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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 Setting 03:06 Understanding the ADU Process and Stakeholders 05:47 Zoning Regulations and Community Impact 08:41 The Importance of Design Teams in ADU Projects 11:37 Feasibility Studies and Initial Considerations 14:35 Cost Considerations and ROI for Homeowners 17:30 Navigating Local Regulations and Utility Challenges 20:43 Creative Solutions and Variances in ADU Design 23:47 Final Thoughts on ADU Planning and Execution ADU, Accessory Dwelling Units, home design, construction, zoning regulations, feasibility study, ROI, design team, homeowner, property value, engineering, architecture Join Us Live: ADU Workshop + Expert Q&A Everything You Need to Know About Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) - https://levelengineering.com/adu-workshop

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 Katrina Kessler, P.E.—Commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, former MPCA assistant commissioner, and former director of Minneapolis’s Surface Water & Sewers Division. With 16+ years in environmental leadership, Katrina: Leads 900+ MPCA staff working to ensure healthy air, clean water, sustainable lands, and a better climate across Minnesota.Strengthens partnerships with Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations and collaborates with businesses, local governments, and community stakeholders.Chairs the Governor’s Climate Change Subcabinet to reduce emissions, boost resilience, and advance equitable climate solutions.Represents Minnesota on the Environmental Council of States, the Great Lakes Commission, and EPA’s Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force. Signature initiatives: Developed Minnesota’s PFAS Blueprint to prevent, manage, and clean up “forever chemicals.”Co-created flexible, protective industry regulations that safeguard the environment and local jobs.Built ag–urban partnerships to improve water quality statewide.Katrina holds a BA in environmental science and an MS in environmental engineering. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Combined Sewer Systems 02:58 The Role of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 05:44 Permitting and Water Quality Standards 09:04 Challenges in Water Infrastructure 11:52 The Importance of Minnesota's Water Resources 15:03 Economic Impacts of Water Quality 17:47 Addressing Agricultural Runoff 20:54 Future of Wastewater Treatment 23:37 Collaboration for Water Quality Improvement 28:35 Exploring Air Quality Regulations 31:10 Addressing Methane Emissions 35:16 Individual Actions for Environmental Impact 39:34 The Intersection of AI and Environmental Stewardship 46:39 Collaboration Between Engineers and Environmental Agencies wastewater, pollution control, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, water quality, environmental stewardship, AI, community engagement, agricultural runoff, air quality, infrastructure 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. www.leveldesignpartners.com

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-accurate surveys, and real-time stormwater simulations 10:19 Immersive BIM: from 3D models to walkable design reviews 13:13 Optimizing materials and reducing carbon with computational tools 14:24 Carbon-neutral construction and the circular economy 16:16 Innovation outpacing codes: the regulatory bottleneck 18:24 From phone video to CAD: rapid as-builts and adaptive reuse 21:17 Agile business models and national collaboration networks 23:30 Visual build guides and tech-forward contractors 25:23 2040 vs 2060: seamless future or peak chaos? 26:46 Ethics, cybersecurity, and the road ahead 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. www.leveldesignpartners.com

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 collaboration in the field of engineering to ensure a sustainable future. Chapters 03:03 Insights from the German Water Treatment Systems 05:46 Comparative Analysis of Population Density and Infrastructure 08:31 Innovative Solutions in Wastewater Treatment 11:29 The Role of Nonprofit Organizations in Water Management 14:22 Environmental Protection and Technological Advancements 17:28 Nature-Based Solutions in Wastewater Management 20:29 The Importance of Care in Environmental Engineering 23:20 Future of Water Management and Global Collaboration Water treatment, environmental engineering, Germany, wastewater management, population density, technology, nonprofit organizations, environmental protection, innovative solutions, knowledge sharing 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. www.leveldesignpartners.com

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 slowsThe hidden costs of convenience, throwaway products, and constant illuminationRoads, game trails, and wildlife crossingsFreight, rail, and why smarter infrastructure mattersBottom-up sustainability: what individuals can do now Timestamps 00:00 — Nature’s quick rebound during COVID and what it reveals 02:30 — Roadkill, wildlife paths, and green overpasses 03:58 — Lights, energy, and the true cost of nighttime illumination 05:26 — Did previous generations “know”? Intent vs. impact 08:08 — Plastic, packaging, and the throwaway economy 09:04 — Food systems, bulk shopping, and low-waste habits 10:55 — Bottom-up sustainability: small, repeatable choices 12:22 — Trains vs. planes/trucks: freight and carbon efficiency 13:50 — High-speed rail lessons and right-sizing infrastructure 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. www.leveldesignpartners.com

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. Timestamps 06:05 Bridging the Gap: Engineering and Construction 12:13 Rethinking Engineering in a Capitalistic Society 18:02 Creating a Supportive Environment for Engineers 23:59 Conclusion: What Do We Need vs. What Do We Want? engineering, mentorship, education, community, construction, capitalism, human-centric design, problem-solving, infrastructure, professional development 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. www.leveldesignpartners.com

In this episode, Kevin Walsh, PhD, PE, SE, shares his journey through academia and the structural engineering industry, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities within the profession. We explore the evolving role of technology, including AI, the importance of community impact, and the need to inspire the next generation. We discuss retention issues, the complexities of historic construction, and the emotional resilience required in the field. Kevin also highlights the responsibility of engineers toward sustainability, the influence of financial drivers, and the critical role of interpersonal skills in professional growth. We reflect on the legacy of engineers and advocate for a shift in how the profession is perceived. We’re joined by Kevin Q. Walsh, PhD, PE, SE, Associate Teaching Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Director, Master of Engineering (MEng). Kevin Walsh’s primary areas of research interest are sustainable and resilient infrastructure, pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) structural framing, inventory and seismic assessment of masonry and concrete buildings, large-scale experimental testing including the testing of in situ structures, unbonded post-tensioning strand/anchorage systems, modern masonry construction materials, and the professional practice of structural engineering. Connect with Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kqwalsh/ Keywords Engineering, academia, youth engagement, infrastructure, career growth, mentorship, built environment, AI in engineering, community impact, retention issues, historic construction, materials, risk management, environmental responsibility, legacy, interpersonal skills, career purpose Chapters 03:09 Journey into Engineering 06:10 The Role of Academia in Engineering 09:08 Challenges in Attracting Youth to Engineering 12:11 The Importance of Community and Fulfillment in Engineering 15:03 The Future of Engineering and AI 18:02 The Art and Science of Engineering 20:59 Retention Issues in Engineering 23:55 Infrastructure and Its Impact 27:02 Opportunities in the Built Environment 31:02 Curiosity and Specialization in Engineering 32:26 Historic Construction and Material Challenges 34:51 Teaching Fundamentals and Emotional Resilience 37:30 Navigating Risk and Litigation in Engineering 40:37 Financial Drivers in Engineering Decisions 43:21 The Role of Engineers in Environmental Responsibility 48:15 Legacy and Purpose in Engineering 51:25 Interpersonal Skills and Professional Growth 56:35 Finding Purpose in Engineering Careers 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. www.leveldesignpartners.com

In this episode, we speak with Luis Duque, P.E., M. ASCE, an award-winning bridge engineer with a passion for innovation and empowering future generations. With over six years of professional experience, he has tackled complex projects involving bridge removal, erection, jacking, as well as complex modeling for full bridge analysis.  Beyond technical expertise, Luis is a leader. He founded the "Engineering our Future" podcast to equip students and young engineers with the tools to thrive. His dedication extends to volunteering with organizations like Engineers Without Borders, bringing clean water solutions to communities in need. Luis is a recognized leader in the engineering community.  He actively participates in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI), advocating for diversity and mentorship. He is involved in the Student Engagement Committee to help students get exposure to SEI at the Structures Congress among other activities and the Business Practices Committee to provide business solutions to engineers. Further, he has collaborated with the Building Structural Leaders Task Committee, Educations and Leadership Committee, and the ASCE 2027 Conference Committee. In this conversation, Luis Duque shares his journey as a bridge engineer, discussing the challenges he faced as an international student and the importance of mentorship and community engagement in the engineering field. He emphasizes the need for effective communication skills and the impact of technology on the future of engineering careers. The discussion also touches on the challenges facing the engineering industry, including the need to keep engineers engaged and the role of mentorship in bridging the gap for future generations. Connect with Luis luisfelipeduque.com linkedin.com/in/luisduquepe Chapters 00:00 Journey to Engineering Success 03:06 The Day-to-Day of a Bridge Engineer 05:53 The Impact of Communication in Engineering 08:59 Mentorship and Community Engagement 11:58 The Future of Engineering Careers 14:56 Challenges Facing the Engineering Industry 18:08 The Role of Technology in Engineering 21:01 The Importance of Mentorship 23:56 Navigating Changes in the Engineering Landscape Keywords engineering, mentorship, bridge engineering, career development, communication skills, technology in engineering, engineering challenges, community engagement, professional growth, engineering 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. 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 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 Engineering Connect with Brandon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonmcgill 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. 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. Chapters 02:19 Journey to Civil Engineering 06:29 The Difference Between a Job and a Career 10:17 The Role of Civil Engineers in Society 12:44 The Impact of Civil Engineering on Daily Life 16:19 Understanding Infrastructure and Its Importance 20:43 The Disconnect Between Public Perception and Infrastructure Needs 25:14 Celebrating Civil Engineering and Infrastructure 30:21 The Future of Civil Engineering and Its Societal Role 30:52 The Shared Infrastructure of Society 32:14 Understanding Civil Engineering's Role 34:50 Expectations of Water Quality 37:34 The Evolution of Civil Engineering 39:43 Opportunities for Young Engineers 42:00 Navigating Work Environments 46:40 The Commoditization of Engineers 50:25 Innovative Business Models in Engineering 57:27 The Future of Civil Engineering Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-d-truax-4678308b 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. 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 infrastructure Political impact Leaning into technology Going out on your own as an Engineer How Scott got the idea for Level and how he proved it could work 110k salary director level (after 30 year career) to making $450k on his own Starting and building a new business model in A&E The Human Convenience For Benefit business model Why Peter (PE) joined Level Stamping for the first time (and the stress that can come with it) Being connected to the work + mentorship Marketing https://levelengineering.com/about-scott-zurn 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. 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.com Keywords: 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, resilience Chapters 00:54 Understanding the Fire Situation 02:49 Community Impact and Emotional Toll 05:57 Public Works and Emergency Response 08:47 FEMA's Role and Bureaucratic Challenges 12:12 Celebrating Recovery Success 15:03 Partnerships in Recovery 17:57 Debris Removal Process 20:59 Contracting and Procurement Challenges 24:01 Building Back Better 27:00 FEMA Reimbursement and Project Management 30:11 Final Thoughts on Community Resilience 39:20 Navigating FEMA Reimbursements 41:31 The Importance of Documentation in Disaster Recovery 43:47 Challenges with Tree Recovery Post-Disaster 45:49 Assessing Infrastructure Damage After a Disaster 48:51 Building Back Better: Infrastructure Resilience 51:33 Emotional Impact of Rebuilding After Disaster 55:57 Trauma-Informed Care for Disaster Recovery 01:01:55 The Role of FEMA in Community Recovery 01:04:58 Teamwork and Support in Disaster Recovery 01:10:40 First Steps for Effective Disaster Recovery 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.com 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. 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