Sam Andras, 3rd Act Architecture - Future-Proofing Cannabis Facilities for Schedule 3

In this episode host Mark Doherty sits down with Sam Andras, 3rd Act Architecture to explore what Schedule 3 federal oversight means for commercial cultivation facilities—and how growers can get ahead of the transition. From GMP-ready layouts, one-way flow, and choosing the right systems, to data-driven design for indoor operations, Sam breaks down how smart planning protects crops, avoids costly mistakes, and keeps facility operations running smoothly.The conversation also covers the evolution of cultivation facility design, including precise plant metrics, vetted technology, and why things can go wrong—and how an experienced architect helps check the right boxes early. Add in CAPEX vs. OPEX, energy efficiency, and designing for people, and you’ve got a playbook to survive and thrive under Schedule 3.🎧 Listen now to future-proof your facility and be ready for federal regulations.Sam Andras, 3rd Act ArchitectureSam Andras has been immersed in the building design and construction industry since childhood, starting with his family’s construction company. In 2001, he co-founded 2WR of Georgia, later expanding into Colorado, Massachusetts, and launching MJ12 Design Studio. Both firms were acquired by urban-gro in 2021, where Sam worked until 2023.Introduced to the cannabis industry in 2013, Sam has since designed over 200 cultivation and vertically integrated facilities totaling 10 million+ sq ft, working with aeroponics, deep-water culture, and drip irrigation across various growing mediums. Cannabis cultivation reignited his architectural passion, combining creativity with technical innovation.In 2024, Sam launched 3rd Act Architecture and Consulting, applying 40+ years of design and construction experience to help clients achieve their visions. If you’d like to learn more about Sam Andres, visit: www.3rdactarchitecture.com or call: 706-573-5520Mark Doherty, Doherty AgMark Doherty is the VP of Construction & Facilities Management for Grown Rogue, bringing over 15 years of experience in CEA and commercial cannabis cultivation. Throughout his career, he has led operations and facility development across multiple national brands, including roles as COO at Dual Draft Integrated Airflow, Exec. VP at urban-gro, and VP of Facilities Management at Vireo Growth.Through his firm Doherty Agriculture, Mark focuses on turning underperforming cultivation assets using his signature People, Plants, Profits framework—treating each facility as a living, breathing machine to drive efficiency, consistency, and profitability. He is known for combining deep technical expertise with practical leadership to elevate both.Through his Doherty Agriculture, Mark focuses on turning around underperforming cultivation assets using People, Plants, Profits framework—treating each facility as a living, breathing machine to drive efficiency, consistency, and profitability. He is known for combining technical expertise with practical leadership to elevate successful cultivation operations.If you’d like to connect with Mark, please email him at [email protected] TSRgrowTSRgrow’s advanced cultivation technology helps growers improve efficiency, consistency, and crop performance. From high-performance LED lighting to remote power and monitoring solutions, TSRgrow provides scalable tools designed to support modern cultivation operations at every stage of the grow. To learn more about TSRgrow, visit www.TSRgrow.com.Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast to receive upcoming episodes.