Spec Shaman
The Spec Shaman podcast explores the world of building product manufacturers, architects and engineers, sustainable design, technology and trends. We engage in thought-provoking discussions with renowned experts, industry pioneers, and visionaries who are making a significant impact in the construction industry. Join us as we explore groundbreaking ideas, revolutionary concepts, and the latest advancements shaping the built environment.
Episodes
27 episodes
Advancing Security: Designing and Implementing Biometric Access Control Systems in the Built Environment
In this podcast, we explore the shift from traditional credential-based access systems to advanced biometric technologies, highlighting how these innovations support occupant safety, security, hygiene, and accessibility in building design. Part...
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54:35
Stop Fires Before They Do Damage: Tech to Detect and Extinguish A Fire
This podcast explores the intersection of safety and sustainability in modern fire suppression systems, with a focus on kitchen environments—the leading setting for residential fires. Participants will identify the most common causes of kitchen...
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55:23
Water & Energy: The Hidden Connection and the Case for Hot Water Recirculation Systems
This podcast explores the critical but often overlooked relationship between water and energy consumption in the built environment, highlighting the environmental and economic impacts of inefficiencies in traditional hot water delivery systems....
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1:06:30
Designing with Defense in Mind: Security Strategies for the Built Environment
This podcast provides design professionals with a foundational understanding of building security through the lens of physical security, material science, and real-world applications. Participants will explore how bullet-resistant materials and...
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53:21
The Intersection of Design Approaches and Trends in Outdoor Living – Part 2
This podcast explores the evolving landscape of outdoor living design, focusing on material advancements, structural integrity, sustainability, and user experience. Participants will examine how innovations in material science, privacy solution...
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1:00:32
The Intersection of Design Approaches and Trends in Outdoor Living – Part 1
Outdoor living spaces have become an integral part of residential and commercial design, requiring careful planning and execution to ensure functionality, durability, and aesthetic appeal. This podcast provides design professionals with essenti...
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1:07:24
Stronger by Design: Specifying Customized Door Hardware for Security Excellence
Join us for an in-depth discussion of advanced door hardware solutions and their impact on building security and occupant safety. In this podcast course, participants will learn about the evolution of locking systems, the integration of cutting...
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48:49
The Intersection of Code and Construction in Outdoor Living
Explore the secrets of exceptional outdoor living design by industry-leading experts. You'll dive deep into the critical elements of deck and railing design, from navigating complex code compliance and safety requirements to selecting innovativ...
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1:11:05
The Intersection of Design and Wellness in Outdoor Living
This comprehensive podcast explores the principles and practices of designing outdoor spaces, highlighting the benefits of these spaces on occupant health and wellness. The podcast will cover a wide range of topics, including the latest industr...
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1:09:10
Future Directions and Current Contexts in Door Control and Access Technology
In this episode of the SPC Alliance Podcast, host Laura Elliott welcomes David Price, Executive Manager of Business Development at Camden Door Controls.We examine the extensive range of solutions, including wireless and touch-less technolog...
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45:53
Cementitious Fireproofing: Making a Measurable Difference in Lower GWP
In this episode, we explore the development and application of cementitious fireproofing, its role in enhancing building safety, and its significant contribution to sustainable building practices. We discuss cementitious fireproofing best...
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1:10:27
Shifting the Paradigm of Pocket Doors
In this illuminating episode of the SPC Alliance Podcast, host Laura Elliott welcomes Harry Purdom, Director of Engima Pocket Doors, for an in-depth exploration of pocket door systems. Harry shares his industry journey and offers expert insight...
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54:13
Customization and Modification: The Dance of Determining the Right Door Hardware
Join us for this comprehensive podcast on electrified lock hardware systems, focusing on their advantages, security features and code compliance. We are joined by Mateo Kristoff, VP Sales & Marketing of Command Access, an expert in the fiel...
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43:28
The Framework of the Future: Aligning with the AIA Sustainability Pledge
Join us for this Sustainable Innovators CE Podcast for an insightful conversation with Annie Bevan, a sustainability collaborator, facilitator, and visionary. Annie is at the forefront of integrating sustainability into the building and design ...
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Season 1
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29:59
The Threshold of Specification: Door Hardware, Product Consultation and Spec Writing
Welcome to the inaugural episode of the SPC Alliance Series, a special series on door hardware, product consultation and specification writing. This AIA CE Podcast Course features an hour-long conversation exploring the intricacies of door hard...
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1:25:51
The Great Leap Floorward: Collaborative Monitoring Technology for Jobsites
Welcome to our latest Spec Shaman Podcast episode on monitoring technology for jobsite climate conditions. This AIA CE Podcast Course features a conversation that unveils the transformative potential of ambient climate monitoring technology in ...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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46:35
The Fire Stops Here: Life Safety, Invention and the Profound Impact of Expertise
Welcome to our latest Spec Shaman Podcast episode on firestopping featuring industry innovator Don Pilz, senior manager of product development at CEMCO. Join us on a captivating journey through Don's illustrious career in the building product i...
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55:39
Sustainable Innovators Series: Yukari Kubo, Materials Specialist at Brightworks Sustainability
In this second edition of The Spec Shaman Podcast, Sustainable Innovators Series, we sit down with Yukari Kubo, a licensed architect and Materials Specialist with Brightworks Sustainability. Dedicated to reducing the carbon and toxicol...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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44:48
Architectural Harmony: An Ethos Forward Approach to Design with Blima Ehrentreu
We are joined by Blima Ehrentreu, CEO and Founder of The Designers Group. Blima, an inventive leader in architecture, discusses leveraging AI while keeping the authentic human approach to project curation. Combining vision and VR technology, Bl...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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27:07
Sustainable Innovators Series: Terry Swack, the Visionary Behind Sustainable Minds
We are thrilled to announce the release of a special edition of The Spec Shaman Podcast! In the first episode of our “Sustainable Innovators Series”, we have the privilege of speaking with our longtime friend and esteemed colleague Terry Swack,...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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56:30
Experience Across Building Materials: A Master Class in Honesty and Community
Join us in an illuminating exposition into the world of building and construction materials with our esteemed guest, Jeff Surovi. With over three decades of experience in manufacturing and wholesale building materials distribution across variou...
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43:09
Constructing Success: CTE and VR Reshaping Skilled Labor in the Built Environment
In this episode of the Spec Shaman Podcast, featuring Brad Benedict, the conversation revolves around the integration of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming, VR technology, and the merging of these two fields. The conversations she...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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53:18
Crafting Success: The Gratitude-Wisdom Connection in Construction
On this episode of the Spec Shaman Podcast, we have an insightful discussion on the impact of rewarding human connections made while traveling to manufacturing sites, the progress of the women in the A/E/C industry and the prismatic effect of a...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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51:07
Future Focused Specs: Guiding Your Products to Success with Precision
In this episode of the Spec Shaman Podcast, we discuss the growing demand for site-specific security products and applications, the current shift in the A/E/C industry driven by AI and cost-benefit analysis of investments in new technology focu...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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37:21
Demystifying Product Specification Resources
In this episode of the Spec Shaman Podcast, we discuss the theory and practice of Master Product Databases, the landscape of specification software development for the construction industries and the value of perspective when it comes to the ev...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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57:33