Episode 8 : Jess Glowacki - Flipping the Pyramid: Why the Future of Housing is "Low-Profit" and High-Impact

In this episode of Built on Blues, host Graeme Bryks is joined by Jess Glowacki, the visionary founder of EcoPhi. Jess isn’t just an architect; he is a regenerative designer on a mission to flip the traditional construction model upside down. From designing in the mountains of Montana to tackling housing crises in Bali and Colombia, Jess has seen firsthand how the industry prioritizes profit over people—often leading to "sick buildings" that look beautiful but are mold-ridden and dangerous to live in.The conversation dives deep into the science of "living machines"—homes built with panelized systems using hemp, sorghum, and strand-woven bamboo that are designed to breathe and interact with their local climate. Jess breaks down his revolutionary "L3C" business model (Low-Profit Limited Liability Company), which challenges the greed of modern development by capping profits to ensure affordability and community wealth-building. He explains how EcoPhi plans to use micro-factories to empower local communities to manufacture their own building materials, rather than importing expensive commodities.Finally, Jess and Graeme tackle the role of AI in 2026 construction. Jess offers a refreshing, grounded perspective: while AI is an incredible tool for BIM data and speeding up workflows, it is dangerous in the hands of amateurs. He warns against the rising trend of "pretty picture architecture"—AI-generated designs that look stunning but are structurally unbuildable. Whether you are a builder interested in sustainable materials or an entrepreneur looking for a more ethical way to scale, this episode is a masterclass in building for the future without forgetting the past.Website: https://www.eco-fi.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/EcoFiArchitectureEmail: [email protected] Chapters00:00 Building Healthier, Not Just Faster. 01:08 From LEED Certification to Real Regenerative Design. 03:36 The Bamboo Problem: Making Natural Materials Code-Compliant. 07:24 The Science of the Wall: Hemp Insulation and Panelized Systems. 13:32 The L3C Model: Why We Chose "Low Profit" to Save Communities. 16:00 Managing the Chaos with BIM and Digital Twins. 21:19 The "Sick Building" Syndrome: A Cautionary Tale from Bali. 27:10 AI in Architecture: A Powerful Tool or a Trap for Amateurs? 32:04 Micro-Factories and Local Sourcing: Building Without Supply Chains. 36:23 Protecting Affordability: Preventing the "Flip" with 10-Year Contracts. 39:31 How to Join the EcoFi Mission.