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About the Podcast

Trends + Tensions in Architecture and Design explores emerging design trends and the competing tensions that arise from integrating new ideas into existing organizations, enterprises, and institutions. Rooted in BHDP’s promise to design for people, host and strategist Brian Trainer leads insightful discussions with industry experts and thought leaders. From Workplace to Higher Education, Industrial, Discovery & Science, Healthcare, and Government, each episode uncovers what’s working, what’s not, and what lies ahead—offering fresh perspectives on the impact of architecture and design.

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Browse Our Latest Podcasts

The Future of Learning: Designing Classrooms for Engagement and Innovation
Podcast 01.29.2025
The Future of Learning: Designing Classrooms for Engagement and Innovation In this episode, we explore how integrating pedagogy, space, and technology can transform classroom design in higher education. Our experts discuss the critical role of flexible environments, active learning strategies, and cutting-edge technology in enhancing student engagement and academic success. Learn how thoughtful design can create more effective and dynamic learning experiences.
Next-Gen Students, Next-Gen Campuses: Generation Alpha’s Influence on Design
Podcast 12.23.2024
Next-Gen Students, Next-Gen Campuses: Generation Alpha’s Influence on Design In this episode, we explore the growing influence of Generation Alpha—the digitally native and socially conscious cohort poised to reshape higher education. Join us as we discuss their unique needs and preferences and how thoughtful design can create spaces that empower their learning experiences and future success.
Podcast graphic featuring Tom Sens and Marlo Cookston
Podcast 11.22.2024
Campus Checkup: Assessing Higher Education Facilities In this episode, we explore the critical role of facility condition assessments in shaping the future of higher education campuses. Learn how these evaluations provide insights into maintenance priorities, budget planning, and long-term campus sustainability. Discover why addressing facility needs is key to creating environments that support student success and institutional growth.
Beyond the Classroom: How AI is Transforming Higher Education
Podcast 10.21.2024
Beyond the Classroom: How AI is Transforming Higher Education In this episode, we explore how AI is transforming higher education. BHDP’s Mike Garvey, Client Leader, and Blaze Bowers, UT Knoxville Lecturer, discuss the opportunities and challenges AI presents for students, educators, and institutions and what the future holds for technology in academia.
Revisiting Campus Master Plans: A Deeper Dive into Rethinking Strategies
Podcast 12.19.2023
Revisiting Campus Master Plans: A Deeper Dive into Rethinking Strategies In this episode, we are bringing back Ron Schumacher and Jennifer Fehnrich of Terra State Community College, Todd Hernandez of Northwest State Community College, and Tom Sens of BHDP to discuss the outcomes of their campus master plans created last year.
Where Science, Happiness, and Design Intersect
Podcast 11.03.2023
Where Science, Happiness, and Design Intersect Have you ever wondered how design can promote employee well-being? BHDP’s Andrew McQuilkin, Design Leader, and Brittany Clark, Interior Designer, join Trends + Tensions to take "designing for people" to the next level. In this episode, they discuss how the science behind happiness can influence design and architecture.
Into the Metaverse: Building Meaningful Connections Among a Growing Global Workforce
Podcast 08.11.2023
Into the Metaverse: Building Meaningful Connections Among A Growing Global Workforce Nishar Fatema, Global Workplace Strategy Manager for ServiceNow, joins Trends + Tensions to discuss her work within the metaverse to bridge the gap between remote workers and their physical workplace. Remote work is the new norm, but interpersonal connections have weakened. Nishar's team is exploring extended reality to restore these connections.
Building Community Through College-City Collaboration: Part 2
Podcast 06.05.2023
Building Community Through College-City Collaboration: Part 2 Special guest hosts Dr. Jamie Caridi and Carrie Magalski of Terra Firma chat with Senator Gene Yaw and Mayor Derek Slaughter about the strategic partnership the city of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, has created with Lycoming College to revitalize the town.
Building Community Through College-City Collaboration: Part 1
Podcast 06.05.2023
Building Community Through College-City Collaboration: Part 1 Special guest hosts Dr. Jamie Caridi, and Carrie Magalski of Terra Firma chat with Kent Trachte, President of Lycoming College, and Chip Edmonds, Executive Vice President of Lycoming College, about the strategic partnership Lycoming College has created with Old City Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to revitalize the heart of the town.
Creating Opportunities Through Community Partnerships: Part 2
Podcast 05.24.2023
Creating Opportunities Through Community Partnerships: Part 2 Special guest hosts Dr. Jamie Caridi, and Carrie Magalski of Terra Firma chat with Saint Francis’s Erin McCloskey and Dr. Frank Montecalvo, as well as Mark Ritchey of Curry Rail Services and Curry Supply, and Ron McConnell, Representative of the Curry Company, about the strategic partnership the Curry Family of Businesses has created with Saint Francis University that resulted in the Curry Innovation Center in downtown Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Creating Opportunities Through Community Partnerships: Part 1
Podcast 05.24.2023
Creating Opportunities Through Community Partnerships: Part 1 Special guest hosts Dr. Jamie Caridi and Carrie Magalski of Terra Firma chat with Father Malachi Van Tassell, President of Saint Francis University, about the strategic partnership the university has started with the Curry Family of Businesses that resulted in the creation of the Curry Innovation Center in downtown Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Technology's Influence on Educational Equality: Part 2
Podcast 05.16.2023
Technology's Influence on Educational Equality: Part 2 Special guest hosts Dr. Jamie Caridi and Carrie Magalski of Terra Firma chat with Dwight “Thanos” Smith, Chief Visionary Officer of Paragon VTOL, about the strategic partnership Paragon VTOL Aerospace created with Virginia Union University.
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Podcast Host Brian Trainer talks into a microphone

Our Host

The Trends + Tensions in Architecture and Design podcast isn’t Brian Trainer’s first time behind the mic. When most teenagers only wanted their driver’s licenses, Brian had an FCC operator’s license and was a DJ for his high school radio station WLMH 89.1FM. Senior Strategist by day, his natural curiosity and desire to learn through conversation make for great interviews with leaders in architecture, and design. For Brian, his favorite moments happen when he least suspects it. “Sometimes I think I know an answer when I ask a question, and I’m always delighted when I’m wrong.”

Three people on a video call

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