Inside the Spec

INSIDE THE SPEC

The podcast that bridges the gap between building product manufacturers and the architects who specify them. Each episode brings you unfiltered insights into how architects find, evaluate, and specify building materials.

Because understanding how architects think is the first step to becoming the architect’s standard.

Recent Episodes

March 10, 2025

Inside the Spec - Episode 1: Breaking the Spec Cycle

In this debut episode, hosts Megan Kacvinsky and Vardhan Mehta explore what really drives architects to switch specifications, featuring guest Andre Baros, Senior Director of Materials and Research at AceLab. The discussion dives deep into the psychology of specification inertia, examining how manu…
March 10, 2025

Inside the Spec - Episode 2: The Early Bird Advantage

Featuring Tyler Michieli, Associate Principal at Ford Architects and education studio leader, this episode explores why the schematic design phase presents a crucial opportunity for manufacturer engagement. The discussion reveals how early collaboration can transform a product from just another opt…
March 10, 2025

Inside the Spec - Episode 3: Digital Bridges

With her unique background in both computer science and architecture, Alex Nelson, R&D Lead of Design Technology at DLR Group, provides invaluable insights into how technology is transforming architectural practice and product specification. The discussion explores which digital tools are actually …
March 10, 2025

Inside the Spec - Episode 4: Vision Meets Reality

In this episode, hosts Megan Kacvinsky and Vardhan Mehta explore how successful architects navigate the gap between design vision and market reality with guest Adam Gayle, Principal at Superlative. With extensive experience across multiple project types and roles, Adam shares invaluable insights in…
March 10, 2025

Inside the Spec - Episode 5: Design IRL

In this episode, hosts Megan Kacvinsky and Vardhan Mehta talk with Steven Johns, Technical Director at Kieran Timberlake, about bridging the gap between architectural vision and practical reality. With 28 years at the firm, Steven shares invaluable insights into product evaluation, innovation partn…
March 10, 2025

Inside the Spec - Episode 6: Performance Matters

Christine Williamson, Professor of Architecture at Virginia Tech and building failure expert, offers invaluable insights into how architects evaluate product performance and what really matters in building product validation. The discussion explores the gap between marketing claims and practical ne…
March 10, 2025

Inside the Spec - Episode 7: The Future of Specification

Lena Reiff, a designer at Ross Barney Architects, provides fresh insights into how younger architects approach specification and what manufacturers need to do to better serve the next generation. The discussion explores the disconnect between architectural education and practice, evolving sustainab…
March 10, 2025

Inside the Spec - Episode 8: Breaking Through the Noise

David Lee, founding partner of Fame Architecture and Design and host of Second Studio podcast, shares candid insights into how manufacturers can meaningfully connect with architects. The discussion explores effective communication strategies across channels, the importance of authenticity in relati…

About the Hosts

Megan Kacvinsky Profile Photo

Megan Kacvinsky

CEO | Point To Point

Megan Kacvinsky helps Building Product Manufacturers drive specification through targeted AEC marketing. As a partner at Point To Point, she specializes in demand generation, customer engagement, and strategic content marketing that fuels sales success.

With 15+ years of experience, Megan combines digital marketing expertise with sharp business acumen to bridge the gap between marketing strategy and real-world impact. She has transformed marketing programs for Fortune 500 companies, mid-market firms, and startups—adapting strategies to fit each organization's unique needs. Known for her tailored, results-driven approach, Megan crafts high-impact solutions that help brands thrive in the competitive building and manufacturing industries.

Vardhan Mehta Profile Photo

Vardhan Mehta

Co-founder & CEO | Acelab

Vardhan Mehta is a second-generation architect and co-founder of Acelab, an AI-powered platform transforming how the AEC industry makes material decisions. After working as an architect designing U.S. embassies and institutional projects for MIT and Yale, he recognized the critical inefficiencies in how architects, owners, manufacturers, and contractors communicate about building products.

He co–founded Acelab while at HarvardGraduate School of Design to solve this problem by creating a new universal language for material decision-making. The platform helps design teams evaluate and select materials based on real performance data, costs, lead times, and sustainability metrics. Acelab was recognized on Forbes' 30 Under 30 2025 for digital transformation in AEC industry.