Shows
Inside the SpecInside The Spec - Episode 12: From Data To Spec: Fixing The CRM Bottleneck in Building MaterialsSummary In this episode of Inside the Spec, hosts Megan Kacvinsky (CEO of Point To Point) and Vardhan Mehta (CEO of Acelab) are joined by Aaron Ayer, founder of Hunley, a Salesforce consultancy specializing in building materials and construction. Aaron shares the origin of Hunley, insights on the role of CRM systems in the industry, and how data integrity drives success in sales and marketing. The discussion explores how tools like Hunley’s SpecSuccess AI empower manufacturers to make data actionable—using automation and AI to turn project data into sales intelligence. Together, they unpack the evolving relationship betwe...
2025-11-2135 min
Inside the SpecInside The Spec - Episode 11: Simplifying The Spec: What Architects Really Need On Sustainability“The framework is a really meaningful and helpful tool to simplify that complexity”SummaryIn this episode of Inside the Spec, hosts Megan Kacvinsky and Vardhan Mehta speak with Laurel Chądzyński, VP of Engagement at Mindful Materials, about the transformative role of the Common Materials Framework (CMF). Laurel explains how CMF serves as a common language for sustainable building materials, rooted in the five impact areas of the AIA Materials Pledge. The discussion highlights how the framework simplifies a complex landscape of certifications, helps manufacturers connect with architects, and creates a pathway for widesp...
2025-09-2644 min
Inside the SpecInside the Spec - Episode 10: From Art To Science: Rethinking The Spec Around Windows And DoorsIn this episode of Inside the Spec, Megan Kacvinsky and Vardhan Mehta engage with John Crosby, the new president of the Window and Door Manufacturers Association. They discuss the challenges and opportunities within the window and door industry, focusing on overcommoditization, consumer preferences, and the importance of innovation and testing standards. John shares insights from his extensive experience in construction and policymaking, emphasizing the need for the industry to accelerate and adapt to changing market dynamics. The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration among industry players and the evolving expectations of consumers, particularly younger generations.
2025-08-0329 min
Inside the SpecInside the Spec - Episode 9: Winning The Spec Game EarlyCaitlin Brady, Architect and host of the Architectette Podcast, joins Megan Kacvinsky and Vardhan Mehta on Inside the Spec to share her path into architecture and why early engagement in the design process is critical. The conversation explores how manufacturers can better connect with architects—through social media, events, and personal relationships—before the construction phase begins. Caitlin highlights the value of BIM, the importance of accessible technical data, and what architects really look for in a product partner. From navigating value engineering to building trust and prioritizing sustainability, this episode offers practical insights into how manufacturers can support—and st...
2025-08-0342 min
Inside the SpecInside the Spec - Episode 8: Breaking Through the Noise"How manufacturers can effectively capture architects' attention in an increasingly crowded market"SummaryDavid Lee, founding partner of Fame Architecture and Design and host of Second Studio podcast, shares candid insights into how manufacturers can meaningfully connect with architects. The discussion explores effective communication strategies across channels, the importance of authenticity in relationship building, and what really drives architects' attention in today's digital landscape.Key InsightsOffice size significantly impacts engagement preferences - large firms often welcome structured lunch & learns while small firms need more flexible approachesRecency bias plays a major role...
2025-04-2852 min
Inside the SpecInside the Spec - Episode 7: The Future of Specification"A rising star's perspective on evolving specification needs and challenges"SummaryLena Reiff, a designer at Ross Barney Architects, provides fresh insights into how younger architects approach specification and what manufacturers need to do to better serve the next generation. The discussion explores the disconnect between architectural education and practice, evolving sustainability requirements, and how digital tools can bridge knowledge gaps.Key InsightsSpecifications often happen last-minute with limited knowledge transfer between experienced and younger architectsProduct research is extremely time-consuming due to poor website organization and limited access to informationSustainability and embodied...
2025-04-2148 min
Inside the SpecInside the Spec - Episode 6: Performance Matters"Cutting through the noise to understand what truly drives product validation"SummaryChristine Williamson, Professor of Architecture at Virginia Tech and building failure expert, offers invaluable insights into how architects evaluate product performance and what really matters in building product validation. The discussion explores the gap between marketing claims and practical needs, while examining how manufacturers can better support architects in making informed specification decisions.Key InsightsProduct failures are rarely due to manufacturing defects - most issues occur at interfaces between different productsWarranties matter more for project leverage and resale documentation...
2025-04-1442 min
Inside the SpecInside the Spec - Episode 5: Design IRL"Exploring how successful projects navigate the delicate dance between innovation and practicality"SummaryIn this episode, hosts Megan Kacvinsky and Vardhan Mehta talk with Steven Johns, Technical Director at Kieran Timberlake, about bridging the gap between architectural vision and practical reality. With 28 years at the firm, Steven shares invaluable insights into product evaluation, innovation partnerships, and the critical role of technical knowledge in specification success.Key InsightsTechnical expertise and correct terminology are crucial - architects and manufacturers often use different vocabulary for the same conceptsInstallation documentation provides critical insights beyond marketing...
2025-04-0744 min
Inside the SpecInside the Spec - Episode 4: Vision Meets Reality"The delicate dance between innovation and practicality"SummaryIn this episode, hosts Megan Kacvinsky and Vardhan Mehta explore how successful architects navigate the gap between design vision and market reality with guest Adam Gayle, Principal at Superlative. With extensive experience across multiple project types and roles, Adam shares invaluable insights into how architects balance innovative design ambitions with practical constraints, and what manufacturers need to know to support this process effectively.Key InsightsBuilding trust and setting expectations early with all stakeholders is crucial for successful product specificationThe key to gaining client...
2025-03-3141 min
Inside the SpecInside the Spec - Episode 3: Digital Bridges"Cutting through the tech buzz to explore how digital tools are reshaping architect-manufacturer relationships"SummaryWith her unique background in both computer science and architecture, Alex Nelson, R&D Lead of Design Technology at DLR Group, provides invaluable insights into how technology is transforming architectural practice and product specification. The discussion explores which digital tools are actually making architects' lives easier, what's still causing headaches, and how manufacturers can better support the evolving needs of design professionals.Key InsightsDigital tools need to bridge gaps between different parts of the workflow...
2025-03-2448 min
Inside the SpecInside the Spec - Episode 2: The Early Bird Advantage"Timing matters. Early engagement can turn products into project essentials."SummaryFeaturing Tyler Michieli, Associate Principal at Ford Architects and education studio leader, this episode explores why the schematic design phase presents a crucial opportunity for manufacturer engagement. The discussion reveals how early collaboration can transform a product from just another option into an integral project component, while examining what makes architects receptive to new products during initial design stages.Key InsightsEarly product engagement is most critical for structural/envelope systems that fundamentally impact design feasibilityTrust and technical expertise are essential...
2025-03-1746 min
Inside the SpecInside the Spec - Episode 1: Breaking the Spec Cycle"Designing for the real world isn't easy."SummaryIn this debut episode, hosts Megan Kacvinsky and Vardhan Mehta explore what really drives architects to switch specifications, featuring guest Andre Baros, Senior Director of Materials and Research at AceLab. The discussion dives deep into the psychology of specification inertia, examining how manufacturers can successfully navigate the complex world of architectural specification and what it truly takes to convince architects to try something new.Key InsightsTrust and relationships with manufacturer representatives are crucial - technical expertise and consistent follow-through matter more than the...
2025-03-1044 min
Better Business With Barnes podcastRising through the Ranks with Point to Point CEO Megan KacvinskyIn episode two of our series featuring women business owners, we delve into how Megan Kacvinsky moved from a client service role to CEO at Point to Point. Megan also shares her tips for success by addressing the following questions: Can you share insights that might help our listeners who have an interest in similar opportunities? What sets Point to Point apart from other firms? Are there any words of wisdom you'd like to share with our audience that helped you along the way?
2023-07-2113 min
The Chad & Cheese PodcastSexing Up Trade Jobs w/ Megan KacvinskyBelieve it or not, a lot of ad agencies that don't target recruitment do recruiting marketing work. One such agency is Point to Point out of beautiful Cleveland, and we invited CEO Megan Kacvinsky on the show to talk about a recent campaign they did for Ferguson to help attract more young folks to a trade profession. The social media of choice to get in front of this audience?Gotta listen to find out!
2021-10-1823 min
HR Interviews PlaylistSexing Up Trade Jobs w/ Megan KacvinskyBelieve it or not, a lot of ad agencies that don't target recruitment do recruiting marketing work. One such agency is Point to Point out of beautiful Cleveland, and we invited CEO Megan Kacvinsky on the show to talk about a recent campaign they did for Ferguson to help attract more young folks to a trade profession. The social media of choice to get in front of this audience?Gotta listen to find out!
2021-10-1822 min