Level Design Podcast

About Level Design Podcast

A podcast for Architects and Engineers who want to thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, fulfillment and financial security. Join Scott Zurn, P.E. and guests in uncovering how to restore value and honor to the unique people who choose to be designers and caretakers of our built world and why it’s essential to the future of our society, our industry, and our planet.

Publisher

Scott Zurn

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 Jan 2019

Latest episode

1 Dec 2025

Latest episodes

46 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Dec 2025

   Hidden Profits in Your Backyard: The Real ADU Playbook for Homeowners

   This conversation delves into the complexities of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), exploring the process, regulations, and the importance of design teams. We breakdown the various stakeholders involved, the significance of feasibility studies, and the financial implications of building an ADU. We emphasize the importance of expert guidance to navigate local regulations and ensure that projects are economically viable and compliant with zoning laws. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to ADUs and Context Setting 03:06 Understanding the ADU Process and Stakeholders 05:47 Zoning Regulations and Community Impact 08:41 The Importance of Design Teams in ADU Projects 11:37 Feasibility Studies and Initial Considerations 14:35 Cost Considerations and ROI for Homeowners 17:30 Navigating Local Regulations and Utility Challenges 20:43 Creative Solutions and Variances in ADU Design 23:47 Final Thoughts on ADU Planning and Execution ADU, Accessory Dwelling Units, home design, construction, zoning regulations, feasibility study, ROI, design team, homeowner, property value, engineering, architecture Join Us Live: ADU Workshop + Expert Q&A Everything You Need to Know About Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) - https://levelengineering.com/adu-workshop

2. 

   13 Nov 2025

   Navigating the Complexities of Wastewater Management & Environmental Protection with Katrina Kessler (P.E.) – Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner

   Today, we delve into the complexities of wastewater management, the role of Pollution Control Agency, and the challenges faced in maintaining water quality standards. It highlights the importance of community engagement, the impact of agricultural runoff, and the intersection of AI with environmental stewardship. The discussion emphasizes the need for individual responsibility in addressing pollution and the significance of understanding local water sources and infrastructure. Our guest is Katrina Kessler, P.E.—Commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, former MPCA assistant commissioner, and former director of Minneapolis’s Surface Water & Sewers Division. With 16+ years in environmental leadership, Katrina: Leads 900+ MPCA staff working to ensure healthy air, clean water, sustainable lands, and a better climate across Minnesota. Strengthens partnerships with Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations and collaborates with businesses, local governments, and community stakeholders. Chairs the Governor’s Climate Change Subcabinet to reduce emissions, boost resilience, and advance equitable climate solutions. Represents Minnesota on the Environmental Council of States, the Great Lakes Commission, and EPA’s Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force. Signature initiatives: Developed Minnesota’s PFAS Blueprint to prevent, manage, and clean up “forever chemicals.” Co-created flexible, protective industry regulations that safeguard the environment and local jobs. Built ag–urban partnerships to improve water quality statewide. Katrina holds a BA in environmental science and an MS in environmental engineering. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Combined Sewer Systems 02:58 The Role of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 05:44 Permitting and Water Quality Standards 09:04 Challenges in Water Infrastructure 11:52 The Importance of Minnesota's Water Resources 15:03 Economic Impacts of Water Quality 17:47 Addressing Agricultural Runoff 20:54 Future of Wastewater Treatment 23:37 Collaboration for Water Quality Improvement 28:35 Exploring Air Quality Regulations 31:10 Addressing Methane Emissions 35:16 Individual Actions for Environmental Impact 39:34 The Intersection of AI and Environmental Stewardship 46:39 Collaboration Between Engineers and Environmental Agencies wastewater, pollution control, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, water quality, environmental stewardship, AI, community engagement, agricultural runoff, air quality, infrastructure Connect with us: The Level Design Podcast is a podcast for Architects and Engineers who want to thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, fulfillment and financial security. Join us: Are you one of the 5% of Engineers and Architects who's ready to take on Entrepreneurship? Dive deeper, fill out the form, and our leadership team will personally connect with you, address your questions and explore reclaiming your professional independence. www.leveldesignpartners.com

3. 

   3 Nov 2025

   A Day in 2040: What a Construction Project Looks Like in 15 years (Engineering, Architecture, Construction, Management)

   What does the year 2040 look like? Flying cars, robots, an AI doing most of our thinking? What types of jobs will exist and which will go extinct? What will we have to watch out for and how can we thrive through change? No one really knows, but in this episode, Scott paints a picture of what it could look like for the built environment. Chapters 00:08 The 15-year horizon: climate, insurance, and infrastructure strain 04:45 AI as standard practice in design and engineering 06:04 LiDAR, inch-accurate surveys, and real-time stormwater simulations 10:19 Immersive BIM: from 3D models to walkable design reviews 13:13 Optimizing materials and reducing carbon with computational tools 14:24 Carbon-neutral construction and the circular economy 16:16 Innovation outpacing codes: the regulatory bottleneck 18:24 From phone video to CAD: rapid as-builts and adaptive reuse 21:17 Agile business models and national collaboration networks 23:30 Visual build guides and tech-forward contractors 25:23 2040 vs 2060: seamless future or peak chaos? 26:46 Ethics, cybersecurity, and the road ahead Connect with us: The Level Design Podcast is a podcast for Architects and Engineers who want to thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, fulfillment and financial security. Join us: Are you one of the 5% of Engineers and Architects who's ready to take on Entrepreneurship? Dive deeper, fill out the form, and our leadership team will personally connect with you, address your questions and explore reclaiming your professional independence. www.leveldesignpartners.com

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

47,412

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

4.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 61 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

64

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

68

Contact Level Design Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.