
TRXL
Join architect Evan Troxel as he explores important topics surrounding the co-evolution of technology and architecture. Guests from the architectural community and beyond join in long-form conversations about the influence digital transformation is having on the profession with long digressions on leadership, change management, knowledge transfer, where all this may lead to in the future of the building industry, and more.
Latest episodes

Jul 30, 2024 • 1h 11min
161: ‘Project Phoenix, Part 3: Innovating with Mycelium’, with David Benjamin and Thomas van Harenz
David Benjamin, an innovator in sustainable building materials, and Thomas van Harenz, a partner in scalable architectural solutions, dive into the fascinating world of mycelium. They share their journey from pilot projects to scalable solutions, highlighting mycelium's versatility in construction. The duo discusses the integration of digital workflows in sustainable design and the potential for mycelium to disrupt traditional materials. Their insights reveal the challenges and opportunities in this eco-friendly revolution, emphasizing collaboration's vital role in innovation.

Jul 23, 2024 • 1h 25min
160: ‘Project Phoenix, Part 2: Prefab Modular’, with David Benjamin and Andrew Meagher
David Benjamin and Andrew Meagher join the podcast to talk about prefab modular and the construction of Project Phoenix in the second installment of a three-part series of episodes on the podcast. In this episode, we take a comprehensive look at Factory_OS's modular manufacturing approach to residential construction and its partnership with Autodesk which aims to create sustainable and affordable housing. Today we talk about the role of data-driven design, innovation throughout all stages of design and construction, and the collaborative approach to address housing and climate challenges with this project. To learn more about David Benjamin and Andrew Meagher, see the full show notes with links, find more episodes, and find the past guests on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.coEpisode Sponsors:AVAILDedicated to developing tools that save AEC teams time, AVAIL has now added Revit Application Version Management and another powerful new workflow feature called Palettes to its suite of content management capabilities.Visit https://getavail.com/request-demo to book a demo and see it in action.ArchITEmbrace a technology team that enhances—not hinders—your design process. Visit https://GetArchIT.com for your free IT assessment and start transforming your firm and your tech experience today.-----Support TRXL by becoming a member or by making a donation.Click here to subscribe and get the TRXL AEC Tech Newsletter and episode show notes emailed to you when new episodes are released. It’s free!Provide feedback for this episode at https://trxl.co/feedback

Jul 17, 2024 • 1h 11min
159: ‘Project Phoenix, Part 1: Design’, with David Benjamin and Ryan McNulty
David Benjamin and Ryan McNulty join the podcast to talk about the integration of architecture and technology in creating a 300-unit affordable housing development in the Bay Area called Project Phoenix.The project involves a unique collaboration between MBH Architects, Factory OS, and Autodesk, and how they leveraged generative design and real-time analytics software tools. Our conversation also highlights the efficiencies gained through modular construction, the challenges of incorporating new technology in design and construction, and potential implications for the AEC industry.To learn more about David Benjamin and Ryan McNulty, see the full show notes with links, find more episodes, and find the past guests on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.coEpisode Sponsors:ArchITEmbrace a technology team that enhances—not hinders—your design process. Visit https://GetArchIT.com for your free IT assessment and start transforming your firm and your tech experience today.AVAILDedicated to developing tools that save AEC teams time, AVAIL has now added Revit Application Version Management and another powerful new workflow feature called Palettes to its suite of content management capabilities.Visit https://getavail.com/request-demo to book a demo and see it in action.-----Support TRXL by becoming a member or by making a donation.Click here to subscribe and get the TRXL AEC Tech Newsletter and episode show notes emailed to you when new episodes are released. It’s free!Provide feedback for this episode at https://trxl.co/feedback

Jul 3, 2024 • 1h 22min
158: ‘AEC is an Adhocracy’, with Andy Robert and Mercedes Carriquiry
Andy Robert and Mercedes Carriquiry discuss their focus on technology, collaboration, and changing the architectural industry. They emphasize the importance of innovation, overcoming obstacles in hourly billing systems, and the need for better project management. The conversation highlights their ambitious goal of making a positive impact in the AEC industry.

Jun 18, 2024 • 1h 39min
157: ‘Aligning and Orchestrating the Process’, with Krzysztof Jędrzejewski
Krzysztof Jędrzejewski, who transitioned from traditional architecture to technology at Autodesk Forma, shares his journey from Poland to groundbreaking projects like the Mercedes Museum. He discusses the impact of cloud-based solutions and advanced tools such as Grasshopper and Dynamo on modern architecture. Krzysztof also emphasizes the importance of integrating AI in design, democratizing architectural expertise, and enhancing collaborations through innovative software solutions. His insights illuminate the evolving role of architects in leveraging technology to address industry challenges.

May 29, 2024 • 1h 36min
156: ‘Why Are We Doing This in the First Place?’, with Shane Burger
Shane Burger joins the podcast to talk about current and potential future impacts of AI and automation on architectural practice, the shift from perpetual to per-user licensing in AEC project delivery software, license management difficulties, enhancing productivity and improving project delivery while maintaining a human-centric approach, reevaluating business models towards valuing outcomes and performance, rethinking workflows, balancing technological advancements and the essence of human intelligence and empathy, and more.To learn more about Shane Burger, see the full show notes with links, find more episodes, and find the past guests on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.coEpisode SponsorsArchITEmbrace a technology team that enhances—not hinders—your design process. Visit https://GetArchIT.com for your free IT assessment and start transforming your firm and your tech experience today.AVAILDedicated to developing tools that save AEC teams time, AVAIL has now added Revit Application Version Management and another powerful new workflow feature called Palettes to its suite of content management capabilities.Visit https://getavail.com/request-demo to book a demo and see it in action.-----Support TRXL by becoming a member or by making a donation.Click here to subscribe and get the TRXL AEC Tech Newsletter and episode show notes emailed to you when new episodes are released. It’s free!Provide feedback for this episode at https://trxl.co/feedback

6 snips
May 14, 2024 • 1h 12min
155: ‘Shortening the Feedback Loop’, with AJ Lightheart and Jon Matalucci
AJ Lightheart, a developer of the Autodesk Workshop XR platform, and Jon Matalucci, a collaborator focused on enhancing design collaboration, dive into the revolutionary uses of extended reality in architecture and construction. They discuss how immersive VR experiences enhance project visualization and foster empathy in design. The conversation covers practical strategies for adopting XR technologies in firms, boosting collaboration, and democratizing the design process, all while emphasizing the importance of mentorship and professional development in the industry.

Apr 9, 2024 • 1h 11min
154: ‘Construction is Sick’, with Jim Walker
Jim Walker joins the podcast to talk about the systemic problems plaguing the construction industry and the parallels in architecture and engineering.Jim brings over 20 years of experience in general contracting and project management across North America from sweeping floors at construction sites to working for major firms like PCL and EllisDon.Our conversation highlights the industry's evolution towards digital transformation, increasing complexity and, yet in many ways, inefficiency. But more importantly, we discuss the concept of construction being 'sick', the adversarial nature of traditional contract models, toxic work environments, health issues among workers, the value of the blue collar work and the trades, pros and cons of different project delivery models, risk and reward, and more.Overall, the episode encapsulates a critical analysis of the construction industry's challenges and potential paths forward through innovation and systemic change.To learn more about Jim Walker, see the full show notes with links, find more episodes, and find the past guests on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.coEpisode Sponsors:ArchITEmbrace a technology team that enhances—not hinders—your design process. Visit https://GetArchIT.com for your free IT assessment and start transforming your firm and your tech experience today.AVAILAVAIL is helping AECO firms better manage, organize, and navigate information today. Trust a leader with a proven track record for reliability, relatability, and success. Learn why the top AECO firms choose AVAIL. Visit https://getavail.com/stranded and book a meeting with Will Rouse to learn more.Confluence EventsConfluence is an intimate, invite-only conference event for AEC professionals and technology providers to discuss industry trends and ideas, together. Learn more about the next regional event coming April 2024 in NYC at https://confluence.getavail.com/2024-nyc-----Support TRXL by becoming a member or by making a donation.Click here to subscribe and get the TRXL AEC Tech Newsletter and episode show notes emailed to you when new episodes are released. It’s free!Provide feedback for this episode at https://trxl.co/feedback

Mar 26, 2024 • 1h 8min
153: ‘Emotional Archaeology’, with Susan Young
Susan Young joins the podcast to talk about the art of persuasive communication and storytelling, particularly in leadership roles within the AEC industry. We discuss the importance of not only building but reading the room, asking quality questions, and practicing deep listening. The conversation also explores how being fully present and curious can lead to more effective interactions and projects.Susan underscores the two key traits of superior leaders: confidence and excellent communication skills, emphasizing that these are skills that can be learned and honed. The conversation highlights the role of soft skills in conveying knowledge effectively, stating that it doesn't matter what you know if you can't communicate and articulate it to others.We further discuss the crucial role of making a strong first impression, owning the fact that you're a media production company via social media and the internet, and understanding the art of the headline to hook your audience. The episode wraps up with a discussion on a people-centric approach to talking about tech and tools in firms, highlighting that we relate most to the human to human (H2H) stories.To learn more about Susan Young, see the full show notes with links, find more episodes, and find the past guests on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.coEpisode Sponsors:ArchITEmbrace a technology team that enhances—not hinders—your design process. Visit https://GetArchIT.com for your free IT assessment and start transforming your firm and your tech experience today.AVAILAVAIL is helping AECO firms better manage, organize, and navigate information today. Trust a leader with a proven track record for reliability, relatability, and success. Learn why the top AECO firms choose AVAIL. Visit https://getavail.com/stranded and book a meeting with Will Rouse to learn more.Confluence EventsConfluence is an intimate, invite-only conference event for AEC professionals and technology providers to discuss industry trends and ideas, together. Learn more about the next regional event coming April 2024 in NYC at https://confluence.getavail.com/2024-nyc-----Support TRXL by becoming a member or by making a donation.Click here to subscribe and get the TRXL AEC Tech Newsletter and episode show notes emailed to you when new episodes are released. It’s free!Provide feedback for this episode at https://trxl.co/feedback

Mar 12, 2024 • 1h 47min
152: ‘Left to My Own Devices’, with Kean Walmsley
Kean Walmsley joins the podcast to talk about his background both in computing and in his career journey leading to and while at Autodesk. We also talk about the development and applications of the VASA (voxel-based architectural space analysis) toolkit for Dynamo, the impact of AR and XR in the AEC industry, the significance of real-time feedback during the design process, and much more.To learn more about Kean Walmsley, see the full show notes with links, find more episodes, and find the past guests on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.coEpisode Sponsors:ArchITEmbrace a technology team that enhances—not hinders—your design process. Visit https://GetArchIT.com for your free IT assessment and start transforming your firm and your tech experience today.AVAILAVAIL is helping AECO firms better manage, organize, and navigate information today. Trust a leader with a proven track record for reliability, relatability, and success. Learn why the top AECO firms choose AVAIL. Visit https://getavail.com/stranded and book a meeting with Will Rouse to learn more.Confluence EventsConfluence is an intimate, invite-only conference event for AEC professionals and technology providers to discuss industry trends and ideas, together. Learn more about the next regional event coming April 2024 in NYC at https://confluence.getavail.com/2024-nyc-----Support TRXL by becoming a member or by making a donation.Click here to subscribe and get the TRXL AEC Tech Newsletter and episode show notes emailed to you when new episodes are released. It’s free!Provide feedback for this episode at https://trxl.co/feedback