Think Big - English for Architects with Tara Cull

We're diving into AI and language learning in episode 34 of the Think Big Podcast. As an educator and a learner, I believe that ChatGPT and other AI chatbots have the potential to seriously help people take their language skills to the next level. In this episode, I'll be sharing my top 6 tips for how to use ChatGPT to help you with your day-to-day work lives as an architect who is an English learner.

Think Big Podcast is for you if English is your second, third, or even fourth language, and you want to build more relevant vocabulary naturally by listening to interesting topics in architecture and feel more confident using the language at work or in your studies. We don't just focus on grammar, we aim to get you excited again about improving your language and communication skills.

In this episode, you'll learn how to use ChatGPT to:

✨ Write emails with the correct tone

✨ Get feedback on writing, including looking for grammatical errors, making it more or less formal and giving examples of language to use for different situations.

✨ Ask for examples of questions or comments to ask in a meeting or how to react.

✨  Paraphrasing and finding key vocabulary

✨  Finding inspiration to write your CV, cover letter, and portfolio descriptions.

This is just one of the many topics my clients and I discuss in our sessions to build relevant vocabulary and get them to speak and share their thoughts, ideas and opinions!

Tara's details:

In episode 33 of Think Big Podcast, I give my top 8 tips for writing more effective emails. The first thing many of my clients say to me is that they struggle to write emails with confidence and more efficiently. I want to share some of the ways that many of my clients have taken their email writing to the next level to feel more confident at work.

Think Big is a podcast is for you if English is your second, third or (fourth - impressive!) language, and you want to build more relevant vocabulary naturally by listening to interesting topics in architecture and feel more confident using the language at work or in your studies.

We don't JUST focus on the grammar, we get you excited again about improving your language and communication skills:

In this episode, I discuss:

✨ Why writing emails is so important and why you should care

✨ Tips for the structure of the email

✨ Tips for improving your efficiency, effectiveness and reducing miscommunications

This is just one of the many topics my clients and I discuss in our sessions to build relevant vocabulary and get them to speak and share their thoughts, ideas and opinions!

Tara's details:

In episode 32 of Think Big Podcast, I summarise some of my biggest learnings about prefabricated housing and its impact on the architecture and design profession.

Think Big is a podcast is for you if English is your second, third, or (fourth - impressive!) language, and you want to build more relevant vocabulary naturally by listening to interesting topics in architecture and feel more confident using the language at work or in your studies.

We don't JUST focus on the grammar, we get you excited again about improving your language and communication skills:

In this episode, I discuss:

✨ The differences between bespoke and prefabricated housing

✨ The advantages of prefabricated housing

✨ Some interesting project examples

This is just one of the many varied topics my clients and I discuss in our sessions to build relevant vocabulary and get them to speak and share their thoughts, ideas, and opinions!

Tara's details:

In episode 30 of Think Big Podcast, the first in season 2, I summarise some of my biggest learnings about housing affordability and its impact on the architecture and design profession.

Think Big is a podcast is for you if English is your second, third or (fourth - impressive!) language and you want to build more relevant vocabulary naturally by listening to interesting topics in architecture and feel more confident to use the language at work or in your studies.

We don't JUST focus on the grammar, we get you excited again about improving your language and communication skills:

In this episode I discuss:

✨ What housing affordability is and why it matters

✨ The role architects and designers should play and the key things we can do

✨ Some interesting project examples

This is just one of the many varied topics my clients and I discuss in our sessions to build relevant vocabulary and get them to speak and share their thoughts, ideas and opinions!

Tara's details:

In episode 29 of Think Big Podcast I summarise 12 of my biggest learnings after spending the last two years coaching Built Design Professionals.  

It was hard to share only 12 things because I've learnt 112 billion things, however I keep it concise and discuss the following:

✨ My most important learnings with references to particular episodes; and

✨ My plans for season 2 of the podcast  

I'm taking a short break from the podcast to regroup and gather my thoughts to start writing episodes and my ideas for season 2.

Some upcoming episodes I've already written: 

The subtle language of emails
How to ask for support and training + Inclusive Practices
Help Me Understand Construction Lingo!
You'll also hear from more people working in practice as well as interesting projects and ideas in the built design profession and so much more ...

Tara's details:

In episode 28 of Think Big Podcast I chat to Structural Engineer Mo Fazlie. In this episode I wanted to get to know more about his experience collaborating with architects and landscape architects and his international experience. We cover a lot in the episode including:  

✨ His international experience

✨ How he bounced back from a disappointing IELTS score

✨ Shifting his mindset with vocabulary and taking the time to get better little by little

✨ How to ask your colleagues and senior associates for help and advice

✨ His experiences as a structural engineer collaborating with architects and landscape architects

✨ His learnings from reading The Culture Map by Erin Meyer

✨ His advice for speaking up in meetings

If you have to collaborate with engineers or external consultants you'll definitely hear some of the vocabulary that might come up in a consultant meeting. As a landscape architect I've always enjoyed collaborating with structural engineers so it was interesting to hear his side of the story.

Mo Fazlie's details:

In episode 27 of Think Big Podcast I chat to Alaa Sabae who is an Egyptian PMP (Project Management Professional) and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Associate architect and interior designer with five years-experience in hospitality and commercial projects internationally.

In this episode I wanted to get to know more about Alaa's experiences with her certification and her current masters studies in BIM as well as working internationally. We cover many topics including:

✨ Alaa’s international experience in Architecture and the importance of English

✨What it means to be a LEED Green Associate and her background in sustainability and design and how it has impacted her design process

✨ BIM technologies and the potential it has for making sustainable choices

✨ Learning English as an Architect and which resources you can use

You'll hear lots of vocabulary discussing sustainability, the capabilities of BIM as well as what it's like to learn English for architecture when English is your additional language.

Alaa's details:

In episode 26 of Think Big Podcast I chat to Lina Alhaj who is an architecture student at the University of Khartoum, Sudan. Lina has big dreams for her future, wanting to be a registered RIBA Architect in the UK. She's been working hard on improving her English and making the most of her studies,

In this episode I wanted to get to know more about Lina's current journey and how she envisages making her dreams a reality through her hard work and tenacity. If you're a student studying in a non English speaking country and you know you want to live and work abroad you might resonate with Lina's story. We cover many topics including:

✨ How she practices drawing

✨ How she stays motivated

✨ Overcoming to fear of speaking up

Lina's details:

In episode 25 of Think Big Podcast, I discuss the language we can use for annual reviews. During my time as a language coach for architects I've found that this can be one of the most stressful situations for my clients as they want to say the right things for the situation. In this episode I'm packing as much useful information as possible to help you navigate the challenges associated with speaking about yourself and your goals and how to align it to the company values and objectives to help you grow your architecture career.

In the episode I discuss:

✨ The tone we should use in annual review documents

✨ Diplomatic language

✨ Question examples and some sample answers

Tara's details:

In episode 24 of Think Big Podcast, I speak to Sofia Kouni - an Architectural Graduate from the University of Dundee. She is bilingual, with both Greek and Scottish heritage. After a 1-year long break from her studies, during which she worked on a construction site, she graduated from her Bachelor’s  and now works as a freelance Digital Content Creator for Architects not Architecture in Hamburg, and a full time Intern at Urban Design London.

In this conversation Sofia shares her journey from student to working including some of the bumps and challenges along the way.

In the episode we discuss:

✨ Her journey and mental health challenges and the surprising things that came from overcoming her challenges

✨ The benefits of being bilingual and what it's helped her to see and share with others

✨ Being someone with multiple interests and connecting to your values; and

✨ Using LinkedIn

Sofia's details:

In episode 23 of Think Big Podcast, I'm talking about Biophilia and how designers can incorporate it into their designs.

This conversation episode is for you if you want to learn more vocabulary to address biophilic principles to have a more humanistic approach to design. You'll learn lots of vocabulary around connecting design to nature and biophilia. I discuss some of my own projects as well as some examples you can also explore yourself.

In the episode I discuss:

✨ What is Biophilic design and why is it important?

✨ How interior designers,  architects and landscape architects incorporate biophilia into their designs

✨ The 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design

✨ Example projects

✨ Comparative language

Tara's details:

In episode 22 of Think Big Podcast, I chat with Kira Bragg about learning strategies for language learners. Kira works with ´techies’ to help advance their English communication skills. In the past, she has worked with UX designers, software developers and software engineers. We discussed the parallels between working with digital architects and architects who work in the physical world and importantly, we discuss the real practicalities of learning a language as a busy professional. This conversation is for creatives who learn languages and is ready to feel inspired.

In the episode, we discuss:

✨ Visual ways to break down and understand language using sentence trees and visual diagrams

✨ Cultural differences between language structures and meanings

✨ Effective language learning strategies

✨ How Kira works with her clients and how coaching is effective for her clients

Kira’s details:

In episode 20 of Think Big Podcast, I share three award-winning projects from the World Architecture Festival using persuasive language examples from episode 19.  The episode is full of vocabulary to describe buildings, houses, and landscape architecture projects and persuasive language techniques to inspire and convince you to find out more. 

In the episode, we discuss:

✨ 3 Award-Winning World Architecture Festival Projects

✨ Why I believe you should find out more about these projects

✨ Real Business English examples for architecture and design that you can use at work or university.

Extended Show Notes 

In episode 19 of Think Big Podcast, I share 9 ways for how we can use language to be more persuasive.  The episode is full of vocabulary, expressions and examples for how you can use language to become more convincing in front of clients, colleagues. 

In the episode we discuss:

✨ 9 ways we can use language to persuade au audience

✨ How using language can impact the success of a project

✨ Real Business English examples for architecture and design that you can use at work or university.

Extended Show Notes: 

In episode 17 of Think Big Podcast, I share my thoughts on developing your flexibility as an English second language speaker. This came about after I completed some coaching with Emma Wainer and I had some big moments around how to prepare for presentations, meetings and other speaking situations.  In the last 2 years of working with clients, I've also noticed how difficult it can be to get the balance right - feel prepared with what you want to say, but also be more flexible and in the moment so you you're listening.

In the episode I share:

✨My top 7 tips for how you can prepare what you want to say

✨Examples of things you can say when the questions are tricky and you're not sure how to answer 

I hope you get as much out of it as I took from putting it together.

Tara - ArchiEnglish details

In episode 16 of Think Big, I share a conversation I had with Simon Brown about English learners developing stronger diplomatic language skills.

Simon specialises in individual and small group lessons for adults.  He has collaborated with and given training to, some of the biggest companies in Europe, small French Tech startups and a number of Fortune 500 companies.  In September he joined Jellysmack, the global creator company, as Learning and Development Manager - English Academy.  In this role he is the in-house English trainer for his fellow colleagues, or 'Jellysmackers', he helps them unlock their full potential by improving their level of English, increasing self-confidence and breaking through the mental blocks that have stood in the way of their progress in the past."

We discuss:

✨The differences of English across the world and expressions

✨What it means to be polite and diplomatic

✨Examples of diplomatic language and which situations it’s important to use diplomatic language

✨Qualifiers, Positive and Negative downgraders and Hedges to deliver bad news

✨How to invite agreement by asking a question and framing it negatively and so much more.

Simon's details

In episode 15 of Think Big, I share a conversation I had with Marina Sciarrino about all things marketing in architecture.

Marina is a coach who helps architects to attract the clients they want through marketing & mindset. A former architect turned marketing coach based in Milan, Marina is half Italian half-French and in our conversation, we discuss how this identity and past experience has given her a unique perspective in the world of architecture.

We discuss:

✨How her bilingual culture impacted her and gave her unique cultural perspectives

✨Her story from architecture to marketing

✨What she loves about helping architects with their marketing including how to connect to your values and understand your ideal clients and why marketing isn't as bad as you think.

Marina wants architects to see how important it is to understand marketing no matter where you sit in the hierarchy of practice from graduate to CEO.

Marina's details

In episode 13 of Think Big, I share a conversation I had with Emmaline Bowman about designing with biodiversity in mind. Emmaline is the director & founder of STEM Landscape Architecture and Design in Australia. Emmaline has a Bachelor of Design & a Masters in Landscape Architecture.

Emmaline believes that every answer can be delivered when you look into nature, & she strives in creating environments that respect Australian flora & fauna in ways that are not only beneficial but beautiful. 

I enjoyed listening to Em discuss her earlier influences and how she approaches her projects with biodiversity in mind.     

STEM Website 

In episode 12 of Think Big, I share some ways you can learn more about plants (without going back to school). I share some of the ways I learnt about plants and developed my passion over years of working as a landscape architect. I also share some simple examples of future simple and how we can use 'going to' to describe the predicted benefits of plants. 

I discuss:

✨How my story with plants began 

✨How to pronounce Latin names 

✨My top 7 tips for learning more about plants and diving deep into understanding more 

✨ The language of speculation (making predictions to describe the future benefits of plants or design features 

Recommended episodes: 

Episode 11 - Building Smart Zero-Net Carbon Cities: Paris Climate Action Plan and the Language of Cause & Effect

In Episode 11 of Think Big, I'm taking you to the future to find out what is in store for the city of Paris in 2050. 

Today is an opportunity for you to listen to me dive deep into a global environmental issue that will inevitably impact the future of urban design, architecture and planning for the next 30 years. Given that I live in France, I thought it would be an excellent example to put some context into understanding some of the strategies cities will implement going Carbon Neutral.

It is also the perfect opportunity for you to learn and explore new vocabulary, discuss language for cause and effect/consequence, and take a closer look at Zero and First Conditional in a context you understand. 

I discuss:

✨ The Paris Agreement and what that means 

✨ The Paris Climate Action Plan

✨ How Buildings and the city of Paris will change 

✨ Language of cause and effect 

In Episode 10 of Think Big, we move on from talking about presentation skills to talking to Brazilian architectural designer Gabriela Fernandes. We discuss her journey from Brazil to Australia and the ongoing process to become a registered architect in Australia and where she is up to in the process.  

We discuss:
✨ Learning English as an architecture professional  
✨ Different books and resources to learn vocabulary 
✨ Architecture Registration in Australia with overseas qualifications 
✨ Networking, putting yourself out there and staying connected to your culture

✨ Extended Show Notes and Full Transcript: 

In episode 9 of Think Big, I share some of the key things I have learnt about giving more engaging and effective presentations. I take ideas from my previous guests Steven Rubio, Saneia Norton and Vanessa Paisley to put together 12 things that stood out to me as being important when it comes to delivering engaging presentations. I also share some examples of language you might use in a presentation to hook the audience as well as signposting to keep the presentation moving along.

✨ Extended Show Notes and Full Transcript:

In today's episode of Think Big, I speak to Australian building designer James Goodlet from Altereco in Melbourne, Australia. I'm currently working with him and his team to design, document and execute the landscape design for two of Altereco's projects, so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to take advantage of this and share more with you about what they do.

James founded Altereco Design in 2006 and has grown and led his practice through 12 years of building and design services. In today's episode, I wanted to know from James how he works with the client to educate them and communicate ideas about sustainability and what it means to take an 'efficiency first' approach to building design. 

Altereco Design 

Website - https://www.altereco.net.au/ 

Blog - https://www.altereco.net.au/blog-post 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alterecodesign/ 

✨ Extended Show Notes and Full Transcript:

https://www.archienglish.com/post/adopting-an-efficiency-first-approach-to-sustainable-building-design-with-james-goodlet

Ready to take action to speak up and share your voice? 

Ready to start making a BIG impact on your English & building the architecture career you want?  

You know it's time to make a change, and you've got to start somewhere. In the evaluation and action plan, you will get my best tips, so you stop the self-doubt and start taking action now.

Take me to the action plan.

Recommended episodes: 

Episode 3: How to use storytelling to connect to your clients - Fiona Dunin, FMD Architects

In this episode, I spoke to Vanessa Paisley who is an experienced Global Competence, relocation and repatriation trainer and coach. She supports people in the process of moving countries, creating a space where they can discover and live their lives to the full, gaining the maximum potential out of the enriching adventure both abroad and back home.

I wanted to know more about her own personal experiences with overcoming culture shock and how she helps people to develop their intercultural competences to work across and within different cultures. She has a blog where she shares a lot of very useful information around these themes. 

Vanessa's contact details: 

In this short episode, I wanted to briefly discuss how you can learn phrasal verbs and expressions more efficiently using some examples from my conversation with Vanessa Paisley in Episode 5.  In this episode, I discuss some phrasal verbs and expressions and you'll then be able to hear them in the context in the next episode: Episode 5. I wanted to take this opportunity to explain in more detail how you can learn expressions and phrasal verbs in context. 

I discuss: 

✨ How to learn expressions and phrasal verbs 

✨ How to be brave and clarify if you're not sure 

✨ Some example expressions ✨ How sometimes it's not what you say but how you say it 

✨ What Neuroscience tells us about attention and how you can use this to focus your learning so it's more efficient and effective. 

Books and Resources: 

📚 Livewired, David Eagleman 

In this episode, I spoke to Australian architect and interior designer Fiona Dunin from FMD Architects about her Melbourne-based practice.

Fiona is an architect who trained initially as an interior designer. She speaks about how this training has helped her and her practice to hone in on the interior details seeing them as just as necessary as the overall design of spaces.

In today's episode, I wanted to know more about how Fiona and her team use storytelling in the design process, as it's something that stood out to me as being important to their work.

We also discuss:

✨ Her background in interior design

✨ How she feels about 3D modelling and the ways she communicates the design to the client

✨ Persuading clients and challenging the brief

✨ Working with consultants

At the end of the episode, I ask Fiona to give her top tips about communication, and I share some expressions you could try when you want to challenge the brief.

Knowing what you value is important as a designer but how can we connect to them?  In Episode 2, I mentioned the book - Think Like an Architect by Randy Deutsch and today I'll share 6 important lessons from his book as well as 1 quote of my own to help you think more critically and develop creative and collaborative thinking skills as well as up-levelling your architectural English.   

I discuss: 

✨ Why it's important to be connected to what you value as a designer  

✨ 6 quotes from Think Like an Architect, Randy Deutsch 

✨ 1 quote from a famous architect that has helped to shape my values  

✨ At the end of the episode, I share some examples of metaphors 

✨ Extended Show Notes and Full Transcript: https://www.archienglish.com/post/what-does-it-mean-to-think-like-an-architect 

Recommended episodes:  

Episode 1: How to Build Your English Confidence: for Architects and Built Design Professionals  

Welcome to Think Big - I'm your host, Tara Cull, Neurolanguage coach®, English teacher, and landscape architect. And I'm bringing all these passions and interests together to help people in the built design profession, who speak English as a second language, to build outstanding communication skills, to help them find their voice and to speak up. In the very first episode of the Think Big Podcast, I explain the podcast project that I've been working on for the last few months, who I am and how you can use the podcast to help you as an architecture professional trying to advance and uplevel your English. I wanted to summarise what you might expect as a listener of the podcast. 

I discuss: 

✨ A little more about me and my story and how I coach architects and built design professionals 

✨ The topics we will discuss in future episodes 

✨ How you can start by thinking about how your life might be different when the language comes to you more naturally so that you can set realistic priorities 

✨ 5 things you can do to be an independent learner; and 

✨ We address a dilemma I've come across quite often over the last 18 months of my coaching: 

✨ At the end of the episode, I share some expressions with the word place.