Innovation by Design

Evan Troxel & Candace Kitchen
  • 5.0 (1)
  • DESIGN
  • SERIES

Innovation by Design is the podcast where architecture meets innovation in the built environment. Hosted by Evan Troxel — architect, educator, and veteran AEC podcast host — and Candace Kitchen of Total Door Systems, each episode features short, story-driven conversations with the practitioners, designers, engineers, and innovators shaping the future of architecture, engineering, and construction. From design equity and healthcare mega-projects to AI in architecture, computational design, and construction specifications, Innovation by Design explores how everyday design decisions impact safety, sustainability, and human experience in buildings and cities. Whether it's a $2.2 billion hospital expansion redefining an urban neighborhood or a small firm rethinking how architects create value, the show bridges the gap between big ideas and real-world building practice. Topics you'll hear about include: - Artificial intelligence and machine learning in architecture - Generative and computational design tools - Building information modeling (BIM) and digital transformation - Construction technology (ConTech) and prefabrication - Sustainability, electrification, and net-zero building design - Architectural specifications and quality control - Design equity, stakeholder engagement, and community-centered design - Smart buildings, IoT, and digital twins - Career development, mentorship, and leadership in AEC - Historic preservation and adaptive reuse - Experience design and evidence-based planning - Construction management, project delivery, and risk Who this show is for: Architects, engineers, designers, construction professionals, building product manufacturers, specifications writers, design technologists, AEC firm leaders, and anyone curious about how innovation is transforming the way we design, build, and inhabit the built environment. New episodes drop regularly. Follow Innovation by Design on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube so you never miss a conversation. Visit us online for full show notes, guest links, and episode transcripts. Innovation by Design is a Total Door Systems and TRXL Media production.

Season 1

  1. EPISODE 1

    Building the Community That Drives AEC Innovation

    In this episode, hosts Evan Troxel and Candace Kitchen sit down with David Mans, Director of AECtech at Thornton Tomasetti's CORE studio, to explore the intersection of computational design, community building, and hands-on innovation in AEC. David traces his path from undergraduate architecture at Pratt Institute through early computational design experiments to leading what has become one of the industry's most influential technology conferences. He explains how parametric and computational design opened the door to discovery and surprise in the design process, and how that same spirit of experimentation now drives the AECtech hackathon format. The conversation digs into what actually happens at an AECtech event, from hackathon teams building working prototypes in 24 hours to symposium panels on technology-driven career paths in architecture. David shares standout moments, including the hackathon project that became the foundation for Rhino Compute, and a recent London hack where agents simulated consultant negotiations before a project even started. David also reflects on the tension between automation and reflection, the value of cross-industry thinking, and why Thornton Tomasetti continues to invest in these events as a way to stay ahead of where the industry is headed. Key TopicsHow computational and parametric design introduced the idea of discovery and surprise into the architectural design processThe origin and evolution of AECtech from a single New York hackathon to five global events per yearWhy the hackathon format works: constrained time, self-forming teams, and cross-disciplinary collaborationStandout hackathon projects, including the prototype that became Rhino Compute and an agent-based consultant negotiation toolThe emergence of agentic AI workflows and MCP protocols at recent eventsCareer paths for technologists in AEC and how senior leaders who started in computational design are now shaping firm cultureThe importance of reflection and downtime in an era focused on automation and speedWhat Thornton Tomasetti and CORE studio gain from hosting and participating in these eventsCross-industry inspiration: bringing agile and Kanban workflows from software development into architectural project delivery About the guestDavid Mans is the Director of AECtech at Thornton Tomasetti's CORE studio. David oversees the AECtech conference series, which now runs five events per year across the globe, bringing together professionals from architecture, engineering, construction, software, and AI to explore emerging technologies through hackathons, workshops, and symposiums. David is also the author of over 20 Grasshopper plugins, a Visiting Associate Professor at Pratt Institute, and formerly the Senior Computational Designer at Grimshaw Architects, where David worked on projects including the award-winning Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion, Terra. LinksAECtech: https://www.aectech.us/Thornton Tomasetti CORE studio: https://www.thorntontomasetti.com/core-studioDavid Mans on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mans-a359505/CORE studio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/core-studio-tt

    44 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Neural Architecture — How AI Is Rewriting the Rules of Design

    In this episode of Innovation by Design, Evan Troxel and Candace Kitchen sit down with Dr. Matias del Campo, architect, theorist, and one of the leading voices at the intersection of architecture and artificial intelligence. Matias shares the trajectory that led him from the University of Applied Arts Vienna to co-founding SPAN, a practice built on computational design and experimental architecture. He discusses how his research into AI-driven design creates what he calls a "design ecology," merging technology, nature, and philosophical inquiry into a unified creative process. The conversation digs into how generative AI tools are transforming the way architects think about form, materiality, and authorship. Matias offers perspective on what these tools actually change in the design process, what they don't, and why the discipline of architecture is uniquely positioned to absorb and redirect these new capabilities. You'll also hear about SPAN's high-profile projects and how academic research feeds directly into built and speculative work that pushes the boundaries of what architecture can be. Key topicsHow AI and computational design are reshaping architectural practice and aestheticsThe concept of "design ecology" and integrating technology, nature, and philosophyGenerative AI's impact on architectural authorship and the creative processSPAN's approach to experimental, technologically driven architectureThe relationship between academic research and professional practiceWhat architects need to understand about AI tools and their limitations LinksSPAN ArchitectureMatias del Campo on LinkedInMatias del Campo on WikipediaNeural Architecture (book)Diffusions in Architecture (book)New York Institute of Technology — MS ACT program

    52 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    Smart Hospitals of the Future: Inside Detroit's Destination Grand Project

    Jesse Balok, Vice President of Planning, Design and Construction at Henry Ford Health, joins Evan Troxel and Candace Kitchen to unpack Destination: Grand, the system’s historic $2.2 billion expansion of its Detroit campus. Jesse shares how Henry Ford Health is planning a once‑in‑a‑generation build while keeping a 110‑year‑old hospital campus running, and why phasing, decommissioning, and infrastructure renewal must happen alongside forward‑looking innovation. They discuss collaborative project delivery, early stakeholder engagement at scale, and designing for flexibility as care models evolve. Jesse also highlights sustainability initiatives, including a Central Energy Hub targeting an all‑electric hospital by 2030, and the broader community impact of the Future of Health: Detroit vision, including research partnerships, mobility, and neighborhood redevelopment. About the guestJesse Balok is the Vice President of Planning, Design and Construction at Henry Ford Health. Jesse leads major campus planning and delivery efforts, including Destination: Grand, a transformative redevelopment of Henry Ford’s Detroit campus focused on patient experience, staff wellness, logistics modernization, and long‑term adaptability. LinksDestination: Grand / Future of Health: Detroit (overview): https://www.henryford.com/future-of-healthNews release: Henry Ford Health celebrates groundbreaking of Destination: Grand: https://www.henryford.com/news/2024/09/henry-ford-health-celebrates-groundbreaking-of-detroit-hospital-expansion-projectShirley Ryan AbilityLab (rehab partner reference): https://www.sralab.org/Churchill and the Commons Chamber: https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/building/palace/architecture/palacestructure/churchill/

    54 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    The Spec Whisperer — Why Every Building Needs Someone Like Amy Baker

    In this episode of Innovation by Design, Amy Baker shares a career path that runs counter to the typical “design-first” narrative in architecture. Amy explains how early exposure to specifications helped remove the intimidation factor, why the tactile reality of materials and construction drew her to the technical side of practice, and how she ultimately built a firm that focuses on specifications and technical consulting rather than design services. Evan, Candace, and Amy discuss how drawings and specifications work together as contract documents, why every building is effectively a prototype, and how collaboration with manufacturers, fabricators, and contractors helps keep increasingly complex building systems from going sideways. Amy also talks about the value of building a diverse set of mentors, the unexpected benefits of volunteering in professional organizations, and how she is pushing spec writing forward by helping shape and creatively repurpose spec software to improve accuracy and efficiency. Key topicsFinding a niche in architecture by leaning into technical strengthsWhy specs matter as much as drawings in construction documentsThe role of manufacturers as category experts, not just product repsThe “prototype” nature of every building and the logistics behind detailsHow professional service and public speaking can expand impact and visibilityImproving spec quality and speed through better templates and software workflows LinksAmy Baker Architect (website): https://www.amybakerarchitect.com/Construction Specifications Institute (CSI): https://www.csiresources.org/Building Enclosure Council (BEC): https://www.nibs.org/page/becAir Barrier Association of America (ABAA): https://www.airbarrier.org/Specification Consultants in Independent Practice (SCIP): https://www.scipnet.org/RIB SpecLink: https://www.rib-software.com/en/products/speclinkInnovation By Design website: About the GuestAmy Baker is a Registered Architect and Specifications Consultant with over 20 years of experience in commercial construction. She specializes in the technical development of projects with a passion for enclosure detailing, building science, codes, and specifications. She founded her firm, Amy Baker Architect, in 2018, and serves in leadership roles with the Building Enclosure Council of Greater Detroit (BEC), the Detroit Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), Specification Consultants in Independent Practice (SCIP), and the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA). She is also on RIB SpecLink’s Product Innovation Advisory Board. Amy holds two degrees from Lawrence Technological University, where she has been recognized as the university’s 26th Distinguished Architecture Award Recipient.

    52 min

  5. APR 10

    Welcome to the Innovation by Design Podcast

    In this teaser episode, hosts Evan Troxel and Candace Kitchen introduce Innovation by Design, a new podcast produced by Total Door Systems. You will hear what the show is about, why it exists, and what to expect in Season 1, including conversations on small firm excellence, design equity, healthcare mega-projects, and how specifications can be a strategic advantage in the building industry. Subscribe now so you get all the episodes. About the show The Innovation By Design podcast is a Total Door Systems and TRXL Media production. Learn more about Total Door Systems at https://totaldoor.com Learn more about TRXL Media at https://trxlmedia.com

    2 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

Innovation by Design is the podcast where architecture meets innovation in the built environment. Hosted by Evan Troxel — architect, educator, and veteran AEC podcast host — and Candace Kitchen of Total Door Systems, each episode features short, story-driven conversations with the practitioners, designers, engineers, and innovators shaping the future of architecture, engineering, and construction. From design equity and healthcare mega-projects to AI in architecture, computational design, and construction specifications, Innovation by Design explores how everyday design decisions impact safety, sustainability, and human experience in buildings and cities. Whether it's a $2.2 billion hospital expansion redefining an urban neighborhood or a small firm rethinking how architects create value, the show bridges the gap between big ideas and real-world building practice. Topics you'll hear about include: - Artificial intelligence and machine learning in architecture - Generative and computational design tools - Building information modeling (BIM) and digital transformation - Construction technology (ConTech) and prefabrication - Sustainability, electrification, and net-zero building design - Architectural specifications and quality control - Design equity, stakeholder engagement, and community-centered design - Smart buildings, IoT, and digital twins - Career development, mentorship, and leadership in AEC - Historic preservation and adaptive reuse - Experience design and evidence-based planning - Construction management, project delivery, and risk Who this show is for: Architects, engineers, designers, construction professionals, building product manufacturers, specifications writers, design technologists, AEC firm leaders, and anyone curious about how innovation is transforming the way we design, build, and inhabit the built environment. New episodes drop regularly. Follow Innovation by Design on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube so you never miss a conversation. Visit us online for full show notes, guest links, and episode transcripts. Innovation by Design is a Total Door Systems and TRXL Media production.

Information

  • Creator
    Evan Troxel & Candace Kitchen
  • Episodes
    5
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©️Total Door Systems
  • Show Website
    Innovation by Design