Design Development

In this week's episode of our podcast, Rens sits down with Peter Bartash, the founder of Port One Companies, a dynamic multidisciplinary firm. Peter shares how he discovered his passion for problem-solving through his background in architecture and how it has helped him in his current role. Rens and Peter discuss how taking on big challenges can lead to greater opportunities and the importance of being adaptable in a constantly evolving industry.Peter's expertise in the architecture industry is impressive, especially given the challenging times he faced when he graduated in 2008. He recognized a gap in the market between ultra-high net worth individuals and the rest of the global economy, and he's been able to develop successful strategies to better serve his clients.The conversation then shifts to the success of Peter's high-end real estate business. Rens notes that even in a down economy, the ultra-wealthy always have money to spend. Peter explains how their focus on architecture and design has contributed to their success, and shares some of the recent accomplishments of their entry-level design personnel, who identified an investment opportunity that even the senior leadership team had not noticed.Peter also highlights their impressive asset management system, which has grown to $100 million in just five years. He takes pride in the successful ecosystem they have created, where team members can benefit from each other's insights to achieve even greater success. The services offered by Port One, including architecture and interior design, commercial real estate development, wealth management, alternative investment management, property management, fractional CFO, and outsourced management consulting, are equally impressive.This episode is full of valuable insights and inspiration for anyone looking to succeed in a challenging industry. Don't miss out on this incredible conversation with Peter Bartash!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, we sit down with John Wheaton, a successful entrepreneur and, podcaster, and author, to explore his insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and building a solid company culture. John shares his perspectives on what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur and provides practical advice for creating a positive work environment and mentoring other business leaders. He also offers strategies for overcoming common challenges entrepreneurs face, such as burnout and self-doubt. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or an experienced business leader, John's insights are sure to inspire and inform. He shared his perspective on what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of taking calculated risks and having a strong sense of purpose. John discussed the importance of creating a strong culture within a company, explaining that a positive work environment is essential for retaining top talent and fostering innovation. He also shared some practical tips for building a positive company culture, such as celebrating wins and recognizing employee contributions. Moreover, John talked about his experience as a mentor and coach, sharing his insights from working with other entrepreneurs and business leaders. He emphasized the importance of being a good listener and tailoring advice to each individual's unique situation. Additionally, John discussed some challenges entrepreneurs and business leaders face, including burnout and self-doubt. He shared some strategies for coping with these challenges, such as building a support network and taking time to reflect and recharge.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 electrifying episode of the podcast, the host welcomes Patrick Haydon, the founder, and owner of Haycon, a premier construction and design/build firm based in Boston. With a passion for sustainable building techniques and a wealth of knowledge about the industry, Patrick is sure to provide listeners with an insightful and engaging discussion about his background and career.The conversation starts with Patrick discussing his upbringing in the construction world and how it led him to pursue a career in architecture. He explains how his experience as an architect, builder, and developer has helped him to excel in his current role at Haycon.Next, the host and Patrick dive into sustainable and passive house construction. Patrick shares his thoughts on the growing trend towards energy-efficient affordable housing and how passive house construction plays a role in this movement. He also shares exciting details about a recent trip to Sweden, where he had the opportunity to tour a building company specializing in thermally efficient buildings.As the discussion continues, Patrick highlights one of Haycon's latest projects, the four-unit building at Washington Street. He explains the use of robust exterior building material and how this project served as a model for future Haqqani endeavors. In addition, Patrick shares the exciting news that they are constructing two of three Passive House buildings this year, and their goal is to eventually build net-zero buildings.The conversation then shifts to 11 East Lenox, Boston's first mass timber building. Patrick provides a behind-the-scenes look at how this project came to be and its challenges, including the 70-foot high-rise limit in Massachusetts and the need to build seven-story buildings efficiently and cost-effectively.Finally, the host and Patrick touch upon the challenges faced during construction, including cutting holes for ductwork and plumbing and discuss the future of sustainable construction and mass timber. Patrick predicts that sustainable construction will become increasingly mainstream and required while mass timber will become a popular structural system. They also address the concern that the manufacturing industry may be unable to keep up with the demand for mass timber construction now that it has been approved for use in buildings up to 18 storeys.Tune in for a dynamic and informative episode with Patrick Haydon, and get a glimpse into the exciting world of sustainable construction and building design!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/

Ricky Beliveau is a highly successful entrepreneur and real estate expert based in Massachusetts. He is the owner of several real estate businesses and has made a name for himself in the industry with his innovative ideas and passion for building real estate assets.Ricky is the founder of Volnay Capital, a venture capitalist company that invests in rental properties and condo projects with a focus on small-scale development. This company is a result of his education in finance and his interest in investing in the real estate market. He believes that small-scale development is the future of real estate, and he is dedicated to creating sustainable and affordable housing options for people.Ricky also co-founded Evo Real Estate Group, a real estate brokerage that aims to change the traditional approach to pre-construction marketing and sales. The company is committed to providing high-quality, customized real estate solutions to its clients. Bond Management is Ricky's management company that manages around 650 units, and it provides a range of property management services to its clients, from day-to-day operations to strategic planning.Ricky's newest venture is Evo Origin Funding, a pre-equity investment shop. This business is aimed at helping real estate developers and entrepreneurs access the funding they need to bring their projects to life. With a team of experienced professionals, Evo Origin Funding provides customized funding solutions to meet the unique needs of each client.Ricky's strategy behind launching multiple businesses was a gradual process that started in 2010. He was inspired to create a brand for his real estate investing and development firm after a suggestion from an architect. From there, he continued to expand his portfolio, adding new businesses and services to meet the growing needs of his clients. Today, his companies are a testament to his dedication and hard work, and he continues to lead the way in the 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/

Anthony Fasano is the founder of the Engineering Management Institute. Like many engineers, he aimed to become a high-level executive in my engineering organization.  When observing the leaders in my company, it is evident that they possessed skills in addition to their technical skills, namely excellent people management or ‘soft’ skills.  So, he set out to develop my ‘soft skills,’ a move that not only rapidly advanced my career, but led to me becoming an internal coach and trainer for my company, and ultimately inspired me to leave my engineering career behind to spend more time helping engineers become more effective managers and leaders.Most AE consulting firms are too busy to focus on attracting, developing, and retaining talented professionals, making it hard to grow. Through his work at the EngineeringManagement Institute, Fasano utilizes a proven framework to help firms build professional development plans, programs, and tools that help them attract, build, maintain strong teams and grow sustainably. In addition to assisting firms in these areas, Fasano has written a bestselling book entitled engineers Your Own Success(byIEEE-Wiley Press), and under his stewardship, EMI has built a massive content platform including 5 active podcasts, 3 YouTube channels, and a popular blog dedicated to helping AE professionals become better managers and leaders.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/

Marc Savatsky is a Boston-based developer, broker and licensed contractor Marc Savatsky knows real estate. Marc specializes in identifying and assessing development sites, financial modeling, zoning analysis, project permitting plus construction cost estimating and project management. He has a BS in construction management from Purdue University and is currently completing coursework in Boston University’s Real Estate Finance Program. Marc co-hosts a popular podcast called “The Real Estate Addicts”, a passion project which helps to educate others in the field of real estate development and has over 200,000 listens.Marc lives in Boston and stays closely connected with the community. He volunteers with multiple civic and volunteer organizations including the Neighborhood Office of Affordable Housing where he has served as a Vice President of the board since 2018. Marc has served as a team leader at SPARK Boston, the Mayor’s young advisory council and was recently nominated as finalist for the SPARK Boston outstanding Alumni. Marc has spoken on real estate panels, symposiums and was recently featured in the WSJ and Boston Globe.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/

Benji Moll is the CEO and founder of Arts Urban. They've entered Boston real estate and carved out their unique market corner. The episode highlights creative capital stacks and debt financing and the relationships it takes to really find a way to create affordable housing, help people, and invest in long-term real estate assets.Benjie founded Arx Urban in 2014 and is responsible for the c, including all acquisitions, capital markets, and investor relations activity. He previously served as Vice President of Investments at Atlas Real Estate Partners and was an Associate at JP Morgan Global Real Assets. In these roles, he oversaw a $1.5B mixed-use real estate portfolio and created the investment strategy for over 30 assets, including leasing, development, financing, and disposition.Benjie is a frequent speaker on real estate finance and housing innovation and has completed transactions across five different crowdfunding platforms. In 2014, he was appointed to the Mayor of Boston’s SPARK Boston Council (formerly ONEin3 Council) where he consulted the City’s Innovation Housing Lab on forward-thinking financing strategies and was a 2020 Spark Impact Award Finalist for his advocacy for housing stability through innovative financing structures.Benjie holds a BA from Tufts University, summa cum laude, and an MBA from Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, where he graduated as a Tuck Scholar and received the Julia Stell Award for Leadership. He currently resides in Newton with his wife, Anna, and daughters, Sophie and Janey.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 today's episode, we will be discussing mass timber and introducing our guest, Ricky McClain, an expert in the field from WoodWorks. We will also explore the most suitable applications for mass timber and learn more about Ricky's background.Ricky is WoodWorks’ in-house expert on tall mass timber buildings, providing analysis and guidance on architectural, fire and life safety, and structural design topics. He supports the AEC community both directly and collaboratively with WoodWorks Regional Directors and guides the development of education and resources related to tall mass timber buildings in the U.S. Prior to this emphasis, Ricky’s role encompassed all building types and wood systems. He also has extensive experience in lead engineer roles related to structural design, project management, and construction administration. Ricky is the Executive Director of the Structural Engineers Association of Vermont and a member of numerous committees and councils related to building design.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/

Lisa Nickerson is the CEO & Founder of Nickerson, an international, award-winning, full-service branding, marketing, PR, and communications agency with offices in Boston, New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. Lisa also serves as the CMO and CRO of Infinityy, an online platform transforming real estate decision-making into a collaborative online experience.Lisa was recognized as a 2022 GlobeSt Real Estate Forum Woman of Influence in the Marketing/Communications Professional category, an honor given to the most influential women in real estate marketing. Additionally, Lisa was recognized by Bisnow in 2018 as a “Boston Power Woman” and was also awarded the 2016 PRISM for Marketing Professional of the Year. Lisa and the Nickerson team were the 2019 PR Daily ‘Winner’ and 2020 PR Week ‘Finalist’ for Crisis Communications/Reputation Management.Nickerson is a sought-after speaker and moderator, a devotee of professional and community service, and a champion of women’s leadership initiatives. She is an active member of Urban Land Institute (ULI) and ULI|Boston|New England’s Advisory Board, Chair of ULI New England’s Technology Council, Co-Chair and Communications Chair of ULI Women’s Leadership Initiative Council 2019-2021, Board Member & Founder’s Circle Chair of the Greater Boston Arts & Business Council, Host Committee Member and upcoming Board Member of Cristo Rey Boston High School, former Board Member & VP of Sponsorship of Boston Women in Media & Entertainment 2016-2020, and a former Board Member of SIOR|New England Chapter 2013-2017.Nickerson has been a board member and development chair of Housing Families Inc. since 2006 and has been a member of the Joshua Frase Foundation (JFF) since 1997, and a Board Member and Vice President of JFF since 2019.In partnership with her daughter, Catherine McGonagle, Nickerson is the Co-Founder and Advisor of STEMS Flower Farm, LLC, a flower farming venture and content producer teaching high school and college students the power of entrepreneurship.A proud graduate of Boston College, Nickerson resides in Wayland, MA with her soon-to-be husband, Bob Cramer. A five-time runner of the Boston Marathon, aspiring triathlete, and avid gardener, Nickerson revels in keeping a “rhythm” in her life that brings her great pleasure while also feeding her curiosity and desire for achieving all that is possible.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/

Our guest today is Nick Schiffer, the owner and founder of NS Builders. Nick is a seasoned construction professional with over a decade of experience in the industry. He has a passion for creating high-quality, functional spaces for his clients, and takes great pride in his work. In addition to running NS Builders, Nick is also an active member of his community, volunteering his time and resources to various charitable causes. We're excited to have him on the show today to talk about all things construction and get his insights on the industry. So let's give a warm welcome to Nick Schiffer of NS Builders.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/