The Ethical Developers Build Community-Owned Housing without Landlords with Carlos Robles-Shanahan

In this episode of The Purpose Profit Shift, host Rachel E. Bernier-Green speaks with Carlos, Rafael, and Karla Robles, the family behind Duo Development, an innovation studio that seamlessly blends social impact with sustainable business models. The Robles siblings share their journey of creating spaces that challenge traditional business paradigms while fostering community ownership and empowerment.Duo Development, founded in 2019, specializes in what they call multi-contextual design, a framework that integrates economics, ecology, technology, culture, and ethics into every project. From affordable housing to community hubs, the Robles family is proving that businesses can thrive while staying rooted in purpose. The conversation explores how they combine architecture, real estate, and innovation to reshape the built environment and create lasting community impact.Expect to Learn:How the Robles family’s diverse backgrounds led to the creation of Duo Development.The principles of multi-contextual design and how it shapes their projects.How Duo Development has tackled challenges like affordable housing and landlord-tenant dynamics through creative, sustainable models.The role of community engagement in designing spaces like Starling Community Hub, a space for liberation in North Lawndale.How the Robles family uses business to champion ethical profitability, balancing purpose with financial sustainability.Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:[00:00:00] – Teaser[00:01:18] – Welcome & Introduction to the Purpose Profit Shift[00:03:09] – How Three Siblings Co-Founded an Innovation Studio[00:07:36] – Explaining Multi-Contextual Design in Practice[00:09:46] – The Five Lenses: Economics, Ecology, Technology, Culture, Ethics[00:13:09] – Using Lenses to Understand Context & History[00:15:49] – An Integrated Practice: Blending Design, Development & Business[00:17:48] – Choosing Boutique Size for Values Alignment & Quality of Life[00:20:01] – HomeKeeper: Breaking the Landlord-Tenant Model with Shared Ownership[00:24:02] – Financing HomeKeeper: City Loans & Equity Crowdfunding[00:26:39] – Lessons Learned: Moving at the Speed of Trust[00:30:55] – Starling: A "Space for Liberation" in North Lawndale[00:32:09] – Community Engagement & Teaching Development Skills[00:37:29] – Conceptualizing Starling from Community Needs[00:40:39] – Navigating Institutional Assumptions & Community Desires[00:44:56] – How Starling Is Being Used: Events, Memberships & Milestones[00:48:54] – Designing for Beauty in Underinvested Neighborhoods[00:51:43] – Business Model: Balancing Purpose, Profit & Sustainability[00:53:51] – Debunking Misconceptions About Money & Morality[00:58:14] – Navigating Financial Realities as a Small Practice[01:01:16] – What’s Next: Supporting 12 Community-Led Projects[01:03:50] – Addressing Funding Barriers in Development[01:05:51] – Advice for Founders: Everything Is Designable[01:07:09] – The Power of Partnership[01:10:42] – Closing Remarks & Final Reflections Follow Duo DevelopmentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/duodevelopment/Website: https://www.duodevelopment.org/Follow the Founders Behind Duo DevelopmentCarlos Robles-ShanahanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roblescf/Karla RoblesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karla-robles-596285a1/Rafael RoblesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-robles-530625348/Follow the Host, Rachel Bernier-Green:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelberniergreen/Website: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/Instagram: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/LinkedIn (Company): www.linkedin.com/company/jointhryvo/Twitter/X: x.com/jointhryvoFacebook: www.facebook.com/jointhryvoTiktok: www.tiktok.com/@jointhryvoListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kmrlBqo4QHftlfmqo2Q32Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-purpose-profit-shift/id1829627732Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PurposeProfitShift