I'm thrilled to have Coby Lefkowitz on the show today. Coby is an urbanist, real estate developer, writer, and consultant based in New York, and I would add, all around optimist. I've been following him on X for several years, and while it was our first conversation it felt like we had known each other much longer. We are saving the technical conversation on building and development for a time down the road, and today we really focused on the culture around building well and the obstacles that come with it. We both share this idea, in a lot of ways, that the best is just ahead if we can align our beliefs as a culture. TAKEAWAYS: - Urbanism and planning play a crucial role in creating beautiful and sustainable cities. - It is important to dream and not settle for utilitarian outcomes in city building. - A cultural shift towards more thoughtful and human-centered city building is needed. - Dopamine plays a significant role in motivation and addiction, and understanding its effects can help us make better choices. - Finding beauty in the ordinary and embracing everyday simplicity can enhance our appreciation of our surroundings. - Background buildings, when designed with quality and simplicity, can provide a strong foundation for vibrant communities. - Tradition and innovation are not mutually exclusive; tradition represents proven innovation that has stood the test of time. - Architecture has the power to shape our experiences and create intrigue and stimulation in our surroundings. - Small actions, such as adding potted plants or personal touches, can transform and benefit streets and communities. - Overcoming fatalism and embracing choice can empower individuals to shape their communities and create meaningful change. - Despite the challenges we face, history shows that humanity has the ability to rise to the occasion and find solutions. - Optimism and a proactive mindset are essential for creating a better future. CONNECT WITH COBY: Twitter

https://cobylefkowitz.com COBY'S FAVORITES: * Habits: Daily gym & reading * Top Podcasts: - Basketball theme - Nick's NBA podcast * Books: - Welcome to Your World: Sarah Williams Goldhagen - The School of Llife: An Emotional Education CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Background 04:30 The Importance of Urbanism and Planning 08:08 The Need to Dream and Overcoming Barriers 17:33 The Cost of Development and the Value of Design 25:00 The Culture of Consumption and the Importance of Good 29:35 The Challenges of Financing and the Need for Coherent Vision 35:24 The Importance of Conversations and Understanding Perspectives 41:11 The Cultural Shift Needed for Sustainable Development 42:04 The Dopamine Effect and Addiction 43:26 The Value of Everyday Beauty 47:12 The Role of Background Buildings 50:12 The Balance Between Tradition and Innovation 53:07 The Impact of Architecture on Experience 56:20 The Importance of Restraint and Punctuation in Design 57:49 The Power of Small Actions in Shaping Communities 01:03:06 Overcoming Fatalism and Embracing Choice 01:05:32 The Value of Tradition and the Potential for Change 01:10:01 The Impact of Individual Actions on Shaping Places 01:14:01 The Journey of Making a Difference 01:18:36 The Progress and Hope in Urban Planning 01:22:19 Introduction and Background 01:23:04 Interest in Architecture and Urban Planning 01:24:27 Books That Have Changed the Way Coby Thinks 01:25:36 Inspiring Trips and Observations on the Built Environment 01:31:25 Philadelphia as an Example of Urban Planning 01:33:40 Optimism for the Future 01:36:25 Closing Remarks CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ https://www.tiktok.com/@buildingculture CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

Building Culture Playbook

Building Culture Instagram