Behind the Blueprints

Arium | AE
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BUSINESS

Behind the Blueprints takes you inside Arium AE, an architecture and engineering design firm, sharing the thinking, challenges, and creativity that drive our work. With your host, Bill Gnagey, architecture extraordinaire and business development mastermind. Every episode, we dive into the stories behind the people who bring our projects to life. Whether you’re in commercial real estate or the design and construction industry, this podcast delivers unfiltered insight and authentic stories from the front lines of design, development, and the daily grind.

Episodes

  1. Episode 5: Building Greener Pastures

    08/13/2025

    Episode 5: Building Greener Pastures

    From the Texas panhandle to architect principal in Baltimore, Brian Frels knows his way around both a tractor and a blueprint. Hear how farm life, family, and big-picture thinking drive his work at Arium AE. He discusses his career path, the unique approach Arium takes in architecture, the importance of client relationships, their integrated team, and the challenges faced in the industry. Brian also touches on his personal life, including his homestead and family activities, and concludes with insights into the future expansion plans for Arium. From early project planning to delivering innovative, client-focused solutions, Brian shares how staying grounded in core values can lead to impactful, lasting design. Whether he’s behind the wheel of a tractor or leading a project team, Brian’s story is a testament to building with purpose, vision, and commitment to community. Episode Summary: 00:00 | Welcome Back! Meet our Principal Brian Frels 01:12 | Brian’s Journey — From Texas to Baltimore 05:40 | Arium’s Unique Approach to Architecture 07:10 | Our Versatile Work 09:10 | Client Relationships and SCIF Summit 11:35 | Homestead and Family — Personal Life 15:17 | Challenges in the Architecture Industry 18:25 | Future of Arium and Expansion Plans 19:37 | Thank you Brian! See you next episode.

    20 min
  2. Episode 4: Dymond With a Y

    07/08/2025

    Episode 4: Dymond With a Y

    Welcome back to Behind the Blueprints. In this episode we sit down with the multi-talented David Dymond – architect, entrepreneur, and musician all in one! David shares his journey of studying in Texas and eventually building his practice in Maryland. Bill and David explore his path from working in the field to launching his own firm, Dymond, in Baltimore to join forces with us here at Arium AE. David also happens to be Arium’s in-house personal musician – he created the original intro and outro music for this podcast! We dive into his lifelong passion for guitar, his unexpected connection to Bill’s musical side, and his reputation as a bit of a local Baltimore legend. Tune in for stories about design, growth, collaboration, and creative inspiration! Episode Summary: 00:00 | Welcome back! Meet David Dymond 00:55 | From Air Force bases to Baltimore – David’s early journey 03:08 | Career beginnings – from big firm work to firm owner 04:17 | Launching Dymond – building a practice in Baltimore 04:43 | Why Arium? How Brian brought David on board 05:55 | David’s Musical Guitar Background 07:25 | Does Bill have a secret musical talent? 09:13 | A deeper dive into musical tastes and design influence 10:32 | Local Legend – David’s recognition in Baltimore 12:20 | Expanding the work – projects & creative growth 13:14 | Integrating with engineers 14:31 | Thank you David, see you next episode

    15 min
  3. Behind the Blueprints Trailer

    07/03/2025

    Behind the Blueprints Trailer

    Introducing Arium AE’s Podcast—Behind the Blueprints! With our host Bill Gnagey, we will take you beyond the finished projects and reveal the people, real stories and challenges shaping the architecture and engineering world. Listen for an insight into the daily issues we solve and meet the expert’s driving innovation at Arium. Get to know the people behind the projects!

    1 min
  4. Episode 3: The Episode About Cats

    07/03/2025

    Episode 3: The Episode About Cats

    Welcome to Behind the Blueprints! In this third episode, Bill Gnagey is joined by coworker, Kelly Ormsby, Senior Project Manager. We will discuss what it’s like working and living in the Northern Virginia area, as well as Kelly’s work leading clients to project fulfillment. Join us for an introduction to the people behind the projects. Episode Overview 00:00 | Welcome to the podcast – Meet Kelly 01:10 | Don's camping adventure update 02:39 | Coming to Arium 03:37 | An integrated AE firm 5:00 | Dr. Kitty 07:50 | A Northern Virginia-ite 13:18 | The Northern Virginia market 14:05 | The hobbies 15:46 | Favorite thing about architecture 18:11 | What clients should know 21:06 | Work in secure space

    25 min
  5. Episode 2: A Swiss Army Knife Kind of Guy

    07/03/2025

    Episode 2: A Swiss Army Knife Kind of Guy

    Welcome to Behind the Blueprints! In this second episode, Bill Gnagey is joined by coworker Don Matthews, Director of Permitting, for an open conversation about their paths into architecture, finding Arium, and the demands of family life. We will also explore what it takes to lead the firm’s permitting expediting services. Join us for an introduction to the people behind the projects. Episode Overview 00:00 | Welcome to the second episode-Meet Don 01:02 | Don’s walking path to Arium 04:07 | Don the permit whisperer 05:05 | The permitting process 06:16 | Bill’s version of true or false 07:09 | Permitting challenges and how to face them 10:00 | Why national clients can benefit from a local team’s connection 11:45 | Don’s future camping venture 15:22 | Will Don make it?—Stay tuned for Episode 3

    17 min
  6. Episode 1: We're a Full Circle Kind of Firm

    07/03/2025

    Episode 1: We're a Full Circle Kind of Firm

    Welcome to Behind the Blueprints! In this kickoff episode, get to know your host, Bill Gnagey, and what Arium AE is all about. Bill is joined by a coworker and friend, Torsten Meuschke, for an open conversation about their paths into architecture, college days, adventures abroad, and juggling the demands of work and family life. It offers an honest look at how personal and professional lives intersect. Join us for an introduction to the people behind the projects. Episode Overview 00:00 | Welcome to the podcast – Meet Arium AE and your host, Bill Gnagey, and Torsten 04:16 | Torsten’s path to architecture 05:43 | Bill’s architecture origin story 08:12 | Architecture in college & study abroad 12:02 | Torsten’s wedding 13:31 | Office renovations & excitement 15:04 | Arium’s Virginia office 16:47 | Sneak peek at our next Arium podcast guest 17:39 | Stay tuned for Episode 2

    18 min
  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Behind the Blueprints takes you inside Arium AE, an architecture and engineering design firm, sharing the thinking, challenges, and creativity that drive our work. With your host, Bill Gnagey, architecture extraordinaire and business development mastermind. Every episode, we dive into the stories behind the people who bring our projects to life. Whether you’re in commercial real estate or the design and construction industry, this podcast delivers unfiltered insight and authentic stories from the front lines of design, development, and the daily grind.

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