Unbuild It | Episode 156: Building Standards for Building Professionals?
"Badges, we don't need no stinking badges!!" This famous (mis)quote from the film The Treasure of the Sierra Madre pretty much sums up our discussion on this topic!
Throughout our industry—whether it is product manufacturers and ASTM standards, or architects and their professional certifications—standards don't translate into better buildings. Perhaps, as Steve states, our industry has a cultural problem with all the changes that are necessary to achieve better buildings. The long and the short of it is this: It is only through rigorous education — for both clients AND building professionals — that building-science-based design and construction will become an industry-wide phenomenon.
I do have to include yet another gem from Steve: "chase friction." Great expression for always looking for a better approach to what we do...
Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, North Atlantic. Learn more at: https://www.archconceptsllc.com/
PETE'S RESOURCES:
- YouTube clip from the movie cited above - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iP_LTDggATU
NOTE: We three do NOT have completely aligned perspectives on this topic, and the resources below are simply EXAMPLES of industry approaches to this issue!
- Quality Standards for the Construction Industry (ISO) - https://www.nqa.com/en-us/certification/sectors/construction
- One cut on construction industry education and certifications - https://nawic.org/why-do-construction-education-credentials-matter/
- One interesting article on chasing friction: https://medium.com/@sonalaggarwal2/designers-who-innovate-dont-chase-innovation-they-chase-friction-65ba95177442
Episodes
Unbuild It | Episode 159: 3Qs: Climate Zone 7 T&G Ceiling, Aging in Place Design, and Alternative PreFab Foundations
Episode 159
This Q&A episode tackles listener questions on ZIP sheathing vs. Smart Vapor Retarder for cold-climate ceilings, zero-threshold exterior doors and Universal Design, and innovative wood-based alternatives to concrete foundations. The discussion wraps up with a look at below-grade SIP foundation systems and plenty of valuable resources for deeper exploration.
Unbuild It | Episode 158: The Doctor is In - Retired building scientist and pulmonary physician Nathan Yost
Episode 158
Steve and Pete welcome Nathan Yost to discuss Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), exploring how building materials, indoor environments, and evolving medical understanding can impact those living with sensitivities. Nathan shares insights from years of working with clients, while Steve recounts recent projects where MCS dramatically influenced design decisions, specifications, and material choices—including one project in a surprising "dead zone."
Unbuild It | Episode 155: ZIP-R on the roof?
Episode 155
Plenty of folks in our industry have been talking about using Huber's ZIP-R panels on roofs, and certainly, Huber has been working on this as well. But Steve, Jake, and Nick Sabol (lead on Huber's Technical Team) take a deep dive into all the considerations: structural, hygrothermal, and long-term durability. And Pete's leading resource on this topic? Call Steve
Unbuild It | Episode 154: Wall Details That Actually Work (Part II): Wildfire Zone Rainscreens & Innovative Use of ZIP Sheathing
Episode 154
Nick Sabol (Huber Product Engineering Team) is back to work with Steve & Pete on rainscreen details in wildfire zones and Steve's cool perspective: use building materials in ways that work well but don't follow convention. Lots of GREAT resources!
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