Level Design Podcast

Scott Zurn
Level Design Podcast

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. 4 NOV.

    The ADU Challenge & Opportunity

    In today’s episode, we discuss the subtle effect Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) will have on communities, highlighting their potential benefits and challenges, including increased density and the need for careful planning to avoid overwhelming existing infrastructure. We discuss the cyclical nature of public perception towards infrastructure, the role of shared community resources, and the intriguing concept of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a potential solution for affordable housing. Tune in as we connect the dots between history, community, and the future of urban living. Keywords Infrastructure, community, ADUs, urbanization, shared resources, history, housing, community planning, transportation, roads Chapters 00:11 - The Cyclical Nature of Infrastructure Perception 01:55 - Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Business 02:18 - Community Perspectives on Infrastructure 04:17 - Historical Context of Infrastructure Development 05:17 - The Tribal Effect and Urbanization 08:32 - Early Road Improvements 09:40 - Infrastructure's Achilles Heel 11:37 - Financing and Management of Infrastructure 12:48 - Shared Infrastructure and Community Responsibility 17:12 - The Pros and Cons of ADUs 19:52 - The Impact of ADUs on Communities 24:40 - The Future of Urban Development 31:30 - The Importance of Transit Planning 33:03 - Closing Remarks and in invitation 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 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. Podcast website: ⁠leveldesignpod.com⁠ Get involved: leveldesignpartners.com⁠

    29 min
  2. Your Role in the Design Industry is Changing Forever: Embracing Regenerative Practices and Purpose-Driven Paradigms with Trevanna Frost Grenfell

    21 OCT.

    Your Role in the Design Industry is Changing Forever: Embracing Regenerative Practices and Purpose-Driven Paradigms with Trevanna Frost Grenfell

    In this conversation, we’re joined by Trevanna Frost Grenfell. Trevanna is faculty at reNourish Studio as well as working with businesses and organizations independently on developing self-organizing potential through application of living systems thinking and developmental processes to their work. She has a background in nonprofit strategic consulting work, but pivoted to organizational development in her current form when she encountered the work of Carol Sanford in 2016, since she found that the methodology and thinking of this regenerative community was the missing piece in much of her previous organizational work. Layering the rigorous application of the principles or regeneration into the practical application of business and organizational leadership development allows Trevanna to work with teams and organizations to re-inspirit their work and to grow into the next levels of their potential within the systems of our world -- many of which deeply need regeneration and restructuring. Trevanna also has academic training in conflict resolution, mediation, and negotiation with international NGO and community partners and graduate study in "Leadership for Sustainability", and she interweaves her business consulting work with her deep personal experiences of wildlife tracking, wilderness guiding, and community-building in connection with the natural world around us. What role can you and your work play in supporting the systems evolutions that are imperative in our current world? In this conversation we discuss changing systems, the “problem” with problem-solving and the need for creativity,  mentorship, the development of human potential, and the evolution of business paradigms from profit-driven to purpose-driven. What does all this mean for the design industry? How can this shift dramatically impact the way you work? How can this impact your career, your thinking, your decision making, your community, your wealth, and your fulfillment? Chapters 00:00 The Meeting of Minds: Indigenous Perspectives on Environmentalism 02:55 Living Systems Thinking: The Interconnection of People and Places 06:02 Engineering for Change: The Role of Creativity in Problem Solving 09:01 The Evolution of Business Paradigms: From Profit to Purpose 11:52 The Importance of Nested Systems in Global Change 14:58 Behavioral Shifts: Learning from Nature's Ecosystems 17:59 The Role of Community in Engineering and Design 20:57 Developing Human Potential: The Key to Thriving Organizations 23:47 Metrics of Success: Beyond Financial Capital 27:04 The Journey of Self-Development in Professional Growth 29:48 Entrepreneurship: Navigating Barriers and Building Community 32:55 The Power of Mentorship in Shaping Future Leaders 35:57 Creating a Regenerative Culture in Business 38:54 The Future of Engineering: Embracing Change and Innovation 42:00 The Role of Leadership in Fostering Development 44:57 The Interplay of Traditional and Innovative Thinking 47:58 The Path Forward: Building a Supportive Ecosystem for Entrepreneurs Resources Carol Sanford: carolsanford.com reNourish: renourishstudio.com/resources Level Design Partners: leveldesignpartners.com Keywords Regenerative business, environmentalism, living systems thinking, engineering, creativity, business paradigms, community, change, entrepreneurship, mentorship, regenerative culture 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 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. Podcast website: ⁠leveldesignpod.com Get involved: ⁠leveldesignpartners.com

    54 min
  3. 9 OCT.

    A Different Path for Engineers & Architects

    Today, Scott talks about 3 main career options you have as a design professional. He lays out his experience in both the corporate world (private, public etc) and in the entrepreneurial world, and his path to a more attractive career path for design professionals. Over the past 8 years, we’ve created a new way of working for A&E’s that combines the benefits of entrepreneurship with the support and resources of a collaborative organization. The goal is to create a more attractive career path for design professionals and address the declining interest in the industry. Level provides mentorship, support, and a sense of community while allowing individuals to have the freedom and flexibility to work on their own terms. The organization focuses on lifelong learning and creating a sustainable future for the built environment in the United States. We discuss: Combining the benefits of entrepreneurship with the support and resources of a collaborative organization. How to create a more attractive career path for architects and engineers and address the declining interest in the industry. Access to mentorship, support, and a sense of community while also having the freedom and flexibility to work on their own terms. The false conception that a corporate job is the safest route The focus is on lifelong learning and creating a sustainable future for the built environment in the United States. Chapters 08:16 The Need for a New Way of Working 13:23 The Declining Interest in Architecture and Engineering 18:53 The Benefits of Level Collaborative 21:14 Onboarding and the Unique Structure of Level 25:31 The Growing Collaborative and the Future of Level 30:52 The Importance and Excitement of the Built Environment Keywords Level Collaborative, architects, engineers, entrepreneurship, collaborative organization, career path, mentorship, support, community, freedom, flexibility, lifelong learning, sustainable future, built environment 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 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. Podcast website: ⁠https://www.leveldesignpod.com⁠ Get involved: ⁠https://leveldesignpartners.com⁠

    29 min
  4. 30 SEPT.

    The Sustainability Problem No One is Talking About

    In today’s episode, we dive into green infrastructure and sustainable materials, emphasizing the urgent need for eco-friendly practices to combat climate change. But, what if we’re talking about the wrong problem? We throw buzz words out there all the time…green infrastructure, sustainable materials, environmentally friendly infrastructure, renewable energy etc. These are all important, but what’s the larger conversation? What happens when we zoom out? Scott highlights the importance of smarter water systems and evolving transportation needs in a post-COVID world. The conversation underscores the necessity of long-term sustainability in decision-making and the challenges cities face in accommodating growing populations. It stresses the competitive nature of cities and the need for collaboration to fund and develop infrastructure, with a focus on the role of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in fostering cooperation. We briefly touch on the historical context of infrastructure development in the 1720s (how we got here). We discuss: The role of local governments How much it costs to maintain US roads It’s easy to blame the Government, but… What needs to change to create real sustainability How water systems are built primarily to support fire fighting The new fire suppression system regulation History recap - How we got here - 1720s Changing dynamics of transportation in a post-COVID world Keywords Green infrastructure, sustainable materials, climate change, government, infrastructure maintenance, water systems, transportation, sustainability, infrastructure planning, collaboration, Metropolitan Planning Districts, transportation systems, community involvement Chapters 03:08 Exploring the Impact of Human Activities on Climate Change 07:25 The Role of Government in Infrastructure Maintenance 12:02 The Need for Smarter Water Systems 17:02 The Changing Dynamics of Transportation in a Post-COVID World 19:08 Balancing Sustainability with Practicality 21:03 Meeting the Infrastructure Needs of Growing Cities 25:18 The Role of Metropolitan Planning Districts (MPOs) 29:00 The Impact of COVID-19 on Transportation Needs 33:10 The Historical Context of Infrastructure Development in the 1720s 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 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. Podcast website: ⁠leveldesignpod.com⁠ Are you one of the 5% of Engineers and Architects who's ready to take on Entrepreneurship? By combining the benefits of independent work with the support and resources of a collaborative organization, Level Design Partners is charged with creating a different path for Engineers & Architects. Dive deeper, fill out the form, and our leadership team will personally connect with you, address your questions and explore reclaiming your professional independence. Get involved: ⁠leveldesignpartners.com

    36 min
  5. 16 SEPT.

    The Knowledge Gap and the Need for Mentorship in the Design Industry

    In today’s episode, we explore the growing knowledge gap as well as the critical importance of mentorship for Architects and Engineers. We discuss why mentorship is baked into everything we do in our collaborative, Level Design Partners. We also address the challenges of climate change and how the built environment affects the planet. We explore the need for sustainable design and the role of technology in our field. Then, we shift to the history of infrastructure development in the early 1700s, focusing on transportation, bridge construction, and urban planning, highlighting both the frustrations and opportunities of that era. Are you one of the 5% of Engineers and Architects who's ready to take on Entrepreneurship? By combining the benefits of independent work with the support and resources of a collaborative organization, Level Design Partners is charged with creating a different path for Engineers & Architects. Dive deeper, fill out the form, and our leadership team will personally connect with you, address your questions and explore reclaiming your professional independence: https://leveldesignpartners.com Keywords Mentorship, design industry, engineering, architecture, infrastructure, climate change, built world, sustainable design, transportation, bridge construction, urban planning Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences 03:12 The Impact of Climate Change and the Built World 08:01 The Importance of Mentorship in the Design Industry 14:51 The Knowledge Gap and the Need for Mentoring 20:59 Combining Tech and Traditional Approaches in Level 28:09 Exploring the History of Infrastructure Development 34:56 The Frustration and Opportunities of the Early 1700s 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 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. Podcast website: ⁠https://www.leveldesignpod.com⁠ Get involved: ⁠https://leveldesignpartners.com⁠

    29 min
  6. 9 SEPT.

    What’s Under Our Cities?

    The conversation explores the history and challenges of underground infrastructure. From the complexity and challenges it presents today, the transition to clean energy, regulatory challenges, and the importance of planning for the future. It highlights the shortage of knowledge and expertise in maintaining these systems and the overwhelming amount of underground infrastructure that requires creative solutions. Chapters 00:37 Infrastructure in the early 1700s 5:42 Foundations of American Infrastructure 7:32 Early Water Distribution Systems 8:11 Challenges of Sanitation and Waste Disposal 9:05 Overview of Underground Infrastructure 12:06 Evolution of Water Mains 15:23 The Need for Creative infrastructure Solutions 16:17 Overview of Underground Infrastructure 20:28 Complexity and Challenges 21:06 Contractor Responsibilities and Insurance 22:16 Ownership and Responsibility of Underground Facilities 23:14 Job Security and the Future of Infrastructure 25:12 Shortage of Knowledge and Expertise 27:31 The Overwhelming Amount of Underground Infrastructure 28:20 Modern Solutions: Tunnels and Boring Machines 29:35 The Transition to Clean Energy 41:44 Regulatory Challenges and Planning for the Future 44:45 An exciting advancement in Water Filtration Technology Keywords US infrastructure, engineering, architecture, infrastructure, water systems, Job Security, Water Mains, Water Distribution Systems, Sanitation, underground infrastructure, water filtration, tunnels 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 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. Podcast website: ⁠https://www.leveldesignpod.com⁠ Get involved: ⁠https://leveldesignpartners.com

    40 min
  7. 3 SEPT.

    How Our Roads Work & Which State Has the Best Roads

    Many people aren't aware of how roads are designed, funded, or function. Road infrastructure is crucial in our society, connecting communities and enabling easy travel. In today’s episode, we dive into this topic to reveal insights about modern civil engineering and how we got here. We dive into the evolution of road construction materials and the shared nature of public infrastructure. Scott highlights the challenges of road maintenance and the need for more engineers in the field of infrastructure. Chapters 01:10 The Public Nature of Beaches 03:15 Appreciating Public Access to Beaches 04:41 Infrastructure Development in the 1690s 05:12 The Emergence of Government for Public Services 06:05 Wooden Water Mains 07:23 The Governance of Public Spaces 08:05 The Evolution of Road Construction Materials 10:02 The Shared Nature of Public Infrastructure 11:13 The Maintenance and Management of Roads 12:39 Understanding Road Construction 22:04 The Design of Roads to Fail 23:32 The Challenges of Road Maintenance 29:38 The Quality of Roads in Different States 35:05 The Need for More Engineers in Infrastructure Keywords US infrastructure, engineering, architecture, infrastructure, transportation, water systems, road systems, highway engineering, engineering economics 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 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. Podcast website: ⁠https://www.leveldesignpod.com⁠ Get involved: ⁠https://leveldesignpartners.com⁠

    35 min
  8. Minimizing Financial Waste with Whitney Pogue, P.E., Value Engineering & Estimates Coordinator

    5 AOÛT

    Minimizing Financial Waste with Whitney Pogue, P.E., Value Engineering & Estimates Coordinator

    Scott talks a lot about how taxpayer dollars are actually being used (or misused) to support our infrastructure. Today, we get an inside look with guest Whitney Pogue, Civil Engineer, P.E., Value Engineering & Estimates Coordinator for ODOT (Oklahoma Department of Transportation) for 10 years and now with Level Engineering. Part of Whitney’s role is to ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. After working in roadway design for three years, Whitney transitioned to a project management role in one of ODOT’s field offices. There, she was able to be the project manager on projects totaling over $250 million, including the largest project in ODOT history at the time of its construction. We get an inside look at her career, her passion for value engineering, the current state of infrastructure and what the future holds. We discuss: What is Value Engineering and why is it so important What actually goes into value engineering The meticulous process of repairing roads Funding and forecasting Project management How economic factors influence decision-making in infrastructure projects Challenges faced in managing large infrastructure projects within budget and timeline constraints AI and its role in construction Keywords US infrastructure, Transportation, Construction, Project Management, Roadways, Value engineering, mentoring 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 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. Podcast website: https://www.leveldesignpod.com Get involved: https://leveldesignpartners.com

    46 min

À propos

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.

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