What if the biggest gains in student success begin with the building systems students never see but feel every day?

This conversation looks at how agile design thinking reshapes student housing by taking a deeper look at mechanical systems, building envelopes, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Tracy Steward, BSME, MBA, LEED AP, Fitwell Ambassador, and the most award-winning female ASHRAE Technology Award recipient, shares how engineering decisions rooted in wellness, sustainability, and long-term performance can improve comfort, lower operational costs, and create healthier learning environments for students.

Early collaboration and integrated decision-making lead to smarter investments and better outcomes for universities. When design teams move beyond silos and consider the full life cycle of a building, student housing becomes a strategic tool for recruitment, retention, and long-term campus success.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Agile design
• Student housing systems
• HVAC strategy
• Chilled beam systems
• Building envelopes
• Campus sustainability
• Student health and wellness
• Design team collaboration

Pitch a Podcast Idea to Joe: jwalker@walker-arch.com

As always, we want to hear from you! Share your own experiences and insights on environments that have positively or negatively impacted your work. Remember, we're all on this agile journey together, and together we can make the world a more agile place, one conversation and design solution at a time.

Tune in now to the Design for An Agile World podcast and join the conversation! Don't forget to subscribe and leave your feedback. Let's make the world a more agile place!

AI isn’t just the future, it’s the biggest business opportunity of our time, and it starts with knowing where to begin.

Agile design meets artificial intelligence in this podcast conversation between Joe and Andrew Louder, founder and CEO of LouderAI. They explore how businesses can move from dabbling in AI to achieving real results with smart, people-first implementation. From quick wins to long-term autonomous agents, Andrew shares how small and mid-sized companies can unlock productivity, revenue, and confidence through AI strategy, execution, and training.

Success starts with intentionality, not overwhelm. Learn why assigning accountability, educating teams on prompt engineering, and using the right tools like Gemini or Copilot 365 can dramatically change how your company works and thrives.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Agile Design
• AI Tools for Business
• AI Strategy
• Workplace Efficiency
• ChatGPT
• Google Gemini
• Copilot 365
• Training in AI

Pitch a Podcast Idea to Joe: jwalker@walker-arch.com

As always, we want to hear from you! Share your own experiences and insights on environments that have positively or negatively impacted your work. Remember, we're all on this agile journey together, and together we can make the world a more agile place, one conversation and design solution at a time.

Tune in now to the Design for An Agile World podcast and join the conversation! Don't forget to subscribe and leave your feedback. Let's make the world a more agile place!

Success isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about setting others up for success along the way.

Frank Moses, a seasoned mechanical engineer and former managing partner of Moses and Associates, shares his journey from the Navy to building a thriving firm with a people-first approach. He emphasizes the power of mentorship, communication, and designing a business culture that fosters both innovation and collaboration. By anticipating future needs and staying adaptable, he demonstrates how great design—whether in buildings or leadership—relies on trust, vision, and a commitment to excellence.

His insights extend beyond technical expertise, highlighting the role of integrity and faith in shaping a meaningful career. From restructuring teams for efficiency to guiding young professionals into leadership, Frank’s story is a testament to the lasting impact of mentorship. His legacy isn’t just in the projects he designed but in the people he helped grow along the way.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Mentorship
• Career transition
• Strong Business Culture
• Faith and Business

Pitch a Podcast Idea to Joe: jwalker@walker-arch.com

As always, we want to hear from you! Share your own experiences and insights on environments that have positively or negatively impacted your work. Remember, we're all on this agile journey together, and together we can make the world a more agile place, one conversation and design solution at a time.

Tune in now to the Design for An Agile World podcast and join the conversation! Don't forget to subscribe and leave your feedback. Let's make the world a more agile place!

It’s tough seeing young students struggle after high school. Technical colleges can provide the training and pathways they need to succeed - especially when they don’t fit the traditional mold.

Today Joe sits down with Brendan Bowen - Senior Executive Director for Capital Planning at Technical College System of Georgia. His organization has impacted over half a million lives by creating alternative career opportunities. Brendan’s personal story that took him from woodworking enthusiast to facilities manager is truly inspiring.

TCSG is not just changing workforce development - they’re building entire educational ecosystems that help people reach their potential. This one’s a must-listen!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• technical colleges
• education
• career development
• economic development
• innovation
• facilities management
• agile
• strategic mindset
• strategic planning
• growing education
• rehabilitating buildings
• alternative education

Resources:

Pitch a Podcast Idea to Joe: jwalker@walker-arch.com

As always, we want to hear from you! Share your own experiences and insights on environments that have positively or negatively impacted your work. Remember, we're all on this agile journey together, and together we can make the world a more agile place, one conversation and design solution at a time.

Tune in now to the Design for An Agile World podcast and join the conversation! Don't forget to subscribe and leave your feedback. Let's make the world a more agile place!

Building a strong, cohesive environment starts with defining core values and making sure they're part of every decision.

Today, Joe and co-host Julie Mitchell are talking to Arelis Soto, Workplace Experience Manager for Johnson & Johnson. Arelis talks about how Johnson & Johnson’s design decisions are guided by their mission to create environments that inspire employees and enhance patient care. By concentrating on the real needs of the workplace, the company encourages innovation and teamwork, leading to more meaningful and impactful results for both the team and the people they serve.

Tune in to hear how this powerful approach can reshape your organization and set you up for long-term success.

Topics discussed in this episode:

workplace innovation

• architects
• lifecycle of products
• being agile
• branding tips
• core values
• collaboration
• innovation
• workforce
• workplace design
• workplace environment

Pitch a Podcast Idea to Joe: jwalker@walker-arch.com

As always, we want to hear from you! Share your own experiences and insights on environments that have positively or negatively impacted your work. Remember, we're all on this agile journey together, and together we can make the world a more agile place, one conversation and design solution at a time.

Tune in now to the Design for An Agile World podcast and join the conversation! Don't forget to subscribe and leave your feedback. Let's make the world a more agile place!

Cancer treatment has come a long way over the past decade.

In this edition of Design For An Agile World, Joe is joined by Dr. Duane Mitchell, MD, PhD, renowned for his groundbreaking research in brain cancer immunotherapy. Dr. Mitchell provides insight into his revolutionary work using the immune system to target malignant brain tumors- a field that's offering new hope for treating cancers that previously had limited options.

Tune into this uplifting conversation that offers hope and support for those facing or caring for someone with a challenging cancer diagnosis.

**Key Takeaway 1: AI and Machine Learning in Medical Research: Dwayne Mitchell highlights the transformative impact of AI and machine learning in medical research, particularly in the fields of cancer and brain-related diseases. These technologies help identify patterns in large data sets, improving patient management, therapy evaluation, and accelerating drug discovery. They also play a crucial role in designing personalized immunotherapies like vaccines and T cell therapies.

**Key Takeaway 2: Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Work: Mitchell stresses the importance of a collaborative work environment and interdisciplinary collaboration in medical research. Different disciplines, including biochemistry, immunology, engineering, and computer science, contribute unique perspectives and methods. Overcoming communication barriers among these fields is essential to tailoring treatments that account for each patient's unique immune response and cancer characteristics.

**Key Takeaway 3: Innovative Approaches and Challenges in Brain Cancer: Mitchell discusses cutting-edge technologies, such as the use of focused ultrasound to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier, enhancing drug delivery to treat brain cancer. He also speaks about the historical development and recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy. Despite the progress, treating brain tumors remains challenging, necessitating collaborative efforts and support from the community to advance research and improve patient outcomes.

Follow Duane A. Mitchell MD, PhD, Director, UF Clinical and Translational Science Institute & Co-Director, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy

Duane A. Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D. is the Phyllis Kottler Friedman Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery. He serves as UF Assistant Vice President for Research, Associate Dean for Clinical and Translational Sciences at the UF College of Medicine, and Director of the UF Clinical Translational Science Institute (CTSI). Dr. Mitchell also serves as the Co-Director of the Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy at UF Health.

Website: https://neurosurgery.ufl.edu/faculty-staff/research-faculty/mitchell/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duane-a-mitchell-md-phd-45b89229/

Pitch a Podcast Idea to Joe: jwalker@walker-arch.com

As always, we want to hear from you! Share your own experiences and insights on environments that have positively or negatively impacted your work. Remember, we're all on this agile journey together, and together we can make the world a more agile place, one conversation and design solution at a time.

Tune in now to the Design for An Agile World podcast and join the conversation! Don't forget to subscribe and leave your feedback. Let's make the world a more agile place!

What separates thriving AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) firms from those that struggle? In this episode of *Design for an Agile World*, host Joe Walker uncovers the answer with Greg C. Hart, President of PSMJ Resources. Greg reveals how a combination of data-driven insights, AI, and strategic planning can set firms on the path to lasting success. With decades of industry experience, Greg shares how PSMJ helps businesses elevate their performance through tailored advisory services, education, and resources.

Data plays a critical role in identifying a firm’s strengths and challenges, and Greg is here to explain how to adapt to technological advances like AI to stay ahead of the competition. He and Joe dive into the balance between financial health and the cultural dynamics of leadership, tackling issues like baby boomer retirements and the need for consistent marketing to withstand economic shifts. Greg drives home the point that firms succeed when they communicate their unique value and advocate for themselves. Don’t forget to check out the PMSJ’s website for free resources.

**Key Takeaway 1: Strategic and Operational Planning**: You need to balance operational efficiency with forward-thinking strategic planning. The need is for solid KPIs and innovative use of technology, especially AI. Successful firms focus on customer needs and aim for purposeful growth, rather than copying competitors.

**Key Takeaway 2: Data-Driven Decision Making**: Data is crucial in the driving smart business decisions. Key metrics like labor multiplier, utilization rate, and profit margin help firms assess their market position and financial health. They noted the importance of comparing this data within peer groups for accurate insights and better decision-making.

**Key Takeaway 3: Leadership and Cultural Development**: Strong leadership and a positive culture are key to keeping teams motivated and business running smoothly. Greg and Joe discussed how leadership impacts junior staff retention and the importance of passing knowledge from older to younger professionals. They also emphasized aligning a firm’s culture with its core values for long-term success, especially in creative industries like architecture.

Follow Greg C. Hart, President, PSMJ | Resources, Inc.:

Greg Hart, President and Consultant for PSMJ | Resources is passionate about helping A/E/C firm leaders strengthen their businesses. In his career, Greg has completed hundreds of business valuations (the ultimate indicator of business performance and value creation) and advised on various mergers and acquisitions and succession plans. He is a valuable AEC consultant not only because he came out of the industry himself but because he can draw from the financial and analytical side of his background as well as the creative and “just go for it” side.

Website: https://www.psmj.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/psmj-resources-inc-/

ghart@pmsj.com

Pitch a Podcast Idea to Joe: jwalker@walker-arch.com

As always, we want to hear from you! Share your own experiences and insights on environments that have positively or negatively impacted your work. Remember, we're all on this agile journey together, and together we can make the world a more agile place, one conversation and design solution at a time.

Tune in now to the Design for An Agile World podcast and join the conversation! Don't forget to subscribe and leave your feedback. Let's make the world a more agile place!

Unlock the secrets to optimizing design projects with early integration of cost information. Joe Walker and Rens Hayes reveal how data-driven decision-making and advanced technology can revolutionize the construction and design industries. Through examples from fitness technology and other sectors, they illustrate the transformative potential of AI, machine learning, and software analytics. Emphasizing the future of the industry, Joe and Rens discuss the importance of buildable models, centralized construction processes, and evolving risk allocation in response to technological advancements.

Rens shares his journey of growing H + O Structural Engineering, highlighting the importance of continual learning and strategic alignment with core values. Discover how professional design services and a well-documented quality management process can optimize project outcomes. Learn about the H + O cost index, a tool developed from their project data, enhancing transparency and alignment in construction cost estimation. Joe and Rens advocate for an agile approach to design, driven by core values, strategic planning, and a commitment to innovation and growth.

Key Takeaway 1: Early Integration of Cost Data Optimizes Project Outcomes: Joe and Rens highlight the critical importance of integrating cost information early in design and development. This proactive approach prevents costly rework and scope creep, ensuring projects stay on budget while maintaining visual appeal and usability.

Key Takeaway 2: Leveraging Technology and AI for Efficiency Gains: Joe and Rens chat how AI and technological advancements can transform construction and design, from machine learning in site design and underwriting to software analytics for better decision-making and buildable models for streamlined processes.

Key Takeaway 3: Balancing Values and Operational Models for Business Success: Rens and Joe emphasize aligning mission, vision, core values, and quality management to drive business success. They advocate for strong business acumen, understanding market needs, and fostering a growth-oriented culture to deliver high-value solutions for stakeholders, clients, and employees.

Follow Rens F. Hayes IV, P.E.:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/renshayes/

Podcast: The Design Development

As always, we want to hear from you! Share your own experiences and insights on environments that have positively or negatively impacted your work. Remember, we're all on this agile journey together, and together we can make the world a more agile place, one conversation and design solution at a time.

Tune in now to the Design for An Agile World podcast and join the conversation! Don't forget to subscribe and leave your feedback. Let's make the world a more agile place!