Design Development

In this engaging conversation, Eric Garrett, CEO and founder of The Garrett Companies, shares his remarkable journey of transforming a small multifamily development firm into a $500 million powerhouse. He discusses his innovative site selection strategies leveraging AI and proprietary software, which have set his company apart. Eric emphasizes the importance of a strong company culture, operational excellence, and a meticulous hiring process. Insights into their integrated holding-company structure and future expansion plans further illuminate his strategic vision for sustained growth.

In this engaging conversation, Rob Hagan, Associate Principal at CBT Architects, shares insights from over 25 years in the architecture field. He discusses the vital link between ground-floor retail and the public realm, explaining how the experience economy is reshaping urban spaces. Rob dives into the impact of online shopping and hybrid models on retail design, while emphasizing the significance of understanding human behavior in mixed-use projects. His passion for mentorship and fostering inclusivity in architecture shines through, along with his global perspectives on design.

This week's episode is a guest episode on the Growthitect Podcast with Tyler Suomala (also featured in Design Development, Episode 147).Our discussion offers an insightful exploration into building a robust, long-term growth strategy that effectively balances relationship building with strategic marketing, since word of mouth alone may not suffice in today's competitive landscape. I unpack the prevalent myth that architecture and engineering firms can thrive on word of mouth alone by emphasizing the necessity of developing a comprehensive business strategy. With an aim to equip firm owners with the right tools, the conversation navigates through essential concepts like the identification of the ideal customer and the critical importance of delivering distinguishable value. Key Takeaways:Value Articulation: Understanding and clearly articulating the unique value your firm provides is essential for attracting ideal clients and driving successful word-of-mouth marketing.Strategic Growth Planning: Avoid relying solely on word of mouth; instead, implement a long-term growth strategy that includes active marketing and brand consistency.Client Language: Communicate your firm's value in terms that resonate with clients, like cost savings or efficiency improvements, rather than industry jargon.Business Resilience: In downturns, firms that demonstrate clearly defined value propositions and strategic marketing plans maintain a competitive edge.Continual Learning: Constantly seek out business education opportunities to mitigate risks and increase the value of your firm over time.Notable Quotes:"The actual goal is to win the right project with the right customer for the right price. It's not to win every project at any price." – Rens Hayes"Word of mouth doesn't just mean, like, I hope they say Rens is cool. It's about what they are actually saying about your firm." – Tyler Suomala"A lot of businesses are the same. The unique part is the industry-specific delivery." – Rens Hayes"How do architects know if word-of-mouth referrals will not dry up, and are they prepared for when that day comes?" – Tyler Suomala"If you don't know who you serve and how you create value to them, you can't influence word of mouth in the right direction." – Rens HayesResources:H+O Structural EngineeringLinkedIn: Follow Rens HayesThe Compound Effect by Darren HardyExtreme Ownership by Jocko WillinkThank 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/

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/