What the RFI?

Canada-U.S. tariffs are hitting construction, raising new questions about material costs, steel prices, procurement, contracts, and who ultimately pays when prices suddenly change.

With new 50% U.S. tariffs affecting billions of dollars of Canadian goods and Canada preparing retaliatory measures, construction materials including steel, aluminum, lumber, cement, plywood, paint, and other building products are caught in the middle.

In ...

Your construction project is 99% complete. The walls are painted, the flooring is down, the lights are on and everyone is talking about move-in day.

So you’re basically done, right?

Not even close!

Getting a building ready for occupancy requires months of preparation, testing, documentation and coordination between the contractor, consultants, owner and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

In Episode 47 of What the RFI?, Matt Bre...

You want me to strip what?

Some of the biggest financial risks on a construction project happen before the building ever gets out of the ground.

In Episode 46 of What the RFI?, Matt Brennan digs into earthworks, geotechnical reports, test holes, stripping plans, and the steps architects and owners can take to reduce the risk of costly surprises underground.

Because a $100,000 earthworks budget can turn into $1 million in extras remark...

You have 24 months to build a school… yet somehow every deficiency, training session, closeout document, hardware adjustment and commissioning issue seems to appear in the final two weeks before occupancy.

Why?

In this episode of What the RFI?, Matt talks about procrastination in construction and why the final stretch before occupancy can become absolute chaos.

Using two school projects currently approaching occupancy, Matt sha...

How do you run the first construction site meeting? In this episode of What the RFI?, Matt Brennan explains how Architects, Contract Administrators, Project Managers, Engineers, Owners, and General Contractors can prepare for and lead a successful First Site Meeting.

The kickoff meeting is one of the most important milestones in Construction Administration. It establishes expectations, communication procedures, documentation require...

Meeting notes are one of the most important records on a construction project, but what should actually go into them, who should run the meeting, and how detailed do they really need to be?

In Episode 43 of What the RFI?, we continue our three-part series on construction meetings with a practical walkthrough of how I prepare for, run, document, and follow up on site meetings as part of the Construction Administration process.

We cove...

Meeting minutes are one of the most valuable records in Construction Administration, but they can also be one of the most time-consuming tasks. In this episode of What the RFI?, Matt Brennan shares how Granola AI has transformed the way he captures meeting notes, documents decisions, and follows up on action items across multiple construction projects.

Unlike traditional AI meeting assistants that rely on intrusive bots joining your...

Why does Construction Administration so often feel like a battle between Architects and General Contractors?

In this episode of What the RFI?, Matt Brennan takes a deep dive into one of the biggest challenges in the AEC industry: the growing “Us vs the GC” mentality that can develop during construction projects.

Drawing from over 20 years of experience in Architecture and Construction Administration, Matt explores why pro...

It’s Halloween, the one day of the year when the scariest things come out of the walls … literally. 👻

In this special Halloween episode of What the RFI?, Matt Brennan is joined by Zach Rapaport to share real-life RFI horror stories from the construction world. From demolition surprises and lead-time nightmares to change orders that make your blood run cold, this episode uncovers the spooky side of Construction Administ...

Recorded live at CSI 2025 in Cleveland, this episode of What the RFI brings together Dean Moilanen (Noble Company) and Holly Gotfredson (Finishing Dynamics & American Metalcraft) for a conversation that hits every note, literally.

Host Matt Brennan dives into the state of the construction industry, optimism returning to projects post-pandemic, and the lessons learned from unforgettable RFI horror stories. Dean and Holly share th...

Recorded live from Cleveland, this episode of What the RFI? dives into the energy, insights, and connections shaping CSI National 2025. Host Matt Brennan sits down with Nish Patel (RIB North America), Eric Letbetter (Letbetter ink, LLC.), and Dory Azar (Architect & Product Specialist, RIB Software) to explore how the world of spec writing, RFIs, and construction collaboration is evolving.

From making spec writing engaging and &l...

After an unexpected career shake-up, Matt Brennan opens up about the true power of your network, the people who rally behind you when life changes overnight. In this episode of What the RFI?, Matt shares how a single LinkedIn post reached over 10,000 people and became a lesson in community, mentorship, and resilience. Through stories from architecture conferences, friendships built on job sites, and the meaning of professional inte...

It’s time to dust off the desk, grab your favourite pen, and roll out the trace because InktoberArchitecture is here!

In this episode of What the RFI?, host Matt Brennan welcomes back Nathan Taylor, Building Envelope Consultant, artist, and creator of the global sketching movement InktoberArchitecture. Together, they dive deep into how hand sketching connects creativity, communication, and construction in an increasingly digit...

In this episode of What the RFI?, host Matt Brennan sits down live at AIA Aspire 2025 in Asheville, NC, with architect Toby Witte of Wittehaus. Known for designing modern, energy-efficient homes across the Carolinas, Toby brings a deep passion for detail, sustainability, and storytelling in architecture.

The conversation traces Toby’s journey from Germany to the U.S., his design philosophy, and how details, from light and shad...

Recorded live at the Diana Wortham Theatre in Asheville, NC, this special episode of What the RFI?  takes the stage at AIA Aspire 2025. Host Matt Brennan is joined by an incredible panel of industry leaders:

• Mark Levine, FAIA — Principal at LS3P and founding Aspire volunteer
• Morgan Chawaga, AIA — Career Coach and Founder of The Healthy Architect
• Akhil Hemanth — AI Technology Architect at Newcomb & Boyd

In this episode, Matt Brennan hosts Chris and Ryan to discuss the complexities of concrete construction, focusing on RFIs, specifications, and sustainability. They share insights from their experiences, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, innovative mix designs, and the need for training in the industry. The conversation also touches on the challenges of concrete production and the future of sustainable practices in ...

In this episode, Matt Brennan discusses the importance of site visits during the summer and provides a comprehensive guide on how to effectively prepare for and conduct site meetings. He emphasizes the need for thorough preparation, proactive communication, and the use of technology to enhance the site visit experience. Additionally, he highlights the significance of building relationships with clients and stakeholders during these...

This conversation delves into the complexities of cannabis construction, focusing on the unique challenges faced by professionals in the industry. From navigating legalities and zoning issues to addressing security concerns and mechanical systems, the discussion highlights the multifaceted nature of building cannabis facilities. The importance of energy efficiency, the permitting process, and the impact of supply chain management a...

In this engaging episode recorded live at AIA25 in Boston, host Matt Brennan is joined by special guests Dory Azar, architect and principal of Dory Azar Architect Inc., and Dr. Nadia Azar, associate professor of kinesiology and researcher on performance health in physically demanding professions. Together, they explore the intersection of architecture, human performance, and the personal dynamics that shape how we build and design.

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