• Carley Chastain

Episode Summary:

This episode of The Zweig Letter Podcast, hosted by Randy Wilburn and joined by marketing co-host Luke Carothers, traces Carley Chastain's unique path through the architecture profession. Carley, an emerging architectural professional at Marlon Blackwell Architects in Northwest Arkansas, shares how she was drawn to architecture not by tradition, but by curiosity, community, and a keen desire to make the built environment serve real people.

From Auburn University's Rural Studio—where students design and build for underserved communities—to Mass Design Group's healthcare infrastructure projects in Rwanda, Carley unpacks the transformative power of purpose-driven design. Her journey from Alabama to Montana, Boston, and Kigali has shaped her approach to design as one focused on social impact, community resilience, and equity. Listeners will gain perspective on how intentional architecture can shape lives, tackle rural housing and infrastructure gaps, and deliver facilities that truly respond to community needs.

The conversation also spotlights the next generation of AEC professionals prioritizing equity, resilience, and local advocacy. Carley's reflections offer valuable strategies for increasing diversity, retaining talent, and ensuring architecture's continued relevance for the future.

• Community-first Design: Purposeful engagement with local people and issues creates projects that are meaningful and sustainable—whether it’s rural housing or urban centers.
• Tackling Obstacles Holistically: Carley’s experience on the $20K House and the Front Porch Initiative demonstrates how architects can identify and address systemic barriers like access to fire stations and insurance, not just building design.
• Value of Diverse Experience: Exposure to international practice and local development, as well as cross-disciplinary networking, gives young professionals context and resilience—qualities vital for evolving the AEC industry.
• Advocacy and Retention: To retain diverse talent, firms must foster strong community connections, empower staff with local resources, and invest in personal and professional development.
• Importance of Public Health: Architecture’s role extends to building infrastructure that supports public health and preventive care—a lesson Carley saw firsthand with Mass Design Group in Kigali and current healthcare projects in Arkansas.

All this and more on this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast.

• Marlon Blackwell Architects: https://www.marlonblackwell.com/
• Mass Design Group: https://www.massdesigngroup.org/
• Auburn University Rural Studio: https://ruralstudio.org/
• Contact Carley Chastain: carley@marlonblackwell.com
• Connect with Carley Chastain on LinkedIn
• Learn about

• Robert Yuen

In this episode of The Zweig Letter Podcast, host Randy Wilburn is joined by Robert Yuen of Monograph and Mark Zweig of Zweig Group for a candid conversation around the future of A/E firm management. Together, they explore the recent industry benchmarks released by Monograph, unpack persistent pain points for design firm leaders, and discuss how technology is reshaping project visibility, profitability, and firm culture.

The discussion dives into the importance of real-time data, transparency, and the need to rethink how AEC firms measure success—challenging outdated norms that stifle both business growth and employee engagement. With stories from Robert’s career and practical lessons for both emerging and established leaders, this episode delivers actionable strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of architecture and engineering firm management.

• Prioritize Real-Time Financial Data: Accurate, daily time tracking and monthly invoicing transform firm cash flow and profitability, while improving financial literacy at all levels.
• Culture Is as Critical as Tools: Transparency, communication, and a willingness to share essential financial metrics with staff help reshape and elevate firm culture, supporting sustainable growth.
• Small Firms, Big Potential: Success isn’t determined by size—firms pursuing excellence at any scale should aim for profitability, intelligent processes, and strong client relationships.
• AI for Better Processes: Automation and AI-driven workflows, like contract parsing and resource allocation, can instantly streamline operations and reduce manual data entry.
• Simplicity Drives Adoption: Keeping time tracking and project categorization simple increases accuracy and efficiency, preventing costly misattributions and confusion.

All this and more on this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast.

• Monograph Website: https://www.monograph.com/
• Connect with Robert Yuen: robert@monograph.com
• Connect with Robert Yuen on LinkedIn
• Connect with Mark Zweig on LinkedIn
• Learn about the Zweig Letter and subscribe: https://thezweigletter.com/
• AI in AEC and Benchmarks: Explore Monograph’s Benchmark Reports (linked from monograph.com)
• Connect with Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn

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Stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Zweig Letter podcast, and make sure to subscribe for regular updates!

From Specs

• Randy Wilburn

Randy Wilburn and Luke Carothers deliver an exclusive preview of the 2025 Elevate AEC Conference, September 9–11 in San Antonio, Texas. Drawing on extensive industry experience and insights from previous events, they explore what makes Elevate Conference a critical growth catalyst for AEC firm owners, emerging leaders, and rising talent.

The conversation covers the conference's complete experience—from industry award celebrations to transformative workshops and strategic peer networking opportunities. Randy and Luke examine how Elevate AEC drives firm growth, fosters innovation, and strengthens organizational culture across all career levels. They dive into this year's theme, "The Speed of Business," and discuss the enhanced opportunities created by Zweig Group's recent integration with Stambaugh Ness.

For AEC professionals celebrating recent successes or navigating strategies in today's fast-evolving marketplace, this episode demonstrates why Elevate AEC stands as the industry's premier annual gathering.

• Power of Proximity: Connecting in person with successful peers and industry leaders at Elevate AEC provides real-world insights, mentorship, and examples to follow—no matter your firm size or discipline.
• Holistic Recognition: The conference celebrates the full spectrum of AEC professionals—from designers to marketing and operations—reinforcing the idea that everyone contributes to a firm’s success.
• The Speed of Business: 2025’s theme focuses on innovation and acceleration in the AEC industry, challenging the notion that the sector is slow to change and spotlighting transformative technologies and practices, including AI.
• Action-Oriented Learning: Participants can expect workshops, roundtables, and panels covering recruitment/retention, ownership transition, diversity, marketing, and AI—ensuring actionable insights for every attendee.
• Unmatched Networking & Culture: The camaraderie, energy, and actionable conversations foster business deals and lifelong professional relationships—plus, the celebration is second to none, from the Black Tie Awards Gala to “next-level snacks.”
• Firm Growth Stories: Alumni share firsthand accounts of executing major business improvements inspired by past Elevate conferences, underscoring the event’s tangible ROI.

All this and more on this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast.

Reserve Your Spot at ElevateAEC 2025 in San Antonio, TX

Luke Carothers on LinkedIn

Randy Wilburn on LInkedIn

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Stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Zweig Letter podcast, and make sure to subscribe for regular updates!