Design Development

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/

In this episode of Design Development, host Rens dives into the intersection of strategic planning, leadership development, and personal career growth. As strategic planning season kicks off, Rens shares insights from years of building a business, writing content, and recording podcasts—all while balancing the demands of leadership.Key Takeaways:Content Creation & Business Growth:Content creation is a powerful tool to gain visibility in your industry. "It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you."Consistency is key: sticking to a schedule (e.g., weekly podcast episodes) helps build credibility and a lasting impact.The Essence of Strategic Planning:Involving team members in strategic planning fosters alignment and inclusivity.Strategic planning is about stepping back from day-to-day tasks to set a clear vision and priorities for the future.Leadership Development Drives Growth:Scaling a business requires forward-thinking leadership. Leaders must continually develop their skills to meet future needs.Misplacing top performers in leadership roles without proper preparation can stagnate growth and lead to employee turnover.Breaking Through Plateaus:When businesses hit growth plateaus, the challenge often lies in leadership blind spots. Addressing these requires identifying and removing obstacles, whether operational, strategic, or talent-related.Career Development as a "Company of One":Reflect on your personal goals annually. Consider what skills you want to develop and how they align with your company’s vision.Proactively contribute to your company’s success to open doors for career advancement.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 welcome Patrick Mahoney, a real estate attorney and developer, as they dive into Patrick's transformative journey before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting as a journeyman electrician, Patrick shares how his strategic approach to business and real estate development evolved, highlighting pivotal moments in his career. He discusses his experience in Boston's intense real estate landscape, the significance of creating work-life balance, and personal growth milestones, including sobriety and joining YPO. Patrick also shares his innovative projects, mentorship initiatives, and the decision-making processes that led to his success. Key takeaways from the episode emphasize the importance of aligning stakeholder incentives, perseverance, continuous personal development, and empathetic understanding in community-based real estate projects.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/