The Building Culture Podcast

Today I'm dropping the second half of my conversation with Sam Day. In case you missed Part 1, head back to Episode 8 in our Podcast series to check it out. Sam is an architect, urbanist, and infill developer based in Oklahoma City--a rare combination of someone designing buildings (architect), creating spaces with those buildings (urbanist), and actually facilitating them coming out of the ground, including buying land, figuring out financing, leasing up, etc (development). At the beginning of this episode, we continue our conversation on the importance of centers, the challenge of creating centers in suburbia, and the possibility of improving suburbia with possibilities like e-bikes, delivery and more. We have a lot of fun getting into the rapid-fire questions and question that our viewers asked via Instagram, topics like habits and routines, the challenges of architecture school and the importance of learning construction details, and even personal topics like the meaning of fatherhood for the both us. If you enjoyed today's show, make sure to like, comment and share! RESOURCES Podcast Recommendations: - Henry George Podcast - http://seethecat.org/ - Ezra Klein - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ezra-klein-show/id1548604447 - Adam Tooze - https://adamtooze.com/category/on-record/podcast/ Book Recommendations: - Regenesis: https://www.amazon.com.au/Regenesis-World-Without-Devouring-Planet/dp/0141992999 - Micheal Pollen - A Place of My Own (Architecture-theme) - https://a.co/d/aVs5a6U How to Change Your Mind - https://a.co/d/9CJJkDI Omnivores Dilemma - https://a.co/d/0bxxumn - Rise of the Community Builders - https://a.co/d/9hKNKpw - Developing Expertise - https://a.co/d/7h06dT7 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in /samuel-day https://www.instagram.com /_sam_day https://www.wheelerdistrict.com/ Takeaways: - Innovative solutions are needed to address the challenges of housing affordability, community building, and sustainable development. - Learning construction details and practical knowledge is challenging in architecture school, and gaining experience on job sites is crucial. - Being a new father is a rewarding experience, and observing a child's growth and development is fascinating. - Working with clients as an architect can be challenging, as there may be a disconnect between the architect's values and the client's priorities. - Investing in high-quality lighting, landscaping, and tactile elements like hardware can greatly enhance the overall design and experience of a space. 00:00 Creating Centers 04:52 The Challenge of Suburban Development 08:00 Distributed Shopping Centers and E-Bikes to Improve Suburbia 22:20 Habits and Routines 25:20 Podcasts Books That Have Changed Our Thinking 35:00 Getting Started as a Developer 38:00 Pivoting into Construction 43:17 The Joys of Fatherhood 47:30 Challenges of Working with Clients 50:00 Splurging on High-End Items CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE Website: https://www.buildingculture.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ X: https://twitter.com/build_culture TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buildingculture CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL Instagram: https://instagram.com/austintunnell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ X: https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell Join the Movement to Build a Better World: The Building Culture Playbook - https://playbook.buildingculture.com/p/blueprint-1-life-is-boring-yet-profound

Architect, urbanist, and infill developer Sam Day discusses his career trajectory, including his first self-financed infill project. They explore missing middle housing, challenges for small developers, vibrant community centers, pros/cons of a land value tax, and the benefits of human-scale buildings. Part 2 delves into controlling land, financialization of real estate, and transforming suburbia through e-bikes and distributed shopping centers for a more connected community.

In this podcast, R. John Anderson, a tradesman turned developer and influential figure in urban planning, shares his unique journey. He discusses his early challenges, the impact of the 2008 financial crisis, his transition to a successful developer, insights on small-scale development and building sustainable communities, and his perspective on 'form follows finance' in urban planning.

Today I get to chat with my business partner and mentor Matthew Myers, a successful entrepreneur, syndicator and real estate developer of unique, infill projects. As a local developer renowned for his work on infill pocket neighborhoods, Matthew shares a wealth of knowledge and personal insights. This episode is a blend of technical expertise, cultural commentary, and personal anecdotes, providing a unique perspective on urban development and its impact on community life. Key Highlights: Matthew Myers' Journey: From leadership training with Giant to real estate development, Discover Matthew's transition and his venture into developing neighborhoods like the Prairie at Post. Innovative Urban Developments: Learn about the Lark, the Ember, and other projects that redefine the concept of community living. Cultural Insights: Explore Matthew's views on the importance of design, the role of relationships in community building, and his personal experiences in overcoming challenges. Pocket Neighborhoods Explained: Understand the concept of pocket neighborhoods and how they foster a sense of identity and place. T he Future of Housing: Matthew discusses the diversity in housing options and how the built environment shapes social wellbeing. Personal Reflections: Gain insights into Matthew's personal growth, his approach to business, and his vision for mentorship in urban development.

In this conversation, Austin Tunnell shares a personal story of surviving a bus accident and the life changes and challenges he has faced since then. He discusses the importance of identity and acceptance in adapting to new circumstances. Austin also talks about the evolution of Building Culture's identity. He emphasizes the mission of cultivating a better human habitat and the need for advocacy and cultural change in the industry. Finally, he reflects on the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life and the journey towards happiness. Takeaways:Life can change dramatically in an instant, and it is important to adapt and find acceptance in new circumstances.Identity is not fixed and can evolve over time, and it is important to embrace new aspects of oneself. Building Culture has evolved its identity and approach to address challenges in the industry. Advocacy and cultural change are necessary to create a better human habitat and overcome barriers in the construction industry. Finding meaning and purpose in life is more important than pursuing happiness, and limitations can lead to personal growth and contentment.

Trevor Acorn, a structural engineer with a background in structural masonry and restoration work, discusses the strength and durability of masonry, the role of aesthetics in building longevity, and the use of graphic statics in engineering. The conversation also covers load distribution in masonry walls, challenges with brick veneer, lintel design, different types of mortars, forces in masonry walls, and limitations of steel in masonry. It provides insights into the behavior of masonry structures and the importance of selecting appropriate materials and design techniques.

Architect and urban designer Anthony Catania discusses the challenges and vision required for creating vibrant, walkable communities. Topics include zoning regulations, designing for human experiences, the impact of front porches on community interaction, and the negative impact of arbitrary parking requirements. The conversation also explores the differences in urban environments between the East Coast and Oklahoma City.

Listen to Matt Hayes, an architect who joined the Building Culture team in 2021, as he discusses the importance of architectural education, the benefits of travel in building and design, the uniqueness of working for a start-up Design & Build firm, and prioritizing humans over cars in creating beautiful places.

Ashley Terry, VP of Development for Wheeler District, shares her journey from being a hairdresser to leading one of Oklahoma City's largest developments. The podcast discusses the concept of Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) and New Urbanism. It also explores the design process behind the courtyards in Wheeler District and the importance of diverse housing options. The rising costs of construction and the experiences of a woman in a male-dominated industry are also discussed.