Constructive Criticism: The Contractors and Architects Podcast

Zach Simmons
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship

For too long, contractors and architects have sat on opposite sides of the table, working toward the same goals but rarely together. Misunderstandings, conflicting priorities, and communication gaps have cost us time, money, and quality. This isn't just another podcast about building—it’s about building better partnerships, better projects, and ultimately, a stronger industry. Join us as we move beyond criticism to constructive solutions. Together, contractors and architects can—and will—build better.

Episodes

  1. Feb 16

    Constructive Criticism - Episode 10 Naive Construction & Alternative Delivery with Chris McCray

    The conversation delves into the world of tribal construction and project planning, exploring the Chris origin story, the influence of emergency response on construction, the balance between feasibility and aesthetics, misconceptions in construction and project planning, and the shift to innovative construction methods. The discussion highlights the innovative approaches to construction and project management, emphasizing the importance of tribal construction and the impact of emergency response on construction projects. The conversation delves into the innovative approaches of tribal nations in construction, emphasizing the relationship-driven approach and the impact of red tape on the construction industry in Oklahoma. Takeaways Tribal construction and project planningInnovative approaches to construction and project management Innovation in tribal nationsRelationship-driven approachImpact of red tape on construction industry Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background07:09 Influence of Emergency Response on Construction23:44 Misconceptions in Construction and Project Planning29:42 Shift to Innovative Construction Methods36:22 Relationship-Driven Approach01:01:18 Impact of Red Tape on Construction Industry

    1 hr

  2. Feb 6

    Constructive Criticism - Episode 9 Leadership & Native Development in OK with Chairman Jake Keyes

    The conversation delves into the journey of Jake Keyes, the chairman of the Iowa tribe and founder of Skydance Brewery, exploring his entrepreneurial endeavors, tribal leadership, and the impact of tribes and nations on economic development. It highlights the themes of sovereignty and self-governance, the impact of tribes and nations on economic development, and the intersection of leadership and entrepreneurship. The conversation delves into the topics of community development and tribal relations, highlighting the importance of community-focused projects and the unique dynamics of tribal sovereignty and relations with the state government. The discussion emphasizes the significance of building strong relationships and understanding the cultural and legal aspects of working with tribes. Takeaways Sovereignty and self-governanceImpact of tribes and nations on economic developmentLeadership and entrepreneurship Community DevelopmentSovereignty and Tribal Relations Chapters 00:00 Leadership, Sovereignty, and Economic Impact38:10 Community Development and Tribal Relations

    1h 6m

  3. Jan 30

    Constructive Criticism – Episode 8 GC Licensing & Retail Construction with Jennifer Erickson

    The conversation delves into the significance of licensing in the construction industry, highlighting the impact on risk management and the quality of construction work. It explores the challenges and variations in licensing requirements across different states, as well as the state-specific licensing processes and enforcement. The discussion provides valuable insights for individuals seeking to obtain a general contractor's license and emphasizes the importance of understanding the licensing landscape in the construction industry. The conversation covers the NASCLA exam, challenges and differences in retail construction, the game of repeatable processes in retail construction, the people game in retail construction, balancing store team capabilities, the impact of technology in construction, and the importance of long-term relationships in construction. Takeaways Licensing in the construction industry varies by state and can have a significant impact on risk management and the quality of construction work.The process of obtaining a general contractor's license can differ significantly from state to state, with varying requirements and levels of enforcement. NASCLA exam is a comprehensive and difficult test accepted by 16 statesRetail construction is a game of repeatable processes and is customer-facingTechnology has impacted the construction industry, providing transparency and real-time informationThe importance of long-term relationships in construction and the impact of low bids on project success

    1h 11m

  4. Jan 9

    Constructive Criticism - Episode 7: Construction Industry Hot Takes

    Cale Lopp and Zach Simmons engage in a discussion about hot takes in design and construction, exploring topics such as the relationship between architects' drawings and constructability, the impact of value engineering on design quality, and the authenticity of project budgets. The conversation delves into the challenges and limitations of these concepts, shedding light on the complexities of the construction industry. The conversation delves into the reality of construction budgets, highlighting the challenges of fake budgets and the impact of contractor bidding processes. It then explores the promotion of field workers in construction, discussing the lack of training for promotion and sharing personal experiences. The untouchable status of architects in construction is also examined, focusing on liability, responsibility, and the legal and financial risk. The conclusion reflects on the construction industry and the need for accountability and responsibility. The conversation delves into the challenges of project delays, communication issues, and the contractor-architect relationship. It also explores the role of the safety guy, safety as a priority in construction, and the ROI of safe and clean job sites. Additionally, it features architectural hot takes and insights on safety and constructability. Takeaways The relationship between architects' drawings and constructability is complex and often presents challenges in the construction industry.Value engineering can impact the quality and constructability of a project, raising questions about its role in design processes.The authenticity and accuracy of project budgets in the construction industry are subjects of debate, highlighting the complexities of budget estimation and management. Construction budgets are often fake and based on a flawed bidding processPromotion from the field in construction is challenging and lacks adequate trainingArchitects hold an untouchable status in construction, posing legal and financial risks Project delays impact design developmentEffective communication is crucial in constructionSafety is a priority with tangible ROI Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Hot Takes05:06 Can Architects Draw It?10:57 Value Engineering and Bad Design18:28 The Authenticity of Budgets26:42 The Reality of Construction Budgets36:36 Architects as the Untouchables of Construction51:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts56:22 Contractor-Architect Relationship01:05:37 Safety as a Priority in Construction01:13:03 Architectural Hot Takes

    1h 9m

  5. Jan 3

    Constructive Criticism - Episode 6: Delivery Methods & The Year in Review

    To close out the year, Cale and I step back from the noise and talk honestly about how projects actually got delivered — and what the last year taught us about the state of construction. In this final episode of 2025, we break down the delivery methods we saw in the wild — CM/GC, design-build, design-bid-build, negotiated work — and what performed under pressure versus what looked good on paper but fell apart in practice. We cover: How different delivery methods actually played out this yearWhere owners, architects, and contractors stayed aligned — and where they didn’tWhy some projects thrived despite challenges, while others struggled from day oneLessons learned from real projects, not theoryWhat we’re carrying into next year — and what we’re leaving behind This episode isn’t about predictions or buzzwords. It’s a candid year-end recap between a contractor and an architect who’ve both been in the arena, comparing notes on what’s working, what’s broken, and what needs to change if we want better outcomes next year. If you care about project delivery, collaboration, and learning from real experience instead of repeating the same mistakes — this is the right place to end the year.

    1h 8m

  6. 12/29/2025

    Constructive Criticism - Episode 5: Company Spotlight with Kayla Palmer

    Some careers are safe. Some decisions change everything. In this episode of The Constructive Criticism Podcast, we sit down with Kayla Palmer, President and Co-Founder of Palmer Construction & Marine Company LLC, to tell the real story behind the company — the leap away from a stable role in tribal administration, the decision to bet on herself, and the uphill fight to build a construction business in an industry that doesn’t make it easy for Native women. Kayla shares what doesn’t usually get talked about: Walking away from security to build something of her ownStarting Palmer Construction without a safety netThe reality of being a Native female business owner in constructionNavigating credibility, bias, and expectations in a male-dominated industryLearning federal, tribal, and commercial construction the hard way — in real timeThis isn’t a polished origin story. It’s about pressure, doubt, persistence, and the moments where quitting would’ve made sense — but wasn’t an option. We talk honestly about what it takes to build trust, win work, and grow a company when you don’t fit the industry’s default mold, and why representation in construction leadership actually matters when it’s earned, not handed out. If you’ve ever thought about betting on yourself, leaving something comfortable, or building a business where the odds aren’t stacked in your favor — this episode will hit home.

    1h 8m

  7. 12/29/2025

    Constructive Criticism - Episode 4 Building the Future — The Next Generation with Terry Clinefelter

    Construction Education, Workforce Development & the Next Generation (with Terry Clinefelter) We all talk about labor shortages and workforce gaps — but what’s the real deal behind them, and how do we actually fix it? In this episode, we sit down with Terry Clinefelter, a veteran construction educator and workforce development advocate who lives where industry, schools, and real work collide. Terry’s spent over 15 years teaching and shaping construction programs, leading curriculum work, and building bridges between classrooms and real jobs. He’s also Vice President of Construct My Future, an initiative that helps young people see construction as a viable, rewarding career path — not a fallback plan. In this conversation we get into: Why the construction workforce gap is more than “no one wants to work”How higher education and hands-on training can actually keep young people and adult learners engagedThe role of colleges, tech programs, and industry partnerships in building tomorrow’s workforceWhat happens when education and field expectations aren’t alignedPractical ideas for connecting students to meaningful, sustainable careers Whether you’re an educator, contractor, superintendent, project manager, or owner — and especially if you’ve ever screamed “where are the skilled workers?” into the void — This episode reframes the conversation around construction education, career pathways, and how we fill the pipelines that everyone talks about but few tackle.

    44 min

  8. 12/29/2025

    Constructive Criticism - Episode 3 The External Tug of War: Who Sets The Targets?

    Every project has targets — schedule, budget, scope, and performance. The problem? Not everyone agrees on who actually sets them. In this episode of The Constructive Criticism Podcast, we break down The External Tug of War — the constant push and pull between owners, architects, contractors, lenders, and regulators, all pulling in different directions while expecting the same outcome. We dig into: Who really sets project targets — and who just inherits themHow unrealistic budgets and schedules get locked in earlyWhy targets shift without accountability once construction startsThe role lenders, funding sources, and public requirements quietly playHow misaligned targets turn into change orders, delays, and finger-pointingThis isn’t about blaming one party. It’s about exposing how misaligned expectations at the front end create downstream chaos — and why most projects are set up to fight themselves before they ever break ground. If you’ve ever been handed a schedule or budget and told to “make it work,” this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar.

    1h 6m

  9. 12/29/2025

    Constructive Criticism - Episode 2 The Great RFI War

    RFIs were meant to solve problems. Instead, they’ve become one of the biggest sources of friction in construction. In this episode of The Constructive Criticism Podcast, we unpack The Great RFI War — how Requests for Information slowly turned from a coordination tool into a defensive move, a paper trail, and sometimes an outright weapon on job sites. We get real about: Why RFI counts have exploded on modern construction projectsHow incomplete drawings and risk-shifting contracts fuel unnecessary RFIsThe difference between a legitimate RFI and one that shouldn’t existHow RFIs quietly impact schedules, budgets, and team trustWhere contractors, architects, and owners are all contributing to the problem This isn’t a contractor-versus-architect episode. It’s a straight talk conversation about how misuse of RFIs slows projects down, burns relationships, and creates avoidable conflict across the industry. If you work in commercial construction — contractor, architect, owner, or PM — and you’ve ever written, answered, or argued over an RFI, this episode will hit close to home.

    1h 5m

  10. 12/22/2025

    Constructive Criticism – Episode 1 (Pilot)

    In the pilot episode of Constructive Criticism, hosts Zach Simmons and Cale Lopp kick things off by telling the truth about who they are, where they came from, and why this podcast needed to exist. Zach brings the contractor’s perspective. Cale brings the architect’s. Different lanes, same job site. They talk about how the Oklahoma construction industry actually works, where it’s broken, where it’s quietly excellent, and why most of the friction between architects, contractors, and owners is self-inflicted. No PR answers. No polished talking points. Just two professionals who’ve lived it, arguing their way toward better outcomes. This episode sets the tone for what’s coming: real conversations with the people building Oklahoma, honest critique of industry norms, and uncomfortable questions everyone avoids because “that’s how it’s always been done."

    39 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

For too long, contractors and architects have sat on opposite sides of the table, working toward the same goals but rarely together. Misunderstandings, conflicting priorities, and communication gaps have cost us time, money, and quality. This isn't just another podcast about building—it’s about building better partnerships, better projects, and ultimately, a stronger industry. Join us as we move beyond criticism to constructive solutions. Together, contractors and architects can—and will—build better.

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