Shows
Coffee Sketch Podcast185 - From Basquiat to Banksy: A Journey Through Art and ActivismSummaryIn this episode, Kurt and Jamie discuss a variety of topics ranging from personal updates, golfing, and university experiences to the challenges of live streaming and technical difficulties. They delve into coffee preferences and the significance of art, particularly in the context of activism. The conversation highlights the importance of using art as a tool for social commentary and encourages listeners to find their voice through creative expression.TakeawaysKurt shares his recent family vacation and its impact on the podcast schedule.Jamie and Kurt discuss their shared interest in...
2025-08-1842 min
Coffee Sketch Podcast184 - Exploring Creative AnchorsExploring Creative Anchors and Pop Culture InfluenceIn this episode, Jamie and Kurt navigate through technical difficulties and dive into an intriguing discussion about drawing, design, and the impact of pop culture on creativity. They explore the themes of nationalism and identity through recent sketches, including a portrait of Frederick Douglass and Marvel characters. The conversation touches on the influence of comic books and graffiti art on their architectural practice and creative process, with nods to figures like Basquiat and Ryan Coogler. They also reflect on the importance of storytelling in architecture and share insights from Evelyn...
2025-07-2554 min
Coffee Sketch Podcast183 - Boston AIA25: Conference Recap & Architectural AdventuresBoston AIA 2025: Conference Recap & Architectural AdventuresIn this episode, Kurt and Jamie recount their experiences at the AIA 2025 conference in Boston. They discuss a variety of highlights, including keynote speeches from Pete Buttigieg and Evelyn Lee, and their own activities at the event. The hosts also share insights from their visit to the ICA, complete with an impromptu drag show, and touch on their podcast meetup and cocktail napkin sketch initiative. Plus, they offer a sneak peek into next year's conference plans in San Diego.00:00 Surprise Introduction00:37 Home Renovation Woes03:48 Coffee Talk08:15...
2025-07-2348 min
Coffee Sketch Podcast181 - Architecting Conversations: Coffee, AI, and Creative SpacesIn this episode, Jamie and Kurt dive deep into a lively discussion about the utilization of AI in editing their podcast episodes and the creative possibilities it holds. They reminisce about their seven-year journey, accumulating over 181 hours of conversations. The focus shifts to an intriguing debate on shipping containers as adaptive spaces for libraries, public restrooms, and third places. They explore the potential for these temporary structures to serve communities in innovative ways. The episode wraps up with thoughts on how such creative solutions can foster community engagement and provide essential public amenities. Additionally, they touch on upcoming events...
2025-06-0146 min
Coffee Sketch Podcast180 - Architect to Developer with Jeff Pastva, FAIACoffee Sketch Podcast – Episode 180: Architect to Developer with Jeff Pastva, FAIAHosts: Kurt Neiswender & JamieGuest: Jeff Pastva, FAIASummary:In this episode, Kurt and Jamie are joined by architect and developer Jeff Pastva, FAIA, for a lively conversation that weaves together sports banter, coffee rituals, and a deep dive into the evolving role of architects in real estate development. Jeff shares his journey from traditional practice to working in development, discusses the value of design thinking beyond design, and encourages architects to explore new bu...
2025-05-171h 08
Coffee Sketch Podcast179 - Liberty Bell SketchesCoffee Talks, Liberty Bell Sketches, and Designing with PurposeIn this episode, Kurt and Jamie dive into various topics from their morning coffee routines to architectural sketches of the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia. They discuss the importance of site orientation, design interpretation, and the evolving role of architects in preserving heritage while embracing innovation. The duo also reflects on their experiences with students and share insights on meaningful architectural design.00:00 Launching the Rocket00:38 Jamie's Rant01:34 Coffee Talk08:11 Current Events and COAD Zine12:05 Sketch Time: Liberty Bell Center24:09 Architectural Reflections...
2025-05-0934 min
Coffee Sketch Podcast178 - Exploring Urban Fabric, Adaptive Reuse, and Iconic Influences in ArchitectureExploring Urban Fabric, Adaptive Reuse, and Iconic Influences in ArchitectureIn this episode, Jamie and Kurt delve into the concept of adaptive reuse in architecture, discussing how existing buildings can be revitalized to meet modern needs. Influential books such as Jane Jacobs' 'The Death and Life of Great American Cities' and Carl Elefante's 'Going for Zero' are highlighted for their insights into urbanism and sustainability. The hosts share sketches depicting bustling downtown environments, emphasizing the importance of creativity in transforming existing structures. They also touch on the upcoming walkie-talkie event in Boston and compare favorite coffees. Join...
2025-05-0450 min
Coffee Sketch Podcast176 - Y2K, DEFCON Levels, and ZahaDEFCON Levels and Zaha Hadid: A Nostalgic Dive into ArchitectureIn this episode of the Coffee Sketch Podcast, Jimmy and Kurt introduce a new DEFCON segment, reminiscing about Y2K, and discussing the art and architecture of Zaha Hadid. They explore the Millennium Dome's controversial legacy and dive into AI-enhanced sketches, juxtaposing traditional and modern architectural techniques. The conversation meanders through topics such as teaching, design iterations, and the influence of past projects on future work, all sprinkled with lighthearted banter and pop culture references.00:00 Introduction and New Podcast Feature01:27 Defcon Levels Explained03:16...
2025-04-1143 min
Coffee Sketch Podcast175 - Demystifying Architecture Through SketchesDemystifying Architecture Through SketchesIn this live-streamed episode of the Copy Sketch podcast, Jamie and Kurt discuss the significance of architectural sketches and their political implications. They delve into the meaning behind Jamie's recent artwork featuring a light pencil sketch of Andy Warhol with a Polaroid camera, overlaid with a portrait of Ukrainian President Zelensky in blue and yellow. The episode emphasizes the importance of using art and architecture to take a stand on political issues, while also touching on the nuances of sketching techniques and professional vulnerability. The hosts also share about upcoming plans to record...
2025-04-0432 min
Coffee Sketch Podcast174 - Sketching Process: Bridging Analog and DigitalSketching, Process, and AI: Bridging Analog and Digital in Architectural DesignIn this episode, Kurt and Jamie dive into the importance of process in architectural design, comparing traditional sketching with new digital tools like VR and AI. They discuss the value of capturing artistic expressions and explore how these methods can enhance the design process. Additionally, they reflect on recent personal experiences with sketching and digital modeling, emphasizing the evolving nature of architectural education and practice.00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter00:31 Life Updates and Health Check02:13 Weather Talk and Regional Differences06:46 Podcast Plans...
2025-03-3046 min
Coffee Sketch Podcast173 - From Selma to South By Southwest175th Episode Celebration: Selma, South By Southwest, and Sketching TechniquesOn this milestone 175th episode, hosts Kurt and Jamie celebrate their journey and delve into a warm discussion on coffee, moving stories about the Selma march, and reflections on 2020's Black Lives Matter murals. They highlight mixed media’s role in sketching, offering insights into the techniques of using the whole arm for genuine sketches. They conclude with a sneak peek into educational advancements using VR in architectural design.00:00 Welcome to the Show!00:53 Celebrating 175 Episodes01:06 Coffee Talk01:50 Podcast Setup Adventures05:30 Spring Br...
2025-03-1537 min
Coffee Sketch Podcast172 - Exploring AI-Generated Interpretations of Hand Drawn SketchesExploring AI-Generated Interpretations of Hand Drawn SketchesIn this episode, hosts Jamie and Kurt dive into the fascinating intersection of traditional hand sketching and modern AI-generated imagery. They start with a hand-drawn architectural sketch by Jamie and use AI tools to create several iterations, discussing how each version interprets the original drawing in unique ways. While analyzing the AI-generated images, they explore themes like fidelity to the original sketch, color interpretations, and the evolving environment within the compositions. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of AI in architecture and design, offering some humorous observations about...
2025-02-2142 min
Coffee Sketch Podcast169 - Remember ThanksgivingRemember Thanksgiving: Parade Memories and Coffee ControversiesIn this holiday episode, Jamie and Kurt reminisce about the Thanksgiving season, recalling moments from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the joy of the Detroit Lions' victory. They touch on the importance of holiday traditions, from favorite places in New York City like Times Square to unique Thanksgiving meals. The hosts humorously debate their coffee preferences, with lighthearted discussions about flavored coffees and proper turkey preparations. Tune in for a heartwarming and entertaining look back at Thanksgiving.00:00 Introduction and Thanksgiving Episode Context01:28 Weather Talk and Podcast...
2025-01-2538 min
Coffee Sketch Podcast168 - Unpacking Architectural LossUnpacking Architectural Loss and AI Integration: A Conversation with Jamie and KurtIn this episode, hosts Jamie and Kurt dive into various topics ranging from post-holiday reflections to the resilience of architectural designs. They discuss the unfortunate loss of Ray Kappe's Keeler House due to recent fires in California and how it impacts architectural legacy and emotional connection to homes. Kurt shares his experience meeting Ray Kappe and touches on the impact of architectural innovators. They also explore the use of AI in architectural visualization, highlighting its potential and limitations while sharing initial results from an AI-driven...
2025-01-2552 min
Coffee Sketch Podcast166 - New Year - New WordsKickstarting Season 7: New Year Resolutions and ReflectionsIn the season opener, Jamie and Kurt reflect on the past year and discuss their personal and professional resolutions for 2025. Kurt talks about the sense of agency and AI's role in education and business, while Jamie embraces the concept of 'Kintsugi,' finding beauty in brokenness. They also dive into recent sketches, the influence of films, and teaching experiences. Join them as they set the tone for a new season filled with introspection, growth, and creativity.00:00 New Year Greetings and Radio Voices01:14 3D Printing Adventures02:59 Guatemalan...
2025-01-091h 07
Coffee Sketch Podcast165 - Sketches, Coffee, and Career Journeys wsg Brad Benjamin and Ben WardArchitectural Conversations: Sketches, Coffee, and Career JourneysIn this episode, hosts Jamie and Kurt engage with guests Brad Benjamin and Ben Ward, two architects and longtime friends from Greenville, South Carolina. The conversation meanders through the joys of incorporating guests into their podcast, the importance of sketching in the architectural process, and the career paths that led Brad and Ben to co-found Radium Architecture. They touch upon the influence of professional societies like the AIA, memorable conferences, and architectural practices. The dialogue covers everything from personal sketching habits to favorite pens, providing an insightful and intimate look...
2024-12-311h 38
Coffee Sketch Podcast164 - Exploring New Digital Horizons: AI and VR in DesignExploring New Digital Horizons: AI and VR in DesignIn this episode, Jamie and Kurt engage in a dynamic conversation about the latest trends in architectural design, focusing on AI and virtual reality tools. They discuss their recent experiences with digital fabrication and VR sketching, shedding light on how these technologies are reshaping the design process. Along the way, they touch upon classic sketches, conference highlights, and the evolving relationship between designers and AI. The episode also features Kurt showcasing a special coffee blend and reminiscing about Creek Show's public art events.00:00 Casual Catch-Up and...
2024-12-2854 min
Coffee Sketch Podcast163 - A Blend of Coffee, Sketches, and TechnologyArchitectural Musings: A Blend of Coffee, Sketches, and Technology in PodcastingIn this episode, Jamie and Kurt discuss their ongoing sketching challenge during ARC Inktober, with a special mention of their upcoming interview with Eric Whitman. They explore their new video recording technology, talk about the influence of gravity sketch in VR, and share their thoughts on various flavors of coffee from Starbucks and beyond. They also delve into the concept of 'ubiquitous' and 'bougie' through their sketches, reminisce about East Coast comfort food, and touch on their soundtrack selections for each sketch prompt. The episode is...
2024-12-2748 min
Coffee Sketch Podcast161 - Archinktober wsg Eric WittmanArchitectural Journeys: Sketches, Community, and Creative ChallengesIn this engaging series, hosts Jamie and Kurt dive into the world of architecture and creativity with guest Eric Witman, an experienced AI architect. The episodes explore Eric's diverse career, from his volunteering in post-Katrina New Orleans to his passion for hand sketching and his creation of Arc Inktober. The trio discusses the transformative impact of architecture on communities, the joy of simple sketchbooks, and participating in creative challenges like Inktober and VR sketching. Through personal anecdotes and community engagement, they emphasize the importance of creativity, social interaction, and embracing...
2024-10-281h 13
Coffee Sketch Podcast160 - A Birthday BashA Birthday Bash in the Green RoomKurt and Jamie share a lively pre-episode chat in the 'green room' to celebrate Jamie's birthday with virtual confetti and some technical hiccups. They discuss topics ranging from the new features in their livestreaming software to student loan debts, before transitioning to talking about birthday celebrations, tapping techniques in sketching, and upcoming plans for Archinktober. The episode centers on Alejandro Aravena’s building in Austin, delving into its unique design inspired by a geode, and its significant layers of brickwork. A friendly challenge for creating sketches and musical tracks during Ar...
2024-09-2833 min
Coffee Sketch Podcast159 - 3D Printing as a Sketch ProcessEpisode 159: The Art and Science of Design Sketching and Coffee ChatsIn episode 159 of the show, Jamie and Kurt delve into a casual yet insightful conversation that explores various aspects of design, sketching, and digital tools in architecture. They discuss the nuances of recording episodes, adjusting routines, and seasonal weather changes. The hosts compare their favorite coffee blends, touching on Guatemalan and house blends, while also discussing mugging down with Mr. Coffee machines. The conversation shifts towards design and sketching methods, including computational and analog approaches, the use of digital tools like AI in visualization, and the...
2024-09-2638 min
Coffee Sketch Podcast158 - Catching Up with the Dallas Hall of StateCatching Up Over Coffee and ArchitectureIn this episode, Jamie and Kurt return after a brief hiatus, recovering from illness. They discuss the challenges of recording live, share their recent travel experiences, and dive into a detailed discussion about the architectural significance of the 1936 Hall of State in Dallas, Texas. The conversation spans the importance of reusing historical sites, touches on the architectural impacts of global events like the Olympics and World's Fairs, and highlights the sketching process of capturing monumental buildings. They tease upcoming plans for more in-situ sketching at conferences and events.00:00 Introduction...
2024-09-2231 min
Coffee Sketch Podcast157 - Recovering with Coffee and SketchesCelebrating 157 Day: Coffee Chats, Sketch Surprises, and MoreIn this episode, hosts Jamie and Kurt discuss their second attempt at recording due to weather interruptions. They dive into a fun and spontaneous discussion about coffee, featuring Kurt's roadside coffee experiences and Jamie's solar-powered roasted Peruvian beans. Jamie surprises Kurt with a fresh 20-minute sketch of Wolverine and Deadpool, leading to an in-depth conversation about sketching techniques and the importance of sketching in architectural practice. The duo also excitedly discuss the upcoming 'Deadpool 3' movie and tease future podcast segments, including a new one about grilled fruit recipes.
2024-08-2432 min
Coffee Sketch Podcast156 - AIA Recap Part II - Ambient Occlusion156 - Jamie and Kurt's Coffee TalkIn this relaxed and humorous episode, Jamie and Kurt engage in a lively conversation covering topics from travel experiences and conference recap to favorite coffee haunts and professional networking. They also dive into their camaraderie, mutual love for architecture, and some fun stories from their recent AIA convention trip. Opening Banter Green Room Fun Episode 156 Introduction Coffee Talks Rare Coffee Finds Rootless Coffee Social Media and Ads Airport Stories AIA Convention Highlights Architectural Insights Conference Networking Future Episodes and Collabor...
2024-07-271h 08
Coffee Sketch Podcast155 - AIA24 Recap Part 1This episode, hosts Kurt Neiswender and Jamie discuss their recent experiences and adventures, including a behind-the-scenes look at the AIA 24 conference in Washington, D.C., soccer updates, a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leahy House, an urban sketching tour, and a look into the MLK Central Library renovation. Introduction and Catch Up Soccer Talk and Brand Conversations AIA 24 Conference Highlights Student Placement and Networking Urban Sketching Adventures Visiting Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leahy House MLK Central LibrarySend Feedback :) Support the showBuy some Coffee! S...
2024-06-2041 min
Coffee Sketch Podcast154 - Architect, Educator, Geographer - Illya Azaroff, FAIAThe ShowIn this episode, hosts Kurt Neiswender and Jamie sit down with special guest Illya Azaroff, an accomplished architect, educator, and geographer. They discuss Ilya's career, the importance of architectural collaboration, his practice PlusLab, his teaching approach, and the impact of mentorship. The hosts also reflect on their experiences with the Young Architects Forum and the influence of upcoming generations on the profession. The conversation touches on the integration of various art forms into architecture and the power of community engagement in architectural practice. Introduction and Guest Welcome Ilya's Journey and PlusLab The...
2024-05-301h 01