Christopher Kehde

Sharing a clip from my recent conversation with Eric Hirani at Infinite Consulting Corp. Full interview link is below if you’d like to check it out!

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Being connected to nature is important in learning. DLR Group K-12 Education Client Leader Todd Ferking, AIA, A4LE, shares some of his favorite outdoor learning environments. Take a tour of these spaces that positively impact student and educator well-being.   #design #learningenvironments #outdoors #studentwellbeing #teacherwellbeing

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How do evolving pedagogical changes impact the design of learning environments? It is a very important topic for us as architects and planners. This piece authored by my colleagues Terin Barrios, AIA, LEED AP and Emma Cuciurean-Zapan, AIA explores some key strategies to increase the positive impact of space on student outcomes.

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Campus housing is evolving. The Chronicle of Higher Education recently released a special report, Campus Housing for Tomorrow: How to plan for student and institutional success. Eight articles summarize trends in residential life and their value to the overall college experience. Three colleagues I learn from daily, Allison Wilson, AIA, LEED AP, WELL AP, Cooper Melton, AIA, and Dennis Lynch contributed their expertise to the issue. Here are a few takeaways: --> Value of the Residential Experience: COVID-19 highlighted the irreplaceable value of the residential experience for students. Research shows that students who live on campus during their first year perform better academically and have higher graduation rates than those who don't. --> Housing Demand and Supply Challenges: Many flagship institutions have seen an increase in out-of-state enrollments, leading to a housing crunch. The post-pandemic surge in construction costs, driven by supply chain issues, has exacerbated these challenges. Pair the construction of new residence halls with targeted renovations of existing ones to achieve greater equity between living experiences while keeping room and board affordable for students. --> Diverse Housing Needs: Gen Z values privacy, but students benefit from the social and academic interactions of denser housing configurations. Adding intentional moments for privacy and quiet may increase construction costs and reduce revenue potential, but it's a value-add towards cultivating belonging for diverse student populations. --> Graduate and Faculty Housing: The rising costs of off-campus housing has driven demand for on- and near-campus housing for graduate students, international students, and even faculty and staff. Providing apartments for these groups offers safe, reliable, affordable options that foster academic success, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a more robust and healthy campus community. --> Creating Community Beyond Buildings: Residential buildings do not build community on their own. Shared spaces must be accessible, attractive, and comfortable to encourage use. Themed housing, particularly when initiated by students, can also help build a vibrant residential culture. To maximize the value of themed spaces and residential amenities, invest in training programs for resident advisers and support staff on the use and value-add of these programmatic additions. --> Sustainability and Well-being: Institutions can foster environmentally responsible behaviors by integrating environmental education into the residential experience. Likewise, by providing resources such as counseling offices and support services within or near residence halls, universities can support students' mental health and contribute to the success of a thriving residential community. When done well, campus housing creates a holistic environment that supports academic success, personal growth, and lifelong community. (link in comments)

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🔊 Join Joe Tulumello, AIA, in this recent Building Better Futures podcast, where he shares his perspective on mentorship, navigating design-build challenges, and the role of AI in transforming architecture and engineering. #Mentorship #DesignBuild #AI #Architecture #Engineering #GannettFleming #TranSystems

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So far I have been disappointed by Artificial Intelligence applications in buildings, but I have seen lots of advertising and promises. However, after working with Bob of RLMS.AI I can report a useful, helpful AI application for the building industry, and one close to my heart: building science knowledge dissemination. Drawing on the vast range of quality building science information on www.buildingscience.com RLMS has crafted a focused AI "assistant" that leverages large language models to provide useful answers. Try it by going to the website (buildingscience.com) and asking questions to the assistant, or go there directly (https://bscassistant.ai/). No, this wont replace building science engineers, but it should be very helpful to non-experts, students, home owners, and even practising architects and contractors with specific questions.

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🏗️✨ Katie Chevalier Bawarski, our talented Director of Student and Alumni Advancement, has some must know advice for all aspiring #AECindustry students! 🌟 During #ArchitectureWeek, she's sharing 3 invaluable tips as an architect. Take a moment to read through this post, to uncover Katie's insightful journey. #acementor #explore #stayinvolved #IndustryTips

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CEU Presentations: More Than Just Lunch CEU presentations offer significant benefits for both manufacturers and design professionals. For manufacturers, these sessions help establish trust and showcase their expertise, facilitating the specification and broader adoption of their products. They also provide a platform to directly engage with customers, collect valuable feedback, and boost brand visibility and sales. For design professionals, CEU presentations provide updates on the latest products, technologies, and industry standards. These sessions offer expert insights and practical tips that can improve project outcomes and ensure regulatory compliance. Moreover, attending these presentations helps design teams stay current with industry trends, earn necessary continuing education credits, and advance their careers. Overall, CEU presentations are a win-win, enhancing knowledge, relationships, and understanding of industry advancements for all participants. While CEU presentations often include lunch, their primary focus is on providing valuable educational content and professional development opportunities. The inclusion of lunch simply adds convenience and encourages attendance, making it easier for busy professionals to participate without disrupting their workday.

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Here's a short introduction to Passive House - it's not just about the energy. It's about health, comfort, durability, and modernizing historic buildings! Thanks, AIA Philadelphia COTE. https://lnkd.in/eCGayf7Q

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 🔊 Join Joe Tulumello, AIA, in this recent Building Better Futures podcast, where he shares his perspective on mentorship, navigating design-build challenges, and the role of AI in transforming architecture and engineering.                #Mentorship #DesignBuild #AI #Architecture #Engineering #GannettFleming #TranSystems

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Economic knowledge is power.

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"Cautious optimism" for architecture firm as billings moderate after 20 months of declines - YEAH (commencing with cautious dance party to celebrate)! Hoping the 5-9% projected growth reflects strategic market research and realistic forecasting as firm plan for 2025. Is your firm part of the 41% expecting growth? If not - do you want to chat about how you could? #MarketingStrategy #StrategicGrowth #FractionalCMOforAEC

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As urban landscapes evolve, fire stations remain crucial to community safety and emergency response. To keep up with changing needs, architects and designers are innovating fire station designs. Download our insights on the top three design trends shaping the future of fire stations here: https://ow.ly/LwqU50TkJ3G #HEDadvances #firestations #communitydesign #communityfacilities #firestationdesign #emergencyresponse #design

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What is one thing that architects don’t do well? Hear what I had to say on the latest episode of The Anti-Architect Podcast: https://lnkd.in/eYgZUmhe #TheAntiArchitect #AntiArchitect #Podcast #Architecture

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Listen to my latest episodes on TheAntiArchitect.com #TheAntiArchitect #AntiArchitect #Podcast #Architecture #Design #AEC

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Explore the benefits of Dzylo's 360-degree virtual tours for interior design presentations. Learn how to create immersive, customizable tours that enhance client engagement and streamline project approval.

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Today Andrew Hawkins, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB and I are talking about inspiration – what is it, how does it manifest, can you fabricate or force it into existence? It’s not always easy to find, especially when looking for it. We just got back from the AIA Conference on Architecture in Washington DC and what we want to get out of a trip like this led to a discussion on inspiration. So what is it and where can you find it? Inspiration allows architects to break free from traditional constraints and explore various ideas. It encourages us to think beyond the immediate and the obvious, considering alternative approaches that might not be immediately apparent. This openness to new ideas is essential for developing unique and impactful architectural designs. Inspiration is not just about generating ideas; it’s about fostering continuous evolution and growth. For society to progress, architects must constantly evaluate their thought processes and the ways in which they solve problems. By staying inspired, we can build upon past ideas and solutions, integrating new information and perspectives to create more advanced and effective designs. This iterative process ensures that our work remains relevant and forward-thinking, contributing to the ongoing development of our built environment. The more I’ve thought on this topic, the more I believe inspiration has more to do with having an open mind and being receptive to thinking through what is right in front of you. #architecture #creative #inspiration Special thanks to episode sponsor Construction Specialties for their ongoing support.

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One of my favorite type of design projects to work on is mixed-use developments in an urban setting. The combination of retail and housing for this project are key in creating appealing, lively, and walkable neighborhoods. After identifying the building massing, reviewing the zoning regulations, and any municipal design guidelines it’s time to sketch! It’s easy to get overwhelmed by a blank page, but personally I find it best to get it all out on a fresh roll of trace when working on initial concepts. Design is iterative and the creative process is messy at times, but that’s half the fun. #valerearchitects #architecturesketch

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