Hearing from the pros

The American Institute of Architects produces serious podcasts geared to its nationwide membership, generally overworked professionals. Many segments sound like classwork, lectures pulled from trade conferences on the latest computer software tricks and ways for dueling design, construction and engineering firms to get along.

But buried among the industry-insider info are consumer pieces, mostly interviews with architects who have written books. One podcast centered on architect Barbara Lyons Stewart and teacher Vincent Smith’s book “Feng Shui: A Practical Guide for Architects and Designers,” in which dark ceilings and sharp cornered-furniture were given the thumbs down. The Los Angeles chapter is planning to produce podcasts and the San Francisco chapter already does. On the national website, there are links to other podcasts produced by architectural and interior design schools.

-- Janet Eastman