Design Development

When Mill Creek Residential launched in 2011, it didn't look like the typical startup. Roughly 75 people came together to form the company with capital relationships already in place, construction expertise in hand, and a clear thesis on multifamily development. Fifteen years later, their vision has scaled into a national platform serving 29 markets across the country with $11.3 billion in assets under management.Tim Alexander, Managing Director of Development, and Bill Endicott, Vice President of Construction join us on Design Development to share their journey and highlight the great things happening at Mill Creek. The two have worked alongside each other for nearly nine years in an office where development, construction, and property management sit under one roof. Today, they have five projects under construction across Greater Boston, ranging from garden-style townhomes nearing delivery to podium projects years in the making.Before Mill Creek, Tim was a Development Manager at WS Development, where he led retail and mixed-use projects across the East Coast. He spent the previous seven years as a Development Executive at Clark Realty Capital, managing development activities for multifamily and mixed-use projects across Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia. Tim holds a Bachelor of Arts from Colgate University and a Master of Business Administration from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.Bill spent a decade at Skanska USA Building before joining Mill Creek, working on public and private projects across education, aviation, life science, and transportation. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of New Hampshire and a Master of Science in Engineering and Project Management (Construction) from the University of California, Berkeley.Inside this week's episode:How Mill Creek capitalizes deals across SMAs and third-party equity, and the discipline behind keeping investor relationships in balanceWhy having development, construction, and property management under one roof shapes what Mill Creek pursues, not just how they execute themThe career journeys bringing Tim and Bill to Mill Creek, and what each of them learned along the wayThe construction realities of building in Boston, from post-tension concrete versus composite steel to subcontractor alignmentThe internal culture around mistakes, and why hiding one is more dangerous than making itThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Nothing in Celeste Tanner's background suggested a future in real estate. Before rising to President and Chief Development Officer of Confluent Development, she majored in English in college, had no ties to the industry, and was starting in an administrative role at Opus Northwest.Her first assignment - reorganizing the paper filing system - became an unexpected introduction into CRE. By reading every document that crossed her desk, she transformed a routine task into a self-taught immersion in the workings of real estate development.That same curiosity propelled her through a decade at Opus, where she advanced to Director of Real Estate Development and led the ground-up development of more than 5 million square feet. In 2014, she co-founded Confluent Development with her business partner, Marshall Burton.Over the past twelve years, Confluent has delivered more than 100 projects across the United States, completing over $1 billion in development in Colorado alone and carrying nearly $500 million in committed development nationwide. The firm builds for clients like Target, FedEx, Starbucks, and Charter Communications across a portfolio spanning industrial, retail, multifamily, mixed-use, and senior living.Celeste currently serves as Chair of NAIOP and has been recognized by the Denver Business Journal, CREW, and Bisnow for her contributions to the industry. Inside this week's episode:What Celeste has learned about trust, empowerment, and building a teamThe demand for senior living development, and how the industry is not building fast enough to meet that demand How Confluent went from two people and zero capital to over 100 projects across the countryWhy Confluent bets on diversification and how cross-asset knowledge gives them an edge in new marketsWhere the development industry falls short in communicating its impact on communities, and what Celeste believes needs to change Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

When Toby Banta stepped in as Executive Managing Director at Eastern Real Estate nearly six years ago, the firm was hitting its stride. Even as COVID sent markets spinning, Eastern closed twelve deals in just two years - spanning multifamily, industrial, commercial, and hospitality - not only in New England but across the country. Then, the market shifted. Over the next three years, Eastern closed just two deals. For a fourteen-person office, a slowdown like this hit hard. But instead of forcing deals, Toby and the team stayed disciplined, passing on anything that didn't meet the Eastern standard. That selectivity is now paying off. Toby leads investment strategy and asset execution at Eastern Real Estate alongside co-founders Dan Doherty and Brian Kelly. His primary responsibilities span sourcing new acquisitions, joint ventures, and capital formation, as well as serving on the Investment Committee. Toby's expertise has been built on nearly twenty years in real estate, working across every side of a deal, and the completion of over thirty investments totaling more than $6 billion.Inside this week's episode:Why the Eastern team structures every deal with multiple paths to success and refuses to make a binary bet The $140 million, 360-unit ground-up deal in Portsmouth, and how Toby and his team got it into the ground in a market that institutional capital largely passed on How Eastern's practice of putting its own capital into deals alongside its investors shapes the way Toby and his team evaluate risk at every stage What Toby learned about risk and opportunity by working across leasing, capital markets, investing, and development before landing at Eastern The legendary Wang HQ deal: acquired for $525,000 and sold for over $100 million just four years laterThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Few people begin as interns and rise to Chief Architecture Officer at the same firm. Robin Bellerby is one of them.Over nearly 26 years, Robin has advanced through six roles at Humphreys & Partners Architects (HPA). Starting as a Project Manager, she oversaw more than 10,000 units and $1 billion in construction costs, and subsequently became Vice President. Her excellence in this position led to her stepping in as Risk Management Director, where she took on implementing the firm’s risk management program and reduced losses by 85% in just one year.Building on these accomplishments, Robin went on to serve as Principal and Senior Vice President of Strategy & Risk before becoming Chief Architecture Officer, where she oversees architectural operations and risk management across the firm's global practice. Inside this week's episode: How Robin balances career ambition and home life - and why her 5-year hiatus was crucial to her growthWhat it means to be a developer’s architect - and how Humphreys embeds that philosophy into their design approachHow Robin turns claims into lessons learnedEssential contract terms for design professionals: limitation of liability, errors and omissions, and accounting for insurance limitsA look inside Robin’s day-to-day as CAOThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

In 2008, Philippe Saad was handed his first senior living project. It wasn't the market sector he envisioned pursuing, but he had to take the opportunity in light of the great financial crisis. This decision unexpectedly became the foundation of everything he's built since.Seventeen years later, Philippe is not only a Principal at DiMella Shaffer; he's also the Co-Founder of Project Q Communities and a Founding Board Member of LGBTQ Senior Housing, two nonprofits creating homes for LGBTQ+ older adults in Greater Boston. Philippe's works include The Pryde, The Baldwin, Orchard Cove, and many more.Philippe co-chairs the Design for Aging Committee at the Boston Society for Architecture, sits on the board of Environments for Aging, and is a Director of SAGE (Society for the Advancement of Gerontological Environments). He has spoken at LeadingAge national conferences, the Global Ageing Network, and the University of Toronto School of Architecture. Inside this week's episode: How Philippe found his way into senior living: the market's stigma, his first project, and how his father's experience in independent living changed his perspective on aging.What the transition to firm leadership looks like: delegation, partnership, growing talent from within, and the responsibilities that come with the role.How growing up in Lebanon, losing three homes during the civil war, and building a life as an immigrant in Boston shaped Philippe's understanding of community and design.The Pryde: a surplus Boston school becoming one of the first LGBTQ+ senior housing developments in New England.DiMella Shaffer: how a firm of 60 operates across multiple market sectors, why interdisciplinary practice is a differentiator, and what the next generation of leadership looks like.Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Laura Gollinger has spent 13 years at The Collaborative Companies (TCC) advising clients on decisions that make or break a project. Rental, condo, or hybrid? How big should the units be, and who will they be built for? What will residents be willing to pay? What kind of parking is necessary, and what amenities will actually be used?Across billions of dollars in real estate, she's learned exactly what the right answers look like.As Senior Vice President of TCC, a Boston-based advisory firm specializing in market analytics, design consultation, sales, and leasing, Laura has shaped some of Greater Boston’s most recognized projects. Over 40 years, TCC has sold more than $20 billion in assets, including Raffles, One Dalton, Echelon Seaport, Pierce in Fenway, and South Station Tower.Laura is a member of NAIOP and ULI, serves as Council Chair of WLI Boston, and frequently speaks at Harvard GSD, MIT, and Bisnow. She holds a BSBA from Boston University's Questrom School of Business, where she was a Division I Academic All-American in tennis.Inside this week's episode:TRIO Newton: When data contradicted market sentiment and won. Parking strategy based on bedroom count, price point, and product type, including how the dominance of SUVs changes the calculations.Successfully selling luxury condos in Fenway, and what the resale data proved.Transforming laundry into an amenity when it didn't pencil in small units - and what made this a success.Where Boston’s affordability and rent control debate misses the economics behind new development, and where new homes are heading.Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Brett Powell started his career as an architect who consistently dug into the numbers behind every project he designed. Today, he is the Chief Financial Officer of a 120-person firm. As Partner and CFO of Cline, Brett sits at the point where architecture and business decisions collide. He and Rens explore what it takes to manage the financial side of a design firm, from understanding a P&L to structuring an acquisition, and why financial fluency remains one of the most underrated skills in the industry. A few more topics this week's conversation covers: How Cline built a financially literate firm, from the metrics Brett uses to track performance to the ESOP structure that gives every employee ownership.Scaling and integrating two firms through a merger.How alignment improves when architects learn the language of developers.If you're an architect who's had any interest in business financials, Brett is an important voice to listen to. Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Mark Seck had a job offer at Fidelity Capital Markets waiting for him when he graduated from college. Then the financial crisis hit, and his start date was pushed back - indefinitely. A temporary desk at a family friend's real estate firm changed his trajectory, and when Fidelity called back, he turned down the finance career he had been planning to pursue for years.That decision changed everything. Today, Mark is a Development Partner at JLB Partners, leading their expansion into Greater Boston. Just over a year in, the office is already pushing multiple deals in one of the most demanding markets in the country. Rens and Mark discuss JLB's unique approach to development, the challenges rent control legislation could bring for investment in Massachusetts, and the tenacity it takes to keep building here. If Greater Boston multifamily development is on your radar, Mark is someone you'll want to hear from. Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Stephen Skolas went from designing 96-story skyscrapers to figuring out how to fund, permit, and deliver projects at that scale. This skill range is rare in the industry. It's exactly what Davis brought him into leverage.Now Managing Director and Head of Residential Development at Davis, Stephen's career has been interdisciplinary from the start. He holds a Master of Architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology and is a licensed architect in multiple states with NCARB accreditation. He began at the Mitchell Architectural Group, working on healthcare and advanced technology projects across New England, before moving to Rafael Viñoly Architects, where he contributed to 432 Park Avenue - a nearly 1,400-foot supertall in Midtown Manhattan - and Marble Arch Park in London.In 2013, he joined Related Companies, stepping into a role spanning the full development lifecycle in New York and Boston through acquisitions, construction, and asset management. Stephen's industry fluency is now at work at Davis, where he climbed from Vice President to his current role as Managing Director | Head of Residential Development. He leads a vertically integrated team across residential, industrial, and science and technology projects nationally.Stephen and Rens dig into the multi-layered reality of moving a project from site acquisition through team assembly, financing, permitting, and delivery. Every stage depends on the one before to move successfully.A central theme in Davis' approach to planning: starting with a clear picture of the end goal before the first decision gets made.  As Stephen points out, cohesion across a project lifecycle doesn't happen by accident. It is the result of a clear vision and proactive planning.If you build, develop, or invest in real estate, this one's worth your time. Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

When Ryan Noone joined EMBARC, it was a start up of a mere four people, and he was an architect with just under three years of experience. Now they're an office of sixty-five, and Ryan is a Principal. EMBARC is a renowned architecture and interior design firm based in Boston. Ryan works across some of their most complex projects - commercial offices, restaurants, breweries, cannabis dispensaries, and multi-family residential developments. He works directly with clients, engineers, and contractors, making sure the project's vision holds together from start to finish.On this week's episode, Ryan and Rens cover a lot of ground; Ryan talks through how the architect's role has shifted, away from being purely design-focused and toward coordinating a matrix of specialized consultants. Communication, he argues, is at the center of everything. Drawings aren't just design, they're how concepts get translated into something a contractor can build and an engineer can coordinate around.Reflecting on his early career, Ryan expresses the pressure he felt to reach the top of every area of knowledge he thought he needed; to become the immediate subject matter expert. It was, he says, stressful, and he quickly realized this wasn't a sustainable approach. So he stepped back and started thinking about his career differently: less like a race to the top and more like building a pyramid, adding new skills one level at a time.They also dive into the details of project delivery - specifically how early contractor involvement changes the dynamic of a project and why the design-assist model offers advantages over the traditional design-bid-build approach. Ryan draws on his experience overseeing complex project lifecycles, where responsibilities shift, to make the case for why getting the contractor in the room early matters. "When you have goals that are more commonly aligned, like with early pre-construction partnerships, it's invaluable."Ryan has spent thirteen years at one firm working across some of the most coordination-heavy projects in Boston. What that time has taught him is that the work only holds together when the team, the client, and the business are all pointed in the same direction. Get any one of those out of sync and the work suffers, and that's true whether you're talking about a single project or a firm trying to grow. Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Andrew Bisbee is Principal at Cranshaw Construction leading the preconstruction and estimating. department. As their longest-serving employee, he has built deep expertise in construction technologies, project types, and industry complexity. Appointed to the firm’s Executive Committee, he leads estimating and preconstruction for healthcare, laboratory, multifamily, hospitality, industrial, retail, and office projects ranging from sub-$1M fit-outs to high-rises approaching $200M. Grounded in the Massachusetts market, Andrew emphasizes proactive risk management, leverages strong subcontractor relationships, and engages stakeholders early to provide essential pricing insights for informed decision-making.Throughout the episode, Andrew elaborates on the importance of understanding cost exposure and the collaborative processes required to fill knowledge gaps and manage project risk effectively. Drawing from his extensive experience, he likens estimating to both an art and a science, emphasizing the continuous refinement and strategic value it brings to project planning. Furthermore, the discussion touches on Cranshaw's strategic growth, market positioning, and its multifaceted approach to construction project execution. Andrew provides insights into recent organizational changes, including the designation of market-sector leads and the appointment of a CEO to enhance strategic operations.Key Takeaways:Proactive Risk Management: Andrew emphasizes the importance of identifying cost drivers early in the pre-construction phase and involving all stakeholders to reduce unpredictability.Estimating as an Art and Science: Estimating is portrayed as a blend of art and science, requiring continuous refinement and collaboration to produce accurate predictions.Organizational Strategy: Cranshaw Construction's recent shift towards appointing sector-specific leaders and a CEO aims to enhance market engagement and brand presence.Value of Experience: Andrew highlights the value of experience, citing long-tenured team members as a crucial asset for navigating project complexities and ensuring project success.Industry Challenges and Opportunities: Discussion on the roles of estimating and business development in an underperforming market and how strategic partnerships and operational excellence can improve outcomes.Notable Quotes:"All these jobs have similarities, but they’re all different. It’s important to dig into what the cost drivers are.""Estimating is never complete—it's like golf; you're never finished, always tinkering.""Our DNA is rooted in understanding that what we provide to a client is grounded in reality and accountability.""Working at Cranshaw has always been about recognition for hard work and having the right balance between personal life and professional demands.""You don't want peThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Dave Snell is an architect with a focus on creating great places for people to come together, live, work, and play. He is a Principal at Prellwitz Chilinski Associates (PCA), a leading architecture firm with a strong focus on mixed-use developments and innovative design solutions. Dave began his career at PCA as a co-op student from Northeastern University and has over two decades of experience in architecture and planning. His expertise spans across various sectors, including mixed-use residential, retail, and hospitality. Snell has played a key role in notable projects such as Suffolk Downs and Arsenal Yards, bringing a creative and collaborative approach to complex developments. Dave and Rens' conversation navigates through the challenges in the market, highlighting the cautious optimism seen in sectors like market-rate housing, which necessitates creativity in design, capital stack, and construction processes. Snell offers insights into his personal journey at PCA, revealing how mentorship and a supportive culture at the firm have propelled his growth. They also discuss the importance of hospitality as a business strategy and how a philosophy of unreasonable hospitality enhances both client relationships and project successes. Key Takeaways:The current market in Greater Boston suggests cautious optimism, with a need for creativity in design and construction to tackle increased code requirements and financial challenges.Mixed-use developments are shifting towards creating community spaces that prioritize placemaking, pedestrian flow, and enhanced user experiences to foster social interaction.PCA's internal culture emphasizes mentorship, collaboration, and providing employees with opportunities to contribute to firm-wide growth.Emphasizing hospitality as a fundamental business strategy can enhance client relationships, turning transactional interactions into meaningful partnerships.Robust project planning, as seen in developments like Tuscan Village and the Green District, requires comprehensive stakeholder collaboration and patience to materialize successful community-integrated spaces.Notable Quotes:"The process is our life. This is what we do every day.""You have a culture whether you intend to or not, so you might as well be intentional.""We're a creative design firm. We're designing anything that comes our way, and we're all going to figure it out together.""You never have all the answers... you just ask questions to make sure you understand what they need."Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Liz von Goeler is a Principal of Interior Design at Sasaki, a globally recognized design firm shaping environments for more than 75 years. With over 25 years of experience, she has led high-profile workplace, lobby repositioning, retail, restaurant, and multifamily projects for brands including Toast, PepsiCo, and Microsoft.Liz approaches every project with people at the center. She aligns space with brand and desired experience through an iterative, highly collaborative process tailored to each client’s goals. Grounded in how teams actually work, she designs offices that foster interaction and deliver functional, flexible environments built to last and remembered long after the first impression.The discussion begins with Liz's commitment to creating spaces that maximize both employee satisfaction and client needs, reflecting trends that resonate post-pandemic, where workplace environments are constantly evolving. The conversation further explores Sasaki's innovative approach to interior design, including the firm's philosophy and strategies for nurturing a collaborative and multidisciplinary workplace environment. The episode provides a deep dive into Sasaki’s methodologies for office space conversions, the importance of adaptive design in corporate settings, and the complexities of navigating large-scale transformations in built environments. Key Takeaways:Science of Interior Design: Liz emphasizes the complexity beyond aesthetics, focusing on functional and psychological impacts of design on human interaction and workflow.Hybrid Work Environments: The pandemic has reshaped how businesses approach real estate, pushing for more adaptable workspaces to fit specific company cultures and operational needs.Role in CREW: Involvement in CREW Boston underscores the importance of networks in fostering leadership and professional growth for women in real estate.Adaptive Design Strategies: Sasaki’s transition to new office concepts illustrates how flexibility and thoughtful design can drive business efficiency and employee satisfaction.Conversion Challenges: Office to residential conversions present both opportunities and challenges, particularly in urban settings such as Boston.Notable Quotes:"When we come into a space as designers, we're not only thinking about how it looks, but we're thinking about the arrangement of spaces, how you move through the space, and what the experience is when you're there?" "We're trying to use our skills to predict and create not only for today’s needs but also future-proof spaces for whatever tomorrow might bring." "Design is ultimately about understanding and then improving how people interact with their environments."Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Ben Hansen is a profitability specialist, award-winning entrepreneur, and speaker who helps business owners stop the financial bleeding and restore healthy profits and cash flow. Known as The Profit Doctor, he specializes in curing Profititis - when the revenue is there, but the profit isn’t. A 5x Inc. 5000 founder and former Fortune 100 executive (Dell, Microsoft), Ben built an eight-figure staffing firm from the ground up. Today, he advises $2M–$50M owner-led companies looking to reclaim the dream that got them started.Through his Profit Accelerator™ and private consulting, Ben helps leadership teams uncover and plug hidden profit leaks - often doubling profitability in 90 days or less, guaranteed. His approach is practical, field-tested, and built on one truth: growth without profit leads to frustration - not freedom.The episode covers the common misunderstandings surrounding profitability and the essential strategies to combat them. Ben shares insights on financial literacy's significance and how misconceptions about profit often lead to ill-informed business decisions. Using practical examples and success stories, he elaborates on actionable approaches that lead to significant profitability improvements, quickly moving businesses from the bottom tier to the top echelon of profit performance. Key Takeaways:Many business owners are experts in their fields but lack formal business training, leading to common issues in understanding and optimizing profitability.Allocating time and resources to financially strategic planning can drastically improve profit margins and business stability.A successful business needs to separate growth strategies from profitability optimization to avoid the inefficiencies found in combining these aspects.Implementing operational changes such as the "Operation Dog Catcher" strategy can help businesses identify and phase out non-profitable projects swiftly.Understanding the impact of your decisions on the bottom line is crucial for long-term business success and for increasing an entity's enterprise value.Notable Quotes:"If you don't know if you are above or below average profitability, there's a high likelihood that you haven't really optimized for profitability.""I call this metaphor the profit bus... If you don't think that having the company that you work for be highly profitable is in your interest, you have missed the bus." "If you're not spending half a day a week, you and your exec team focusing on profitability, you shouldn't be surprised that you are not well optimized for profitability."Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Ray Tse’s first fascination with architecture came by looking up - way, way up. A native of Hong Kong, Ray spent a good deal of his youth gazing up at the city’s striking, monumental skyscrapers, like architect Norman Foster’s HSBC Headquarters and I.M. Pei’s Bank of China building. Ray and his family later moved to New Orleans, where the famous architectural heritage sits much closer to the ground but proved no less captivating. Ray explored his new city with his pad and pen at the ready, making sketches of the Crescent City’s old colonial buildings and historic homes. He wanted to do more than just appreciate architecture, however, so when the time came to pick a career path, Ray’s choice came easily. As Principal at KTGY, Ray is involved through all design phases and specializes in developing strong concepts that excite clients. Working in high-rise and multifamily design for over 20 years, Ray’s goal is for each client to walk away with contextual, balanced design solutions that exceed expectations, invigorate communities, and elevate the built environment. Over his career, Ray has worked in different typologies but maintains an affinity for striking, soaring structures. He served on the AIA Board of Directors in Baton Rouge, and he remains an active participant in AIA committees and in the ACE mentorship program. Ray elaborates on KTGY's comprehensive approach to architectural development ranging from the embracing of new technologies like AI to strategic diversification into various housing typologies. Emphasizing the importance of cultural integration post-acquisition, Ray shares insights on effective leadership, design innovation, and the overarching vision that continues to drive KTGY’s national prominence. Additionally, Ray touches upon the pivotal role of lifelong learning and offers valuable resources and takeaways for aspiring architects and industry enthusiasts alike.Key Takeaways:Emphasizing the importance of cultural integration and strategic collaboration in successful mergers and acquisitions within the architectural industry.Leveraging high-rise and mixed-use residential design experiences to create efficient and impactful urban spaces.The significant role of technology, such as AI, in enhancing architectural workflow and efficiency, especially in tedious or repetitive tasks.The significance of continuous learning and open communication in fostering professional growth and building resilient teams.Drawing inspiration from diverse global influences and past architectural practices to innovate modern-day solutions in the built environment.Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Jonathan Garland is the President and Founder of JGE, a Boston-based 100% minority-owned architecture and design firm with a comprehensive portfolio comprised of multi-family housing, mixed-use development, academic, life sciences, commercial, and university projects. JGE Development focuses on transforming underperforming assets and underutilized parcels into stabilized income-restricted, and market-rate multi-family housing. JGE Development partners with communities to activate and improve historically disinvested neighborhoods throughout Boston’s inner city and urban core.Jonathan has over 25 years of professional experience planning and designing residential, mixed-use, academic, and institutional projects. He has cultivated a widely respected, seasoned approach to designing buildings and transforming neighborhoods and urban communities through high-quality collaborative design and development strategies. A Boston native, Jonathan launched his career with strong educational foundations from the Boston Architectural College and has since been committed to alleviating the housing crisis through innovative and socially responsible real estate solutions. Jonathan discusses the strategic decision behind running both an architectural and development firm, underscoring the significance of community engagement in creating impactful projects. His firm focuses on solving the housing crisis through creative approaches and staying connected with the community. Key Takeaways:Jonathan Garland emphasizes that launching a business requires careful client selection to align with the company's mission and prevent growth stifling.The housing crisis in Massachusetts is accentuated by high construction and living costs, making it crucial to provide affordable housing.Building with community involves genuine conversations to ensure developments meet the real needs of local populations.A deep understanding of development economics and proactive community engagement are essential for architects and developers.Notable Quotes:"When you deal with people in the community, and you engage them, they very rarely remember the designs. They very rarely remember how they got to the final result, but they absolutely remember how they were treated in those meetings."“When we get on our horse every morning, it’s not just putting wall sections together and making floor plans; we’re really trying to marry cost-conscious budgets with housing.” "It really is character, you know, before qualifications. There are certain things you can train with individuals and certain things you can’t train."Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Phil Cohen, Principal at Boston Communities, has over a decade of affordable and mixed-income housing development experience working in both the public and private sectors. Phil’s projects include over 4,000 units of housing and leverage local, state, and federal resources to create affordable and market-rate rental and ownership housing for families and elderly adults. Phil has worked with Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Historic Tax Credits, Workforce Housing funds, Common Wealth Builders funds, RAD and Section 18 conversions, and myriad local funding sources. In the public section, Phil wrote the 2015 Inclusionary Development Policy and worked on other middle-income housing policies including Linkage, density bonuses, and compact unit policies, while permitting over $2B and over 4M square feet of construction including thousands of housing units.The conversation starts with the impact of the Affordable Homes Act of 2024, which infused $5.16 billion into Massachusetts' affordable housing initiatives, strengthening state support and ensuring a robust pipeline for housing projects. Cohen elaborates on how this additional funding has facilitated the creation of diverse housing opportunities that serve communities better by preventing displacement and offering mixed-income housing solutions near transit-oriented areas.Cohen discusses specific projects such as the Roslindale development and shares insights into project funding, acquisition, and the complex approval process required to make such housing a reality. Furthermore, the discussion navigates through pressing topics like rent control and how it can potentially distort housing economics if not implemented thoughtfully. Key Takeaways:The Affordable Homes Act of 2024 has significantly bolstered Massachusetts's affordable housing landscape, allowing ongoing funding and development.Transit-oriented and gateway cities provide strategic locations for housing development, optimizing existing infrastructure to improve accessibility to jobs and resources.Phil Cohen emphasizes the value of mixed-income developments as they create socio-economic mobility and prevent concentrated pockets of poverty in urban areas.Affordable housing relies on complex funding mechanisms and partnerships with communities and multiple stakeholders to address displacement and achieve sustainable growth.Notable Quotes:“We're all helping to create affordability in communities that really need affordability to prevent displacement, keep people in their homes, keep people in the neighborhoods.”“What we don't want to see is pockets of poverty where all the rich kids are on this side of the street, and all the poor kids are on this side of the street."Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Thomas O'Brien is the Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of The HYM Investment Group, LLC. HYM is currently leading the development of over twenty (20) million square feet of mixed-use development in Greater Boston, including the following notable and complex projects: Bulfinch Crossing (the redevelopment of the Government Center Garage), Suffolk Downs, and Parcel 3 in Roxbury. Prior to HYM, O'Brien served as a Managing Partner for JPI, a national developer and owner of multifamily communities, and as a Managing Director in Boston and New York for Tishman Speyer, one of the world’s leading real estate firms. O'Brien also led the Boston Redevelopment Authority as its Director and Chief of Staff, overseeing the development of over 12 million square feet of projects in Boston, from 1993 to 2000. O'Brien has served as Chairman of The Greater Boston Real Estate Board and is Vice Chair of the Board of Overseers of The Anti-Defamation League of New England, which awarded O’Brien its Abraham Joshua Heschel Interfaith Relations Award in 2016. In 2011, Governor Deval Patrick appointed O’Brien to the Board of the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency. In 2016, Mayor Martin J. Walsh appointed O’Brien to the Board of Trustees of the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway Conservancy and in 2024 Governor Maura Healey appointed him to the Board of The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy. He also serves as a Board Member of the Pine Street Inn, Project 351 and the American Repertory Theater at Harvard University. O’Brien is a graduate of Brown University and Suffolk University Law School and is a member of the Massachusetts Bar.Throughout the discussion, themes of resilience, strategic vision, and community impact are highlighted. O'Brien elaborates on his firm's focus on developing high-impact projects situated near transportation hubs, transforming urban landscapes while catering to market demands. Navigating economic fluctuations, seeking opportunities in undervalued sectors like office spaces, and maintaining transparency with partners are key strategies shared by O'Brien in realizing ambitious real estate objectives.  Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

As a Senior Managing Director at Greystar, one of the world’s leading real estate firms, Gary oversees a diverse portfolio of investments spanning more than 5,000 multifamily units across Boston and New York, 2 million square feet of speculative life science space, and 1 million square feet of industrial assets. With over 30,000 employees and $79 billion in assets under management, Greystar is recognized as the largest owner, operator, and developer of multifamily housing worldwide. Kerr has played a significant role in the company's growth, focusing on fostering relationships with capital partners, team development, and revenue generation strategies.Kerr shares insights into the importance of networking, navigating the complexities of development projects, and how Greystar maintains its leadership in the market despite industry challenges, like its modular construction initiative. Kerr elaborates on his personal career journey, shedding light on the critical skills needed to excel in real estate development and the importance of being adaptable, innovative, and a proactive problem solver. Key Takeaways:Networking and Relationships: Gary emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships over just networking, especially within your peer group and immediately above you.Navigating Market Entry: By leveraging Greystar’s breadth of experience and data, Gary explains how they enter and succeed in challenging markets like Everett, Massachusetts, by identifying untapped potential and scalable opportunities.Innovative Construction Methods: The discussion covers Greystar's push into modular construction with Modern Living Solutions, highlighting its potential to reduce costs and accelerate timelines in real estate development.Growth and Opportunity: Growth isn't just a goal, but a means to provide value and innovation in their projects.Crisis and Adaptation: The housing crisis in Massachusetts is dissected with a focus on practical solutions and strategic foresight to address long-term challenges in housing affordability.Notable Quotes:"Growth provides opportunity. So if you want to maintain the best people in the market, you have to continually create new opportunities for them.""Be the most valuable person in the room you can, and all the success, promotions, all those things will just naturally follow.""You solve the problems that no one else wants, and that's how you get ahead.""It's important to have the ability to innovate and define success singularly across all your teams."Resources:Greystar Official WebsiteThe Psychology of Money by Morgan HeiselThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

As listeners prepare to enter 2026, this episode offers a thought-provoking discussion navigating the often challenging interplay between career ambitions and personal life, with the goal of finding contentment in current paths while still striving for success.This week’s episode explores the balance between pursuing professional goals and maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends, with a warning against subconscious comparisons and ego-driven decisions pulling focus away from real values. By setting constraints on time allocation and problem-solving strategies, the conversation emphasizes self-awareness and disciplined action. Success in career and personal life doesn’t require sacrificing one for the other. It requires smart scheduling and prioritizing what truly matters. The episode closes as a grounded exploration of how awareness and long-term thinking sharpen decisions and drive personal fulfillment.Key Takeaways:The balance between career ambition and personal life is possible without sacrificing meaningful relationships or well-being.Self-awareness and disciplined action are key to achieving both professional and personal success.Identifying the right problems to solve is crucial to avoiding wasted effort and addressing root causes rather than symptoms.Long-term thinking helps to improve short-term decision-making and can lead to greater contentment and success over time.A commitment to lifelong learning is essential for uncovering blind spots and enhancing personal growth.Notable Quotes:"Finding content in who you are, the path you're on, the goals you have, and really the life that you're building.""You can advance your relationship with your kids, your relationship with your friends, your relationship with your spouse and pursue career goals.""You need to set constraints on your time and how you're allocating those across the areas of your life.""The root to all of those challenges we face in life is the root to constant pursuit of learning."Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

(Re-run) Eric Garrett is the CEO and founder of The Garrett Companies, a multi-faceted holding company focusing on national multifamily development, construction, and asset management. Over the span of a decade, Eric has engineered The Garrett Companies into a $500 million annual revenue business, achieving notable growth with a unique approach in site evaluation and development. Eric's background spans real estate brokerage, banking, and multifamily development, showcasing his vast industry knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit.In this episode of Design Development, host Rens Hayes interviews Eric Garrett, CEO and founder of The Garrett Companies. The conversation delves deep into the complexities of growing a multifaceted real estate development and construction business that has achieved phenomenal growth since its inception in 2014. Eric shares insights into his unique site evaluation strategies, the importance of operational excellence, and his company's expansion into various sectors including capital fundraising, subcontracting, and restaurants.Eric Garrett's journey from a career in banking and brokerage to founding a multifamily development empire is explored, highlighting key lessons and strategies. From hiring slow and methodically to leveraging technology and AI for site selection, Eric reveals what makes The Garrett Companies stand out in the competitive real estate market. The conversation also touches upon the importance of company culture, strategic advisory teams, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that has guided their success.Key Takeaways:Eric shares how The Garrett Companies leverage their proprietary site evaluation software, augmented by AI, to identify lucrative development sites swiftly.Deep dive into their slow, meticulous hiring process ensuring cultural fit and technical expertise, contributing to high employee retention.Insights into maintaining a vibrant company culture through unique team-building activities and a strong pursuit of excellence principle.Discussion on strategically expanding into new markets and adding business lines in subcontracting and capital funds to create a self-sustaining development ecosystem.Eric’s career trajectory offers valuable lessons on seizing opportunities, understanding every facet of the business, and applying a holistic approach to real estate development.Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Rob Hagan is an Associate Principal at CBT Architects, where he leads multifamily, mixed-use, housing, and hospitality work with a focus on retail planning and the public realm. With more than 25 years in practice, Rob brings a global perspective shaped by projects across the U.S., Abu Dhabi, Taiwan, and Europe.In this episode, Rob explains why retail and the public realm are inextricably linked and how the experience economy is transforming urban development. He shares how online shopping, hybrid retail models, and data-driven design are changing what belongs at the ground floor, and why understanding human behavior is crucial to the success of mixed-use projects.The conversation also explores Rob’s career journey, leadership philosophy, and commitment to inclusive culture. From mentoring young architects to founding initiatives like CBT Proud and Out in Design, Rob offers a clear view on how thoughtful leadership and community-building strengthen both firms and the industry.Key TakeawaysGround-floor retail shapes how people experience buildings.The experience economy is redefining urban retail design.Cultural context changes how architecture works and is lived in.Strong leadership comes from trust, inclusion, and empowering teams.Notable Quotes“The place where the average person has a chance to really have a meaningful experience with your building, if they’re not living there or working there, is at the ground level of the building.” - Rob"The best ideas are really the ones that come from multiple viewpoints coming to the table. And it’s not one individual who decides. Some of the tough decisions are the ones that are made through consensus." - Rob“[People are] really focused on going and making meaningful experiences. They’re not focused on going out and grabbing a good at a particular store as much as they used to be.” - Rob“Success in the business world is equal parts what you know and who you know, and the relationships you’re able to build really are the thing that can catalyze the next opportunity for you.” - Rob"I always tell people that leadership really is an act of continual greater efforts for selflessness. If you’re doing it right, it’s not about you. You are a conduit to meeting your clients’ needs and providing your team the opportunity to grow and learn."- RobResources: CBT ArchitectsRob HaganBook Recommendations: Turn the Ship Around! by David Marquet, Start With Why by Simon Sinek, and The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick LencioniThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

This week's episode is a guest episode on the Growthitect Podcast with Tyler Suomala (also featured in Design Development, Episode 147).Our discussion offers an insightful exploration into building a robust, long-term growth strategy that effectively balances relationship building with strategic marketing, since word of mouth alone may not suffice in today's competitive landscape. I unpack the prevalent myth that architecture and engineering firms can thrive on word of mouth alone by emphasizing the necessity of developing a comprehensive business strategy. With an aim to equip firm owners with the right tools, the conversation navigates through essential concepts like the identification of the ideal customer and the critical importance of delivering distinguishable value. Key Takeaways:Value Articulation: Understanding and clearly articulating the unique value your firm provides is essential for attracting ideal clients and driving successful word-of-mouth marketing.Strategic Growth Planning: Avoid relying solely on word of mouth; instead, implement a long-term growth strategy that includes active marketing and brand consistency.Client Language: Communicate your firm's value in terms that resonate with clients, like cost savings or efficiency improvements, rather than industry jargon.Business Resilience: In downturns, firms that demonstrate clearly defined value propositions and strategic marketing plans maintain a competitive edge.Continual Learning: Constantly seek out business education opportunities to mitigate risks and increase the value of your firm over time.Notable Quotes:"The actual goal is to win the right project with the right customer for the right price. It's not to win every project at any price." – Rens Hayes"Word of mouth doesn't just mean, like, I hope they say Rens is cool. It's about what they are actually saying about your firm." – Tyler Suomala"A lot of businesses are the same. The unique part is the industry-specific delivery." – Rens Hayes"How do architects know if word-of-mouth referrals will not dry up, and are they prepared for when that day comes?" – Tyler Suomala"If you don't know who you serve and how you create value to them, you can't influence word of mouth in the right direction." – Rens HayesResources:H+O Structural EngineeringLinkedIn: Follow Rens HayesThe Compound Effect by Darren HardyExtreme Ownership by Jocko WillinkThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Anyeley Hallová is the founder and CEO of Adre, a socially responsible real estate development company. She's committed to introducing inclusivity and equity in real estate, focusing on sustainable and socially beneficial development practices. She has an extensive educational background, including a Master’s in City Planning from MIT and a Master’s in Landscape Architecture from Harvard. She even impacted changes in the International Building Code advancing mass timber construction.She shares her journey from co-founder of project^, where she gained insights into sustainable design, to launching Adre, driven by her passion for promoting equity and environmental stewardship in urban planning. She speaks candidly about the systemic issues in housing policies influenced by historical discrimination and highlights how projects can be guided by core values rather than mere market trends. Key Takeaways:Socially responsible real estate development integrates inclusive practices at every phase, focusing on who owns, designs, builds, and benefits from the property.The challenges faced by real estate developers can be countered with innovative funding solutions, combining philanthropy and investment for a blended return.Essential for progress is the incorporation of community needs and feedback, avoiding 'cookie-cutter' solutions in diverse locations.Notable Quotes:“Socially responsible real estate development requires thinking about ownership, community, and sustainable design at every phase.” – Anyeley“You can't manage what you don't measure. Innovative organizations create their own standards and metrics.” – Rens Hayes“The financial activism space is about using your money and your impact to create equity.” – Anyeley“Developers can solve issues with influence, not just with a project.” – AnyeleyResources:The book "Color of Law" by Richard Rothstein: Influential in Anyeley’s transition towards starting Adre."Coming to America" Podcast: Hosted by Anyeley’s husband, exploring immigration stories.A Kid's Book About Real Estate Development: Authored by Anyeley, aiming to introduce children to the fundamentals of real estate development.Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Matt Marotta is the Managing Principal and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Icon Architecture. With a diverse background in architecture and operations, Matt has been instrumental in leading projects across residential, institutional, and public domains. Having begun his career at Icon as an intern, Matt has risen through the ranks over two decades, becoming an owner and pivotal figure in the firm's leadership team. Through a detailed discussion, Matt unveils the technological evolution within the architectural field, from hand drawings to AutoCAD and BIM, weighing the benefits and challenges each innovation brings. He highlights the critical balance between project management and operations, sharing strategies for fostering junior staff development and maintaining high-quality design standards. The episode also touches on the impact of AI in architecture, offering a glimpse into future efficiencies and opportunities in the industry.Key Takeaways:Stakeholder Collaboration: Successful project approval hinges on engaging stakeholders, iterating designs, and incorporating community feedback.Career Growth: Embrace new challenges and mentorship; ownership opportunities often arise from initiative and strategic learning.Technological Transition: From 2D drafting to BIM, each tool in architecture has strengths and challenges, and future innovation like AI promises further evolution.Team Development: Focusing on employee strengths and facilitating continuous learning are essential for a productive architectural practice.Balancing Roles: Operational success in architecture requires juggling multiple responsibilities while empowering team autonomy.Notable Quotes:"You always have to give something back... whether it's how it presents itself or how it fits into the urban fabric.""Ownership wasn't something I was ready for, but I don't think anyone ever is.""AI can probably get us to that next level... helping us with the errors in our construction.""As a managing principal, you can't be the champion for solving every problem on your projects.""Finding what your skill set is... as a junior staff, connects you with someone who can guide you."Resources:Icon ArchitectureWentworth Institute of TechnologyThe Six Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni Matt MorottaThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

David Tabenken is a seasoned architect and principal at Hacin, a renowned architectural design firm. With over two decades of experience in the field, David has worked on a diverse range of projects, including urban design and campus planning at Carnegie Mellon University and influential interior design endeavors like the restaurant Myers and Chang in Boston's South End. David provides rich insights into the cultural heart of Hacin, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and the importance of interdisciplinary thinking in fostering exceptional design. He reflects on the company's commitment to blending architectural visions with interior design early in the development phase, a strategy incorporating multiple perspectives, thus enriching the creative process. The conversation traverses projects ranging from local gems in Boston to residential stretches across the U.S., showcasing David's proficiency and dedication to architectural excellence. Key Takeaways:Integration of Interior Design: Exemplifying how integrating interior design into architectural projects from the conceptual stage leads to more cohesive and impactful designs.Durability as a Metric: Using the longevity of a space without renovation as an indicator of successful design, as illustrated by the lasting impact of the Myers and Chang project.Cultivating Company Culture: David discusses the benefits of fostering a collegial and loyal company culture at Hacin, contributing to staff retention and firm stability even in economic fluctuations.Strategic Growth: The importance of deliberate and incremental firm growth, maintaining quality and stability without succumbing to rapid expansion pressures.Diversity in Influence: Celebrating the diverse educational and cultural backgrounds within Hacin’s team, enriching the firm’s creative approach and innovative problem-solving.Notable Quotes:"Having interior design integrated into our office has really impacted the way we do architecture." - David Tabenken"We're loyal to him [David Hacin], he makes it a good place to work, and he's very loyal to his staff." - David Tabenken"I always made it clear what was important to me was kind of growing as an architect, making sure I was not just doing design." - David Tabenken"At the end of the day, what you're designing needs to be good." - David TabenkenResources:HacinBooks: "How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth"Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

James Gray is a seasoned architect and Senior Principal at Stantec, a leading global design and consulting firm. With a career spanning over three decades, he has been instrumental in leading significant growth and transitions in the architecture and construction industry. Starting at AD Inc., James cultivated a successful trajectory which eventually led to the company’s acquisition by Stantec. Throughout the episode, James discusses the roles of cultural alignment in mergers and acquisitions, particularly highlighting the synergies realized through Stantec's acquisition of Page. With a focus on sustainability, the episode examines how urban architecture can solve environmental challenges and the potential of technology and policies in shaping the future. James also shares personal anecdotes about his career influences and pivotal projects, offering insights into the intricacies of architectural design and development from a leadership perspective. By understanding broader economic forces and trends, James provides practical strategies for thriving in both prosperous and challenging times within the industry.Key Takeaways:Leadership in Transition: James emphasizes the importance of building motivated teams and aligning their passion with organizational goals during periods of transition and growth.Navigating Economic Challenges: The episode provides insights into strategies for resilience and innovation in the face of economic downturns and market changes.Cultural Alignment in M&A: Discusses the critical role of cultural compatibility in successful mergers and acquisitions, drawing from the Page and Stantec integration.Sustainability in Architecture: Explores how urban densification and the evolution of environmental policies can address the challenges posed by climate change.Future of Design and Technology: Highlights the growing importance of electrification and artificial intelligence in shaping the future of architectural design and sustainability.Notable Quotes:"At the end of the day, motivation is the most important, and helping people be motivated for the kind of greater good is what I found to be the best recipe.""A big company is really a collection of individuals. It's a bigger collection, but it's still, and it has leadership. And the leaders of this company care about the work.""Insatiable curiosity is really important to being good at anything, frankly, and certainly in this business.""I like to say that I've been wildly more successful than I ever imagined.""Sometimes people probably called me nosy, which is sort of the other connotation of the same kind of set of behaviors."Resources:Stantec Official WebsiteJames Nestor's book: Breath: The New Science of a Lost ArtThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Jonathan Segal is a highly accomplished architect, developer, and educator known for his integrative approach to real estate development. With nearly four decades of experience, he successfully operates Segal Design Build, overseeing comprehensive projects from architecture to development and construction. Renowned for his innovative "Architect as Developer" model, Jonathan bridges the gap between architectural design and financial strategization, removing traditional industry roadblocks. As the conversation unfolds, Jonathan reveals his distinct approach to running Segal Design Build with an ultra-lean team, epitomizing efficiency and creativity. Learning business acumen alongside technical skills is outspokenly advocated by Jonathan as a necessary facet for aspiring architects aiming for development roles. Filled with valuable takeaways, this episode is a remarkable resource for architects and developers looking to expand their horizons in real estate.Key Takeaways:Architects as Entrepreneurs: Jonathan stresses the importance of gaining business acumen and operational control as an architect to drive successful development projects.Integrated Approach: By combining roles of architect, developer, and builder, Jonathan eliminates inefficiencies caused by traditional project fragmentation.Lean Operations: Running a successful development firm with a minimalistic team structure allows for improved efficiency and decision-making.Market Dynamics Insight: Jonathan offers nuanced perspectives on current real estate market challenges, emphasizing strategic adaptability in changing economic conditions.Inspirational Mentorship: Through his teachings and seminar leadership, Jonathan guides aspiring architects to develop self-sustaining careers in the industry.Notable Quotes:"We don't have a request for information log. This is it right here." "I've been interested in working hard and benefiting from it since third grade." "The education that we get is tremendous by being on-site every single day." "You have control of your destiny.""I'm more than happy to let everybody make money doing what I do."Resources:Architect as Developer: architectasdeveloper.com - Learn about Jonathan Segal's approach and seminars.Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Kevin Kennon is a renowned architect internationally recognized for his work in real estate design and construction. He became a partner at the prestigious Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), where he executed projects such as the Rodin Museum in Korea and led developments in downtown New York, including projects for Lehman Brothers. Kevin later founded Kevin Kennon Architecture, broadened his expertise through Kevin Kennan Design Consultancy, and established Beyond Zero to focus on sustainable luxury resort developments.The discussion touches on the industry's prospects, emphasizing opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, and how architects can leverage these advancements to ask better questions and refine their visionary capabilities. The conversation also dives into Kevin's motivation for starting his own firm, the trials of entrepreneurship following 9/11, and how global events like the pandemic have shaped his current ventures, such as sustainable development projects with Beyond Zero. Kevin's reflections underline the importance of creativity, collaboration, and adaptive learning in cultivating a successful architectural career, emphasizing that—above all—architecture is about crafting and communicating compelling narratives.Key Takeaways:Interconnection of Architecture and Society: Architecture ought to reflect and serve contemporary social values, transforming challenges like AI into opportunities for innovative questioning and design.Professional Evolution: Kevin’s career trajectory from an esteemed partner at KPF to establishing his architectural firm showcases the shifts in industry dynamics and the entrepreneurial spirit needed to adapt.Creativity and Curiosity: A successful architect balances creativity, confident humility, and continuous learning — attributes that fuel personal and professional growth.Challenges in Architectural Practice: With abysmal industry margins, Kevin discusses how architects can align business acumen with passion to innovate and succeed in different sectors, including sustainable developments.Notable Quotes:"Architecture must meet the moment. It's about understanding the present and envisioning the future.""The promise of AI in architecture lies not in solving problems but in helping us ask better questions.""The goal isn't to resolve something. The goal is just to open another door.""Architecture isn't just about building structures; it's about crafting a narrative that accommodates and communicates visions."Resources:Kennon Design Consultancy AIABeyond ZeroThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Lizbeth Heyer is the President of 2Life Communities, an organization dedicated to creating affordable, supportive housing for older adults. Her career in affordable housing began as a tenant organizer, and she has held significant roles such as Associate Director of Public Housing and Rental Assistance in the Massachusetts government. As they explore the increased demand for senior housing driven by the baby boom generation, Lizbeth stresses the importance of supportive community living over traditional senior housing models. The conversation expands to include the societal challenges of elder economic insecurity, the role of community in combating loneliness, and the strategic partnerships required for addressing health care needs within these communities.Key Takeaways:Supportive Housing vs. Senior Housing: Lizbeth argues for a shift in mindset from traditional senior housing to supportive housing models that provide critical community and health supports for the aging population.The Opus Model: 2Life's OPUS communities offer an innovative approach to middle-income senior housing, providing affordable living without subsidies and creating vibrant community environments.Economic and Social Challenges: The episode highlights the economic challenges older adults face and how community living can significantly alleviate those pressures.Preventative Health Care: Understanding housing as a social determinant of health can lead to major cost savings and better quality of life for seniors by preventing unnecessary hospital visits.The Importance of Advocacy: Lizbeth emphasizes the need for ongoing advocacy and policy change to secure affordable housing and supportive services for all older adults.Notable Quotes:"Choosing to move into supportive housing, choosing to share your life with others, is choosing success.""We call it supportive housing and we call that aging in community, because community is the best anecdote to loneliness.""The best preventative medicine is keeping people living healthfully, keeping them out of emergency departments, and unnecessary hospitalizations.""We have a holistic view and have to care about prioritization and smart decisions that support the holistic need of housing."Resources:2Life Communities Website: 2lifecommunities.org – Find comprehensive information about missions, projects, and ways to get involved.Book Recommendation: Being Mortal by Atul Gawande – A book examining the care of older adults and the medical treatment of aging.Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Jonathan Iger is the CEO of Sage Realty Corporation, a dynamic leader with a wealth of experience in real estate, design, and construction sectors. Under his leadership, Sage Realty is redefining the tenant experience in a manner akin to the hospitality industry, establishing a consistent branded experience across its portfolio through the Sage Collection.Throughout the conversation, Jonathan shares his journey from his entrepreneurial beginnings to leading Sage Realty, a company with an illustrious 101-year history. He explores the challenges and opportunities in the office building sector, particularly emphasizing the need for a consistent, hospitality-inspired brand experience that goes beyond traditional real estate management. The conversation highlights the importance of enriching tenant experiences and offers valuable lessons on branding, tenant retention, and the future of office spaces.Key Takeaways:The Vision of Sage Realty: Jonathan Eager discusses how Sage Realty has implemented a hospitality-inspired brand experience across its properties, similar to the hotel industry's branded approach, enhancing tenant satisfaction and retention.Value-add Repositioning: Jonathan talks about revitalizing existing assets by investing in tenant experience, services, and aesthetics, beyond traditional capital improvements.Impact of Branding in Real Estate: The episode sheds light on why branding office properties can significantly alter tenant perception and engagement, akin to the loyalty-driven approaches used by major hotel chains.Operational Excellence: Jonathan emphasizes the importance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and continuous evaluation of tenant touchpoints to elevate customer experiences, drawing from hospitality industry best practices.Notable Quotes:"Our approach is much more akin to what you see in the hospitality industry... creating a consistent branded experience across all of our assets.""Our outlook is not we're going to sell this building in three years and all that matters is we got the highest gross rent... because that's never the outcome for us.""People come to the restaurant for the food, they come back for the experience.""The more properties that we manage under the Sage brand, the more lives we get to enrich.""Enriching the lives of people at work is not just a mission statement; it's our purpose."Resources:Sage Realty Corporation: WebsiteExcellence Wins by Horst Schulze: Recommended reading for insights into hospitality and customer experience excellence.Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Haril Pandya is a Senior Principal at TRIA, where he brings extensive experience in life sciences, adaptive reuse, multifamily projects, hospitality, retail, and workplace design. Before TRIA, Haril was known for his successful tenure at CBT as a leader in repositioning projects, leveraging his entrepreneurial spirit, having also run his own firm, Studio Pandya. He offers insights into what architects should focus on in the future while maintaining a connection to the constant human need for spaces that feel right. Pandya underscores the enduring importance of the human condition, stating, "What we like is what we like, and nine times out of ten, or maybe eight times out of ten, we all tend to like sort of similar things." The discussion also examines the importance of business acumen, client relationships, and the challenges of leadership, all enriched by Haril’s pursuit of continued learning and coaching certification.Key Takeaways:Innovation in Architecture: Haril discusses the role of new technologies and materials, like 3D printing, in pushing architectural boundaries and the anticipation for future developments.Human-Centric Design: A timeless element in this ever-innovative industry is the human comfort factor in spaces, emphasizing the importance of how environments affect emotions.Entrepreneurial Spirit: Haril narrates his journey from running a small firm to influencing industry practices at larger firms, highlighting the equilibrium of innovation and market adaptation.Leadership & Lifelong Learning: Insights into leadership centered on understanding, asking the right questions, and a dedication to lifelong learning through coaching and mentorship.Market Dynamics: Eye-opening commentary on how architecture firms need to adapt to market cycles by innovating within traditional practices.Notable Quotes:"Our sense and sensibility of what we like, what we don't like, what we feel comfortable in—that hasn't changed in years.""The first place I go in the owner's manual is the troubleshooting section.""If you have that access now, the competition for the same space becomes greater.""If you're going to apply those (school projects) immediately to the office...that's not what happens."Resources:Simon Sinek's Book: Start With WhyPodcasts Mentioned: How I Built This by Guy Raz, Diary of a CEO by Steven BartlettBooks Discussed: How to Be a Rainmaker by Jeffrey J. Fox, Coach the Person, Not the Problem by Marcia ReynoldsHaril Pandya on LinkedIn: Haril Pandya LinkedInThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Tyler Suomala is a growth strategist and consultant specializing in helping architecture firms grow their businesses through effective marketing and sales strategies. He shares his insights on how architecture firms can enhance their growth by focusing on effective referral strategies, encouraging listeners to double down on methods that organically generate leads without significant financial investments. He emphasizes the importance of refining business development practices and the detrimental effects of undercutting fees due to a scarcity mindset.Tyler delves into the critical need for firms to harness marketing actively, distinguishing between marketing and sales functions and shedding light on the misconceptions surrounding them within the design industry. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Tyler elucidates the necessity for architectural firms to adopt a client-centric approach, understand behavioral economics, and improve pricing strategies to thrive in a competitive marketplace.Key Takeaways:Referrals as a Growth Strategy: Double down on referrals and word-of-mouth as an effective means of growing your architecture firm without incurring additional costs.Defining Marketing vs. Sales: Understand the distinctions between marketing and sales tasks within a firm to effectively leverage efforts and improve client engagement.Overcoming the Scarcity Mindset: Avoid reducing fees out of fear; instead, focus on creating a reliable stream of quality leads to ensure sustainable business growth.Continuous Business Development: Consistently invest time in business development, even during busy periods, to prevent reactive sales tactics and ensure long-term stability.Notable Quotes:"Most people don't do it [referral strategy] because they're getting word of mouth and referrals passively.""Marketing to me is literally any activity that you're doing with an effort towards increasing awareness around your business.""You cannot have too many conversations, you cannot have a conversation that's below you if you're trying to improve your sales process.""If you don't have repeatable things... to continue bringing in leads even when you're busy, then your business is at significant risk.""Loss aversion... It's two times more emotionally painful to lose something of the same value rather than to win it."Resources:Growthitect: GrowthitectMonograph: Project management software for architectsBooks Mentioned:"Pitch Anything" by Oren Klaff"Never Split the Difference" by Chris VossGeorge SaundersThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Stephanie Reichman is an accomplished professional with a background in structural and civil engineering. Despite her educational focus on engineering, Stephanie has crafted a diverse career path that includes roles in project management and virtual design within engineering and construction firms. Her unique career path and passion for assisting others in navigating career pivots have made her a valued voice in the industry. Additionally, she is involved in entrepreneurial efforts, including initiatives that aid professionals in career transitions through resources like AEC Tech Jobs.Stefanie explores how engineers can overcome traditional constraints by developing diverse skills and the importance of storytelling when presenting oneself during interviews. The episode also uncovers topics like navigating burnout, the significance of clear communication within companies, and how engineers can leverage their value to advocate for themselves in their career growth. Key Takeaways:Career Flexibility: Stephanie illustrates how an engineering background can serve as a foundation for various career paths beyond conventional roles.Importance of Storytelling in Interviews: Effectively communicating your personal career journey and value can significantly influence a successful career pivot.Managing Burnout and Career Satisfaction: Identifying personal and professional growth motivations can help mitigate burnout and align career choices with life goals.Constructive Career Conversations: Regular feedback and open dialogue with employers are critical in setting career expectations and personal development goals.Notable Quotes:"I studied structural engineering but realized I didn't want to be a structural engineer. That realization opened doors to explore roles like project management and eventually construction tech.""The interview really is the company's way of de-risking hiring you. It's important to communicate your story and the value you bring effectively.""Burnout often comes from working too much without seeing the desired outcomes. It’s essential to have clear targets and understand how your work aligns with them.""Understanding how you make your company money and being able to communicate that can be vital in discussing promotions and raises."Resources:Stephanie Reichman's LinkedIn: Stephanie Reichman on LinkedInBluebeam: Bluebeam's WebsiteAEC Tech Jobs: A platform connecting talent with tech opportunities in the AEC industry.Podcast Mentioned: Jay Shetty's "On Purpose."Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Keith Boyle, Principal at CUBE 3, is a seasoned professional with decades of experience in the field of architecture, design, and construction. As a leading figure at CUBE 3, Keith has played a pivotal role in the firm's expansion and success. Keith discusses the evolution of CUBE 3 from its early days to becoming a national leader in architecture and design, emphasizing the importance of aligning architecture with client vision and successfully managing expectations through innovative solutions. As an expert in creating strong partnerships in the real estate sector, Keith shares insights on navigating client relationships, the integration of AI in architecture, and the importance of fostering a company culture where innovation thrives.CUBE 3's national presence and diverse expertise have enabled the firm to work on transformative projects, including the renowned Titleist Performance Testing Center. Keith explains how focusing on service, communication, and leveraging technology has contributed to CUBE 3's success. From his personal connection to the Pan-Mass Challenge to exploring emerging trends in AI for architecture, Keith's conversation provides comprehensive insights into the future of design and construction.Key Takeaways:Aligning Vision with Design: Importance of understanding client needs and offering design solutions that align with their long-term goals.Embracing Technology: Implementing AI and 3D printing to streamline operations and enhance design processes.Client Relationships & Trust: Building strong, enduring partnerships through transparency, trust, and effective communication.Culture of Innovation: The significance of fostering an environment that encourages questioning norms, embracing challenges, and employee growth.Philanthropic Ventures: Personal motivations and the impactful work done through initiatives like the Pan-Mass Challenge.Notable Quotes:"Designing their vision is not just a tagline for us; it's a commitment to truly understand and execute on our client’s needs.""When you give more, you get more back. It's about opening doors and building relationships that are mutually beneficial.""We want to hire and work with people that are much smarter than me, so we can progress and push the firm in a bigger direction.""It's not about the destination; it's about the journey and who you are on that journey with.""Embrace AI as an asset. It's an amazing tool that can change the architecture process without replacing the human element."Resources:CUBE 3Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Stephen Baker is the founder and principal of Baker Design Group, an esteemed architecture and design firm headquartered in Boston. With a career spanning over three decades, Stephen has cultivated an extensive portfolio featuring projects across 20 countries, making him a recognized name in international architecture. He reveals how the rise of the Internet played a critical role in his firm's global reach and discusses his early collaboration with Gap that paved the way for Baker Design Group's expansion into international markets. Stephen's narrative highlights the importance of trust, innovation, and excellence in design.Stephen further elucidates the core philosophy that drives Baker Design Group, emphasizing the power of integrating multiple design disciplines. He illustrates his approach with compelling examples, including the world-renowned TripAdvisor headquarters, showcasing how comprehensive design thinking goes beyond aesthetics to improve user experience and operational efficiency. Stephen's stories are enriched with insights into the entrepreneurial spirit, strategic partnerships, and the future of architecture with emerging technologies like AI. Key Takeaways:Baker Design Group utilizes an interdisciplinary approach, leveraging various design disciplines to create impactful architectural solutions.Stephen's collaboration with Gap exemplifies how innovative design can transform retail experiences and establish global reach.Trust, collaboration, and aligning with a client's mission are crucial for establishing successful international partnerships.Innovative technology and seamless integration of design elements are central to creating functional and inspiring workspaces.Architecture and design should prioritize enabling end-users, simplifying complex systems to enhance usability and functionality.Notable Quotes:"Trust is everything. There's trust in communication, and that's where the magic happens.""In the field of industrial design, it's what you enable the customer or client to do. And we apply that to architecture.""This isn't just office space; it's a destination. That's how we view projects like TripAdvisor's world headquarters.""Architecture is not about adding more cost; it's about spending your money differently to achieve better results."Resources:Baker Design Group - Stephen Baker's architecture firmTripAdvisor - Notably mentioned as a significant clientBooks: "What They Don't Teach at Harvard Business School" and "What They Still Don't Teach at Harvard Business School"Harvard University - Referenced for high-performance learning environmenThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Mike and Jordan Wilson are CEO & Director of Business Development of Corporate Tax Advisors, contributing specialized knowledge in assessing and securing tax credits for businesses. They explain the nuances of corporate tax strategies and how their services help businesses capitalize on lesser-known tax incentives. Mike and Jordan explore the latest opportunities arising from recent tax law changes, specifically the "big beautiful bill." This episode delves into how these modifications stand to impact companies in real estate, architecture, engineering, construction, and monies with revenues below $31 million.Key Takeaways:Understanding Bonus Depreciation: The reinstatement of 100% bonus depreciation creates significant tax-saving opportunities for real estate professionals.R&D Credit Restoration: Amortization of R&D expenses, a costly change from past tax codes, is removed, offering significant benefits, particularly to compaMike is a seasoned tax expert at Corporate Tax Advisors, a specialty firm distinguishing itself from traditional CPA firms by focusing on capturing tax incentives for businesses. Mike's primary role involves navigating the intricate sections of the Internal Revenue Code to deliver lucrative tax savings without filing tax returns.Section 179D Advantages: Despite upcoming changes, the incentive offers substantial deductions for energy-efficient designs, with ongoing opportunities through careful planning and project initiation.Tax Strategy Alignment: Corporate Tax Advisors offer performance-based billing, ensuring clients' alignment with tax savings objectives.Audit Readiness: With tax credits and deductions comes the possibility of audits, and Corporate Tax Advisors ensure proper preparation and negotiation with the IRS.Notable Quotes:"We generally don't have to deliver bad news. Usually, the news we're delivering is good." - Mike"The tax code is often written in a way that if you are investing your time, energy, and resources in things that are advancing the country and the government's interests, you get opportunities to deduct your taxable income." - Renz Hayes"It's a lot of how we evaluate how our overall economy is performing. So to have this advantage is a very necessary part of our system." - Mike"If there's no risk to learning if there's an opportunity, why wouldn't you do that?" - Renz Hayes"Audits are a part of life and we want to do everything we can to be ready for it in the small chance it happens." - MikeResources:Corporate Tax Advisors: WebsiteEpisode 95 featuring Jordan Wilson: Past discussion on tax strategiesThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Katharine Lau is the dynamic founder and CEO of Stuf Storage, a company that reimagines self-storage by leveraging under-utilized commercial real estate to create tech-enabled storage solutions. Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey, Kat held a key role at Industrious as their first real estate hire, where she was instrumental in the company's expansion, managing multiple deals and contributing to new product launches.As cities emerge from the challenges of pandemic-induced vacancies, Kat captures the opportunity to provide urban spaces with proximity-based storage solutions, enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of self-storage for modern consumers. By focusing on previously overlooked urban spaces and employing advanced technology, she's optimizing customer experiences and streamlining operations. Key Takeaways:Innovative Storage Solutions: Stuf Storage monetizes underutilized real estate in commercial buildings to offer convenient, tech-enabled self-storage solutions closer to where people live and work.Strategic Partnerships: The company employs a revenue-sharing model with landlords, converting non-revenue generating spaces into profitable storage units without owning the real estate.AI-Powered Operations: Stuf Storage utilizes proprietary technology, creating efficient and scalable operations amid growing storage demands.Founder Journey Insights: Kat Lau draws on her experience from Industrious, emphasizing thoughtful decision-making and questioning traditional models to drive innovation in self-storage.Expansion and Opportunities: Targeting urban areas with high storage demands, Kat envisions Stuf Storage expanding into markets such as Philadelphia and Miami, representing a significant growth opportunity for developers.Notable Quotes:"We're incredibly different. We offer a new form of supply to the market and monetize underutilized real estate in commercial buildings.""54% of millennials visit their storage unit weekly because it's an extension of their home.""All of our locations, the entire network, is remotely operated.""One of the best pieces of advice was our growth strategy can't just be a reaction to what wework's doing."Resources:Stuf Storage website: Stuf StorageLinkedIn - Kat Lau: Kat Lau on LinkedInIndustrious website: IndustriousAcquired Podcast: Acquired PodcastBooks Mentioned: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Brent Berc is the co-founder of the Boston Real Estate Collaborative, alongside partners Will Avanessian and Patrick Haydon. In the realm of real estate, Brent has significantly impacted the Boston area development scene, focusing on innovative housing solutions like micro-apartments and co-living spaces. His early career challenges turned into pivotal successes, like the East Dedham Street deal which helped lay a strong foundation for the growth of his firm. This investment not only set a precedent for his entrepreneurial journey but also fueled the company's expansion and innovation in property development.Brent shares insightful anecdotes about navigating the hurdles of getting bank loans as emerging developers and the significance of maintaining core values and communication in long-term partnerships. Brent reflects on the joy of problem-solving, learning from each deal, and crafting spaces that add value to the community, which aligns with the collective vision of the Boston Real Estate Collaborative.Key Takeaways:The East Dedham Street Deal: A fortunate acquisition in 2013 that became a catalyst for the growth of Boston Real Estate Collaborative, illustrating the impact of strategic positioning and luck.Innovative Rental Solutions: Discussion on the success of micro-apartments and short-term rentals before Airbnb popularized the concept, highlighting the evolving nature of urban housing.Challenges in Development: Insights into how Boston’s stringent real estate regulations and community expectations shape the development process, even for small-scale projects.The Importance of Mentorship and Values: Brent emphasizes the role of mentorship and personal values as guiding forces in his career choices and business operations.Adapting to Market Changes: The episode discusses strategies to mitigate risks in high-interest environments and the importance of stable planning in real estate development.Notable Quotes:“Luck, I think, is the biggest thing that played a factor there. We were in the right place at the right time.”"You sort of put these things out there in your work and life, and you attract people and experiences that are in line with what you're putting out there.""It's not about what it is, it's about what it is not... Density is, you know, again with this conversation has been talked about till the cows come home.""The best deal is also the most fulfilling deal. And you know, I haven't seen that yet."Resources:Boston Real Estate CollaborativeFlipkey (mentioned historically as an early rental platform)"How Big Things Get Done" by Bent FlyvbjergThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Mark Shraiberg is the Vice President of Development Management at Trammell Crow Company, a prominent subsidiary of CBRE. With Mark's comprehensive understanding of design, spatial planning, and strategic investments positions him as a significant thought leader in the real estate sector. The discussion dives deep into the changing landscapes of real estate development, the challenges and innovations over recent years, and Mark’s extensive career journey from architecture to high-level development management. With a focus on community-centric projects and long-term value generation, the episode offers a thought-provoking glance at the essence of modern development strategies amid evolving market conditions.Mark discusses the critical evolution in the real estate and construction sectors over the last few years, particularly post-COVID, highlighting the need for a shift in approach to deal-making and project execution. From navigating uncertainty and regulatory challenges to understanding the new demands of investors and communities, the conversation encapsulates the complex nature of today’s development landscape. Mark emphasizes empathy, innovative thinking, and sustainable practices as central to overcoming present challenges and creating significant community impact.Key Takeaways:The real estate landscape requires novel approaches to development and investment strategies amidst post-COVID realities and market shifts.Successful development now demands empathy, creativity, and a focus on sustainable practices to address the needs and constraints of all stakeholders.Engaging with local communities and understanding their history is crucial for creating long-lasting, impactful projects.Experience in diverse roles within the industry enhances understanding and empathy, facilitating better project planning and execution.Opportunities often lie in times of uncertainty, requiring vision, calculated risks, and a focus on collaborative problem-solving.Notable Quotes:"A new market inevitably sends you, gives you new challenges. And now I think we have to look back at ourselves...""The path has been cleared, the obstacles are surmountable, and we're going to be able to get to where we all see we're going to go together.""True craftsmanship is worth their weight in gold, and I think we all know this from being out on construction projects.""Change is probably the most difficult thing that we encounter as humans.""The truth is we all have creativity inside of us."Resources:Books:The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick RubinPodcasts:99% Invisible by Roman MarsCompany:Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Matthew Baron is a renowned real estate developer with over 25 years of experience, currently leading Baron Property Group. He co-founded Simon Baron Development where he specialized in multifamily developments, particularly in New York City. Under his leadership at Baron Property Group, Matt oversees ambitious projects in NYC and Miami, with a pipeline of 3,600 units and over $2 billion in project value.Matt shares how he got his start in New York City, working his way from a commercial mortgage broker to a top-tier developer with significant projects in both NYC and Miami—two of the most challenging real estate markets in the U.S. His journey from humble beginnings, through strategic partnerships, to leading a company with a multibillion-dollar portfolio captures the core narrative of success against the odds.As the conversation unfolds, he discusses the complexities introduced by local land use regulations, market demand, materials sourcing, and other logistical concerns that can make or break a development project. Matt emphasizes the significance of strategic partnerships, as seen in Miami, where local knowledge supplemented by his operational acumen led to successful expansions. Key Takeaways:Partnerships and Local Insights: Success in new markets often hinges on strong local partnerships that can navigate local land use and cultural nuances effectively.Development Strategy: Developing large-scale multifamily properties in high-demand areas like NYC and Miami requires significant capital, strategic site acquisition, and meticulous planning.Supply Constraints and Market Dynamics: Understanding market dynamics such as supply-demand imbalances can provide competitive advantages and instruct strategic planning.Operational Efficiencies: Leveraging third-party property management and construction firms allows developers to focus on scaling and managing risk.Growth and Expansion: Evaluating new markets requires comprehensive local knowledge and a commitment to mitigating risks through strategic alliances and extensive planning.Notable Quotes:"You show me any deal, any site, any block [in New York], I know what can be built.""In New York, if you show me a site and I know that site can't be developed... I'll know because I just know because I'm in that world.""It's easy to get into a partnership. It's very challenging to get out of.""Developing large-scale projects is all about your basis.""You don't want to be the schmuck that bought the one site everybody knows you shouldn't buy."Resources:Baron Property GroupThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Bryan Koop is a distinguished expert in capital markets, currently representing CBRE, a global leader in commercial real estate services and investments. With a robust background spanning roles at Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan, his expertise lies in commercial real estate finance, particularly in multifamily, industrial, office, and retail sectors. As the industry faces unprecedented challenges due to high interest rates and evolving market dynamics, Bryan highlights the current trends and shifts in capital allocation, noting a significant movement away from urban cores to more suburban locations for certain projects, particularly in the multifamily sector. The conversation unveils the crucial metrics and hurdles that define economic viability in commercial real estate projects, such as untrended return on cost and investment return thresholds. Key Takeaways:Suburban Shift: Investors are increasingly favoring suburban locations over urban cores for multifamily projects due to better cost basis and strong renter demand, despite challenges in suburban office markets.Economic Viability Metrics: Understanding untrended return on cost and levered IRR is essential for developers to ensure projects meet investor expectations.Capital Market Dynamics: The capital stack for commercial real estate deals is shifting with current market conditions, affecting when and how LP equity engages in projects.Role of Relationships: Building strong relationships and being a lifelong learner are key to navigating and succeeding in the real estate and finance industries.Future of Real Estate: Advances in technology and AI present promising new revenue streams and operational efficiencies for commercial real estate.Notable Quotes:"Tell me why we should do a deal and we can talk about the risks and mitigate the risks associated with it, but tell me why we need to do this deal." — Bryan Koop"For multifamily, it's definitely a more interest in the projects that are more viable today than the urban ones." — Bryan Koop"The value of these buildings can be very different than what is today just by efficiencies that are untapped by technology." — Bryan Koop"The entrepreneurial component of capital markets brokerage always enticed me. You're building your own business." — Bryan Koop"Invest in some relationships that make it. It'll change your life. People, things you read, and the people you meet." — Bryan KoopResources:CBRE Capital Markets - Explore more about the services provided by CBRE at CBRE.Book Recommendation: "Margin of SaThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Jared Krieger is the Co-Managing Director of Boston for Gensler, the largest architecture firm in the world. He has a longstanding career in architecture, having been with Gensler since 2007. Jared's expertise spans multiple high-profile projects, from tall office buildings to mixed-use complexes worldwide, including airports and convention centers. Jared shares how the firm is steering toward experience-based design, which prioritizes interactive, collaborative spaces in response to post-pandemic shifts in workplace needs. The conversation also unravels how Gensler maintains its competitive edge by fostering a culture of collaboration across its 57 offices worldwide.The episode highlights Gensler's adaptive organizational structure, which encourages innovation through its cost-center model, allowing seamless integration across diverse project teams. The discussion wraps up with insights into the thriving business model at Gensler, which fuels growth and retains top talent, fostering innovation through collaborative and flexible practices.Key Takeaways:Gensler is the world's largest architecture firm, driven by a collaborative and innovative culture that embraces experience-based design.The firm hosts weekly global leadership calls, promoting insights and trends sharing across its worldwide offices to adapt rapidly to market demands.Jared emphasizes the importance of creating collaborative work environments that attract talent and fuel innovation, especially post-pandemic.Gensler's organizational structure as a cost-center model rather than a profit-center fosters collaboration, enabling seamless integration across projects and offices.The integration of advanced technologies, including AI, in Gensler's design processes enhances ideation, conceptualization, and client engagement, positioning the firm at the industry's cutting edge.Notable Quotes:"It's really experience-based design is what we are seeing in everything.""If it's better for the client and the firm, don't worry about where the profit is hosted.""Communication is always the hardest thing on a project. So I'm actually saying we should step back from technology sometimes and let the communication happen how it should face to face.""Our client's point of view defines the success of a project.""I've always felt comfortable at Gensler that you've got space to try something different."Resources:Gensler WebsiteDrexel University's Architecture ProgramBook: "The Anxious Generation"For more insights from Jared Krieger, follow him on LinkedIn and check out Gensler's projects in your local area to see innovation in architecture firsthand.Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Greg Karelitz is a go-to-market expert known for his 12-year tenure at HubSpot, during which he helped launch the HubSpot for Startups program and led the global partnerships for WordPress and other products. The discussion revolves around the intricacies of building an effective go-to-market strategy, especially for small businesses and how AI plays a pivotal role in transforming traditional business operations. Rens Hayes IV, who co-founded H&O Structural Engineering, shares his perspectives as a business leader seeking to leverage AI for boosting customer relations and operational efficiencies.Greg Karelitz delves into his wealth of experience, providing listeners with actionable insights on developing comprehensive go-to-market strategies that drive both customer acquisition and retention. He underscores the importance of integrating sales, marketing, and customer service teams to deliver cohesive and compelling value propositions. By emphasizing the role of AI and technology in streamlining business operations, Greg and Rens highlight the potential for businesses to achieve exponential growth. With a focus on empowering small businesses to leverage AI tools for enhanced marketing and sales strategies, this episode offers valuable guidance for entrepreneurs aiming to scale their ventures effectively.Key Takeaways:Importance of Integration: Aligning sales, marketing, and customer service teams is crucial for a cohesive go-to-market strategy.AI as a Catalyst: AI technology simplifies research and execution, providing unprecedented opportunities for small businesses to scale.Understanding Customer Value: Businesses need to dig deep to identify the true value they offer customers, enabling better pricing and service models.Learning from Failures: Embracing and learning from failures is essential for personal and professional growth.Continuous Improvement: Regularly update processes and systems to sustain business growth and leverage new technological tools.Notable Quotes:"A business is successful when it adds value to customers and, in return, gets value from them.""To be excellent, you now have to connect people, process, and systems.""Curiosity gets you in the door. Learning makes you valuable.""Add more value than you extract.""Trust is the currency of a team."Resources:HubSpot: HubSpot for StartupsBooks Mentioned:"The Five Types of Wealth" by Sahil BloomThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Liz Hart is the President of Leasing in North America at Newmark, one of the leading commercial real estate advisory firms in the United States. With 20 years in the industry, Liz is recognized as one of the highest-ranking women in U.S. commercial real estate. Her career has been marked by significant influence in Silicon Valley, where she played a pivotal role in various dealings with Fortune 50 companies. As a respected leader in the industry, Liz shares her insights into the changing dynamics of the market, particularly against the backdrop of technological advancements such as artificial intelligence and the evolving needs of modern office spaces. She reflects on her career journey, celebrating her 20th anniversary in the field, and the influences that shaped her path, including figures like Marianne Tighe.Throughout the conversation, Liz emphasizes the importance of adapting to current trends, like the increasing demand for flexible office spaces and the rise of data centers due to the AI boom. Liz also touches on the significance of surrounding oneself with top talent and using data-driven insights to navigate market complexities. Key Takeaways:Commercial real estate demand is witnessing growth, with a more significant proportion of companies seeking to increase their office space, particularly in technology and financial services sectors.The role of data centers is expanding due to advancements in artificial intelligence, influencing the location and development needs of such infrastructures.Flexible office solutions are becoming a preferred model for businesses, empowering them to focus on core activities while outsourcing operational logistics.Liz identifies leadership and adaptability as essential qualities for success in real estate, aiming to inspire women and emerging professionals to pursue industry and leadership roles.Notable Quotes:"One woman that I really looked up even from San Francisco is Marianne Tighe at CBRE… she's someone whose career I've always watched and admired.""Power drives the show. Right. So where can you get power and how can you get it there?""Once it's in your blood, you want a cold call… CEO and senior executives still cold calling people.""If I can do this, that I probably would be able to be a different inspiration and role models for more people across the industry."Resources:Newmark"Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi"The Hard Thing About Hard Things" by Ben Horowitz"CEO Excellence" by Carolyn Dewar"Trillion Dollar Coach" by Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg, and Alan EagleThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Jennifer Schultz is a partner and the leader of nationwide commercial real estate development at Nixon Peabody. Her impressive legal career includes over a dozen years at Goodwin Procter representing equity investors in real estate, followed by serving in leadership roles at Sullivan and Nixon Peabody. Her expertise lies in comprehensive real estate development processes, all while acting as a trusted advisor to her clients, embodying the role of a modern "consigliere."The discussion begins by shedding light on a prevalent misconception in real estate—that legal counsel is merely a cost to be managed rather than a vital resource to be exploited. Jennifer outlines how engaging legal advisors early can avert potential pitfalls and enhance project value. Her approach champions legal counsel as indispensable partners throughout a development project’s lifecycle, providing strategic insights and safeguarding future value.The conversation pivots to explore the firm’s extensive capabilities in real estate development, emphasizing nuanced aspects like permitting, risk management, and innovative collaborations that Nixon Peabody offers. Through Jennifer’s insights, the episode provides a treasure trove of knowledge for those immersed in the nuances of real estate development.Key Takeaways:Legal counsel should be viewed as a strategic resource, not just a cost, especially in preemptively managing potential challenges in real estate development.Developing a comprehensive understanding of a client's goals and the full spectrum of a project can significantly mitigate risks and enhance long-term value.Nixon Peabody stands out with its commitment to providing holistic legal guidance, integrating nationwide reach with specialized expertise in areas like affordable housing.Jennifer Schultz emphasizes the value of pairing legal expertise with industry knowledge, offering clients optimal solutions from entitlement processes to development execution.Real estate development is portrayed as an interwoven process where understanding client psychology and building personal relations can stand at par with technical proficiency.Notable Quotes:"I would say the biggest misconception is that we are a cost to be managed as opposed to a resource to be tapped.""Think about the last day on the first day. You have to be doing that.""In real estate development, you are constantly going in seven different directions, and you have to think like a human in order to manage it.""To be a valuable consigliere, you need to study your clients and their businesses.""When things aren't going right, go left."Resources:Nixon Peabody LLP Website: Nixon PeabodyThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Rick Petersen is a principal and partner at OZ Architecture, a renowned firm with international reach based in Denver. During his illustrious career spanning over 35 years, Rick has made significant contributions to various high-profile projects, including the redesign of McMurdo Station in Antarctica and several U.S. national parks projects. His expertise lies in sustainable design and master planning, making a mark in sectors such as resort and hospitality, multifamily housing, and cold climate architecture.As they delve into OZ's diverse portfolio, Rick touches on the firm's growth from 30 to 125 employees, driven by projects like national parks and resort master planning. Rick emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, leveraging technology like virtual reality for client communication, and maintaining independence in a merger-heavy industry. With strategic leadership development, OZ ensures a strong future pipeline of talent to continue innovating in its field.Key Takeaways:Antarctic Architecture: OZ Architecture was chosen to redesign McMurdo Station by bringing a fresh perspective, despite having no prior cold climate experience, highlighting the firm's innovative and adaptive approach.Diverse Expertise: With a comprehensive portfolio, OZ Architecture excels in areas such as resort and hospitality development, multifamily housing, national parks, and international projects like those in Rwanda.Organizational Growth: From a team of 30 in 1990 to 125 today, OZ's strategic focus on mentorship and leadership development has been pivotal for its sustained growth and ability to remain independent.Balancing Design and Productivity: The firm thrives on marrying creative design with efficiency, ensuring that projects are well-coordinated, meeting client expectations without compromising on quality.Technological Advancements: Investing in a VR theater illustrates OZ’s commitment to enhance client engagement and decision-making processes, reflecting their forward-thinking adoption of new technologies.Notable Quotes:"We were hired not for what we know, but what we don't know." – Rick Peterson"The continent is the coldest, windiest, driest place on Earth." – Rick Peterson"We're always trying to do something today that is a little better and different than we did last week." – Rick Peterson"Everyone's looking for a place in the office in their career where it's meaningful and that they're valued and that they make a difference." – Rick Peterson"If you want them to stay and grow, otherwise they’re going to go somewhere else." – Rick PetersonResources:OZ Architecture WebsiteThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Kayla Nassar is the CEO of AMCON, a prominent construction company in New England. Under her leadership, AMCONhas achieved considerable growth, notably implementing a leadership team predominantly composed of women, innovating within the industry, and adopting emerging technologies like AI.Today, AMCON boasts a leadership team with over 50% women, showcasing Kayla's commitment to diversity. Kayla's conversation with Rens also uncovers insights about navigating family business dynamics, especially during ownership transitions. She shares the importance of clear communication and the flexibility required in shifting leadership roles. The episode further highlights AMCON strategic focus on key sectors, such as retail and hospitality, while expanding geographically within New England. Through this dialogue, listeners gain insight into leadership strategies, embracing change, and how to effectively harness technological advancements to future-proof businesses.Key Takeaways:Diversity in Leadership: Kayla emphasizes the importance of female representation in leadership roles, contributing to different decision-making perspectives at AMCON.Leveraging AI: The integration of AI technologies is seen as crucial for future-proofing the company, improving efficiencies and safety on job sites.Family Business Transition: Honest and open communication is critical when navigating ownership transitions in family-owned businesses.EOS Implementation: AMCON utilizes the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to enhance accountability and maintain focus on large-scale goals through structured processes.Continuous Learning: Kayla advocates for relentless growth through reading, peer learning, and actively seeking mentorship to drive personal and professional success.Notable Quotes:"The cost of under-communicating is far greater than the cost of over-communicating.""We realized pretty quickly that we just didn't have the tools in our toolbox, so we had to bring in other smart, talented people to help us.""Rocks are the big things that need to happen for you to achieve the goal.""True success is when you serve others... that comes tenfold.""If you're not using ChatGPT or something of that sort as a Google search, you probably should get on board."Resources:AMCON’s Website: AMCONEntrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)Books: "Traction" and "Rocket Fuel" by Gino WickmanThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Mike Auerbach is the Vice President of Growth at 1031 Specialists, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the 1031 exchange industry with tech-forward solutions. With a background as a multifamily broker and experience on both the brokerage and principal sides, Mike has developed deep expertise in real estate investment and the intricacies of 1031 exchanges. The discussion highlights various applications of the 1031 exchange, including its use among family offices and large investment funds, aiming to simplify and promote this advantageous strategy. By leveraging technology to automate repetitive tasks, Mike's team focuses on improving the client service experience, fostering stronger relationships, and providing trusted advice. The conversation touches on the widespread misunderstandings about the 1031 exchange, the application of AI in their business, and the importance of creating a recognizable and respected brand in the real estate industry. Key Takeaways:Underutilized Advantage: 85% of real estate professionals do not utilize 1031 exchanges despite their benefits in deferring taxes and compounding wealth.Tech and Service Integration: 1031 Specialist uses technology to automate 137 of 144 process steps, optimizing client service and efficiency.Reverse 1031 Exchange: Investors can purchase replacement properties before selling current ones, providing flexibility in competitive markets.Market Education: There's a pressing need to educate brokers, CPAs, and investors on the advantages and processes of 1031 exchanges.Transparency and Trust: Being clear about revenue models and the benefits of 1031 exchanges builds trust with clients and propels industry change.Notable Quotes:"It's a gift given to us by the government for free. In my view, this should be the default option." — Mike Auerbach"Attention really is the new currency today, so how do you capture it and at least get someone to spend five minutes to talk to you?" — Mike Auerbach"We automate all those 144 steps besides seven steps that focus on the client service experience." — Mike Auerbach"Most CPAs and tax attorneys are not specialized in 1031 exchanges, so investors really need dedicated professionals." — Mike Auerbach"AI is something for us. We hired an AI engineer to build our own custom solution which now smarter than me and every 1031 professional combined." — Mike AuerbachResources:1031 Specialist WebsiteMike Auerbach on LinkedInArticles on 1031 Exchange: Basic Guides for Real Estate ProfessionalsThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Mike Hartnett is a prominent figure in the construction and real estate sector, currently serving as a vice president and partner at Plumb House. With a rich history in multifamily construction, Mike has extensive experience in various roles, from his beginnings as a project engineer to becoming a senior superintendent.  Mike offers invaluable insights into the importance of maintaining strong relationships with design partners familiar with wood frame construction to ensure project design aligns with realistic pricing methods.Throughout the conversation, Mike and Rens explore the strategic advantages of Plumb House's niche focus on multifamily construction and self-performing subcontractor roles. Their discussion reveals how a company's geographical reach and in-depth specialization contributes to its success in limited market segments, enabling better data collection and faster learnings across projects. The importance of cultivating long-term customer relationships, investing in the labor force, and adapting to market fluctuations like the recent tariff uncertainties are also pivotal topics explored in the session.Key Takeaways:Early collaboration between design teams and general contractors is crucial for ensuring project success and minimizing costs.Specializing in a niche market allows for better data collection, fostering faster learnings and more predictable project outcomes.Self-performing subcontractor roles can enhance control over schedules and costs, but strong external trade relations remain essential.Investing in skilled labor is more critical than ever to address industry challenges and ensure future project quality and efficiency.Addressing the uncertainty caused by tariffs and fluctuating market conditions requires clear communication and strategic adjustments.Notable Quotes:"If you can do those things, you don't have to sweat every small mistake. You create the systems to get the big things right.""The most important thing is the investment in labor, skilled trades, and getting kids focused more on the benefits and opportunities within the trades.""We're not chasing the region; we're chasing what our clients need and where they need us to go.""It's important that our budgeting is paired with design partners like you to keep the thing on the rails.""The merit shop philosophy is putting in your time, effort, and the rewards will follow."Resources:Plumb House WebsiteThank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. Our goal is to help people like you identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of industry leaders. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story.  Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/