Best Scott Zurn Podcasts (2025)

1
Connecting People through Engineering with Murray McBride 24:44

29d ago24:44

24:44

We discuss the importance of connecting people through engineering, the role of education in bridging gaps within the industry, and the need for mentorship to retain talent. We explore the challenges posed by a capitalistic society on the engineering profession and emphasize the necessity of creating a supportive environment for engineers. The disc…

1
The Most Overlooked Skills Engineers Need for a Thriving Career with Kevin Q. Walsh, PhD, PE, SE (Associate Teaching Professor at Notre Dame) 56:17

3M ago56:17

56:17

In this episode, Kevin Walsh, PhD, PE, SE, shares his journey through academia and the structural engineering industry, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities within the profession. We explore the evolving role of technology, including AI, the importance of community impact, and the need to inspire the next generation. We discuss r…

1
Bridging the Gap: A Bridge Engineer's Journey to Empowering Future Engineers with Luis Duque, PE, M. ASCE, Bridge Engineer @ Jacobs 32:57

3M ago32:57

32:57

In this episode, we speak with Luis Duque, P.E., M. ASCE, an award-winning bridge engineer with a passion for innovation and empowering future generations. With over six years of professional experience, he has tackled complex projects involving bridge removal, erection, jacking, as well as complex modeling for full bridge analysis. Beyond technica…

1
Building Careers, Not Just Resumes: A Recruiter’s Perspective with Brandon McGill 42:13

4M ago42:13

42:13

Today, we’re excited to welcome Brandon McGill, an executive recruiter specializing in civil and geotechnical engineering. Brandon is the founder of Charter Executive Search and is widely known as "The Civil Recruiter." With a passion for building meaningful relationships, Brandon goes beyond qualifications to truly understand the needs of both his…

1
Job vs. Career, Loyalty & Pride in Our Work, The Problem with Billable Hours & the Choice You Need to Make as a Civil Engineer with former ASCE President Dennis D. Truax, Ph.D., P.E. 57:15

5M ago57:15

57:15

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Dennis Truax, a true leader and innovator in the field of civil engineering. With a career spanning over four decades, Dennis has made remarkable contributions as an educator, researcher, consulting engineer and mentor. He’s the 2022 President of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and professor emeritus …

1
30 Year Engineering Career, $110k Salary (gov director level) to $450k on His Own, to Building Level Design Partners 57:36

5M ago57:36

57:36

In this special episode, four of us sit down in Austin Texas to discuss the State of Civil Engineering, Infrastructure, entrepreneurship and the future of the A&E career. We also take a deep dive into Scott’s career and the origins of Level Engineering & Architecture, as well as Level Design Partners. Scott Zurn (Founder and CEO of Level Engineerin…

1
How Urban Fires Are Reshaping Infrastructure and Design, Fire Recovery, Reimbursement, FEMA, and Rebuilding w/ Jay Blackburn, P.E. & Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Manager Allison James 1:00:45

6M ago1:00:45

1:00:45

This conversation delves into the complexities of community recovery following devastating fires in California, focusing on the emotional toll on municipal staff, the bureaucratic challenges posed by FEMA, and the importance of partnerships in recovery efforts. We’re joined by Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Manager Allison James as well as Engine…

1
The Biggest Contributor to Global Warming, Who’s Solving it, and What it Means for the Future 34:47

7M ago34:47

34:47

This conversation explores the multifaceted issues surrounding climate change, its impact on migration, and the role of human activity in exacerbating environmental challenges. We discuss the importance of understanding both natural and human-induced factors contributing to climate change, the implications for human life, and the urgent need for in…

1
Mentorship, Entrepreneurship and Taking Back Control of Your Career with Andrew Dominguez 49:29

7M ago49:29

49:29

In this episode of The Level Design Podcast, we dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping the engineering and architecture fields today. Our guest, Andrew, shares his journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, offering insights into the evolving landscape of mentorship, the lasting impact of COVID-19, and the growing shift toward …

1
A&E: Becoming Irreplaceable (and finding purpose in your work) 33:15

8M ago33:15

33:15

The conversation explores critical themes surrounding structural safety, the commoditization of A&Es, and the historical context of the 1740s in our ‘How we got here” series. Scott addresses the challenges faced by the engineering workforce, including declining interest in engineering careers and the factors contributing to this trend. We discuss t…

1
The ADU Challenge & Opportunity 29:25

10M ago29:25

29:25

In today’s episode, we discuss the subtle effect Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) will have on communities, highlighting their potential benefits and challenges, including increased density and the need for careful planning to avoid overwhelming existing infrastructure. We discuss the cyclical nature of public perception towards infrastructure, the …

1
Your Role in the Design Industry is Changing Forever: Embracing Regenerative Practices and Purpose-Driven Paradigms with Trevanna Frost Grenfell 53:59

11M ago53:59

53:59

In this conversation, we’re joined by Trevanna Frost Grenfell. Trevanna is faculty at reNourish Studio as well as working with businesses and organizations independently on developing self-organizing potential through application of living systems thinking and developmental processes to their work. She has a background in nonprofit strategic consul…

1
A Different Path for Engineers & Architects 29:00

11M ago29:00

29:00

Today, Scott talks about 3 main career options you have as a design professional. He lays out his experience in both the corporate world (private, public etc) and in the entrepreneurial world, and his path to a more attractive career path for design professionals. Over the past 8 years, we’ve created a new way of working for A&E’s that combines the…

1
The Sustainability Problem No One is Talking About 35:36

11M ago35:36

35:36

In today’s episode, we dive into green infrastructure and sustainable materials, emphasizing the urgent need for eco-friendly practices to combat climate change. But, what if we’re talking about the wrong problem?We throw buzz words out there all the time…green infrastructure, sustainable materials, environmentally friendly infrastructure, renewabl…

1
The Knowledge Gap and the Need for Mentorship in the Design Industry 29:08

12M ago29:08

29:08

In today’s episode, we explore the growing knowledge gap as well as the critical importance of mentorship for Architects and Engineers. We discuss why mentorship is baked into everything we do in our collaborative, Level Design Partners. We also address the challenges of climate change and how the built environment affects the planet. We explore th…

1
What’s Under Our Cities? 40:20

12M ago40:20

40:20

The conversation explores the history and challenges of underground infrastructure. From the complexity and challenges it presents today, the transition to clean energy, regulatory challenges, and the importance of planning for the future. It highlights the shortage of knowledge and expertise in maintaining these systems and the overwhelming amount…

1
How Our Roads Work & Which State Has the Best Roads 34:52

12M ago34:52

34:52

Many people aren't aware of how roads are designed, funded, or function. Road infrastructure is crucial in our society, connecting communities and enabling easy travel. In today’s episode, we dive into this topic to reveal insights about modern civil engineering and how we got here.We dive into the evolution of road construction materials and the s…

1
Minimizing Financial Waste with Whitney Pogue, P.E., Value Engineering & Estimates Coordinator 46:19

1y ago46:19

46:19

Scott talks a lot about how taxpayer dollars are actually being used (or misused) to support our infrastructure. Today, we get an inside look with guest Whitney Pogue, Civil Engineer, P.E., Value Engineering & Estimates Coordinator for ODOT (Oklahoma Department of Transportation) for 10 years and now with Level Engineering. Part of Whitney’s role i…

1
The Transportation Bill, The Water Challenge, and Life in the 1680s 34:55

1y ago34:55

34:55

“The bridges and highways we fail to repair today will have to be rebuilt tomorrow – at many times the cost.” - President Ronal Reagan. Our conversation begins with a story set in the 1680s, describing the simple life of a young woman named Abigail in the Connecticut colony. We explore the evolution from local self-reliance to national and internat…

1
The Negatives & Positives of Being a Civil Engineer in the 21st Century 28:48

1y ago28:48

28:48

Join us as we explore the state of infrastructure in the US, the cost and burden on taxpayers, the economic impact of infrastructure investment, and the need for increased investment. We dive into the political nature of infrastructure, the importance of infrastructure for competitiveness as a country, and the declining interest in civil engineerin…

1
Future-Proof Your Career: Top Skills for Engineers and Architects 30:49

1y ago30:49

30:49

In this conversation, Miles and Scott explore the technical and non-technical skills that design professionals should focus on, such as keeping up with technology and developing strong people skills. The conversation highlights the changing business model in the industry and the need for engineers and architects to adapt to new technologies like AI…

1
Scott’s Engineering Journey & Why Level Was Formed 34:28

1+ y ago34:28

34:28

Why are Architects & Engineers leaving the industry in the US while the market is increasing and our country is in dire need of more designers? Scott shares his journey in engineering, why many of his peers (especially younger generations) are leaving, the need to restore value to the profession, and what we’ve been working on for the past 10 years…

1
Fixing Existing Infrastructure, The Changing Regulatory Environment, AI, & Are Engineers & Architects Going Extinct? 25:04

1+ y ago25:04

25:04

In this conversation, Miles and Scott discuss the history of infrastructure in the US in the 1940s, increasing complexity of building regulations, AI’s impact on construction projects, improving existing buildings, and the shortage of engineers and architects in the US and the impacts of outsourcing. Where is there more opportunity and job security…

1
How We Got Here & Who's Responsible (We’re Back!) 32:06

1+ y ago32:06

32:06

After 17 episodes, we took a break to refocus on business. Now we’re back with a completely new format. You can expect 2 episodes a month (Audio + video) with a new cohost (Miles) and some incredible guests. We’ll be sitting down with engineers, architects, business leaders and entrepreneurs, city officials, and infrastructure experts to explore ho…

1
Home inspections – How did we get here? 54:52

3y ago54:52

54:52

Scott sits down with Wade Williamson and his team at Axium Inspections. Colorado's #1 inspection company and growing nationally. Over 20 Certified Home Inspectors who offer full-service home and commercial inspection services, including radon testing, sewer scopes, well & mold inspections, lead testing, asbestos inspections, drone inspections and m…

1
Change, disconnect, and responsibility as Architects, Engineers, and Designers 57:26

3+ y ago57:26

57:26

A lot is changing in our industry. One thing we know won't work is to fight that change. Instead, how do we use technology and model changes to our advantage? What issues com from the old model? What can we learn from the Surfside condominium collapse in 2021? What needs to change, what's changing, and how can we evolve as Architects, Engineers, an…

1
Bridge Engineering & Infrastructure Challenges with Ben Kenney, P.E. Owner of Engineering Operations 47:55

4y ago47:55

47:55

617,000 bridges across the United States. Currently, 42% of all bridges are at least 50 years old, and 46,154, or 7.5% of the nation's bridges, are considered structurally deficient, meaning they are in “poor” condition. Ben Kenney, P.E. owner of Engineering Operations joins Scott and Murray to discuss some fascinating topics Corporate barriers Bri…

1
Wait, but why? (flipping the business model on its head) 1:12:59

4y ago1:12:59

1:12:59

Join Scott Zurn and Murray McBride as they discuss: Update on LDPI Flipping the business model on its head Outsourcing and the race to the bottom Entrepreneurship Personal growth and success Collaboration Peace of mind $2 Trillion infrastructure bill What’s right for our community? The zero-emission marketing lie And much more... Sign up for our ex…

1
Long-term care of our built environment (most important + least celebrated) 52:21

4+ y ago52:21

52:21

In this episode, Scott & Murray discuss: Environmental consciousness Half of our environment impact is just “building stuff” Let’s take a conscious look at what we’re doing Is money always the driver for the design community Free, independent & flexible thinking Picking up where we left off in the early 1500s Climate change Greed and power, taking …

1
Are Architects & Engineers going extinct? 51:11

4+ y ago51:11

51:11

Can we maintain our human conveniences and have less adverse impact on our planet? Are Architects & Engineers going extinct? What do we need to revive in our industry? Join Scott Zurn and Murray McBride as they discuss In this episode, they discuss: The human convenience Cost of infrastructure Communication challenges today Why we need more Archite…

1
Brilliant Infrastructure of the Indigenous people 40:27

4+ y ago40:27

40:27

Sixty million Indigenous People lived throughout the Americas before European expansion. In a short amount of time, 90% of those people were lost to European disease and violence. An estimated loss of 55 million people; a 10% reduction of the world's population at that time. What happened to the infrastructure of each of these ancient people and wh…

1
Our current infrastructure was shaped by deer 42:12

4+ y ago42:12

42:12

There is an impact to our world for every human convenience. Those conveniences are built around our infrastructure, but it’s not in the public’s consciousness. Why should we care? Because infrastructure is the most important thing in our world. Our economy, quality of life, and the future of humanity and our planet is intricately tied to infrastru…

1
Empowering A&E Women with LDPI Owners Anya Zurn & Karen Ashworth (Women’s History month) 54:25

4+ y ago54:25

54:25

Engineers are traditionally men. Why? 30% of women who have left the engineering profession cite organizational climate as the reason. Only 30% of women who earn bachelor’s degrees in engineering are still working in engineering 20 years later. Source We need to empower A&E women if we want to build a thriving industry and future. We must evolve ou…

1
Engineers are fleeing the industry at record numbers 48:30

4+ y ago48:30

48:30

Engineers are fleeing the industry at record numbers, unhappy with the status quo...so what? Why should we, and everyone else care? The bulk of human convenience relies on the intellect of the A&E community. But there’s a gap. A gap between the unique genius that goes into our infrastructure by A&E professionals, and the general public. In this fas…

1
How you can keep a bigger piece of the pie 27:23

4+ y ago27:23

27:23

With a combined 70 years of design experience under their belts, Scott and Murray discuss a few common paths that design professionals have today and the future of our industry. In this fascinating episode, they cover… Environmental changes & our responsibility What's currently available as far as design career paths today The business model we’re …

1
We’ve gotten lazy. What we can do moving forward. 42:01

4+ y ago42:01

42:01

Most of our modern human conveniences are designed and produced by a community of brilliant but unseen professionals, and the public doesn’t know it. Why? Join Scott Zurn and co-host Murray McBride as they discuss their professional backgrounds and why communication and trust are imperative to understanding our failing infrastructures, and how the …

1
The Future of Employment 10:53

6+ y ago10:53

10:53

I believe we are in an employee and employer revolution. I think we are in a place where there’s disillusionment from both parties about the other. Disjointed expectations between the two. The last time this happened at the scale was after the depression. So what's the solution to this problem? Let's explore. Episode Schedule: Every other Monday Ge…

1
Organizational Change - Restoring Purpose 14:52

6+ y ago14:52

14:52

Innovative business structures are emerging. B-Corporation (For-Benefit) that are legally required to make business decisions based on profit, people, and the planet. In today's episode we explore how these new models can impact you and the old models are outdated and broken. It's time for a change. We are shifting our thinking so that Architects a…

1
Modernizing our industry for the benefit of the Design Professional 16:33

6+ y ago16:33

16:33

The modernization of the business of A&E is going to happen, and needs to happen. In fact, it is happening as we speak. In this episode we look at technology and new business structures that are changing the way we work, collaborate, market, buy, sell and live. We are shifting our thinking so that Architects and Engineers and thrive in this industr…

1
The Industry Isn’t Going to Increase Your Fair Market Value 15:01

6+ y ago15:01

15:01

How much of your Fair Market Value are you keeping? Based on conversations with architects and engineers across the country of all different disciplines and ages, we have a pretty good guess. We've looked at the past 40 years to project the next 40 within the design industry. In this episode Scott discusses the past, present, and future of your fai…

1
A&E: Are You A Commodity 11:30

6+ y ago11:30

11:30

In our conversations with architects and engineers across the country of all different disciplines and ages, we have started to hear a common theme. The business of A&E has diverged from the practice of A&E. Is today's episode, Scott explores the history of our industry, how we got here and what the future holds. If you are an A&E professional feel…

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