Design Development

Anyeley Hallová is the founder and CEO of Adre, a socially responsible real estate development company. She's committed to introducing inclusivity and equity in real estate, focusing on sustainable and socially beneficial development practices. She has an extensive educational background, including a Master’s in City Planning from MIT and a Master’s in Landscape Architecture from Harvard. She even impacted changes in the International Building Code advancing mass timber construction.She shares her journey from co-founder of project^, where she gained insights into sustainable design, to launching Adre, driven by her passion for promoting equity and environmental stewardship in urban planning. She speaks candidly about the systemic issues in housing policies influenced by historical discrimination and highlights how projects can be guided by core values rather than mere market trends. Key Takeaways:Socially responsible real estate development integrates inclusive practices at every phase, focusing on who owns, designs, builds, and benefits from the property.The challenges faced by real estate developers can be countered with innovative funding solutions, combining philanthropy and investment for a blended return.Essential for progress is the incorporation of community needs and feedback, avoiding 'cookie-cutter' solutions in diverse locations.Notable Quotes:“Socially responsible real estate development requires thinking about ownership, community, and sustainable design at every phase.” – Anyeley“You can't manage what you don't measure. Innovative organizations create their own standards and metrics.” – Rens Hayes“The financial activism space is about using your money and your impact to create equity.” – Anyeley“Developers can solve issues with influence, not just with a project.” – AnyeleyResources:The book "Color of Law" by Richard Rothstein: Influential in Anyeley’s transition towards starting Adre."Coming to America" Podcast: Hosted by Anyeley’s husband, exploring immigration stories.A Kid's Book About Real Estate Development: Authored by Anyeley, aiming to introduce children to the fundamentals of real estate development.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 comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Matt Marotta, Managing Principal and COO at Icon Architecture, shares his journey from intern to leadership in the firm. He discusses the critical role of stakeholder engagement and community input in the approval process. Matt dives into the technological evolution of architecture, from hand drawings to BIM, and predicts AI's potential to enhance efficiency while noting its challenges. He also emphasizes the importance of mentoring junior staff, team dynamics, and creating a strong office culture in the fast-evolving architectural landscape.

David Tabenken, Principal at Hacin, brings over 20 years of architectural experience to the table. He dives into the impactful integration of interior design with architecture, sharing insights from notable projects like Myers and Chang. David discusses the significance of cultivating a strong company culture and the role of multidisciplinary collaboration in enriching design concepts. He reflects on his career path, emphasizing curiosity and financial literacy as key to career advancement, while also highlighting the benefits of local community-oriented projects.

James Gray, a seasoned architect and senior principal at Stantec, shares his wealth of experience in architecture and leadership. He discusses the critical role of cultural alignment during mergers, particularly with the Page acquisition. James emphasizes building motivated teams and aligning them with organizational goals. He explores urban sustainability and how technology can address environmental challenges. Personal anecdotes and insights into navigating economic downturns highlight his career path and the importance of curiosity and proactive thinking in architecture.

Jonathan Segal is a highly accomplished architect, developer, and educator known for his integrative approach to real estate development. With nearly four decades of experience, he successfully operates Segal Design Build, overseeing comprehensive projects from architecture to development and construction. Renowned for his innovative "Architect as Developer" model, Jonathan bridges the gap between architectural design and financial strategization, removing traditional industry roadblocks. As the conversation unfolds, Jonathan reveals his distinct approach to running Segal Design Build with an ultra-lean team, epitomizing efficiency and creativity. Learning business acumen alongside technical skills is outspokenly advocated by Jonathan as a necessary facet for aspiring architects aiming for development roles. Filled with valuable takeaways, this episode is a remarkable resource for architects and developers looking to expand their horizons in real estate.Key Takeaways:Architects as Entrepreneurs: Jonathan stresses the importance of gaining business acumen and operational control as an architect to drive successful development projects.Integrated Approach: By combining roles of architect, developer, and builder, Jonathan eliminates inefficiencies caused by traditional project fragmentation.Lean Operations: Running a successful development firm with a minimalistic team structure allows for improved efficiency and decision-making.Market Dynamics Insight: Jonathan offers nuanced perspectives on current real estate market challenges, emphasizing strategic adaptability in changing economic conditions.Inspirational Mentorship: Through his teachings and seminar leadership, Jonathan guides aspiring architects to develop self-sustaining careers in the industry.Notable Quotes:"We don't have a request for information log. This is it right here." "I've been interested in working hard and benefiting from it since third grade." "The education that we get is tremendous by being on-site every single day." "You have control of your destiny.""I'm more than happy to let everybody make money doing what I do."Resources:Architect as Developer: architectasdeveloper.com - Learn about Jonathan Segal's approach and seminars.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 comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Kevin Kennon is a renowned architect internationally recognized for his work in real estate design and construction. He became a partner at the prestigious Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), where he executed projects such as the Rodin Museum in Korea and led developments in downtown New York, including projects for Lehman Brothers. Kevin later founded Kevin Kennon Architecture, broadened his expertise through Kevin Kennan Design Consultancy, and established Beyond Zero to focus on sustainable luxury resort developments.The discussion touches on the industry's prospects, emphasizing opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, and how architects can leverage these advancements to ask better questions and refine their visionary capabilities. The conversation also dives into Kevin's motivation for starting his own firm, the trials of entrepreneurship following 9/11, and how global events like the pandemic have shaped his current ventures, such as sustainable development projects with Beyond Zero. Kevin's reflections underline the importance of creativity, collaboration, and adaptive learning in cultivating a successful architectural career, emphasizing that—above all—architecture is about crafting and communicating compelling narratives.Key Takeaways:Interconnection of Architecture and Society: Architecture ought to reflect and serve contemporary social values, transforming challenges like AI into opportunities for innovative questioning and design.Professional Evolution: Kevin’s career trajectory from an esteemed partner at KPF to establishing his architectural firm showcases the shifts in industry dynamics and the entrepreneurial spirit needed to adapt.Creativity and Curiosity: A successful architect balances creativity, confident humility, and continuous learning — attributes that fuel personal and professional growth.Challenges in Architectural Practice: With abysmal industry margins, Kevin discusses how architects can align business acumen with passion to innovate and succeed in different sectors, including sustainable developments.Notable Quotes:"Architecture must meet the moment. It's about understanding the present and envisioning the future.""The promise of AI in architecture lies not in solving problems but in helping us ask better questions.""The goal isn't to resolve something. The goal is just to open another door.""Architecture isn't just about building structures; it's about crafting a narrative that accommodates and communicates visions."Resources:Kennon Design Consultancy AIABeyond ZeroThank 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 comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Lizbeth Heyer is the President of 2Life Communities, an organization dedicated to creating affordable, supportive housing for older adults. Her career in affordable housing began as a tenant organizer, and she has held significant roles such as Associate Director of Public Housing and Rental Assistance in the Massachusetts government. As they explore the increased demand for senior housing driven by the baby boom generation, Lizbeth stresses the importance of supportive community living over traditional senior housing models. The conversation expands to include the societal challenges of elder economic insecurity, the role of community in combating loneliness, and the strategic partnerships required for addressing health care needs within these communities.Key Takeaways:Supportive Housing vs. Senior Housing: Lizbeth argues for a shift in mindset from traditional senior housing to supportive housing models that provide critical community and health supports for the aging population.The Opus Model: 2Life's OPUS communities offer an innovative approach to middle-income senior housing, providing affordable living without subsidies and creating vibrant community environments.Economic and Social Challenges: The episode highlights the economic challenges older adults face and how community living can significantly alleviate those pressures.Preventative Health Care: Understanding housing as a social determinant of health can lead to major cost savings and better quality of life for seniors by preventing unnecessary hospital visits.The Importance of Advocacy: Lizbeth emphasizes the need for ongoing advocacy and policy change to secure affordable housing and supportive services for all older adults.Notable Quotes:"Choosing to move into supportive housing, choosing to share your life with others, is choosing success.""We call it supportive housing and we call that aging in community, because community is the best anecdote to loneliness.""The best preventative medicine is keeping people living healthfully, keeping them out of emergency departments, and unnecessary hospitalizations.""We have a holistic view and have to care about prioritization and smart decisions that support the holistic need of housing."Resources:2Life Communities Website: 2lifecommunities.org – Find comprehensive information about missions, projects, and ways to get involved.Book Recommendation: Being Mortal by Atul Gawande – A book examining the care of older adults and the medical treatment of aging.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 comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Jonathan Iger is the CEO of Sage Realty Corporation, a dynamic leader with a wealth of experience in real estate, design, and construction sectors. Under his leadership, Sage Realty is redefining the tenant experience in a manner akin to the hospitality industry, establishing a consistent branded experience across its portfolio through the Sage Collection.Throughout the conversation, Jonathan shares his journey from his entrepreneurial beginnings to leading Sage Realty, a company with an illustrious 101-year history. He explores the challenges and opportunities in the office building sector, particularly emphasizing the need for a consistent, hospitality-inspired brand experience that goes beyond traditional real estate management. The conversation highlights the importance of enriching tenant experiences and offers valuable lessons on branding, tenant retention, and the future of office spaces.Key Takeaways:The Vision of Sage Realty: Jonathan Eager discusses how Sage Realty has implemented a hospitality-inspired brand experience across its properties, similar to the hotel industry's branded approach, enhancing tenant satisfaction and retention.Value-add Repositioning: Jonathan talks about revitalizing existing assets by investing in tenant experience, services, and aesthetics, beyond traditional capital improvements.Impact of Branding in Real Estate: The episode sheds light on why branding office properties can significantly alter tenant perception and engagement, akin to the loyalty-driven approaches used by major hotel chains.Operational Excellence: Jonathan emphasizes the importance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and continuous evaluation of tenant touchpoints to elevate customer experiences, drawing from hospitality industry best practices.Notable Quotes:"Our approach is much more akin to what you see in the hospitality industry... creating a consistent branded experience across all of our assets.""Our outlook is not we're going to sell this building in three years and all that matters is we got the highest gross rent... because that's never the outcome for us.""People come to the restaurant for the food, they come back for the experience.""The more properties that we manage under the Sage brand, the more lives we get to enrich.""Enriching the lives of people at work is not just a mission statement; it's our purpose."Resources:Sage Realty Corporation: WebsiteExcellence Wins by Horst Schulze: Recommended reading for insights into hospitality and customer experience excellence.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 comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Haril Pandya is a Senior Principal at TRIA, where he brings extensive experience in life sciences, adaptive reuse, multifamily projects, hospitality, retail, and workplace design. Before TRIA, Haril was known for his successful tenure at CBT as a leader in repositioning projects, leveraging his entrepreneurial spirit, having also run his own firm, Studio Pandya. He offers insights into what architects should focus on in the future while maintaining a connection to the constant human need for spaces that feel right. Pandya underscores the enduring importance of the human condition, stating, "What we like is what we like, and nine times out of ten, or maybe eight times out of ten, we all tend to like sort of similar things." The discussion also examines the importance of business acumen, client relationships, and the challenges of leadership, all enriched by Haril’s pursuit of continued learning and coaching certification.Key Takeaways:Innovation in Architecture: Haril discusses the role of new technologies and materials, like 3D printing, in pushing architectural boundaries and the anticipation for future developments.Human-Centric Design: A timeless element in this ever-innovative industry is the human comfort factor in spaces, emphasizing the importance of how environments affect emotions.Entrepreneurial Spirit: Haril narrates his journey from running a small firm to influencing industry practices at larger firms, highlighting the equilibrium of innovation and market adaptation.Leadership & Lifelong Learning: Insights into leadership centered on understanding, asking the right questions, and a dedication to lifelong learning through coaching and mentorship.Market Dynamics: Eye-opening commentary on how architecture firms need to adapt to market cycles by innovating within traditional practices.Notable Quotes:"Our sense and sensibility of what we like, what we don't like, what we feel comfortable in—that hasn't changed in years.""The first place I go in the owner's manual is the troubleshooting section.""If you have that access now, the competition for the same space becomes greater.""If you're going to apply those (school projects) immediately to the office...that's not what happens."Resources:Simon Sinek's Book: Start With WhyPodcasts Mentioned: How I Built This by Guy Raz, Diary of a CEO by Steven BartlettBooks Discussed: How to Be a Rainmaker by Jeffrey J. Fox, Coach the Person, Not the Problem by Marcia ReynoldsHaril Pandya on LinkedIn: Haril Pandya LinkedInThank 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 comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Tyler Suomala is a growth strategist and consultant specializing in helping architecture firms grow their businesses through effective marketing and sales strategies. He shares his insights on how architecture firms can enhance their growth by focusing on effective referral strategies, encouraging listeners to double down on methods that organically generate leads without significant financial investments. He emphasizes the importance of refining business development practices and the detrimental effects of undercutting fees due to a scarcity mindset.Tyler delves into the critical need for firms to harness marketing actively, distinguishing between marketing and sales functions and shedding light on the misconceptions surrounding them within the design industry. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Tyler elucidates the necessity for architectural firms to adopt a client-centric approach, understand behavioral economics, and improve pricing strategies to thrive in a competitive marketplace.Key Takeaways:Referrals as a Growth Strategy: Double down on referrals and word-of-mouth as an effective means of growing your architecture firm without incurring additional costs.Defining Marketing vs. Sales: Understand the distinctions between marketing and sales tasks within a firm to effectively leverage efforts and improve client engagement.Overcoming the Scarcity Mindset: Avoid reducing fees out of fear; instead, focus on creating a reliable stream of quality leads to ensure sustainable business growth.Continuous Business Development: Consistently invest time in business development, even during busy periods, to prevent reactive sales tactics and ensure long-term stability.Notable Quotes:"Most people don't do it [referral strategy] because they're getting word of mouth and referrals passively.""Marketing to me is literally any activity that you're doing with an effort towards increasing awareness around your business.""You cannot have too many conversations, you cannot have a conversation that's below you if you're trying to improve your sales process.""If you don't have repeatable things... to continue bringing in leads even when you're busy, then your business is at significant risk.""Loss aversion... It's two times more emotionally painful to lose something of the same value rather than to win it."Resources:Growthitect: GrowthitectMonograph: Project management software for architectsBooks Mentioned:"Pitch Anything" by Oren Klaff"Never Split the Difference" by Chris VossGeorge SaundersThank 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 comments and reach out if you want to be a valuable guest on the show! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/