Design Development

In this engaging episode of Design Development, host Rens Hayes delves into the multifaceted world of commercial construction with Marvin LaHoud. Marvin's insights offer a refreshing view on the challenges faced by general contractors, notably the high-risk, low-margin nature of the business. The conversation revolves around finding differentiation in a commoditized market by lowering costs and risks, aligning with principles that focus on 'risk engineering' and 'cost engineering.'Marvin also shares his experiences with Tocci, a progressive construction and consultancy firm. Key topics include the exploration of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), modular construction, and the application of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). Marvin emphasizes innovations like Project Rescue, which seek to drive down costs and enhance efficiency by leveraging data and transparent communication. His entrepreneurial spirit shines through discussions on his roles with Marvin Capital and his new venture, C Street, a platform that aims to revolutionize price discovery and optimization in construction.Key Takeaways:High-Risk, Low-Margin Industry: General contractors operate in a challenging environment requiring precise execution and risk management to secure profitability.Differentiation in Commoditized Markets: Success hinges on lowering costs and risks, adopting roles that emphasize engineering over management.The Power of VDC: Virtual Design and Construction can significantly reduce the inherent risks and costs in construction projects when applied effectively.Entrepreneurial Initiatives: Marvin's ventures, such as C Street, indicate a movement towards using technology to solve longstanding industry inefficiencies.Lifelong Learning and Adaptability: Marvin underscores the importance of continuous education and applying first principles thinking in achieving business success.Notable Quotes:"It's a lot of risk management and it's finding ways to make that profit, to get any net profit at the end of the day." - Marvin LaHoud"You accept the fact that you're a commodity, but differentiate yourself on your ability to drive cost down, risk down." - Marvin LaHoud"C Street is just price discovery and optimization because we figured that the biggest enemy to construction costs is the opacity of the market." - Marvin LaHoudResources:Marvin LaHood's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvin-lahoud-3a91384bTocci Website: https://www.tocci.com/C Street: https://cstreet-cre.squarespace.com/Books Mentioned: "Sapiens" and "A Short History of Nearly Everything" for broader perspectives on history and science.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/

Episode Summary:In this episode of Design Development, we have Brandon Schwab, CEO of Shepherd Premier Senior Living, to discuss a pressing issue—the senior living crisis. Schwab explains the challenges facing the industry, such as financing, staffing shortages, and the escalating costs of assisted living homes. Schwab shares his unique journey from detailing cars for the affluent to tackling short sales and wholesaling in real estate, learning invaluable lessons along the way. Emphasizing the importance of offering clients flexible options, he discusses how he transferred those negotiation skills to create Shepherd Premier Senior Living. With his new fund, Brandon is poised to make significant strides towards solving the senior living crisis, offering a compelling opportunity for investors to align with a mission-driven company.Key Takeaways:Senior Living Crisis: The senior living industry faces a critical shortage, with over 775,000 new units needed by 2030. Financing and staffing remain significant challenges.Boutique Senior Living Model: Brandon Schwab promotes a care model with 5-8 residents per caregiver, offering a higher quality of care compared to traditional facilities.Entrepreneurial Journey: Schwab’s background in detailing and real estate revealed insights into market needs that shaped his approach to senior living.Creative Financing: Schwab used creative financing techniques, like owner financing and HUD 232 loans, to scale his business and address capital challenges.Strategic Growth Plans: Shepherd Premier Senior Living aims to build 300 homes by 2030, with a fundraising strategy for scalable growth.Notable Quotes:"How we care for folks that are older in our country is we have big, huge facilities that have an odor, that are not good. They treat them just like cattle.""Folks really need to open their eyes up to those options and get those things done at an age where it isn't going to be that expensive.""I found very quickly that the healthcare piece was beyond me very quickly. And I had to build a healthcare team of people that had heart.""Even if you found the cure for aging, you are going to always need housing.""Financing wasn't there. And the average person that didn't have the history that I did would likely have just quit."Resources:Learn more about Shepherd Premier Senior Living: Shepherd Premier Senior LivingCheck out the Boutique Senior Living Fund: Boutique Senior Living FundBook Recommendation: "Lifeonaire" by Steve CookThank 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 engaging episode of Design Development, host Rens Hayes reconnects with long-lost high school friend David Libardoni, now a partner in Nutter's Real Estate Division. This conversation unveils David’s illustrious journey from Bishop Feehan High School to becoming a leading real estate attorney. David dives into various intriguing aspects of real estate law, including acquisitions, dispositions, land use, and environmental compliance. Through numerous anecdotes, David highlights the intricate world of real estate development, emphasizing how essential communication, negotiation, and having a holistic understanding of how different sectors and specialists intersect in real estate projects truly are. In addition, the discussion touches upon modern challenges such as adapting to market shifts, the role of AI in legal practices, and the pivotal need for judgment in an era where automation is becoming increasingly influential.Key Takeaways:David Liberdoni's Path: David shares his unique career path, from athletics to law school, highlighting the impact of early life experiences and global exposure.Mock Trial Beginnings: His involvement in mock trials at Bishop Feehan High School sparked an interest in legal proceedings, setting the foundation for his future career.Real Estate Law Insight: David provides insights into various aspects of real estate law including zoning, permitting, environmental compliance, and complex transactions.Balancing Legal Practice Areas: Nutter's approach to integrating diverse facets of real estate law and fostering client relationships is discussed extensively.Adaptation in Real Estate: The episode explores current market trends and the need for legal professionals to adapt creatively and strategically in changing environments.Notable Quotes:"The tools law school gives you allow you to be a problem solver that represents others and leads organizations to success.""Understanding different perspectives, even through something as simple as a world map, can provide essential insights for a legal career.""We value transparency in career progression, providing a framework for associates aiming for partnership.""Negotiation in our field is about understanding each side's interests and finding alignment.""Ultimately, clients look for judgment calls that can make or break deals and protect their interests."Resources:Nutter: Nutter Law Firm (URL not mentioned but relevant)Fulbright Program: Fulbright ProgramBooks & Podcasts:"The Big Dig" Podcast by WGBH"Club Random" Podcast by Bill MaherThank 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 engaging episode of Design Development, hosted by Rens Hayes, listeners are introduced to Bryan Lee, co-founder and principal of Transom Real Estate, a leading firm specializing in innovative and sustainable property development around Boston. Rens and Bryan delve into Bryan's journey from a real estate analyst during the Great Recession to becoming a pioneering real estate developer in Boston. Throughout the conversation, they explore the importance of practical experience in the real estate industry, emphasizing how Bryan transitioned from observing development plans while working on consulting and appraisals to influencing projects directly.The episode provides insights into Transom's strategic approach to urban development, particularly focusing on how they overcame the challenges posed by high construction costs and regulatory hurdles in Boston. Bryan shares his experiences working on significant projects like 212 Stuart Street and discusses how Transom differentiates itself through unique facade designs and thoughtful amenity planning. The conversation also touches on affordable housing solutions, strategies for managing economic slowdowns, and how developers can creatively navigate the real estate market's existing challenges. Key Takeaways:Bryan Lee's path from real estate consulting during the recession to co-founding Transom Real Estate highlights the importance of adaptability and strategic risk-taking in career growth.Transom Real Estate focuses on distinct design elements, notably facades, to differentiate projects in dense urban environments, allowing properties to stand out without relying heavily on extensive amenities.Bryan emphasizes the importance of creative networking and differentiated value propositions in capturing opportunities, particularly during economic downturns.The intersection of affordable and workforce housing and the supporting infrastructure are crucial components for sustainable urban development, pointing toward future growth and planning.Notable Quotes:"I want to do those great...authentic projects. I want to do more of them.""If you talk to a doctor, they probably say, I learned a lot about medicine in school, but I had no idea how to run my practice.""The market has to mature enough where those features we can do without added costs.""What's the worst that's going to happen if it doesn't work? I have skills, I have degrees. I probably just go get another job."Resources:Transom Real Estate WebsiteMIT Real Estate Development ProgramLex Fridman Podcast (mentioned as a recommended listening resource)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/

In this episode, Harry Wheeler, principal architect of JCJ & hospitality consultant, shares the lessons he's learned about the value of organizational balance and collaboration in project management and design. Harry shares his journey from studying at Wentworth, becoming a partner at Group One, and leading its merger with JCJ Architecture. Harry also highlights lessons in leadership, the tremendous impact of hiring a business coach, and how Group One navigated the 2008 recession through financial preparedness and transparent communication. This episode offers insights into team leadership, strategic growth, and resilience in the hospitality 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/

For the first episode of 2025, Edd Hamzanlui joins Design Development to explore the critical issues surrounding the affordable housing crisis. With a deep dive into the structural problems rooted in historical zoning laws, Edd provides a nuanced perspective on the impact on cities like Greater Boston. In this episode, he shares his journey from Iran to the U.S., education and early career, as well as his insights on the current state of affordable housing and regulatory challenges. He also discusses his entrepreneurial venture, MassCAN Capital, and his focus on workforce housing in Massachusetts gateway cities.Throughout the conversation, Ed emphasizes learning from experience, continued growth, and the importance of a bipartisan effort in addressing housing issues.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/

This is a guest episode on The Civil Engineering CEO Show with Anthony Fasano. Enjoy!In this episode, Anthony Fasano & Rens Hayes, P.E., S.E., CVGA, Co-Founder and Principal at H+O Structural Engineering, unpack why burnout remains a hidden epidemic in the engineering industry. They explore the intense deadlines, project complexities, and stigma that keep burnout unaddressed—and how we can tackle it together. 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/

Mimi Love, Principal at Utile, joins us on Design Development as she dives into Utile's approach to new energy requirements, the importance of maintaining sustainability, and her story on how she came to architecture.We go into Utile's broad range of services, including housing, institutional work, and workspace design, and reflects on the firm's strategic decision not to specialize in a single sector. Additionally, Mimi shares insights on Utile's work culture, their Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (JEDI) initiative, including the Possible Zone project, and the importance of mentorship and observational learning for aspiring architects. This episode is a deep dive into the dynamic world of architectural practice and the evolution of an architectural firm's approach to design, client relations, and educational outreach.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/

Michael Waterbury, dubbed the "Tenth Man of Healthcare," is a bold advocate for industry transformation. With 25+ years of experience at leading U.S. healthcare organizations, he challenges misaligned incentives, rising medical debt, and outdated systems. His vision is a healthcare system where insured individuals aren’t overwhelmed by out-of-pocket costs.This passion inspired him to create Goodroot, a community of companies committed to reimagining healthcare for greater affordability and accessibility. To date the Goodroot community of companies have already removed over $1B in waste from our healthcare system and brought solutions to market that are lowering cost for 1 out of every 10 Americans.In this episode, he covers the inefficiencies in drug pricing, the impact of PBMs on healthcare costs, and the significant issue of medical debt. Mike also highlights his journey from a successful executive to an entrepreneur, founding RemedyOne and later Goodroot, a company aimed at revolutionizing healthcare one system at a time. He shares insights on building successful companies, the importance of mission and culture, and his bold predictions for the future of healthcare.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/

In this episode, Rens interviews Chris Bushnell of BisNow, diving deep into his intriguing career journey from multifamily development, to signing a record label deal in the music industry, and ultimately transitioning to his current role as Vice President of Bisnow's digital and business events in Boston, New York, and New Jersey. Chris shares his unique insights into brokering relationships, marketing and sales synergy, the importance of nurturing relationships, and leveraging platform-based strategies for connecting the right people. We also discuss effective storytelling, value-driven client interactions, business relationships through golf, and the significance of being proactive in demand generation. Listen in for valuable lessons on finding success through connecting the dots in the commercial real estate 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/