Arcfluence - The Architecture and Design Podcast

Nick and Paul sit down with longtime family friend and community leader Bob Porter to trace how the kitchens many of us grew up in, Italian, Greek, Serbian, and other old-world spaces, quietly shaped the way we design modern ones. Through stories about soffit demo, appliance upgrades, outdoor cooking setups, and a pantry that functions like a second kitchen, the episode connects real family workflows to the design principles behind today’s high-performance residential kitchens. 

Kent State University’s Dean Mark Mistur joins Nick Karakaian and Paul Fatkins to discuss the future of architectural education and practice. The conversation explores how design schools are adapting to new technologies like AI, the renewed value of craft and model making, and the vital role travel plays in shaping global awareness.

In our latest community conversation, we sit down with Fox in the Snow co-founder Lauren Culley to discuss her leap from New York publishing into Columbus’s café culture. She shares how a Craigslist garage became their first shop, the design philosophy built around floor-to-ceiling light, communal tables, and no Wi-Fi - and why those choices continue to define every location.
Lauren also traces her journey from scooping cookies at Blue Bottle to running a bakery that now serves hundreds of egg sandwiches a day, all while staying true to simple recipes and hand-crafted details. Along the way, she reflects on the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone, learning when to say no, and preserving authenticity as the brand continues to grow.

This episode examines how first-order architectural decisions - circulation flow, natural light strategy, kitchen zoning, entry sequencing, and layered lighting - shape the lived experience of a home. Centered on Central Ohio’s housing stock, it explains why finishes are secondary to structural logic and how trend-resilient design enhances both usability and long-term value.

This special edition of the Arcfluence podcast was recorded live at the AIA Ohio 2025 Conference in Columbus. Principals Paul Fatkins and Nick Karakaian present Integrated Living: ADUs as Catalysts for Community & Sustainable Growth, exploring how Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) can address Central Ohio’s housing challenges, lessons from peer cities, and the implications of zoning reform. Arcfluence also accepted two People’s Choice Awards at the conference for The Cliffs and BeAligned Health.
This episode is provided for educational purposes only and should not be taken as investment advice.

Nick and Paul take a deep dive into 3D scanning (a true Arcfluence geek-out session) from the first BLK360 to Leica’s lightning-fast Gen 2. With stories from real projects in Central Ohio, they show how scanning is changing workflows, boosting accuracy, and keeping Arcfluence at the forefront of architectural technology. Along the way, expect plenty of banter about robot dogs, drone surveys, and the fun side of staying ahead in design.

In this episode, we explore how architects move beyond design to build trust, lead teams, and win complex projects. Nick and Paul sit down with longtime collaborator Nino Samardzic to discuss career growth, mentorship, and the strategies that set firms apart in competitive markets - while never losing sight of design passion.

Today we explore two very distinct design stories in Ohio. The Cliffs is a modern residence imagined for the dramatic terrain of Hocking Hills, while BeAligned Health is a completed wellness space in Powell that reshaped a business through thoughtful design. Both projects are part of this year’s AIA Ohio People’s Choice Awards, and we’ll share how they came together — and why they stand out. Vote for us at Arcfluence.com/vote

What really goes on behind the scenes of a growing architecture firm? In this episode, we talk with Emily Hall, president of CVG, about the real dynamics that shape design teams - how leadership evolves, where firms tend to get stuck, and what it takes to grow without losing clarity or culture. From hiring and delegation to communication and client experience, we explore what makes a firm strong beneath the surface. Whether you're planning a project or building a firm, this conversation offers a grounded look at what truly keeps a design practice on track.

In this episode, we talk with Darguin Fortuna of Flow Design Architects about how architecture firms are built—from compelling design visions to the operational systems that bring them to life. The conversation unpacks what clients rarely see but always experience: how fee structures are set, how teams are organized, and how firms decide what work they’re equipped to take on. For developers, builders, and homeowners working in a fast-moving market like Columbus, it’s a direct look at the internal systems that shape your external results. What you’re really hearing is how smart firms make decisions, control quality, and stay accountable - so your project runs smoother, faster, and more predictably.