Level Design Podcast

Today, we're excited to welcome Brandon McGill, an executive recruiter specializing in civil and geotechnical engineering. Brandon is the founder of Charter Executive Search and is widely known as "The Civil Recruiter."With a passion for building meaningful relationships, Brandon goes beyond qualifications to truly understand the needs of both his candidates and clients, ensuring long-term success for everyone involved.In this episode, we dive into the challenges and opportunities in the engineering industry, the importance of mentorship, and how Brandon is helping engineers navigate their careers in a rapidly changing market.From the impact of private equity on engineering firms to the growing demand for entrepreneurial engineers, Brandon shares his unique insights into the current state of the industry and what it takes to thrive.We'll also explore the critical gaps in mentorship, the challenges of retaining talent, and why engineers are leaving the profession at alarming rates. Brandon's approach to recruiting is all about creating win-win situations, and his perspective on the future of engineering is both inspiring and thought-provoking.Enjoy this insightful conversation with Brandon McGill.Chapters2:15 Brandon's Journey into Recruiting6:30 The Role of Relationships in Recruiting10:45 Why Engineers Are Leaving the Profession15:20 The Impact of Private Equity on Engineering Firms20:10 The Importance of Mentorship in Engineering25:45 Challenges in Retaining Mid-Level Engineers30:15 The Rise of Entrepreneurial Engineers35:00 Trends in Remote and Hybrid Work40:30 The Future of Civil and Geotechnical Engineering45:50 How Brandon Helps Engineers Advance Their Careers50:10 The Value of Personal Branding in EngineeringConnect with Brandon:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonmcgillConnect 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.Dive deeper, fill out the form, and our leadership team will personally connect with you, address your questions, and explore reclaiming your professional independence.www.leveldesignpartners.com

Today, we're thrilled to welcome Dennis Truax, a true leader and innovator in the field of civil engineering. With a career spanning over four decades, Dennis has made remarkable contributions as an educator, researcher, consulting engineer and mentor. He's the 2022 President of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and professor emeritus of the Richard A. Rula School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Mississippi State University.An experienced department chair with a demonstrated history of working in higher education, Dennis is a strong business development professional skilled in academic advising, public speaking, private piloting, construction, and stormwater management. He's also a recognized expert in environmental and water resources engineering, holding multiple advanced certifications and awards, including ASCE's Edmund Friedman Professional Recognition Award and induction into the Academy of Distinguished Alumni at Virginia Tech.In this episode, we'll dive into the difference between a job and a career, finding your competitive advantage, creating loyalty, having pride in our work, the problem with billable hours, and avoiding the 'dinosaur mindset'. We'll also explore the opportunities and challenges you face whether you're just starting your career or in the middle of it, and the critical choice every civil engineer needs to make. All this and more with former ASCE President Dennis Truax. Enjoy this conversation with Dennis Truax.Chapters02:19 Journey to Civil Engineering06:29 The Difference Between a Job and a Career10:17 The Role of Civil Engineers in Society12:44 The Impact of Civil Engineering on Daily Life16:19 Understanding Infrastructure and Its Importance20:43 The Disconnect Between Public Perception and Infrastructure Needs25:14 Celebrating Civil Engineering and Infrastructure30:21 The Future of Civil Engineering and Its Societal Role30:52 The Shared Infrastructure of Society32:14 Understanding Civil Engineering's Role34:50 Expectations of Water Quality37:34 The Evolution of Civil Engineering39:43 Opportunities for Young Engineers42:00 Navigating Work Environments46:40 The Commoditization of Engineers50:25 Innovative Business Models in Engineering57:27 The Future of Civil EngineeringConnect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-d-truax-4678308bConnect 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.Dive deeper, fill out the form, and our leadership team will personally connect with you, address your questions and explore reclaiming your professional independence.www.leveldesignpartners.com

In this special episode, four of us sit down in Austin Texas to discuss the State of Civil Engineering, Infrastructure, entrepreneurship and the future of the A&E career. We also take a deep dive into Scott's career and the origins of Level Engineering & Architecture, as well as Level Design Partners.Scott Zurn (Founder and CEO of Level Engineering & Level Design Partners) observed some serious issues in his profession. His peers were dissatisfied and things started heading in the wrong direction.In 2015, Scott Zurn founded Level Engineering, a national firm of independent design professionals collaborating and ensuring that our built world is positively impacting the planet we live on. Level Engineering & Architecture aims to create a new level of entrepreneurial success for designers while simultaneously creating designs that contribute to a thriving planet.The idea for Level Engineering didn't come to fruition without the extensive experience he had in the engineering and public works sector. Scott has worked as the Public Works Director for the City of Estes Park, Civil Engineer for the City of Longmont, and a Project manager for the City of Thornton. In 2013, Scott was named the Transportation Professional of the Year by ITE. He was also designated as a Public Works Leadership Fellow by the American Public Works Association (APWA). He has secured and managed 100s of millions of federal grants and grant-funded NEPA studies and transportation projects. He earned the ENR Best Project of 09, for a 300-acre Brownfield Redevelopment including $250 million dollars in infrastructure bridges and 650,000 sf of retail development.We're also joined by Peter Modica, P.E. (Structural Engineer in Austin, Texas) who joined Level in 2024 and Andrew Dominguez (Entrepreneur and Growth Strategist) to extract unique perspectives of Scott's story and paint a picture of the future.Some of what we discuss includes:Interstates, pollution and the state of infrastructurePolitical impactLeaning into technologyGoing out on your own as an EngineerHow Scott got the idea for Level and how he proved it could work110k salary director level (after 30 year career) to making $450k on his ownStarting and building a new business model in A&EThe Human ConvenienceFor Benefit business modelWhy Peter (PE) joined LevelStamping for the first time (and the stress that can come with it)Being connected to the work + mentorshipMarketinghttps://levelengineering.com/about-scott-zurnConnect 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.Dive deeper, fill out the form, and our leadership team will personally connect with you, address your questions and explore reclaiming your professional independence.www.levelengineering.com

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 of partnerships in recovery efforts.We're joined by Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Manager Allison James as well as Engineers Scott Zurn and Jay Blackburn. They share their experiences with disaster management, the intricacies of debris removal, and the need for effective contracting and procurement processes to ensure successful recovery and rebuilding efforts.In this conversation, Allison James, Scott Zurn, and Jay discuss the complexities of disaster recovery, focusing on FEMA reimbursements, the importance of documentation, and the emotional toll on communities. They share insights on navigating the recovery process, building resilient infrastructure, and the necessity of trauma-informed care for both staff and residents. The conversation emphasizes teamwork, communication, and the need for proper planning to ensure effective recovery and rebuilding efforts.If you've been affected by the LA fires, don't hesitate to reach out and discuss how we can help you navigate recovery, FEMA reimbursement, and building back better. Levelengineering.comKeywords: Fire Recovery, evaluation, reimbursement, FEMA, engineering, rebuilding, California fires, LA Fire, community recovery, FEMA, public works, infrastructure, emotional impact, disaster management, partnerships, debris removal, contracting, disaster recovery, infrastructure, emotional impact, trauma-informed care, community support, reimbursement, rebuilding, resilienceChapters00:54 Understanding the Fire Situation02:49 Community Impact and Emotional Toll05:57 Public Works and Emergency Response08:47 FEMA's Role and Bureaucratic Challenges12:12 Celebrating Recovery Success15:03 Partnerships in Recovery17:57 Debris Removal Process20:59 Contracting and Procurement Challenges24:01 Building Back Better27:00 FEMA Reimbursement and Project Management30:11 Final Thoughts on Community Resilience39:20 Navigating FEMA Reimbursements41:31 The Importance of Documentation in Disaster Recovery43:47 Challenges with Tree Recovery Post-Disaster45:49 Assessing Infrastructure Damage After a Disaster48:51 Building Back Better: Infrastructure Resilience51:33 Emotional Impact of Rebuilding After Disaster55:57 Trauma-Informed Care for Disaster Recovery01:01:55 The Role of FEMA in Community Recovery01:04:58 Teamwork and Support in Disaster Recovery01:10:40 First Steps for Effective Disaster RecoveryIf you've been affected by the LA fires, don't hesitate to reach out and discuss how we can help you navigate recovery, FEMA reimbursement, and building back better. Levelengineering.comConnect 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.Dive deeper, fill out the form, and our leadership team will personally connect with you, address your questions and explore reclaiming your professional independence.

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 natural and human-induced factors contributing to climate change, the implications for human life, and the urgent need for innovative and sustainable design solutions. What are the real implications of climate change on ecosystems, migration, and food systems, – what are some of the common interconnectedness of economic models and environmental impact. The discussion highlights the importance of individual action and the potential for the design community to lead the way in addressing these pressing issues. Chapters 02:57 The Impact of Climate Change on Human Life 06:08 Natural vs. Human-Induced Climate Change 09:02 The Role of Oceans and Ice Melting 12:01 Research Tools and Data on Climate Change 13:30 “The Tipping Point” 14:57 Human Convenience and Its Environmental Impact 17:58 Deforestation and Its Consequences 21:14 The Urgency of Change 25:11 Climate Change and Its Implications 28:09 The Role of Design in Climate Solutions 32:43 Migration and Displacement 36:05 The Interconnectedness of Food Systems and Climate 40:02 Rethinking Economic Models for Sustainability 43:14 The Power of Individual Action and Innovation Keywords Climate change, global warming, migration, environmental impact, human convenience, deforestation, ocean acidity, greenhouse gases, research data, sustainability, design solutions, migration, food systems, economic models, environmental impact, adaptation, innovation 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: Are you one of the 5% of Engineers and Architects who's ready to take on Entrepreneurship? Dive deeper, fill out the form, and our leadership team will personally connect with you, address your questions and explore reclaiming your professional independence: leveldesignpartners.com Get involved: ⁠https://leveldesignpartners.com

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 entrepreneurship, offering insights into the evolving landscape of mentorship, the lasting impact of COVID-19, and the growing shift toward entrepreneurial models. He discusses the knowledge gap created by economic downturns and emphasizes the importance of leadership, connection, and fostering a positive work culture. Andrew also reflects on the emotional toll of traditional work environments and explores how community, collaboration, and open-mindedness can pave the way for a more balanced and fulfilling future in the industry. 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. Chapters 03:56 The Knowledge Gap in Engineering 07:01 Impact of COVID-19 on Work Culture 10:07 Challenges of Entrepreneurship 12:58 The Importance of Leadership and Connection 16:00 Andrew's Journey to Entrepreneurship 18:56 The Disconnect in Engineering Training 22:07 The Role of Level in Supporting Engineers 24:57 Emotional Drain and Work-Life Balance 28:07 The Future of Collaborative Work 31:02 The Fear of Entrepreneurship 33:56 The Power of Community and Collaboration 36:57 The Value of Mentorship and Learning 40:00 Taking Back Control of Your Career 43:08 The Importance of Youthful Thinking 46:06 The Future of Work and Corporate Structures Podcast website: ⁠https://www.leveldesignpod.com⁠ Get involved: ⁠https://leveldesignpartners.com

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 engineering workforce, including declining interest in engineering careers and the factors contributing to this trend. We discuss the challenges faced by professionals in the engineering and architecture sectors, particularly focusing on employee turnover, the impact of organizational structures, and the importance of mentorship. We explore how the commoditization of talent is affecting job satisfaction and career advancement, emphasizing the need for individuals to find purpose and uniqueness in their work. This discussion also highlights the evolution of firms in the industry and the necessity for modernization to attract and retain talent. Chapters 00:00 Structural Safety and Urgency in Childcare Facilities 02:52 The Commoditization of Design and Engineering 05:59 Historical Context: The 1740s and Its Influencers 09:01 The Role of Benjamin Franklin in Shaping America 12:10 Challenges in the Engineering Workforce 15:09 The Decline of Interest in Engineering Careers 19:28 Understanding the Reasons Behind Employee Turnover 22:58 The Impact of Organizational Structure on Talent 24:14 Strategies to Avoid Becoming a Commodity 28:17 The Role of Willpower in Career Advancement 30:51 The Evolution of Engineering and Architecture Firms 33:39 Finding Purpose and Uniqueness in Your Work 36:32 The Importance of Mentorship in Engineering 39:35 Modernizing the Industry for Future Success Keywords structural safety, engineering, historical context, 1740s, design professionals, industry trends, employee turnover, organizational structure, talent management, engineering, architecture, mentorship, career advancement, industry modernization, purpose in work, avoiding commoditization 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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 a young woman named Abigail in the Connecticut colony. We explore the evolution from local self-reliance to national and international interdependence and the speed of change. We take a look at the latest Transportation bill - how it's broken up, what it actually means, and what the future could look like. Scott highlights the importance of clean water and the need to replace lead service lines. They also discuss the economic impact of infrastructure investment and the potential for job creation. The conversation concludes with a call for better communication and transparency regarding infrastructure projects. Timestamps 00:00 Life in the 1680s: Challenges and Resilience 06:18 From Self-Reliance to Interdependence: The Evolution of Society 11:36 The Importance of Investing in Water Systems 12:06 The Economic Impact of Infrastructure Investment 19:11 Improving Communication and Transparency in Infrastructure Projects Keywords US infrastructure, history, tradespeople, engineering, architecture, mentoring, infrastructure bill, water systems, transparency 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

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 infrastructure, the importance of infrastructure for competitiveness as a country, and the declining interest in civil engineering. Scott shares his thoughts on why civil engineers are underpaid and what the future holds for them. He's got a compelling case for why engineers and architects should be excited about the industry's future. Spoiler: It's looking bright! Chapters 00:23 The State of Infrastructure in the US 02:58 The Burden on Taxpayers 04:12 The Economic Impact of Infrastructure Investment 05:26 The Connection Between Infrastructure and the Economy 08:07 The Need for Investment and the Broken System 09:21 The Political Nature of Infrastructure 10:11 The Importance of Infrastructure for Competitiveness 11:36 The Role of Engineers and Architects 12:23 The Decline in Interest in Civil Engineering 14:12 The Low Compensation for Civil Engineers 15:05 The Future Opportunities for Engineers 16:39 The Positives and Potential in the Industry 19:40 The Distraction and Disconnect from Infrastructure 21:00 The Exciting Future for Engineers 23:52 Summary of Positives and Opportunities 24:27 Historical Context: American Infrastructure in the 1670s Keywords US infrastructure, history, civil engineering, engineering, architecture, shortage of engineers 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.comGet involved: https://leveldesignpartners.com

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 highlights the changing business model in the industry and the need for engineers and architects to adapt to new technologies like AI. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of preparation and continuous learning in order to thrive in this field. Timestamps 0:19 Settling Around Waterways in the 1660s 3:02 Drinking and Wasting in the Same River 5:35 Cold Winters and Lack of Amenities 8:23 Building Codes and Urban Fires 11:22 Technical and Non-Technical Skills for Design Professionals 19:00 Specialization and the Changing Business Model 20:57 The Need for Technical and People Skills 23:43 The Importance of Communication Skills 26:13 The Impact of AI and the Future of the Industry 28:33 The Ripple Effect of Being a People Person 30:32 Preparing for a Thriving Career in Engineering and Architecture Keywords US infrastructure, history, tradespeople, engineering, architecture, mentoring, environmental protection, shortage of engineers 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.comGet involved: https://leveldesignpartners.com

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 younger generations) are leaving, the need to restore value to the profession, and what we've been working on for the past 10 years to solve this problem. Scott describes how his company (Level Engineering & Architecture) is gradually shifting the culture of designers in the US to impact the planet and increase the value of the designer and why this is imperative to our future. They discuss the growing value of tradespeople, challenges with water and sanitation, the limitations of government in environmental protection, as well as the 1650's in their ongoing “How We Got Here” History series. Chapters 03:00 The Value of Tradespeople 06:00 Challenges of Water and Sanitation 10:00 The Importance of Human Convenience 12:00 The Limitations of Government in Environmental Protection 16:00 The Motivation for Creating Level Engineering and Architecture 22:00 Scott's Journey in Engineering and Architecture 26:00 The Decline of Enjoyment in the Industry 30:00 Restoring Value to Engineering and Architecture 35:00 Mentoring and Passing on Knowledge 36:00 Future Episodes and Behind-the-Scenes of Level Engineering and Architecture Keywords US infrastructure, history, tradespeople, engineering, architecture, mentoring, environmental protection, shortage of engineers 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

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 shortage of engineers and architects in the US and the impacts of outsourcing. Where is there more opportunity and job security for A&E's? Should we be focusing on new and exciting projects, or fixing and maintaining existing infrastructure? Are existing projects more important than new projects? Is AI going to take our jobs or create new jobs? Are A&E's excited about their work? Chapters 00:48 How we got here (1640s) 01:18 The Growing Code Industry and Regulatory Environment 12:12 The Potential Impact of Outsourcing Engineering Work 25:27 The Importance of Maintaining and Improving Existing Buildings and Infrastructure Keywords US infrastructure, history, regulatory environment, engineering, architecture, code industry, timber-framed buildings, shortage of engineers, outsourcing, AI, maintaining existing buildings 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

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 sitting down with engineers, architects, business leaders and entrepreneurs, city officials, and infrastructure experts to explore how we got here, what's happening today, and how to build a better industry and world. We'll also be discussing some new and exciting opportunities for design professionals to dramatically change the way they work. In this conversation, we explore the cost of neglecting infrastructure and the ripple effect it has on so many areas of our lives. We also discuss the responsibility of design professionals and the economic impact of infrastructure investment. The conversation delves into the need for a shift in perspective and the potential solutions to address the expanding knowledge gap. We Cover: Introducing Miles as the New Co-host Bringing a Different Perspective The Importance of Understanding Infrastructure History The Cost of Neglecting Infrastructure The Ripple Effect of Infrastructure on Cost and Convenience The Current State of American Infrastructure Whose Responsibility is Infrastructure? Advancements in Materials and Physics in the 1630s The Impact of Trade Routes on Infrastructure The Influence of Rivers on City Planning 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

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, including radon testing, sewer scopes, well & mold inspections, lead testing, asbestos inspections, drone inspections and more! So what are inspections? Why do we need them? How did we get here? Axium Inspections website: axiuminspections.com Level Engineering website: levelengineering.com We're hiring: https://www.levelengineering.com/jobs

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 learn from the Surfside condominium collapse in 2021? What needs to change, what's changing, and how can we evolve as Architects, Engineers, and Designers?

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 Kenney, P.E. owner of Engineering Operations joins Scott and Murray to discuss some fascinating topics Corporate barriers Bridge Inspection Price of a bridge Some serious mistakes we're making with bridges and other infrastructure Infrastructure challenges we currently face Potential solutions A diving story that will make you claustrophobic And much more https://engineeringoperationsco.com/ https://engineeringoperationsco.com/about/benjamin-kenney/ Source: https://infrastructurereportcard.org/cat-item/bridges/ Sign up for our exclusive email newsletter to stay up to date on new episodes and opportunities. leveldesignpartners.com/podcast/

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 Trillion infrastructure bill What's right for our community? The zero-emission marketing lie And much more... Sign up for our exclusive email newsletter to stay up to date on new episodes and opportunities. leveldesignpartners.com/podcast/

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 Free, independent & flexible thinking Picking up where we left off in the early 1500s Climate change Greed and power, taking the land vs existing with the land Sign up for our exclusive email newsletter to stay up to date on new episodes and opportunities. leveldesignpartners.com/podcast/

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 this episode, they discuss: The human convenience Cost of infrastructure Communication challenges today Why we need more Architects & Engineers. How we can improve the way we pay for and build our infrastructure Getting involved locally How Engineering, Architecture, and construction relates to your tax dollar 57% of our Engineering community quits, why and how to change that The one activity in our infrastructure that produces 7% of carbon emissions into our atmosphere What the hell happened in Texas Sign up for our exclusive email newsletter to stay up to date on new episodes and opportunities. leveldesignpartners.com/podcast/

Sixty million Indigenous People lived throughout the Americas before European expansion. In a short amount of time, 90% of those people were lost to European disease and violence. An estimated loss of 55 million people; a 10% reduction of the world's population at that time. What happened to the infrastructure of each of these ancient people and what can we learn from it? Join Scott Zurn and Murray McBride as they discuss what went wrong when the Europeans settled the Americas. Instead of learning from the Indigenous People and their way of sustainable living, old European ideas were brought here and repeated the same mistakes. Also, enjoy a new segment where Scott and Murray discuss current events, like the Texas storms that left dozens dead and millions without power over several days. In this episode, they discuss: an LDPI update Continued: The history of infrastructure the importance of the A&E community's knowledge and our planet’s future the struggle between political forces and the public interest on infrastructure Sign up for our exclusive email newsletter to stay up to date on new episodes and opportunities. leveldesignpartners.com/podcast/

There is an impact to our world for every human convenience. Those conveniences are built around our infrastructure, but it’s not in the public’s consciousness. Why should we care? Because infrastructure is the most important thing in our world. Our economy, quality of life, and the future of humanity and our planet is intricately tied to infrastructure. Join Scott Zurn and Murray McBride as they discuss how we arrived at our current infrastructure and why throwing it away for a new one will be devastating for our planet. They discuss: Who planned our first roads Think of our world: We must be respectful of the fact that this planet has a finite amount of energy we can use and how we manage our infrastructure knowing that Is there an alternative or a better way moving forward Sign up for our exclusive email newsletter to stay up to date on new episodes and opportunities. leveldesignpartners.com/podcast/

Engineers are traditionally men. Why? 30% of women who have left the engineering profession cite organizational climate as the reason. Only 30% of women who earn bachelor’s degrees in engineering are still working in engineering 20 years later. Source We need to empower A&E women if we want to build a thriving industry and future. We must evolve our organizational climate. To celebrate Women’s History Month, we’ve brought on two amazing women, Anya Zurn & Karen Ashworth, co-owners of Level Design Partners. Our motto: LDPI is freedom of independence; power of organization. We give our independent design professionals the business education and support to overcome their fear of leaving a traditional firm behind. Join Scott Zurn and guests Karen Ashworth and Anya Zurn as they discuss why every design professional is welcomed and can thrive in LDPI's unique business model They discuss… ✅ Their business backgrounds ✅ The gig economy ✅ LDPI’s culture of communication with clients and how it’s leading a front-line change to help the environment through the A&E industry ✅ The need for mentorship for design professionals ✅ How A&E women can thrive in LDPI’s model Sign up for our exclusive email newsletter to stay up to date on new episodes and opportunities. leveldesignpartners.com/podcast/

Engineers are fleeing the industry at record numbers, unhappy with the status quo...so what? Why should we, and everyone else care? The bulk of human convenience relies on the intellect of the A&E community. But there’s a gap. A gap between the unique genius that goes into our infrastructure by A&E professionals, and the general public. In this fascinating episode, join hosts Scott Zurn and Murray McBride as they discuss why this is happening and what we’re doing about it. They discuss... ✅ how design professionals can thrive outside of the traditional corporate model ✅ character qualities needed to succeed as an entrepreneurial A&E professional ✅ the three founding articles of LDPI as a for-benefit company ✅ environmental impacts of our throw-away culture ✅ how we can create prosperity for design professionals, the industry, and the world. Sign up for our exclusive email newsletter to stay up to date on new episodes and opportunities. leveldesignpartners.com/podcast/

With a combined 70 years of design experience under their belts, Scott and Murray discuss a few common paths that design professionals have today and the future of our industry. In this fascinating episode, they cover… Environmental changes & our responsibility What's currently available as far as design career paths today The business model we’re building with Level Design Partners Entrepreneurship The voids that often come with independence Mentorship (we need mentors in our industry) Why many design professionals struggle to retire Creating your own destiny leveldesignpartners.com

Most of our modern human conveniences are designed and produced by a community of brilliant but unseen professionals, and the public doesn’t know it. Why? Join Scott Zurn and co-host Murray McBride as they discuss their professional backgrounds and why communication and trust are imperative to understanding our failing infrastructures, and how the A&E community can lead the way in solving our global issue. We welcome the new year with a new, revamped and reborn, Level Design Podcast. We’ve got a lot in store for the year including special guests, a new co-host, top-notch podcasting equipment, and a team to help us get this message to as many design professionals as possible. In this episode: We introduce Murray, our new co-host We discuss the state of Engineers and Architects We discuss the state of infrastructure and the public We talk about the best path forward as a country and as a design pro We talk about what’s changed since COVID-19 We cover taking risks and making mistakes in our field We talk about why many are losing motivation to go into Architecture or Engineering

I believe we are in an employee and employer revolution. I think we are in a place where there’s disillusionment from both parties about the other. Disjointed expectations between the two. The last time this happened at the scale was after the depression. So what's the solution to this problem? Let's explore. Episode Schedule: Every other Monday Get Involved: Go to leveldesignpartners.com Sign up to our newsletter and get information not found anywhere else. Respond to the welcome email with any insights regarding your unique perspective in the industry. What is working, not working, what you like, disklike, any ideas for improvement. Every episode we will be sharing these insight with our listeners (anonymously unless requested otherwise). Scott Zurn's LinkedIn

Innovative business structures are emerging. B-Corporation (For-Benefit) that are legally required to make business decisions based on profit, people, and the planet. In today's episode we explore how these new models can impact you and the old models are outdated and broken. It's time for a change. We are shifting our thinking so that Architects and Engineers can thrive in this industry. ✅ The pros and cons of the current business model within most A&E firms. ✅ How For-Benefit Corporations are changing the industry and the world. ✅ How the For-Benefit business structure allows you to thrive. Episode Schedule: ~Every other Monday Get Involved: Go to leveldesignpartners.com Sign up to our newsletter and get information not found anywhere else. Respond to the welcome email with any insights regarding your unique perspective in the industry. What is working, not working, what you like, dislike, any ideas for improvement. Every episode we will be sharing these insight with our listeners (anonymously unless requested otherwise). Scott Zurn's LinkedIn

The modernization of the business of A&E is going to happen, and needs to happen. In fact, it is happening as we speak. In this episode we look at technology and new business structures that are changing the way we work, collaborate, market, buy, sell and live. We are shifting our thinking so that Architects and Engineers and thrive in this industry. We take a look at exponential change in other industries that quickly put behemoth companies out of business in a matter of years. Why couldn't they pivot? Why didn't they embrace technological evolution? Episode Schedule: Every other Monday Get Involved: Go to leveldesignpartners.com Sign up to our newsletter and get information not found anywhere else. Respond to the welcome email with any insights regarding your unique perspective in the industry. What is working, not working, what you like, dislike, any ideas for improvement. Every episode we will be sharing these insight with our listeners (anonymously unless requested otherwise). Scott Zurn's LinkedIn

How much of your Fair Market Value are you keeping? Based on conversations with architects and engineers across the country of all different disciplines and ages, we have a pretty good guess. We've looked at the past 40 years to project the next 40 within the design industry. In this episode Scott discusses the past, present, and future of your fair market value. How can we keep more of it? If you feel like you're not keeping much of your Fair Market Value, be sure to listen to this episode in its entirety. Episode Schedule: Every other Monday Get Involved: Go to leveldesignpartners.com Sign up to our newsletter and get information not found anywhere else. Respond to the welcome email with any insights regarding your unique perspective in the industry. What is working, not working, what you like, dislike, any ideas for improvement. Every episode we will be sharing these insight with our listeners (anonymously unless requested otherwise). Scott Zurn's LinkedIn

In our conversations with architects and engineers across the country of all different disciplines and ages, we have started to hear a common theme. The business of A&E has diverged from the practice of A&E. Is today's episode, Scott explores the history of our industry, how we got here and what the future holds. If you are an A&E professional feeling more like a commodity than a valued design professional, be sure to listen to this episode in its entirety. Episode Schedule: Every other Monday Get Involved: Go to leveldesignpartners.com Sign up to our newsletter and get information not found anywhere else. Respond to the welcome email with any insights regarding your unique perspective in the industry. What is working, not working, what you like, disklike, any ideas for improvement. Every episode we will be sharing these insight with our listeners (anonymously unless requested otherwise). Scott Zurn's LinkedIn