Rephonic
Artwork for Design:ED
Architecture
Sustainability
Architectural Design
Community Engagement
Space Needle
Climate Change
Architectural Record
Seattle
Olson Kundig
Environmental Design
Visualization Tools
Affordable Housing
Urban Development
Design Process
Adaptive Reuse
Mentorship
Burning Man
Revit
Enscape
New York City

An inside look into the field of architecture told from the perspective of individuals that are leading the industry. This motivational series grants unique insight into the making of a successful design career, from humble beginnings to national recognition. Every week, featured guests share their personal highs and lows on their journey to success, that is sure to inspire audiences at all levels... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes216Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ArtsDesign

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Design:ED

Latest Episodes

Luis Vidal + Architects founder Luis Vidal joins Architectural Record's DESIGN:ED Podcast to discuss quality airport design, submitting for competitions and how he grew his firm from his living room to a global architecture brand

Architect Moshe Safdie and Rod Bigelow, executive director of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, join Architectural Record's DESIGN:ED podcast to discuss the Bentonville, Arkansas, museum's upcoming expansion and the long-term vision positio... more

Architect Alan Ricks and landscape architect Sierra Bainbridge of Model of Architecture Serving Society (MASS) join Architectural Record's DESIGN:ED podcast to discuss the impacts on community through design, their Rwanda campus for the Ellen DeGener... more

Brandnu Design Studio founder Michael Ford joins Architectural Record's DESIGN:ED podcast to discuss his moniker of the "Hip-Hop Architect," mentoring young people through music, and the design of the forthcoming Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Luis Vidal
Architect and founder of a global architecture firm
Vidal + Architects
Episode: Luis Vidal - Luis Vidal + Architects
Rod Bigelow
Guest discussing project collaboration and community impact
Crystal Bridges Museum
Episode: Moshe Safdie and Rod Bigelow - Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Moshe Safdie
Guest architect and founder of Safdie Architects
Safdie Architects
Episode: Moshe Safdie and Rod Bigelow - Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Alan Ricks
Co-founder and principal of MASS Design Group
MASS Design Group
Episode: Alan Ricks & Sierra Bainbridge - MASS
Sierra Bainbridge
Co-founder and principal of MASS Design Group
MASS Design Group
Episode: Alan Ricks & Sierra Bainbridge - MASS
Michael Ford
Architect, founder of Brandnu Design Studio; hip hop architect
Brandnu Design Studio
Episode: Michael Ford - Brandnu Design Studio
Rafael Pelli
Partner at Pelli Clarke & Partners
Pelli Clarke & Partners
Episode: Rafael Pelli - Pelli Clarke & Partners
Ema Peter
Photographer, founder of Ema Peter Photography
Ema Peter Photography
Episode: Ema Peter - Ema Peter Photography
Illya Azaroff
2026 AIA National President with extensive experience in architecture and disaster relief.
American Institute of Architects
Episode: Illya Azaroff - 2026 AIA National President

Host

Aaron Prenz
Host of DesignED by Architectural Record; leading design journalist and moderator

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 218 ratings
  • Design:ED needs a new host!

    Learning from the variety of architects interviewed on the Design:ED podcast takes requires extra effort to overlook the annoying, self-centered host.

    Forgiving the host, Erin Prinz, for his insecurities which frequently disrupt an episode with self-centered commentary, general ignorance of the architecture profession, and mildly demeaning interactions with guests is a true distraction from the intended message of the show.

    The annoying host has hardly evolved during his time on air, and he ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    fingAtlnickname
    United Statesa year ago
  • Transit

    Thanks Aaron! Waiting around in the Toronto airport I thoroughly enjoyed the Ingerhoven podcast! Smart and funny

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Duckworth also
    United States3 years ago
  • Hopeless podcast

    Stopped listening before the advertised material could start. Your audience doesn’t care what you have to say, we tune in to listen to your guests.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Mamamjsusnsndjdnd
    Australia3 years ago
  • A podcast for architectural elitists, or whiny millennials/gen z

    I can count on my hand, the number of episodes that truly provided any value to the listener. These were mostly episodes interviewing architects or small/mid sized firms with sizable influence in their local economies. The host, Aaron, seems to have an unfounded affinity for Ivy League architectural pedigrees, and academic jargon. This podcast does nothing for making architecture attainable for the average individual, rather it continues to propagate an elitist ivory tower view of the archite... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Rohan2015
    United States3 years ago
  • Excellent show

    Excellent interviews. I enjoy listening to my favorite architects get real. I have learned so much already listening to this podcast, and I discovered it a few months ago. Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    StudioRack
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Audio quality and hosting vary; guests often shine but some episodes could improve pacing.
Audience appreciates diverse guest backgrounds and practical career guidance.
Guests are consistently insightful and illustrate real-world design leadership.
The conversations are thoughtful and deeply architectural, appealing to industry professionals.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#132
United States/Arts/Design
Apple Podcasts
#17
Canada/Arts/Design
Apple Podcasts
#123
Germany/Arts/Design
Apple Podcasts
#6
South Korea/Arts/Design
Apple Podcasts
#12
Saudi Arabia/Arts/Design
Apple Podcasts
#15
Indonesia/Arts/Design

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Michael Ford - Brandnu Design Studio
Q: What's next for the initiative, and how will Hip Hop by Design broaden the scope beyond architecture?
The initiative will expand into adjacent design professions such as urban planning, digital manufacturing, AI, and fashion, while continuing to use architecture as the mother art to connect young people with a range of design careers and collaborative opportunities.
Michael Ford - Brandnu Design Studio
Q: Can you explain the scholarship process and how students are selected for the $10,000 Hip Hop Architecture Camp Scholarship?
Students who have gone through the Hip Hop Architecture Camp or related programs are eligible; a selective process considers their involvement, academic potential, and need, with funding supported by partners and a 501(c)(3) structure to sustain opportunities across the country.
Michael Ford - Brandnu Design Studio
Q: What inspired you to start the Hip Hop Architecture Camp, and what were the initial goals when you set out to create it?
The camp was invented to make architecture culturally relevant for African American youth, address the underrepresentation in the field, and remove the profession's silence on social justice issues by connecting architectural education with hip hop culture; over time it evolved to become a national movement with scholarships and partnerships.
Rafael Pelli - Pelli Clarke & Partners
Q: What do you see as the next big opportunity in architecture beyond traditional towers?
A move toward rapid, budget-conscious construction with experimentation, greater urban vitality through mixed-use developments, and projects that react quickly to shifting technologies and city needs.
Rafael Pelli - Pelli Clarke & Partners
Q: How has leadership transition affected the firm's direction and the evolution of its projects?
Leadership changes have allowed the firm to evolve while preserving an intellectual framework; newer partners bring fresh directions that expand the studio's range of work.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Age Range
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Frequently Asked Questions About Design:ED

What is Design:ED about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The series centers on architecture and design leadership, featuring in-depth conversations with prominent practitioners, firm founders, and cultural innovators. Episodes explore design philosophy, project context, community impact, education, and storytelling as a tool for advancing practice. Guests span from mass-market museum expansions to urban-scale developments, photography, and experiential design, often linking craft to social outcomes and teaching the next generation. A standout thread is the emphasis on human experience, landscape, and sustainability, with several episodes highlighting mentorship, collaboration across disciplines, and inclusive leadership as keys to lasting impact.

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How many subscribers and views does Design:ED have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Design:ED?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Design:ED:

1. Time Sensitive
2. The Ezra Klein Show
3. Real Time with Bill Maher
4. Interesting Times with Ross Douthat
5. The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

How many episodes of Design:ED are there?

Design:ED launched 8 years ago and published 216 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Design:ED?

Recent guests on Design:ED include:

1. Luis Vidal
2. Rod Bigelow
3. Moshe Safdie
4. Alan Ricks
5. Sierra Bainbridge
6. Michael Ford
7. Rafael Pelli
8. Ema Peter

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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