Level Design Podcast

Scott Zurn
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  • DESIGN
  • TWICE MONTHLY

A podcast for Architects and Engineers who want to thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, fulfillment and financial security. Join Scott Zurn, P.E. and guests in uncovering how to restore value and honor to the unique people who choose to be designers and caretakers of our built world and why it’s essential to the future of our society, our industry, and our planet.

  1. Navigating the Complexities of Wastewater Management & Environmental Protection with Katrina Kessler (P.E.) – Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner

    13/11/2025

    Navigating the Complexities of Wastewater Management & Environmental Protection with Katrina Kessler (P.E.) – Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner

    Today, we delve into the complexities of wastewater management, the role of Pollution Control Agency, and the challenges faced in maintaining water quality standards. It highlights the importance of community engagement, the impact of agricultural runoff, and the intersection of AI with environmental stewardship. The discussion emphasizes the need for individual responsibility in addressing pollution and the significance of understanding local water sources and infrastructure. Our guest is Katrina Kessler, P.E.—Commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, former MPCA assistant commissioner, and former director of Minneapolis’s Surface Water & Sewers Division. With 16+ years in environmental leadership, Katrina: Leads 900+ MPCA staff working to ensure healthy air, clean water, sustainable lands, and a better climate across Minnesota.Strengthens partnerships with Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations and collaborates with businesses, local governments, and community stakeholders.Chairs the Governor’s Climate Change Subcabinet to reduce emissions, boost resilience, and advance equitable climate solutions.Represents Minnesota on the Environmental Council of States, the Great Lakes Commission, and EPA’s Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force. Signature initiatives: Developed Minnesota’s PFAS Blueprint to prevent, manage, and clean up “forever chemicals.”Co-created flexible, protective industry regulations that safeguard the environment and local jobs.Built ag–urban partnerships to improve water quality statewide.Katrina holds a BA in environmental science and an MS in environmental engineering. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Combined Sewer Systems 02:58 The Role of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 05:44 Permitting and Water Quality Standards 09:04 Challenges in Water Infrastructure 11:52 The Importance of Minnesota's Water Resources 15:03 Economic Impacts of Water Quality 17:47 Addressing Agricultural Runoff 20:54 Future of Wastewater Treatment 23:37 Collaboration for Water Quality Improvement 28:35 Exploring Air Quality Regulations 31:10 Addressing Methane Emissions 35:16 Individual Actions for Environmental Impact 39:34 The Intersection of AI and Environmental Stewardship 46:39 Collaboration Between Engineers and Environmental Agencies wastewater, pollution control, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, water quality, environmental stewardship, AI, community engagement, agricultural runoff, air quality, infrastructure Connect with us: The Level Design Podcast is a podcast for Architects and Engineers who want to thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, fulfillment and financial security. Join us: Are you one of the 5% of Engineers and Architects who's ready to take on Entrepreneurship? Dive deeper, fill out the form, and our leadership team will personally connect with you, address your questions and explore reclaiming your professional independence. www.leveldesignpartners.com

    43 min
  2. A Day in 2040: What a Construction Project Looks Like in 15 years (Engineering, Architecture, Construction, Management)

    03/11/2025

    A Day in 2040: What a Construction Project Looks Like in 15 years (Engineering, Architecture, Construction, Management)

    What does the year 2040 look like? Flying cars, robots, an AI doing most of our thinking? What types of jobs will exist and which will go extinct? What will we have to watch out for and how can we thrive through change? No one really knows, but in this episode, Scott paints a picture of what it could look like for the built environment. Chapters 00:08 The 15-year horizon: climate, insurance, and infrastructure strain 04:45 AI as standard practice in design and engineering 06:04 LiDAR, inch-accurate surveys, and real-time stormwater simulations 10:19 Immersive BIM: from 3D models to walkable design reviews 13:13 Optimizing materials and reducing carbon with computational tools 14:24 Carbon-neutral construction and the circular economy 16:16 Innovation outpacing codes: the regulatory bottleneck 18:24 From phone video to CAD: rapid as-builts and adaptive reuse 21:17 Agile business models and national collaboration networks 23:30 Visual build guides and tech-forward contractors 25:23 2040 vs 2060: seamless future or peak chaos? 26:46 Ethics, cybersecurity, and the road ahead Connect with us: The Level Design Podcast is a podcast for Architects and Engineers who want to thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, fulfillment and financial security. Join us: Are you one of the 5% of Engineers and Architects who's ready to take on Entrepreneurship? Dive deeper, fill out the form, and our leadership team will personally connect with you, address your questions and explore reclaiming your professional independence. www.leveldesignpartners.com

    22 min
  3. What Germany Can Teach the U.S. About Water and Wastewater Management

    29/10/2025

    What Germany Can Teach the U.S. About Water and Wastewater Management

    In this conversation, Scott Zurn shares insights from his recent trip to Germany, where he was part of a delegation focused on water and wastewater management. The discussion covers the differences in environmental engineering practices between Germany and the United States, highlighting innovative solutions, the role of nonprofit organizations, and the importance of knowledge sharing in addressing global environmental challenges. Scott emphasizes the need for continued learning and collaboration in the field of engineering to ensure a sustainable future. Chapters 03:03 Insights from the German Water Treatment Systems 05:46 Comparative Analysis of Population Density and Infrastructure 08:31 Innovative Solutions in Wastewater Treatment 11:29 The Role of Nonprofit Organizations in Water Management 14:22 Environmental Protection and Technological Advancements 17:28 Nature-Based Solutions in Wastewater Management 20:29 The Importance of Care in Environmental Engineering 23:20 Future of Water Management and Global Collaboration Water treatment, environmental engineering, Germany, wastewater management, population density, technology, nonprofit organizations, environmental protection, innovative solutions, knowledge sharing Connect with us: The Level Design Podcast is a podcast for Architects and Engineers who want to thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, fulfillment and financial security. Join us: Are you one of the 5% of Engineers and Architects who's ready to take on Entrepreneurship? Dive deeper, fill out the form, and our leadership team will personally connect with you, address your questions and explore reclaiming your professional independence. www.leveldesignpartners.com

    21 min
  4. What We’re Doing to the Planet and Why

    09/10/2025

    What We’re Doing to the Planet and Why

    Join host us for a candid conversation about our everyday impact on the planet—how infrastructure, convenience, and culture shape the environment—and what architects and engineers can practically do to help. From wildlife crossings to rail vs. trucking, from lighting up our cities to rethinking packaging and food systems, this episode explores simple behavior shifts and bigger systemic choices that move us toward a healthier built world. How quickly nature rebounds when human activity slowsThe hidden costs of convenience, throwaway products, and constant illuminationRoads, game trails, and wildlife crossingsFreight, rail, and why smarter infrastructure mattersBottom-up sustainability: what individuals can do now Timestamps 00:00 — Nature’s quick rebound during COVID and what it reveals 02:30 — Roadkill, wildlife paths, and green overpasses 03:58 — Lights, energy, and the true cost of nighttime illumination 05:26 — Did previous generations “know”? Intent vs. impact 08:08 — Plastic, packaging, and the throwaway economy 09:04 — Food systems, bulk shopping, and low-waste habits 10:55 — Bottom-up sustainability: small, repeatable choices 12:22 — Trains vs. planes/trucks: freight and carbon efficiency 13:50 — High-speed rail lessons and right-sizing infrastructure Connect with us: The Level Design Podcast is a podcast for Architects and Engineers who want to thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, fulfillment and financial security. Join us: Are you one of the 5% of Engineers and Architects who's ready to take on Entrepreneurship? Dive deeper, fill out the form, and our leadership team will personally connect with you, address your questions and explore reclaiming your professional independence. www.leveldesignpartners.com

    16 min
  5. Connecting People through Engineering with Murray McBride

    04/08/2025

    Connecting People through Engineering with Murray McBride

    We discuss the importance of connecting people through engineering, the role of education in bridging gaps within the industry, and the need for mentorship to retain talent. We explore the challenges posed by a capitalistic society on the engineering profession and emphasize the necessity of creating a supportive environment for engineers. The discussion culminates in a reflection on the difference between needs and wants in engineering, advocating for a human-centric approach to problem-solving. Timestamps 06:05 Bridging the Gap: Engineering and Construction 12:13 Rethinking Engineering in a Capitalistic Society 18:02 Creating a Supportive Environment for Engineers 23:59 Conclusion: What Do We Need vs. What Do We Want? engineering, mentorship, education, community, construction, capitalism, human-centric design, problem-solving, infrastructure, professional development Connect with us: The Level Design Podcast is a podcast for Architects and Engineers who want to thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, fulfillment and financial security. Join us: Are you one of the 5% of Engineers and Architects who's ready to take on Entrepreneurship? Dive deeper, fill out the form, and our leadership team will personally connect with you, address your questions and explore reclaiming your professional independence. www.leveldesignpartners.com

    25 min
  6. The Most Overlooked Skills Engineers Need for a Thriving Career with Kevin Q. Walsh, PhD, PE, SE (Associate Teaching Professor at Notre Dame)

    02/06/2025

    The Most Overlooked Skills Engineers Need for a Thriving Career with Kevin Q. Walsh, PhD, PE, SE (Associate Teaching Professor at Notre Dame)

    In this episode, Kevin Walsh, PhD, PE, SE, shares his journey through academia and the structural engineering industry, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities within the profession. We explore the evolving role of technology, including AI, the importance of community impact, and the need to inspire the next generation. We discuss retention issues, the complexities of historic construction, and the emotional resilience required in the field. Kevin also highlights the responsibility of engineers toward sustainability, the influence of financial drivers, and the critical role of interpersonal skills in professional growth. We reflect on the legacy of engineers and advocate for a shift in how the profession is perceived. We’re joined by Kevin Q. Walsh, PhD, PE, SE, Associate Teaching Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Director, Master of Engineering (MEng). Kevin Walsh’s primary areas of research interest are sustainable and resilient infrastructure, pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) structural framing, inventory and seismic assessment of masonry and concrete buildings, large-scale experimental testing including the testing of in situ structures, unbonded post-tensioning strand/anchorage systems, modern masonry construction materials, and the professional practice of structural engineering. Connect with Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kqwalsh/ Keywords Engineering, academia, youth engagement, infrastructure, career growth, mentorship, built environment, AI in engineering, community impact, retention issues, historic construction, materials, risk management, environmental responsibility, legacy, interpersonal skills, career purpose Chapters 03:09 Journey into Engineering 06:10 The Role of Academia in Engineering 09:08 Challenges in Attracting Youth to Engineering 12:11 The Importance of Community and Fulfillment in Engineering 15:03 The Future of Engineering and AI 18:02 The Art and Science of Engineering 20:59 Retention Issues in Engineering 23:55 Infrastructure and Its Impact 27:02 Opportunities in the Built Environment 31:02 Curiosity and Specialization in Engineering 32:26 Historic Construction and Material Challenges 34:51 Teaching Fundamentals and Emotional Resilience 37:30 Navigating Risk and Litigation in Engineering 40:37 Financial Drivers in Engineering Decisions 43:21 The Role of Engineers in Environmental Responsibility 48:15 Legacy and Purpose in Engineering 51:25 Interpersonal Skills and Professional Growth 56:35 Finding Purpose in Engineering Careers Connect with us: The Level Design Podcast is a podcast for Architects and Engineers who want to thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, fulfillment and financial security. Join us: Are you one of the 5% of Engineers and Architects who's ready to take on Entrepreneurship? Dive deeper, fill out the form, and our leadership team will personally connect with you, address your questions and explore reclaiming your professional independence. www.leveldesignpartners.com

    56 min
  7. Bridging the Gap: A Bridge Engineer's Journey to Empowering Future Engineers with Luis Duque, PE, M. ASCE, Bridge Engineer @ Jacobs

    21/05/2025

    Bridging the Gap: A Bridge Engineer's Journey to Empowering Future Engineers with Luis Duque, PE, M. ASCE, Bridge Engineer @ Jacobs

    In this episode, we speak with Luis Duque, P.E., M. ASCE, an award-winning bridge engineer with a passion for innovation and empowering future generations. With over six years of professional experience, he has tackled complex projects involving bridge removal, erection, jacking, as well as complex modeling for full bridge analysis.  Beyond technical expertise, Luis is a leader. He founded the "Engineering our Future" podcast to equip students and young engineers with the tools to thrive. His dedication extends to volunteering with organizations like Engineers Without Borders, bringing clean water solutions to communities in need. Luis is a recognized leader in the engineering community.  He actively participates in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI), advocating for diversity and mentorship. He is involved in the Student Engagement Committee to help students get exposure to SEI at the Structures Congress among other activities and the Business Practices Committee to provide business solutions to engineers. Further, he has collaborated with the Building Structural Leaders Task Committee, Educations and Leadership Committee, and the ASCE 2027 Conference Committee. In this conversation, Luis Duque shares his journey as a bridge engineer, discussing the challenges he faced as an international student and the importance of mentorship and community engagement in the engineering field. He emphasizes the need for effective communication skills and the impact of technology on the future of engineering careers. The discussion also touches on the challenges facing the engineering industry, including the need to keep engineers engaged and the role of mentorship in bridging the gap for future generations. Connect with Luis luisfelipeduque.com linkedin.com/in/luisduquepe Chapters 00:00 Journey to Engineering Success 03:06 The Day-to-Day of a Bridge Engineer 05:53 The Impact of Communication in Engineering 08:59 Mentorship and Community Engagement 11:58 The Future of Engineering Careers 14:56 Challenges Facing the Engineering Industry 18:08 The Role of Technology in Engineering 21:01 The Importance of Mentorship 23:56 Navigating Changes in the Engineering Landscape Keywords engineering, mentorship, bridge engineering, career development, communication skills, technology in engineering, engineering challenges, community engagement, professional growth, engineering industry Connect with us: The Level Design Podcast is a podcast for architects and engineers who want to thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, fulfillment, and financial security. Dive deeper, fill out the form, and our leadership team will personally connect with you, address your questions, and explore reclaiming your professional independence. www.leveldesignpartners.com

    33 min
  8. Building Careers, Not Just Resumes: A Recruiter’s Perspective with Brandon McGill

    21/04/2025

    Building Careers, Not Just Resumes: A Recruiter’s Perspective with Brandon McGill

    Today, we’re excited to welcome Brandon McGill, an executive recruiter specializing in civil and geotechnical engineering. Brandon is the founder of Charter Executive Search and is widely known as "The Civil Recruiter." With a passion for building meaningful relationships, Brandon goes beyond qualifications to truly understand the needs of both his candidates and clients, ensuring long-term success for everyone involved. In this episode, we dive into the challenges and opportunities in the engineering industry, the importance of mentorship, and how Brandon is helping engineers navigate their careers in a rapidly changing market. From the impact of private equity on engineering firms to the growing demand for entrepreneurial engineers, Brandon shares his unique insights into the current state of the industry and what it takes to thrive. We’ll also explore the critical gaps in mentorship, the challenges of retaining talent, and why engineers are leaving the profession at alarming rates. Brandon’s approach to recruiting is all about creating win-win situations, and his perspective on the future of engineering is both inspiring and thought-provoking. Enjoy this insightful conversation with Brandon McGill. Chapters2:15 Brandon’s Journey into Recruiting6:30 The Role of Relationships in Recruiting10:45 Why Engineers Are Leaving the Profession15:20 The Impact of Private Equity on Engineering Firms20:10 The Importance of Mentorship in Engineering25:45 Challenges in Retaining Mid-Level Engineers30:15 The Rise of Entrepreneurial Engineers35:00 Trends in Remote and Hybrid Work40:30 The Future of Civil and Geotechnical Engineering45:50 How Brandon Helps Engineers Advance Their Careers50:10 The Value of Personal Branding in Engineering Connect with Brandon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonmcgill Connect with us: The Level Design Podcast is a podcast for architects and engineers who want to thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, fulfillment, and financial security. Dive deeper, fill out the form, and our leadership team will personally connect with you, address your questions, and explore reclaiming your professional independence. www.leveldesignpartners.com

    42 min
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About

A podcast for Architects and Engineers who want to thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, fulfillment and financial security. Join Scott Zurn, P.E. and guests in uncovering how to restore value and honor to the unique people who choose to be designers and caretakers of our built world and why it’s essential to the future of our society, our industry, and our planet.

Information

  • Creator
    Scott Zurn
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Scott Zurn
  • Show Website
    Level Design Podcast