Stephen Smith

Stephen Smith, Executive Director at The Center for Building in North America, champions single stair buildings as an innovative solution for affordable housing. He discusses their potential to increase urban density while maintaining safety. The conversation delves into design implications, comparing them to traditional models, and examining building codes across different cities. Stephen emphasizes the need for strategic architectural choices that enhance living spaces through natural light and effective ventilation, as well as the importance of fire safety regulations in shaping future building designs.

Stephen Smith, executive director of the Center for Building and author of a viral NYT op-ed, dives deep into America's soaring elevator costs, revealing they can be four times more expensive than in Europe and Asia. He discusses the tangled web of building codes and zoning laws that inflate prices and hinder urban accessibility. The conversation also touches on the inefficiencies of U.S. construction methods and how adopting international practices could revolutionize the industry. Smith calls for a reevaluation of standards to improve affordability and innovation.