The On Center Podcast

The On Center Podcast

The On Center Podcast goes beyond glossy project photos to uncover the real stories behind great architecture, construction, and design. Hosted in the heart of Indiana’s AEC community, each episode sits down with the architects, engineers, contractors, and creators shaping our built world. From award-winning firms to emerging innovators. We dig into the moments that define a career: the bold visions, creative problem-solving under tight constraints, cross-disciplinary breakthroughs, and the lessons learned from projects that didn’t go as planned. You’ll hear candid conversations about firm culture, leadership, mentorship, sustainability, and community impact, plus the human side of bringing big ideas to life. Whether you’re on the jobsite, at your desk, or sketching your next concept, The On Center Podcast offers insights, war stories, and inspiration from the people who know what it really takes to build something that lasts.

Episodes

September 15, 2026 40 mins
Senior Director of Business Development Matt Hadley with AP Engineering and Consulting joins Matt Crowder on the On Center Podcast to discuss how strategic relationships and proactive due diligence drive success in the AEC industry. From pivoting careers to harnessing technology, Matt Hadley shares hard-earned insights every development professional needs to hear.
  • How due diligence saves projects from costly surprises
  • The rea...
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Architect Winifred Williams joins the On Center Podcast to discuss her career designing educational spaces and the evolving role of architecture in schools and communities. She shares lessons learned from decades in the field and her perspective on balancing creativity, business, and client needs.
  • How technology and tools have changed architectural design, from hand-drawing to BIM and AI
  • Why adaptive reuse of older buildings matt...
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Architect Don Duncan joins the On Center Podcast to discuss the realities of practicing as a generalist, educator, and advocate in today’s design industry. Get practical insights into career resilience, the technology hype, and the surprising power of strong relationships.
  • How Don survived losing four jobs during the Great Recession and built a resilient career
  • The advantages and challenges of being a generalist versus a sp...
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Join us as we sit down with Jeff Echols, founder of Echo Engagement, to discuss innovation and communication in architecture. Get straightforward insights on building firm value, embracing technology, and standing out in a crowded industry.
  • Why storytelling and clear communication are critical for architects' long-term success
  • The difference between being magnetic and staying invisible—even when your design quality is high
  • H...
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Former Indianapolis City Architect Kate Warpool joins the On Center Podcast to discuss her experience shaping public projects and navigating leadership on both sides of the table. Tune in for a practical look at what architects miss about civic work and the owner's perspective.
  • The realities of leadership and influence in city government versus private consulting
  • How public dollars and civic priorities shape architectural out...
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Associate partner Ashley Thornberry from Studio Axis shares her insights on designing civic and public safety architecture that puts communities first. From fire stations to mentorship, Ashley discusses the realities, challenges, and future of the profession.
  • What it takes to design resilient fire stations and civic projects that reflect local culture
  • Why emotional design matters alongside technical performance
  • The business and le...
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Join us as Greg Looney, founder and CEO of Inherent Commercial, shares his journey building one of Indiana’s fastest-growing construction firms. In this episode, Greg breaks down the real challenges and opportunities in today’s construction market.
  • Why firing fast and hiring slow is critical for team success
  • How “most complete” trumps “lowest bid” in construction projects
  • The biggest mistake...
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In this episode of On Center Podcast, we sit down with Jim Mladucky to discuss the realities of delivering one of the largest healthcare projects in the nation. Get direct insights into hospital design at scale, leadership challenges, and how architecture can impact entire communities.
  • The human vs. business side of healthcare design
  • Key strategies for balancing design leadership and project delivery
  • How IU Health’s new down...
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Join us as we sit down with architect, former City-County Council president, and mayoral candidate Vop Osili for a direct look at how design thinking shapes city leadership. Get the essentials on the role of architecture in politics, city planning, and the future of Indianapolis.
  • How an architect’s mindset influences leadership, policy, and civic development
  • Translating long-term design thinking into budgets and public ...
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Principal architect Chase Miller joins the On Center Podcast to discuss the realities of healthcare design, leadership, and the personal experiences that shape his approach. Get direct insights into industry best practices and the balance between innovation and empathy in the built environment.
  • Integrating architectural leadership with practical construction management
  • The impact of post-occupancy evaluations and published he...
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Veteran architect Eric Rowland joins Matt Crowder on the On Center Podcast to share his journey from family business to national expertise in Greek housing and adaptive reuse. Tune in for insights on architecture’s role in community, mentorship, and evolving campus life.
  • Eric Rowland’s evolution from Roland Design to principal at Luminaut
  • Lessons from designing over 100 fraternity and sorority houses
  • How architecture i...
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Join Daniel Overbey, Director of Sustainability at Browning Day and professor at Ball State, for an in-depth look at pushing architecture toward a zero-carbon future. Get pragmatic, insider perspectives on building standards, high-performance projects, and sustainability culture.
  • Daniel Overbey’s journey from a coal-fired power plant to leading sustainability in architecture
  • Embedding evidence-based thinking and performance...
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Join us as Matt Crowder interviews Gavin Haverstick, founder of Haverstick Designs, about the art and science of acoustical design. Discover how acoustics shape spaces, inspire creativity, and solve real-world challenges across thousands of projects.
  • The story behind Gavin's journey from mechanical engineering and music to founding Haverstick Designs
  • How imposter syndrome, risk-taking, and personal values drive business growth an...
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Get a behind-the-scenes look at the career and design philosophy of Drew Braley, principal and landscape architecture studio director at Browning Day. In this On Center Podcast episode, Drew shares real project stories and practical insights from nearly two decades shaping public spaces.
  • Drew’s journey from Hawaii to Indiana and how unique experiences shaped his approach to landscape architecture
  • Key principles behind his p...
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Trailblazing architect Diana Brenner joins the On Center Podcast to share her journey as the founder of Brenner Design and her impact on Indiana's architectural landscape. In this conversation, she discusses breaking barriers, design philosophy, and the realities of leading a woman-owned architecture firm.
  • The inspiration and risks behind founding Brenner Design in Indianapolis.
  • Overcoming biases and challenges as one of the ...
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Get to know Scott Perkins, principal architect of Blackline Studio, as he shares his journey from adaptive reuse projects to championing community-focused design in Indianapolis. In this episode, Scott discusses the evolution of his practice, the challenges of firm culture, and the real-world impact architects can have beyond the drawing board.
  • The transformation and growth of Blackline Studio, from a small residential firm to a...
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Indianapolis architect Donna Sink joins the On Center Podcast to discuss how design, transit, and creative reuse can shape better cities for everyone. Hear candid insights on local architecture, public space, and the future of urban living.
  • How childhood influences and city experiences shaped Donna’s architectural journey
  • The impact of pedestrian-first design and walkability in Indianapolis
  • Why creative reuse, like turni...
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Architect Kurt Green joins the On Center Podcast for an honest dive into classical architecture, public taste, and the balance of tradition and innovation. Host Matt Crowder leads a fast-paced conversation on design, history, and the future of the built environment.
  • How growing up in Indianapolis and early influences shaped Kurt Green’s architectural path
  • Insights from Kurt’s France research trip, including the Ma...
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Dive into the world of architecture and design with Joseph Lese of Progress Studio, interviewed by Matt Crowder on the On Center Podcast. This episode covers practical insights from launching a firm to mentoring the next generation of architects.
  • How advanced technologies like BIM, laser scanning, and virtual walkthroughs are transforming client communication and project outcomes
  • The story behind the EV-ready Unlimited Motors...
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Join host Matt Crowder as he sits down with Brandon Farley, a seasoned designer in the educational space, to discuss the power of campus design and the future of our cities. This episode covers practical insights on how the built environment shapes communities, from sustainability to smart technologies.What you'll learn in this episode:
  • Why Purdue’s move to Indianapolis is a transformational moment for the city and its...
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