Episodes

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 an...

Today, we delve into the complexities of wastewater management, the role of Pollution Control Agency, and the challenges faced in maintaining water quality standards. It highlights the importance of community engagement, the impact of agricultural runoff, and the intersection of AI with environmental stewardship. The discussion emphasizes the need for individual responsibility in addressing pollution and the significance of understanding local water sources and infrastructure. Our guest is Katri...

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-ac...

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 collab...

Join host us for a candid conversation about our everyday impact on the planet—how infrastructure, convenience, and culture shape the environment—and what architects and engineers can practically do to help. From wildlife crossings to rail vs. trucking, from lighting up our cities to rethinking packaging and food systems, this episode explores simple behavior shifts and bigger systemic choices that move us toward a healthier built world. How quickly nature rebounds when human activity slows T...

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-solvi...

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 responsib...

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 ...

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...

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 demons...

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 dire...

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 effect...

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 a...

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, an...

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 orga...

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. T...

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 th...

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 pat...

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 ...

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 ...

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 Amer...

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 infrast...

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 ro...

“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, an...