The Building Culture Podcast

Ann Sussman, an architect and author of Cognitive Architecture, teams up with Kelsey Bradley, Executive Director of HAPI, to explore the intersection of neuroscience and design. They discuss how our 'Stone Age brains' react to modern environments, emphasizing the profound impact of space on mental health and emotional well-being. With insights into biometrics like eye tracking and heart rate variability, they reveal why some places invigorate us while others drain our energy. The conversation challenges current design practices, advocating for a more human-centric approach to architecture.

In this episode, I talk with Isaac French, founder of Live Oak Lake and one of the most thoughtful voices I’ve come across in the world of experiential real estate. Isaac’s story reads like an adventure novel: raised with eight siblings on a Texas farm, homeschooled, steeped in grit. Well before turning 30, he walked five acres of tangled brush – no money, just a vision – and figured out how to design and build a seven-cabin, Nordic-inspired retreat that went viral, grossed over $1M in bookings, and sold for $7M. All in under two years. And plenty went wrong along the way.He’s basically a case study in the idea: you can just do things.We talk about how Isaac blends hardware – design, layout, light – with software – hospitality, scent, story – to create spaces that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. He shares how a glitch in the Airbnb matrix led him to build a direct-to-consumer brand from scratch, and how beauty often begins by submitting to constraint, whether it’s the land, the budget, or your own limits.If you’ve ever wondered what it would mean to build with your soul, not just your spreadsheet, this one’s for you.CHAPTERS:00:00 Creating Community Through Built Environments03:48 The Journey of Live Oak Lake17:54 The Art of Hospitality and Experience27:40 Exploring New Urbanism and Placemaking36:54 The Power of Saying No39:02 Exploring Sacred Geometry and Beauty44:16 Biophilic Design and Human Connection49:45 The Role of Humans in Environmental Stewardship54:43 Navigating Success and Humility01:00:19 Future Visions and Community BuildingMENTIONED RESOURCES:Live Oak Lake | Modern Cabins in Waco, TexasCONNECT WITH ISAAC FRENCHEmail: i@isaacjfrench.comWebsite: https://www.isaacjfrench.com/ Twitter: https://x.com/isaacfrench_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaacfrench_LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaacjfrench/Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/c/IsaacFrench CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELLNewsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnellCONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTUREhttps://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ SPONSORSThank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/ 

New episode out now with Charles Duff, author of The North Atlantic Cities. This is one I’ve wanted to record for years, ever since I read his book. Charles lays out a vision of city building that’s neither skyscraper-packed Manhattan nor endless suburban sprawl, but something in between. Something tested, timeless, and deeply human.We talk about what makes cities like Amsterdam, London, and Boston so livable-and why they offer a roadmap for places like Oklahoma City and the Sunbelt. It’s not about replicating Parisian density or banning cars. It’s about building places where families can live in row houses, walk to a corner store, catch a train, and still have a backyard, space and privacy. It’s about recognizing that the built environment is one of our biggest levers for addressing the environment, culture, economics, and quality of life–all at once.Charles explains how a bunch of brick houses built by 17th-century merchants ended up creating one of the most resilient, beautiful, and efficient urban forms the world has ever seen. And he makes a compelling case that we don’t need to invent a new future, we just need to remember what already works.This one’s for anyone who cares about the intersection of beauty, density, and sanity in our cities. Hope you enjoy it–and if you do, go read the book. It’s changed the way I think about building.CHAPTERS:00:00 The Hidden Way of Building Cities05:08 Understanding North Atlantic Cities12:27 The Importance of Urban Density21:01 The North Atlantic Way of Building26:10 Lessons from North Atlantic Cities36:11 Living Conditions in 1600s Europe39:42 The Rise of the Dutch Middle Class43:35 Architectural Innovations in the Netherlands46:27 Contrasting Urban Developments: Paris vs. London48:50 The Modern Row House and Urban Density55:52 The Importance of Aesthetic in Urban Design01:01:46 Integrating Density with Community Needs01:05:45 Final Thoughts on Urban DevelopmentMENTIONED RESOURCES:Charles’ book- The North Atlantic Cities: https://lute-grasshopper-4hhr.squarespace.com/ CONNECT WITH CHARLES DUFFLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-duff-8a2486237/ Website: https://lute-grasshopper-4hhr.squarespace.com/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELLNewsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnellCONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTUREhttps://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ SPONSORSThank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/ 

In this episode, I sit down with Joachim Tantau–a cabinetmaker, artist, teacher, and occasional architect to explore the quiet power of sacred geometry. Joachim works at the intersection of tradition, craftsmanship, and cosmic math. His approach to design isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about uncovering the fundamental order embedded in nature, music, architecture, and even the movements of planets.We talk about how flowers, planets, and buildings all share hidden proportional systems; why the Golden Ratio keeps showing up in history and design; and how ancient builders created structures more efficient-and more awe-inspiring-than much of what we build today. We also dig into why beauty is not just a luxury, but a basic human need.If you’ve ever felt like modern buildings don’t quite “speak” to you, this might explain why.CHAPTERS00:00 The Role of Sacred Geometry in Design03:12 Exploring Sacred Geometry08:30 Understanding Sacred Geometry13:27 The Intersection of Geometry and Music17:03 Sacred Geometry in Architecture27:16 The Importance of Beauty in Design39:01 Geometry in Modern Engineering48:53 Rediscovering Wonder in the Modern World54:09 The Distinction Between Pleasure and Enjoyment01:00:17 Connecting Architecture with Nature and Geometry01:06:04 Ancient Architecture and Cosmic Proportions01:11:10 Teaching Sacred Geometry in Design01:17:26 Practical Applications of Sacred Geometry in ArchitectureCONNECT WITH JOACHIM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joachimtantau/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoachimTantauLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joachim-tantau-53849055Website: https://www.joachimtantau.com/home.html MENTIONED RESOURCES:The Hidden Geometry of Flowers: Living Rhythms, Form and Number by Keith Critchlow: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12293965-the-hidden-geometry-of-flowers The Dimensions of Paradise: Sacred Geometry, Ancient Science, and the Heavenly Order on Earth by John Michell : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1443804.The_Dimensions_of_Paradise Sacred Art in East and West by Titus Burckhardt: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/371784.Sacred_Art_in_East_and_West_1st_Edition CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELLNewsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnellCONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTUREhttps://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ SPONSORSThank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/ 

Join economist Saifedean Ammous, architect Jaime Izurieta, and builder Austin Tunnell as they dissect the decline of architectural beauty in modern society. They explore how money and time preferences impact our built environment, contrasting today’s disposable designs with the enduring structures of the early 1900s. The conversation dives into the effects of inflation on housing, the challenges posed by regulations, and how Bitcoin could reshape our economic landscape. Discover why your grandparents' post office outshines today's civic centers!

You’re not supposed to be good at everything. But somehow, Alli is.Architect, landscape architect, developer, GC, policy reformer, zoning translator, builder of teams, builder of trust, builder of actual buildings-it’s no wonder we spent the first five minutes of this episode just trying to list all the roles she plays.In this conversation, Alli joins me to talk about what it means to be a true generalist in an era obsessed with specialization. We cover her journey from flipping houses as a teenager to running a growing team at Flintlock Lab, directing the Incremental Development Alliance, and quietly (or not so quietly) reshaping how development works across the country-starting in her hometown of Fayetteville, Arkansas.We dig into building science, incremental housing, the limits of Revit, and why being a builder makes you a better architect (and vice versa). But we also get into the harder stuff-like learning to lead, facing city bureaucracy, and what to do when the guy reviewing your permit might genuinely want to run you over with his truck.This one’s as practical as it is philosophical, and it left me feeling more hopeful-and a little more fired up-about what’s still possible if we’re willing to roll up our sleeves and terraform our own backyards.CHAPTERS00:00 Community Engagement and Local Impact02:51 The Multifaceted Career of Ali05:51 Navigating Development and Housing Challenges09:09 The Unique Economy of Fayetteville11:56 Balancing Growth and Community Needs14:57 Career Trajectory and Intentionality18:06 Building Science and Sustainable Practices20:49 Design-Build Workflow and Efficiency24:07 Entrepreneurial Spirit in Development31:57 The Design-Build Approach: Learning Through Doing34:51 Scaling Up: The Challenges of Growth39:10 Understanding the Market: Design Meets Demand41:55 Terraforming Communities: The Role of Local Investment44:11 Building a Culture of Collaboration: The Fayetteville Experience49:50 Changing the Narrative: Zoning and Community Engagement57:04 Navigating Conflict: Building Relationships with City Staff01:08:20 Building Relationships in Local Governance01:15:06 Navigating Conflict with City Staff01:20:01 Growing a Business: Challenges and Changes01:26:09 Tools and Software for Efficiency01:34:00 Learning from Failures and GrowthCONNECT WITH AlliFlintlock Lab: flintlocklab.comIncremental Development Alliance: incrementaldevelopment.orgInstagram: @flintlocklabLinkedIn: Alli’s ProfileCONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELLNewsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnellCONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTUREhttps://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ SPONSORSThank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/ 

Jeral Poskey, Founder and CEO of Swyft Cities and former Google project executive, shares his vision for transforming urban transportation. He discusses an inventive cable-based mobility solution designed to tackle the last-mile challenge in suburban settings. Skepticism turns to excitement as Poskey reveals how Swyft aims to create walkable neighborhoods amid sprawling suburbs. With projects launching globally in 2026, he explores how adaptable infrastructure and AI can revolutionize city travel and make urban transit more efficient.

In this episode, I talk with Ryan Johnson, co-founder and CEO of Culdesac, about building the United States’ first car-free neighborhood from scratch. We discuss everything from winning over the fire department with foldable ladders to building hundreds of units without building a single parking garage. Ryan also opens up about how designing for people—rather than cars—has paid off big time for both residents and local retailers, and why he believes autonomous vehicles, ride-sharing, and a passion for walkability will reshape cities nationwide.TAKEAWAYSWalkability Isn’t a Niche Luxury—It’s a Mass Market Demand. The majority of Americans would pay more to live in a walkable neighborhood, and 92% of Gen Z is on board. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a tidal wave.Car-Free Living Works—Even in Phoenix. If a walkable neighborhood can thrive in a sprawling, car-centric city like Phoenix, it can work anywhere. The key? Thoughtful design, mixed-use spaces, and actual community-building.Parking Garages Are the Next Real Estate Mistake. Developers still pouring millions into structured parking are setting themselves up for regret. AV ride-hailing, changing transportation habits, and shifting zoning laws are making them obsolete faster than people realize.Retail Thrives When It’s a Destination, Not an Afterthought. Culdesac started with six planned retail spaces—now they have 21, and local businesses are thriving. Why? Because people actually want to be there.Building for Humans, Not Traffic Engineers, Changes Everything. The way we build cities has quietly been making us more isolated, unhealthy, and unhappy. Culdesac’s design flips that script—prioritizing gathering spaces, green areas, and human-scale density.CHAPTERS00:00 The Need for Change in Urban Design02:57 Introducing Cul-de-Sac: A New Vision for Neighborhoods06:12 Designing Walkable Communities: The Cul-de-Sac Approach08:54 Innovative Infrastructure: Rethinking Parking and Access11:50 Financing the Future: Capital Strategies for New Developments15:04 Community and Belonging: The Heart of Urban Living18:07 Navigating Challenges: Working with City Regulations21:07 Phased Development: Learning and Adapting in Real Time24:00 The Impact of COVID-19 on Construction and Costs26:58 Market Dynamics: Setting Rents in a Changing Landscape29:43 The Evolution of Walkable Neighborhoods32:03 Creating Community Through Intentional Design34:48 Retail and Community Engagement37:59 The Role of Local Businesses in Urban Development40:50 Innovative Urban Design and Architecture43:54 Challenges and Surprises in Development45:41 The Future of Walkable Communities50:18 Leadership and Vision in Development55:41 Advice for Aspiring DevelopersCONNECT WITH RYANCuldesac: https://culdesac.comLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanjohnsonazInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/liveculdesac/Twitter: https://x.com/ryanmjohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5EauthorCONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELLNewsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/https://twitter.com/AustinTunnellCONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTUREhttps://www.buildingculture.com/https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/https://twitter.com/build_culturehttps://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/SPONSORSThank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Smith, founder of the Center for Building, to uncover the labyrinthine world of building codes—how they’re made, who really influences them, and why they end up stifling the very innovation and affordability we need. From the peculiarities of elevator requirements to the often overlooked role of local politics and special interests, we unpack how these complex rules shape our homes, buildings, and cities more than we might realize.TAKEAWAYSWhy Building Codes Matter: Even if you’re not a builder or developer, codes dictate your home’s layout, the price of housing, and whether your favorite small condo project can even get off the ground.The ICC (International Code Council) Isn’t Really “International”: You’ll learn how this non-governmental body, which writes most U.S. building codes, can be both extremely influential and surprisingly insular.Over-Regulation’s Real-World Costs: We break down how elevator mandates, fire codes, and accessibility requirements—though well-intended—sometimes create perverse incentives that drive up costs or discourage better solutions.Local Politics & Hidden Interests: Discover how “government members” and private manufacturers shape these codes, and why your mayor or city council may have little say in regulations that affect everyone.A Path Forward: Stephen shares practical ways policymakers and citizens can get involved in reforming the system, focusing on a more human-centered approach that balances safety, cost, and beautyCHAPTERS00:00 The Challenge of Building Codes in the U.S.03:06 The Role of Building Codes in Urban Development05:46 Understanding the American Way of Building09:09 The Impact of Building Codes on Housing Costs12:09 Elevator Regulations and Their Consequences14:52 Harmonization of Codes and Standards18:11 Over-Dimensioning in American Construction21:05 Labor Issues in the Construction Industry23:57 The Need for Code Review and Justification26:49 The Tyranny of Bureaucracy in Building Codes38:49 The Grenfell Fire and Its Aftermath45:05 Design Innovations in Building Codes48:25 Understanding the ICC and Code Writing58:09 The Revolving Door: Industry and Regulation01:07:26 The Role of Government in Building Codes01:15:20 Getting Involved: Supporting Change in Building CodesCONNECT WITH STEPHENCenter for Building https://www.centerforbuilding.org/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenjacobsmith.com Email: stephen@centerforbuilding.orgMENTIONED RESOURCESElevator research: https://admin.centerforbuilding.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Elevators.pdf CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELLNewsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/https://twitter.com/AustinTunnellCONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTUREhttps://www.buildingculture.com/https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/https://twitter.com/build_culturehttps://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/SPONSORSThank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

Moses Kagan, co-founder of Adaptive Realty and ReSeed, offers a wealth of knowledge as a real estate developer and investor. He dives into the advantages of 'indefinite hold' strategies, emphasizing long-term ownership over traditional flipping. Kagan critiques typical investment metrics, advocating for sustainable practices that foster community wellness. The conversation highlights innovative capital raising through social media, the significance of trust in investor relationships, and the importance of focusing on post-tax returns for true wealth generation.