What the RFI?

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 Administration.
🧱 Topics covered:
The demolition discoveries that haunt every project
Lead-time delays that kill your schedule
Change-order chaos and how to stay calm
Contract clauses that save your soul
When bad news comes too late — and costs too much
Whether you’re an architect, contractor, or construction nerd, you’ll laugh, cringe, and pick up lessons to keep your next project from turning into a horror story.
🎧 Listen now and face your construction fears head-on.
Happy Halloween from What the RFI? 🕸️
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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 their experiences across Division 7 and 9, discuss the importance of communication, collaboration, and trust, and highlight how creative fabrication and custom design continue to shape the built environment.
The episode ends on a high note…. literally with the first live musical performance ever recorded on What the RFI, featuring a soulful rendition of Tennessee Whiskey and Ring of Fire.
Key topics:
CSI 2025 • Construction Communication • RFIs • Industry Optimism • Custom Fabrication • Domestic Production • Collaboration • Live Music in Construction
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to CSI 2025 and Guests
02:40 – Optimism in the Construction Industry
05:58 – RFI Horror Stories and Lessons Learned
10:40 – The Importance of Communication in Projects
15:04 – Creative Projects and Custom Fabrications
20:04 – Musical Interlude and Personal Connections
30:01 – Closing Thoughts and Future Connections
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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 “cool again” to the growing role of digital twins, reality capture, and AI-driven construction management, this roundtable captures the pulse of where the industry is heading. The conversation also digs into the value of networking, the power of community among spec writers, and how collaboration—not conflict—drives better buildings.
🎧 Topics include:
Lessons and laughs from CSI 2025 in Cleveland
Why RFIs should be seen as collaboration, not confrontation
The rebirth of spec writing as a creative and technical craft
Digital innovation: 360 scanning, QR-coded assets, and progress tracking
Future trends in flexible building design and sustainability
Chapters
00:00 – Live from CSI 2025: Introductions
04:38 – Networking and learning at CSI
10:43 – Making spec writing engaging and collaborative
16:58 – Collaboration and community in construction
22:14 – RFIs, relationships, and problem-solving
28:34 – Future trends and flexible building design
34:20 – Digital innovation and AI in construction management
38:12 – Final thoughts and the future of the industry
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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 integrity, he reminds us that your network isn’t about numbers, it’s about people.
Learn how to build genuine connections, lead with integrity, and leave a legacy that others want to follow.
Takeaways:
Networking is more than collecting contacts; it’s about building trust.
Integrity and kindness define your professional legacy.
Attend events, connect online, and follow up with purpose.
Genuine relationships open doors when you least expect it.
Your network is your community and your greatest career asset.
Soundbites:
“This isn’t about me, it’s about you.”
“Your network is your army.”
“Integrity is the foundation of your network.”
Chapters
00:00 - Navigating Change: A Personal Journey
03:10 - The Power of Networking
06:05 - Building Connections: The Importance of Engagement
12:10 - Creating Lasting Memories Through Networking
16:05 - Integrity and Legacy: The Foundation of Your Network
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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 digital and AI-driven profession.
This episode explores why architects, designers, and students are rediscovering sketching as a tool for problem-solving, storytelling, and learning. Nathan shares the origins of the challenge, his favourite prompts from this year, and why drawing, even on a napkin, can change how we design and think.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The story behind InktoberArchitecture and how to participate
Why hand sketching still matters in the era of BIM, Revit, and AI
How a quick field sketch can solve problems faster than an RFI
The power of community and visual storytelling in architecture
Practical tips for getting started: tools, pens, prompts, and mindset
Whether you’re an architect, student, or creative professional, this episode will inspire you to slow down, draw more, and reconnect with the craft that started it all.
Learn more and join the challenge:
👉 BuildingScape Blog
👉 Follow the hashtag #InktoberArchitecture on LinkedIn and Instagram
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Introduction: Dust off the desk and grab your pen
02:00 – Catching up with Nathan Taylor: CSI, AIA East Bay, and new projects
03:15 – What is InktoberArchitecture? Origins and inspiration
06:40 – Why architects should still draw in a digital world
09:30 – This year’s prompts and creative interpretations
13:20 – The role of hand sketching in Construction Administration
17:00 – Field sketches, RFIs, and real-world problem solving
20:30 – The muscle memory of drawing vs. digital design
26:00 – The community behind InktoberArchitecture
31:30 – Favourite sketches, firms, and global participation
33:45 – Overcoming the “I can’t draw” myth
39:50 – Favourite tools: pens, paper, and the art of imperfection
42:30 – Digital sketching and apps like Morpholio Trace
45:00 – Architecture culture, creativity, and balance
48:00 – Sketching as stress relief and collaboration tool
50:00 – How to join the challenge and where to find Nathan
52:00 – Final thoughts: pick up a pen and start sketching
Support the show
🎙️Website - WhattheRFI.com

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