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Level Design Podcast

Level Design Podcast

A podcast for Architects and Engineers.

Join Scott Zurn, Professional Engineer with over 3 decades of experience and Founder of Level Design Partners, in exploring the in’s and outs of the design industry, bringing new thinking to outdated systems, and restoring value and honor to the unique people who choose to be designers, engineers, and architects.

We’ll be discussing how Architects and Engineers can thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, flexibility, and financial security as a design professional, regardless of their current situation.

Recent Episodes

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Hidden Profits in Your Backyard: The Real ADU Playbook for Homeowners
Dec. 1, 2025

Hidden Profits in Your Backyard: The Real ADU Playbook for Homeowners

This conversation delves into the complexities of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), exploring the process, regulations, and the importance of design teams. We breakdown the various stakeholders involved, the significance of feasibility studies, and the financial implications of building an ADU. We emphasize the importance of expert guidance to navigate local regulations and ensure that projects are economically viable and compliant with zoning laws. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to ADUs and Context
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Navigating the Complexities of Wastewater Management & Environmental Protection with Katrina Kessler, P.E. – Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner
Nov. 13, 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 Katri
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A Day in 2040: What a Construction Project Looks Like in 15 years (Engineering, Architecture, Construction, Management)
Nov. 3, 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-accur
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What Germany Can Teach the U.S. About Water and Wastewater Management
Oct. 29, 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 collaboratio
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What We’re Doing to the Planet and Why
Oct. 9, 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 slows The
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Connecting People through Engineering with Murray McBride
Aug. 4, 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
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Recent Blog Posts

Understanding Your Fair Market Value in the Design Industry
April 25, 2025

Understanding Your Fair Market Value in the Design Industry

Welcome to another deep dive into the financial aspects of the design industry. In this post, we're breaking down the concept of Fair Market Value (FMV), specifically for architects and engineers. Understanding FMV is crucial for your financial well…
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The Commoditization of A&E Services: How to Stand Out in a Competitive Market
Jan. 26, 2025

The Commoditization of A&E Services: How to Stand Out in a Competitive Market

In today's rapidly evolving landscape, architects and engineers (A&E) professionals face a significant challenge: the commoditization of their skills. This blog post delves into the factors contributing to this trend, exploring the historical co…
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