Design Development

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 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/

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 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/

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 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/

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 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/

In this insightful discussion, Stefanie Reichman shares her journey from structural engineering to project management and construction tech. She highlights the importance of storytelling during interviews and how diverse skills can empower engineers to transcend traditional roles. Stefanie addresses burnout's root causes, suggests ways to realign career paths, and emphasizes creating strong personal brands. She also shares valuable tips on navigating job roles and the significance of clear communication within companies for career growth.

Keith Boyle, Principal at CUBE 3, is a seasoned professional with decades of experience in the field of architecture, design, and construction. As a leading figure at CUBE 3, Keith has played a pivotal role in the firm's expansion and success. Keith discusses the evolution of CUBE 3 from its early days to becoming a national leader in architecture and design, emphasizing the importance of aligning architecture with client vision and successfully managing expectations through innovative solutions. As an expert in creating strong partnerships in the real estate sector, Keith shares insights on navigating client relationships, the integration of AI in architecture, and the importance of fostering a company culture where innovation thrives.CUBE 3's national presence and diverse expertise have enabled the firm to work on transformative projects, including the renowned Titleist Performance Testing Center. Keith explains how focusing on service, communication, and leveraging technology has contributed to CUBE 3's success. From his personal connection to the Pan-Mass Challenge to exploring emerging trends in AI for architecture, Keith's conversation provides comprehensive insights into the future of design and construction.Key Takeaways:Aligning Vision with Design: Importance of understanding client needs and offering design solutions that align with their long-term goals.Embracing Technology: Implementing AI and 3D printing to streamline operations and enhance design processes.Client Relationships & Trust: Building strong, enduring partnerships through transparency, trust, and effective communication.Culture of Innovation: The significance of fostering an environment that encourages questioning norms, embracing challenges, and employee growth.Philanthropic Ventures: Personal motivations and the impactful work done through initiatives like the Pan-Mass Challenge.Notable Quotes:"Designing their vision is not just a tagline for us; it's a commitment to truly understand and execute on our client’s needs.""When you give more, you get more back. It's about opening doors and building relationships that are mutually beneficial.""We want to hire and work with people that are much smarter than me, so we can progress and push the firm in a bigger direction.""It's not about the destination; it's about the journey and who you are on that journey with.""Embrace AI as an asset. It's an amazing tool that can change the architecture process without replacing the human element."Resources:CUBE 3Thank 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/

Stephen Baker, founder of Baker Design Group, shares his journey in international architecture. He discusses how the Internet and a pivotal collaboration with Gap propelled his firm's global expansion. Hear about the innovative design behind the TripAdvisor headquarters and the importance of multidisciplinary approaches. Baker highlights the challenges of navigating local partnerships and the creative strategies that help compete with larger firms. He also reflects on the role of AI in shaping the future of architecture, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology.

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/