Design Development

Brent Berc is the co-founder of the Boston Real Estate Collaborative, alongside partners Will Avanessian and Patrick Hayden. 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/

Jennifer Schultz is a partner and the leader of nationwide commercial real estate development at Nixon Peabody. Her impressive legal career includes over a dozen years at Goodwin Procter representing equity investors in real estate, followed by serving in leadership roles at Sullivan and Nixon Peabody. Her expertise lies in comprehensive real estate development processes, all while acting as a trusted advisor to her clients, embodying the role of a modern "consigliere."The discussion begins by shedding light on a prevalent misconception in real estate—that legal counsel is merely a cost to be managed rather than a vital resource to be exploited. Jennifer outlines how engaging legal advisors early can avert potential pitfalls and enhance project value. Her approach champions legal counsel as indispensable partners throughout a development project’s lifecycle, providing strategic insights and safeguarding future value.The conversation pivots to explore the firm’s extensive capabilities in real estate development, emphasizing nuanced aspects like permitting, risk management, and innovative collaborations that Nixon Peabody offers. Through Jennifer’s insights, the episode provides a treasure trove of knowledge for those immersed in the nuances of real estate development.Key Takeaways:Legal counsel should be viewed as a strategic resource, not just a cost, especially in preemptively managing potential challenges in real estate development.Developing a comprehensive understanding of a client's goals and the full spectrum of a project can significantly mitigate risks and enhance long-term value.Nixon Peabody stands out with its commitment to providing holistic legal guidance, integrating nationwide reach with specialized expertise in areas like affordable housing.Jennifer Schultz emphasizes the value of pairing legal expertise with industry knowledge, offering clients optimal solutions from entitlement processes to development execution.Real estate development is portrayed as an interwoven process where understanding client psychology and building personal relations can stand at par with technical proficiency.Notable Quotes:"I would say the biggest misconception is that we are a cost to be managed as opposed to a resource to be tapped.""Think about the last day on the first day. You have to be doing that.""In real estate development, you are constantly going in seven different directions, and you have to think like a human in order to manage it.""To be a valuable consigliere, you need to study your clients and their businesses.""When things aren't going right, go left."Resources:Nixon Peabody LLP Website: Nixon PeabThank 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/

Rick Petersen is a principal and partner at OZ Architecture, a renowned firm with international reach based in Denver. During his illustrious career spanning over 35 years, Rick has made significant contributions to various high-profile projects, including the redesign of McMurdo Station in Antarctica and several U.S. national parks projects. His expertise lies in sustainable design and master planning, making a mark in sectors such as resort and hospitality, multifamily housing, and cold climate architecture.As they delve into OZ's diverse portfolio, Rick touches on the firm's growth from 30 to 125 employees, driven by projects like national parks and resort master planning. Rick emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, leveraging technology like virtual reality for client communication, and maintaining independence in a merger-heavy industry. With strategic leadership development, OZ ensures a strong future pipeline of talent to continue innovating in its field.Key Takeaways:Antarctic Architecture: OZ Architecture was chosen to redesign McMurdo Station by bringing a fresh perspective, despite having no prior cold climate experience, highlighting the firm's innovative and adaptive approach.Diverse Expertise: With a comprehensive portfolio, OZ Architecture excels in areas such as resort and hospitality development, multifamily housing, national parks, and international projects like those in Rwanda.Organizational Growth: From a team of 30 in 1990 to 125 today, OZ's strategic focus on mentorship and leadership development has been pivotal for its sustained growth and ability to remain independent.Balancing Design and Productivity: The firm thrives on marrying creative design with efficiency, ensuring that projects are well-coordinated, meeting client expectations without compromising on quality.Technological Advancements: Investing in a VR theater illustrates OZ’s commitment to enhance client engagement and decision-making processes, reflecting their forward-thinking adoption of new technologies.Notable Quotes:"We were hired not for what we know, but what we don't know." – Rick Peterson"The continent is the coldest, windiest, driest place on Earth." – Rick Peterson"We're always trying to do something today that is a little better and different than we did last week." – Rick Peterson"Everyone's looking for a place in the office in their career where it's meaningful and that they're valued and that they make a difference." – Rick Peterson"If you want them to stay and grow, otherwise they’re going to go somewhere else." – Rick PetersonResources:OZ Architecture WebsiteThank 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/

Kayla Nassar, CEO of AmConCorp—a trailblazing construction company in New England—shares her innovative approach to leadership. She highlights her dedication to diversity, with over 50% of leadership roles filled by women, reshaping the industry's landscape. Kayla discusses the importance of clear communication in family business transitions and the strategic use of AI for future-proofing operations. She reflects on her family's legacy in construction and how embracing change and technology is vital for growth in a shifting market.