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Episodes

Feb. 21, 2025

How Urban Fires Are Reshaping Infrastructure and Design, Fire Recover…

This conversation delves into the complexities of community recovery following devastating fires in California, focusing on the emotional toll on municipal staff, the bureaucratic challenges posed by FEMA, and the importance ...

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Feb. 3, 2025

The Biggest Contributor to Global Warming, Who’s Solving it, and What…

This conversation explores the multifaceted issues surrounding climate change, its impact on migration, and the role of human activity in exacerbating environmental challenges. We discuss the importance of understanding both ...

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Jan. 27, 2025

Mentorship, Entrepreneurship and Taking Back Control of Your Career w…

In this episode of The Level Design Podcast, we dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping the engineering and architecture fields today. Our guest, Andrew, shares his journey from corporate America to entrepreneurshi...

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Jan. 6, 2025

A&E: Becoming Irreplaceable (and finding purpose in your work)

The conversation explores critical themes surrounding structural safety, the commoditization of A&Es, and the historical context of the 1740s in our ‘How we got here” series. Scott addresses the challenges faced by the engine...

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Nov. 4, 2024

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...

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Oct. 21, 2024

Your Role in the Design Industry is Changing Forever: Embracing Regen…

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 applica...

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Oct. 9, 2024

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 attractiv...

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Sept. 30, 2024

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 bu...

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Sept. 16, 2024

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 Desi...

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Sept. 9, 2024

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 f...

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Sept. 3, 2024

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 in...

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Aug. 5, 2024

Minimizing Financial Waste with Whitney Pogue, P.E., Value Engineerin…

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 Coord...

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July 18, 2024

The Transportation Bill, The Water Challenge, and Life in the 1680s

“The bridges and highways we fail to repair today will have to be rebuilt tomorrow – at many times the cost.” - President Ronal Reagan. Our conversation begins with a story set in the 1680s, describing the simple life of …

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July 8, 2024

The Negatives & Positives of Being a Civil Engineer in the 21st Centu…

Join us as we explore the state of infrastructure in the US, the cost and burden on taxpayers, the economic impact of infrastructure investment, and the need for increased investment. We dive into the political nature of infr...

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June 3, 2024

Future-Proof Your Career: Top Skills for Engineers and Architects

In this conversation, Miles and Scott explore the technical and non-technical skills that design professionals should focus on, such as keeping up with technology and developing strong people skills. The conversation highligh...

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April 22, 2024

Scott’s Engineering Journey & Why Level Was Formed

Why are Architects & Engineers leaving the industry in the US while the market is increasing and our country is in dire need of more designers? Scott shares his journey in engineering, why many of his peers (especially younge...

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April 15, 2024

Fixing Existing Infrastructure, The Changing Regulatory Environment, …

In this conversation, Miles and Scott discuss the history of infrastructure in the US in the 1940s, increasing complexity of building regulations, AI’s impact on construction projects, improving existing buildings, and the sh...

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Feb. 19, 2024

How We Got Here & Who's Responsible (We’re Back!)

After 17 episodes, we took a break to refocus on business. Now we’re back with a completely new format. You can expect 2 episodes a month (Audio + video) with a new cohost (Miles) and some incredible guests. We’ll be …

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July 18, 2022

Home inspections – How did we get here?

Scott sits down with Wade Williamson and his team at Axium Inspections. Colorado's #1 inspection company and growing nationally. Over 20 Certified Home Inspectors who offer full-service home and commercial inspection services...

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March 24, 2022

Change, disconnect, and responsibility as Architects, Engineers, and …

A lot is changing in our industry. One thing we know won't work is to fight that change. Instead, how do we use technology and model changes to our advantage? What issues com from the old model? What can we …

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Aug. 26, 2021

Bridge Engineering & Infrastructure Challenges with Ben Kenney, P.E. …

617,000 bridges across the United States. Currently, 42% of all bridges are at least 50 years old, and 46,154, or 7.5% of the nation's bridges, are considered structurally deficient, meaning they are in “poor” condition. Ben ...

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Aug. 12, 2021

Wait, but why? (flipping the business model on its head)

Join Scott Zurn and Murray McBride as they discuss: Update on LDPI Flipping the business model on its head Outsourcing and the race to the bottom Entrepreneurship Personal growth and success Collaboration Peace of mind $2 Tri...

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April 15, 2021

Long-term care of our built environment (most important + least celeb…

In this episode, Scott & Murray discuss: Environmental consciousness Half of our environment impact is just “building stuff” Let’s take a conscious look at what we’re doing Is money always the driver for the design community ...

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April 8, 2021

Are Architects & Engineers going extinct?

Can we maintain our human conveniences and have less adverse impact on our planet? Are Architects & Engineers going extinct? What do we need to revive in our industry? Join Scott Zurn and Murray McBride as they discuss In thi...

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