Landscape Architecture Podcast

Michael Todoran
  • 4.6 (62)
  • Design
  • Updated Semimonthly

Mission Statement: Our mission is to explore the hidden stories, innovations, and ideas that shape the landscapes around us. Through in-depth conversations with designers, planners, and visionaries, we delve into the art, science, and impact of landscape architecture. Each episode seeks to uncover how the spaces we design reflect our values, influence our lives, and transform our world. With curiosity and nuance, we aim to make the invisible elements of landscape architecture visible—connecting listeners to the environments they move through every day and fostering a deeper appreciation for the intersection of nature, design, and human experience.

  1. Sep 11

    Darren Baldwin 2

    In this follow-up conversation, Michael Todoran sits down again with Darren Baldwin, President of Pikus 3D https://pikus3d.com/, to go deeper into how 3D-printed concrete is changing the way landscape architects design, collaborate, and solve problems. The conversation moves beyond the initial novelty of watching a massive 3D printer in action and into what the technology actually makes possible. Darren discusses how removing the traditional constraints of molds and formwork can give designers greater freedom, allowing an early sketch or idea to stay intact as it moves from concept into fabrication. Michael and Darren explore Pikus 3D's design-assist process, the use of physical miniatures to help designers and clients understand projects, working directly in 3D rather than relying solely on conventional shop drawings, and how architects are becoming increasingly comfortable specifying additive-manufactured concrete. Darren also shares real-world examples of the technology in action, including custom stepping stones developed to solve an unexpected water-flow problem, lightweight concrete elements for challenging structural conditions, and projects where rapid fabrication turned site constraints into design opportunities. As 3D-printed concrete moves from something new and experimental toward a more established part of the design process, the conversation raises a larger question for landscape architects: What becomes possible when the limitations we have associated with concrete begin to disappear? https://www.hapsagency.com/ and https://www.landfx.com/

  2. Aug 31

    Torey Carter-Conneen ASLA CEO

    https://www.hapsagency.com/ PR for landscape architects Torey Carter-Conneen has served as Chief Executive Officer of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) since 2020, leading the 16,000-member organization through a period of significant change for both the association and the profession. In this conversation, Torey joins Michael Todoran to discuss what he has learned about landscape architecture after entering the profession from outside of design, and why curiosity has become central to the way he leads ASLA. Using ASLA's industry research as a starting point, they explore the business realities facing landscape architecture firms today: building and diversifying backlog, preparing for economic uncertainty, developing stronger relationships with architects and developers, and learning to communicate the economic value of landscape architecture in language clients understand. The conversation also moves beyond business into leadership itself. Torey and Michael discuss the value of asking questions, the problem with "fake it till you make it," imposter syndrome, and why even highly accomplished leaders continue to question themselves and their work. They also examine ASLA's role in advocating for licensure, communicating the profession's impact to the public, strengthening community engagement, and connecting landscape architecture to larger conversations around resilience, climate, public health, development, and the everyday places people inhabit. It is a wide-ranging conversation about leading a profession, running a practice, understanding your audience, and making a stronger case for why landscape architecture matters.

  3. Jun 1

    Wendy Proud

    https://www.landfx.com In this episode, Michael sits down with Wendy Proud, founder of Kinship League, to discuss why landscape maintenance is one of the most overlooked forces shaping the life of a landscape. Wendy shares how better crew education, smarter timing, and a deeper respect for how plants naturally grow can protect design intent long after installation. From overplanting and shallow irrigation to constant shearing and unnatural forms, Wendy makes the case for a more thoughtful approach to care, one rooted in stewardship, patience, and helping landscapes thrive over time. https://kinshipleague.com

  4. 10/06/2025

    Darren Baldwin

    https://hapsagency.com/ In this episode, Michael sits down with Darren Baldwin, President of Pikus 3D, to discuss how additive manufacturing is redefining architecture, fabrication, and the creative process itself. From lightweight structural design to the artistry of form, Darren shares how Pikus 3D is helping architects and landscape architects break free from traditional constraints — turning imagination into buildable reality. https://www.pikus3d.com/

  5. 10/05/2025 ·  Video

    Darren Baldwin

    https://hapsagency.com/ In this episode, Michael sits down with Darren Baldwin, President of Pikus 3D, to discuss how additive manufacturing is redefining architecture, fabrication, and the creative process itself. From lightweight structural design to the artistry of form, Darren shares how Pikus 3D is helping architects and landscape architects break free from traditional constraints — turning imagination into buildable reality. https://www.pikus3d.com/

  6. 04/04/2025

    Kaitlin Hannig - Real Estate for the disillusioned

    https://www.larchitect.org/ https://www.instagram.com/realtorkaitlin What Architects Can Learn from a Real Estate Agent's Viral Social Media Strategy In this episode of The Landscape Architecture Podcast, host Michael Todoran interviews Salt Lake City real estate agent and Instagram personality Kaitlin Hannig, whose darkly funny "a*****e home tours" have gained a massive following by breaking all the conventional marketing rules. This conversation is especially relevant for architects, landscape architects, and interior designers who are navigating how to present themselves online. Caitlin shares how she built a loyal audience not by showcasing perfection, but by leaning into flawed, human, and refreshingly honest content. We explore: Why traditional marketing tropes fall flat in today's digital culture How to create content that speaks to your audience instead of about yourself The power of humor, vulnerability, and storytelling in professional branding Why beauty alone doesn't engage—and what does How design professionals can stand out in a sea of aesthetic sameness Whether you run a small studio or work in a large firm, this episode will challenge how you think about digital presence, authenticity, and the kind of content that actually drives trust and engagement.

  7. 01/13/2025

    Elisa Read Pappaterra

    https://www.studiopappaterra.com/ Today's episode feels especially timely with a heavy heart. As fires in the Palisades area of Los Angeles continue to devastate communities and landscapes, we are  reminded of the growing urgency to design with resilience and sustainability at the forefront. Our guest today is Elisa Read Pappaterra, a landscape architect and founder of studio pappaterra. Elisa is renowned for her expertise in fire ecology and her dedication to designing landscapes that not only harmonize with the natural world but also mitigate the risks of living in fire-prone areas. Her work is as vital as it is inspiring, offering solutions that preserve life, property, and biodiversity. This conversation was recorded in Santa Barbara on October 5, 2024, following Elisa's keynote speech at San Marcos Growers' final event, "The Last Dance: A Celebration of 45 Years of Horticultural Legacy." Elisa shares her insights on the importance of understanding a site's cultural and ecological "soul," as well as her approach to creating firewise, ecologically sound, and artistically inspired landscapes. This episode is a  reminder that how we design our landscapes today will shape the safety and resilience of tomorrow. Whether you're a designer, an advocate, or simply someone invested in the future of our environment, this is an important and compelling episode.

  8. 09/23/2024

    Shawn Maestretti

    https://www.larchitect.org/    https://hapsagency.com/ Shawn Maestretti's work at Studio Petrichor https://studio-petrichor.com/ resonates deeply with the metaphor of the first rain experience that stirs something intrinsic in humans. The smell of the first rain, defined as "petrichor," evokes a sense of renewal, calm, and connection to nature. This sensory reaction is rooted in our survival instincts; rain signals life, growth, and sustenance. Throughout history, humans have been tied to the land and water. The arrival of rain often meant the end of drought, the rebirth of crops, and the revival of ecosystems. Thus, the first rain isn't just a sensory pleasure—it's a symbol of hope and balance, ensuring survival by replenishing resources vital for life. This same ethos drives Shawn's work at Studio Petrichor. His approach to landscape architecture, particularly as discussed in the podcast with Jason Wan https://www.hunterindustries.com/, reflects the harmony between human intuition and the natural world. Just as the first rain revives the earth, Shawn's designs aim to restore balance and sustainability to landscapes. By integrating water-smart technologies like rainwater harvesting and smart irrigation systems, Shawn helps create self-sustaining environments that support native ecosystems while conserving vital resources. What stands out to me in this podcast episode is its immersive, almost voyeuristic quality, driven by the reliance on the video component available on LAP's YouTube channel. This layered experience invites listeners to engage their imagination, much like reading a book that leaves room for personal interpretation of its visual elements. Whether you choose to dive into the full video or simply listen, the episode offers a rich narrative that allows your mind to fill in the sensory details, making it a versatile and enjoyable experience in either format.

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4.6
out of 5
62 Ratings

About

Mission Statement: Our mission is to explore the hidden stories, innovations, and ideas that shape the landscapes around us. Through in-depth conversations with designers, planners, and visionaries, we delve into the art, science, and impact of landscape architecture. Each episode seeks to uncover how the spaces we design reflect our values, influence our lives, and transform our world. With curiosity and nuance, we aim to make the invisible elements of landscape architecture visible—connecting listeners to the environments they move through every day and fostering a deeper appreciation for the intersection of nature, design, and human experience.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Todoran
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    ℗ & © 2024 Michael Todoran HAPPY AND PAPPY LLC
  • Show Website
    Landscape Architecture Podcast

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