Why Most Buildings Are Built to Fail – The Code to Sustainable Housing

Why are so many new buildings falling apart within just a few years? And why aren’t more developers building for the future? In this episode of The Disruption Lab, host Kevin McGinnis sits down with Jonathan Arnold, principal at Arnold Development, to uncover the truth about real estate’s dirty little secret—most buildings aren’t designed to last. Jonathan shares his unconventional journey from architecture to real estate development, revealing how his Passive House projects are proving that sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s smarter, cheaper, and more profitable in the long run. He breaks down: Why most modern buildings are built to deteriorate (and how that’s costing you money) How Passive House design slashes utility costs and extends building lifespans Why sustainable construction is actually more profitable for developers The hidden benefits of walkable, mixed-income communities How Arnold’s projects in Kansas City and beyond are rewriting the rules of real estate If you’ve ever wondered why our cities are filled with disposable buildings—and what the future of real estate could look like—this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now and discover why the way we build needs a serious disruption.