Design Development

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 so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. 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 comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show!Design Development Podcast!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Mike Woeber and Jordan Wilson, tax experts from Corporate Tax Advisors, shed light on optimizing tax savings for businesses. They delve into the reinstatement of 100% bonus depreciation, explaining its impact on real estate professionals. The duo discusses recent changes to R&D expense amortization, offering relief for innovative companies. They highlight the Section 179D deductions for energy-efficient designs, emphasizing strategic implementations and the financial benefits these can bring for various industries.

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 so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. 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 comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show!Design Development Podcast!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 so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. 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 comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show!Design Development Podcast!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 so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. 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 comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show!Design Development Podcast!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 so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. 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 comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show!Design Development Podcast!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 so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. 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 comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show!Design Development Podcast!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 firsThank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. 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 comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show!Design Development Podcast!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 so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. 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 comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show!Design Development Podcast!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 so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. 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 comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show!Design Development Podcast!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/