Poore explains how Chaos’s visualization tools, such as V-Ray, Enscape, and the recently acquired Evolve Labs suite (including tools like Veras, Gly, and Morpheus), are reshaping architectural workflows. He emphasizes their focus on real-time rendering, AI-driven automation, and usability across devices, enabling faster design decisions and more accessible visualization. The discussion highlights the potential of AI to eliminate tedious tasks like dimensioning, while also noting the importance of retaining architectural understanding. Poore shares insights into Chaos’s strategy of integrating media and entertainment innovations into architecture, the collaborative future of design, and Chaos’s ongoing commitment to balancing realism with performance and flexibility. Learning Objectives: Identify how Chaos visualization tools, including V-Ray and Enscape, support decision-making in architectural design through real-time rendering and asset integration.Evaluate the role of AI-driven automation in streamlining repetitive tasks such as dimensioning and documentation within Revit-based workflows.Differentiate between the use cases for real-time and offline rendering tools in architectural and client-facing applications.Explore the intersection of architectural and media visualization technologies to enhance design accuracy, collaboration, and project efficiency. Credits: 1.0 AIA LU/Elective Speaker:   Allan Poore

    33 min
  3. 05/26/2025

    DESIGN:ED Podcast: Jack Becker and Andrew Linn - BLD.US

    Description In this conversation with DESIGN:ED, architects Jack Becker and Andrew Linn of BLD.US discuss their material-driven design philosophy, emphasizing the use of natural, locally sourced materials that weather gracefully over time. They explore the importance of craftsmanship, adaptability in construction, and the influence of historic buildings on their work. The conversation also touches on the challenges young architects face balancing creativity and financial realities, the need for material sensitivity in contemporary architecture, and their ongoing academic contributions through Virginia Tech, where they engage students in reimagining civic-scale projects in Washington, D.C. They conclude by reflecting on future opportunities, including expanding their material palette with brick in upcoming projects. Learning Objectives: Understand the role of material selection, climate responsiveness, and craftsmanship in creating enduring architectural designs.Analyze how direct involvement in construction and development processes can enhance architectural practice and project outcomes.Explore strategies for bridging academic research, civic engagement, and real-world architectural practice to drive meaningful design solutions.Evaluate the evolving role of natural materials, formal restraint, and sustainability in shaping the future of contemporary architecture. Credits: 1.0 AIA LU/Elective Speaker:   Jack Becker and Andrew Linn

    46 min

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CE Center Podcasts are for architects looking to learn more about today's built environment.