Design Development

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.

Mike Auerbach is the Vice President of Growth at 1031 Specialists, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the 1031 exchange industry with tech-forward solutions. With a background as a multifamily broker and experience on both the brokerage and principal sides, Mike has developed deep expertise in real estate investment and the intricacies of 1031 exchanges. The discussion highlights various applications of the 1031 exchange, including its use among family offices and large investment funds, aiming to simplify and promote this advantageous strategy. By leveraging technology to automate repetitive tasks, Mike's team focuses on improving the client service experience, fostering stronger relationships, and providing trusted advice. The conversation touches on the widespread misunderstandings about the 1031 exchange, the application of AI in their business, and the importance of creating a recognizable and respected brand in the real estate industry. Key Takeaways:Underutilized Advantage: 85% of real estate professionals do not utilize 1031 exchanges despite their benefits in deferring taxes and compounding wealth.Tech and Service Integration: 1031 Specialist uses technology to automate 137 of 144 process steps, optimizing client service and efficiency.Reverse 1031 Exchange: Investors can purchase replacement properties before selling current ones, providing flexibility in competitive markets.Market Education: There's a pressing need to educate brokers, CPAs, and investors on the advantages and processes of 1031 exchanges.Transparency and Trust: Being clear about revenue models and the benefits of 1031 exchanges builds trust with clients and propels industry change.Notable Quotes:"It's a gift given to us by the government for free. In my view, this should be the default option." — Mike Auerbach"Attention really is the new currency today, so how do you capture it and at least get someone to spend five minutes to talk to you?" — Mike Auerbach"We automate all those 144 steps besides seven steps that focus on the client service experience." — Mike Auerbach"Most CPAs and tax attorneys are not specialized in 1031 exchanges, so investors really need dedicated professionals." — Mike Auerbach"AI is something for us. We hired an AI engineer to build our own custom solution which now smarter than me and every 1031 professional combined." — Mike AuerbachResources:1031 Specialist WebsiteMike Auerbach on LinkedInArticles on 1031 Exchange: Basic Guides for Real Estate ProfessionalsThank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show!Design Development Podcast!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Mike Hartnett is a prominent figure in the construction and real estate sector, currently serving as a vice president and partner at Plumb House. With a rich history in multifamily construction, Mike has extensive experience in various roles, from his beginnings as a project engineer to becoming a senior superintendent.  Mike offers invaluable insights into the importance of maintaining strong relationships with design partners familiar with wood frame construction to ensure project design aligns with realistic pricing methods.Throughout the conversation, Mike and Rens explore the strategic advantages of Plumb House's niche focus on multifamily construction and self-performing subcontractor roles. Their discussion reveals how a company's geographical reach and in-depth specialization contributes to its success in limited market segments, enabling better data collection and faster learnings across projects. The importance of cultivating long-term customer relationships, investing in the labor force, and adapting to market fluctuations like the recent tariff uncertainties are also pivotal topics explored in the session.Key Takeaways:Early collaboration between design teams and general contractors is crucial for ensuring project success and minimizing costs.Specializing in a niche market allows for better data collection, fostering faster learnings and more predictable project outcomes.Self-performing subcontractor roles can enhance control over schedules and costs, but strong external trade relations remain essential.Investing in skilled labor is more critical than ever to address industry challenges and ensure future project quality and efficiency.Addressing the uncertainty caused by tariffs and fluctuating market conditions requires clear communication and strategic adjustments.Notable Quotes:"If you can do those things, you don't have to sweat every small mistake. You create the systems to get the big things right.""The most important thing is the investment in labor, skilled trades, and getting kids focused more on the benefits and opportunities within the trades.""We're not chasing the region; we're chasing what our clients need and where they need us to go.""It's important that our budgeting is paired with design partners like you to keep the thing on the rails.""The merit shop philosophy is putting in your time, effort, and the rewards will follow."Resources:Plumb House 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/

Design Development welcomes David Borden, Managing Director at Ackman Ziff, to discuss the nuances of capital markets amid a volatile economic climate. David dives into the pivotal role capital advisory firms play in navigating these changes. They discuss the importance of risk-adjusted returns, the impact of treasury rates, and the differing priorities in capital deployment across various markets. Borden also highlights the evolution of Ackman Ziff's approach in maintaining its boutique ethos while servicing both large institutional clients and emerging managers. This episode sheds light on challenges, strategies, and projections for the real estate sector.Key Takeaways:Commercial real estate is experiencing volatility due to high interest rates and shifting economic policies, which impacts liquidity and investment decisions.Ackman Ziff remains a leading capital advisor by staying nimble, maintaining strong client relationships, and offering tailored capital solutions across debt, equity, and mezzanine financing.Understanding risk-adjusted returns is crucial, as it drives investment decisions in real estate markets, pushing investors to seek safer or more opportunistic ventures.Effective client service and a focus on business ethics are fundamental to Ackman Ziff's sustained success over nearly a century.Real estate professionals should explore emerging markets and adopt innovative business strategies, including technology, to stay competitive amid changing dynamics.Notable Quotes:"From a capital markets perspective, there is a lot of liquidity in the market. But with all the dislocation and uncertainty, investors just naturally seek either safer investments or take advantage of market dynamics.""What good is signing up an opportunity or telling somebody you can get that done in order to fall short? We need to hyper-focus on bringing opportunities that don't waste time.""It's our job to add value. If there's an owner or developer doing everything right, we should continue to stay the course and work on other opportunities.""If you want to be a participant in significant institutional grade product, you need to be focused and selective as to what opportunities to bring to capital markets.""Good business ethics is good business. It's a statement that's been such a driving factor in being able to not just exist, but scale for a hundred years."Resources:Ackman Ziff's Website: ackmanziff.comMind Pump Podcast: A health and fitness podcast recommended by David Borden.Ackman Ziff's AZ education initiative, aimed at educating the next generation of real estate professThank 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/

if you're uncertain about a decision, it's likely a lack of data causing the hesitation. Rens shares his journey of harnessing data to make informed decisions, emphasizing the significance of data in areas like marketing, sales, project management, and cost-effective design strategies in structural engineering. With personal anecdotes, he illustrates how understanding data can shift from a sense of gambling to a confident investment in business strategies.These experiences later fueled H&O's move toward Open Book Financial Management, underpinning their mission to shatter career ceilings for structural engineers. Through this framework, team members are empowered by understanding the business's financial goals, fostering a culture of smart, informed decision-making. And with the development of the H&O Cost Index, Rens's team bridged the gap between design and client value, ensuring cost-effective structures that align with customer priorities.Key Takeaways:Without sufficient data, decisions in business can feel like gambling. Accumulating relevant data creates confidence and reduces the risk of poor decision-making.Exposure to business financials can drastically impact decision-making and communication within a company, leading to outsized returns.Implementing Open Book Financial Management can empower team members by aligning their efforts with the business's financial goals, enhancing overall company performance.Developing systems that align project budgets and goals can prevent inefficiencies and burnout, providing team members with a clear understanding of their resources.Establishing cost-effective design strategies through meticulous data analysis can transform a company's approach, offering high-value services and fostering client satisfaction.Notable Quotes:"If you are unsure of what decision to make, you lack data.""Exposure to business financials changes how decisions are made and can drive outsized returns for a company.""The H&O Cost Index fundamentally changed how we operate our business and communicate with our clients.""Don't spend $50,000 worth of time solving a $10,000 problem.""We can't expect an engineer to design cost-effectively if they have no cost data to make design decisions."Resources:Jeremiah's insights from the Great Game of Business by Jack Stack.H&O Structural Engineering's websiteThe Great Game of Business Podcast featuring Jack StackThank 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 solo episode of Design Development, host Rens Hayes dives into the wisdom of Charlie Munger, an influential figure whose insights have profoundly impacted Renz's professional journey. This session is packed with valuable lessons drawn from Munger's philosophies, aimed at those in real estate, design, and construction who are eager to enhance their strategic approach and leadership skills.Rens introduces two impactful quotes from Charlie Munger, discussing how aligning incentives within a company can ensure long-term success and prevent culture debt—a crucial challenge for small to mid-sized businesses. He elaborates on how reading can expose blind spots, enhance judgment, and promote a well-rounded perspective essential for effective leadership. By sharing how these concepts have shaped his own career, Rens encourages listeners to adopt these strategies for personal and professional development.Key Takeaways:Incentives and Outcomes: Aligning incentives among employees, clients, and the company is crucial for sustained growth and success.Culture Debt: Misaligned incentives can lead to high employee churn and culture debt, hindering long-term compounding results.The Power of Reading: Consistent reading is linked to wisdom and improved judgment, helping leaders make well-rounded decisions.Continuous Learning: Being a lifelong learner is vital for exposing blind spots and enhancing leadership skills across various domains.Objective Self-assessment: Reading enables leaders to objectively evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, and decision-making processes.Notable Quotes:"Show me the incentive and I will show you the outcome.""In my whole life I have known no wise people who didn't read all the time. None. Zero.""If you align incentives, you're going to overcome a lot of constraints and a lot of obstacles.""Judgment is far more valuable than time."Resources:Charlie Munger's insights and videosContent from H&O Structural Engineering: H&O Structural EngineeringListen to the full episode of Design Development for an enriching discussion on aligning incentives and the indispensable role of continuous learning in fostering leadership and organizational success. Keep tuning in for more transformative insights from top performers in the industry.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/

Most business owners go through a pivotal moment—their first real look behind the curtain at how buyers value companies. For Rens Hayes, that moment came when he went through a sale and due diligence process for his father’s structural steel business. What he learned from that experience completely changed how he approached building and scaling his own company, H&O Structural Engineering.In this episode of Independence by Design™, Rens and host, Ryan Tansom, break down how he engineered his business for value creation, using Ken Sanginario’s Engineer’s Value Opportunity Profile (VOP) as his roadmap. Instead of scaling haphazardly, Rens built his company by systematically improving the eight functional areas that drive business valuation—the same areas buyers care about most.  Rens and his partner have taken a deliberate approach to aligning cash flow, valuation timelines, and growth goals, ensuring that every dollar reinvested moves them closer to financial independence. Whether you are preparing for an eventual exit or simply want to build a business that works for you instead of the other way around, this conversation is packed with insights that will change the way you think about scaling, hiring executives, and managing risk.Rens Hayes is a structural engineer and entrepreneur who transformed H&O Structural Engineering by applying enterprise value principles to modernize the traditional engineering industry. After experiencing due diligence firsthand, he shifted from operator to owner mindset, implementing Ken Sanginario's Value Opportunity Profile to align business growth with long-term value creation. Hayes helps real estate developers maximize returns through strategic design and cost-efficient engineering, while sharing insights on scaling, capital allocation, and executive hiring—expertise valuable for business owners seeking to build wealth-generating enterprises rather than just larger companies.Resources:Website: H&O Structural Engineering LinkedIn: Rens Hayes Podcast: The H&O Podcast Sound Bites: "Scaling a business isn’t just about revenue—it’s about building an asset buyers actually want." – Rens Hayes "The biggest mistake founders make? Hiring executives before they know what success looks like." – Ryan Tansom "If you don’t know how to allocate capital inside your own business, you’re just hoping for growth—not engineering it." – Rens Hayes "There’s a difference between working in the business and working on the business. The sooner you figure that out, the sooner you get your time back." – Ryan Tansom 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/