To round out season two, I’m pulling back the curtain and chatting with my producer about the behind-the-scenes of the show. Lauren Popish is the founder of The Wave Podcasting and a total pro when it comes to successfully launching and scaling a podcast. We discuss what the top podcasts have in common, where the idea for American Building came from, what listeners can expect next season, and so much more.

I’m joined by Ron Schinik, the CEO of New Blueprint Partners, a New York-based company focused on redeveloping manufacturing facilities into mixed-use assets. We get into the details of the Vancouver Innovation Center in Washington State, which is what Ron calls the antithesis of the 1950s and 1960s suburbia movement. Ron also shares what kind of opportunities and challenges industrial manufacturing might face in the near future.

I’m joined by Bo Sundius, the owner of Bunch Design. His latest project, the Stop Making Sense Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), explores how you can make a small space feel big. Bo walks us through his firm’s typical design process and how they went about designing this specific project. We also talk about trends of pre-design without prefabrication, his thoughts about the sustainability of venture capital-driven innovation in design and construction, and the reality of 3D printed homes.

I’m joined by Mark Gardner, a Partner at Jaklitsch/Gardner and Professor at the Parsons School of Design. We discuss his work with the Inwood African Burial Ground & Lenape Ceremonial Site, also known as the Inwood Sacred Sites, and how colonization manifests itself in design and architecture across the US.

Today, I’m joined by the Product Manager at REDIST, Devin McIntyre. Devin grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and has always been inspired by the city. We discuss how Detroit has transformed into a hub for creativity and technology in the past few years, and how the hustle culture of his hometown motivated him to pursue entrepreneurship from a young age.

Today, I’m joined by Tommy Craig, Senior Managing Director at Hines, and Rick Cook, Founding Partner at COOKFOX. Tommy and Rick are both pioneers of the sustainable architecture movement and have joined forces for the 555 Greenwich and 345 Hudson Street project. They pull back the curtain on the 1.2 million square foot space and explain some of the green tech and design decisions. We also discuss the importance of mentorship, trends in making buildings better for the planet and its occupants, and how to balance the quality and speed of construction.

Today, I’m joined by real estate executive Chok Lei to discuss his work with The Cedarview, a multiphase rental apartment development near the University of Connecticut. We also touch on what inspired him to pursue a career in real estate, his teaching career at Columbia University, and how technology can improve the process of developing for small to medium sized developers. He highlights startups in the proptech space that are making waves in the homebuilding space, and shares his predictions for the future of real estate development.

Today, I’m joined by the Founding Principal at Creative Urban Alchemy, Ifeoma Ebo. Ifeoma is a Brooklyn native with a background in architecture, urban planning, real estate development, and environmental sustainability. In our conversation, we dive into the details of her latest project, The Perfect New York Street, which is a modern take on the streetscape of Third Avenue between 33rd and 34th Street. She walks us through what people might see, hear and feel when walking through this re-crafted space, and highlights the ripple effect it can have on the local economy and neighborhood safety.

Today, I’m joined by senior architectural designer at Michael Graves Architecture & Design, Apoorva Rao. Apoorva shares what originally drew her to the field of architecture and how her passion for her family, Indian-American culture, theology, and philosophy ultimately inspired her thesis. She highlights the coaches and mentors who have helped shape her as a person and designer. She also touches on the role that Indian classical dance plays in her approach to architecture, and her dedication to always work from a place of boldness and courage.

I’m joined by Ryan Graye, the founder and principal of Eremos, an acoustic design firm based in New York City and Miami. We get into how he got his start in this field, his design experience with major fitness facilities, and his current project with the NOBULL headquarters in Boston. Ryan shares what he learned during his time at Cerami & Associates and how he decided to leave the corporate world to start Eremos. Ryan also provides advice for how people can improve the sound of workspaces at home and simple recommendations for limiting noise distraction in small spaces.

Matt Giammanco is a Senior Director of Development at AvalonBay Communities. He’s based in their New Jersey office and is part of the development team focused on north and central New Jersey. On today’s episode, Matt brings us behind-the-scenes on the Thanet Circle project in Princeton, New Jersey and how they’re changing the landscape of suburban rental housing. We also discuss more broadly how major developers like AvalonBay choose where to develop, and then how they go about building.

Today, I’m joined by Associate, Senior Project Architect, and Designer with NBBJ, Kenneth Namkung. When he’s not working in the NBBJ Healthcare+ Studio, he’s running Monument Office, his research and design firm. I invited Kenneth on to discuss Suburbanism, a concept design proposal for a civic installation in the Herald Square area of Manhattan. We get into the logistics behind the project, the history of the American suburb, and the ripple effects of the pandemic on suburbia.

Today, I’m chatting with another next-gen architectural designer at Michael Graves Architecture and Design, Jack Whalen. We discuss the ACE Mentor Program, how his internships helped prepare him for his role at Michael Graves, and his vision for sustainable architecture. He also shares the spectrum of what his days look like and what he enjoys most about working at Michael Graves. Listen in to hear more about Jack’s journey and his innovative ideas for making sustainability more mainstream.

Today, I’m joined by the creative director at Gensler, Louis Schump. His design philosophy is rooted in defining problems and creating unique solutions. He is currently working on the Westside Pavilion project, which Gensler is repurposing into an office complex for Google. Louis breaks down what makes this project particularly unique and how both malls and technology companies have changed over time. We also talk more broadly about the downfall of shopping centers and the future of brick-and-mortar retail.

Today, I’m joined by Head of the New York City office for Lendlease Development, Melissa Román Burch. Melissa is a leading property Executive and Developer in New York with twenty years of public-company real estate experience. In our conversation, we talk about what influences her outlook on real estate, her work on the Pacific Park and Atlantic Yards project, details of Lendlease’s Claremont Hall project, and what the future of housing access in New York City looks like. Melissa also explains the core purpose of Lendlease and what they’re doing to move the needle on their goal to be at absolute carbon zero by 2040.

Today, I’m joined by Austin Crowley, a design architect at Michael Graves Architecture & Design. We’re giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to build your career at such an iconic firm and share our advice for listeners who are looking to break out into the field. Austin shares what drew him to working at Michael Graves Architecture & Design and gives us a peek into what his daily life is like at the office. We also discuss his career aspirations, Michael Graves’ legacy, and what the future of architecture looks like.

Ting Chin is the founding principal of Linearscape, an award-winning New York city-based design firm focused on the interplay between landscapes and buildings. Linearscape was awarded the prestigious 2012 AIA ENYA Award for their submission “Sym’bio’pia” to the Harlem Edge Competition. Today, we discuss the firm’s project Wild Walk, an interactive nature walk at the Wild Center. More broadly, we also talk about the ways that buildings and landscapes can be integrated effectively and efficiently with thoughtful designs.

I am joined by my guest Coby Lefkowitz, the co-founder of Backyard — a real estate development company focusing on infill development in Southern California. We discuss Coby’s 3322 Nile Street project in San Diego. More broadly, we talk about accessory dwelling units, also known as ADUs, and how they can be one answer to our country’s challenge of producing housing that all Americans can afford.

Today, I am joined by Edwin Harris, AIA, LEED AP, NOMA, Co-Founder and Design Principal at EVOKE Studio Architecture and design firm based in Durham, North Carolina. Today we will discuss the new elementary school that his firm has been focusing on designing for Durham public schools. More broadly, we will be talking about the extreme challenges in getting quality schools built and operating. Join us as we discuss these topics and how his design will help to build a school system that is diverse, unique, inclusive and responsive to the needs of Americans.

Today’s guest is Andrew Regenstreich, the Director of Real Estate and Economic Development at Housing and Neighborhood Development Services (HANDS). HANDS, Inc. is a developer of affordable housing in New Jersey. We will be discussing the “Gateway Project” at 523 Freeman Street, a new construction project for mixed-use housing in Orange, New Jersey. With 1,479 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, this project is planned to be a four-story development with nine residential units. More broadly, we will talk about the role that public incentives play in housing production today.

Nick Falker is the Managing Partner at Cambridge Realty Partners based in New Haven, Connecticut. His firm has been investing and developing in real estate opportunistically since 1978. Beginning in 2015, the company pivoted to focus on the New Haven multifamily residential market. We will be discussing with him about The Elm, a new construction multi-family building in downtown New Haven. More broadly, we will discuss the rise of the second city during COVID and what other cities may learn from it.

We are joined by our guest Alda Ly, the founder and principal of Alda Ly Architecture (ALA), a New York City firm that focuses on interiors with a specialty in tech-driven commercial projects. Join us as we discuss her work across the country for Tia, a women’s health network and, in particular, their location in San Francisco. More broadly, we will be talking about the future of commercial design in a post-pandemic world.

Today we are joined by our guest Sam Dickinson, principal at Keeler Markwood Group, a Westchester-based development company focused on ground-up and value-add opportunities in the Greater New York area. We discuss the Peekskill Brewery, a major renovation, and redevelopment project that Sam’s firm had been working on in the Hudson Valley. More broadly, we will talk about how a good development strategy and design can make the difference between foodservice venues that survive and those that fail to make the cut.

Today we are joined by Arthi Krishnamoorthy, a partner at Deborah Berke Partners, the renowned architectural design firm. We discuss the two new Residential Colleges that her team has designed at Princeton University, including the strategies she uses to make university buildings feel more homely for students. Join us today as we discuss Arthi’s journey from Southeast Asia to the cornfields of Urbana Champaign to West Philadelphia as well as how she brings to her designs to transform architectural spaces.

In today’s episode, Paul Lewis, Principal at LTL Architects based in New York City, shares his experience of working on projects for universities across the United States, from NYU to the University of Wyoming. As the Professor and Associate Dean at Princeton University School of Architecture, he works with students to develop environmentally sensitive and sustainable projects. Listen to this week’s episode to learn more about Paul’s experience as a designer as well as his most recent project working on the Carnegie Mellon University Residence & Academic Hub.

We are joined today by our guest Lauren Eckhart Smith, the Head of Design at Alagem Capital Group in Beverly Hills, California. She speaks to us about One Beverly Hills, a mixed-use project that includes residential, retail, hotel and both new construction and renovation components. More broadly, we discuss how this particular 17.5-acre site is one of the largest projects incorporating sustainable design and architecture in California, far beyond the hand-waving that we see in our industry.

Today, we are speaking to architect, activist, and Associate at Adjaye Associates, Pascale Sablan, about her work on a variety of mixed-use, commercial, cultural & residential projects. She shares with us her experience working on the Cleveland Foundation Headquarters as a designer at S9 ARCHITECTURE in New York. More broadly, we discuss the topic of design justice, her advocacy platform, Built Environment, and how that aims to challenge structural inequalities by centering marginalized individuals in community-led design practices.

Today, we are speaking to architect, activist, and Associate at Adjaye Associates, Pascale Sablan, about her work on a variety of mixed-use, commercial, cultural & residential projects. She shares with us her experience working on the Cleveland Foundation Headquarters as a designer at S9 ARCHITECTURE in New York. More broadly, we discuss the topic of design justice, her advocacy platform, Built Environment, and how that aims to challenge structural inequalities by centering marginalized individuals in community-led design practices.

In this week’s episode, we will be speaking to Lea Cloud about her experience working at PKSB Architects and co-founding CDR Studio Architects with Victoria Rospond in 1995. She shares with us her experience working in Passive House, sustainable design, architectural design, interiors and comprehensive planning. We also learn more about her project in Brooklyn where the Bushwick townhouse is located, a project where she incorporates the concepts of connectivity and openness to allow growth and change for the client.

Today we will be talking to Clayton Taylor and JR Gideon who are jointly working on the Eastbound project, a new mixed-use development in East Austin. This project is designed for open-air business-ready gatherings on a large scale, and incorporates the current trend of destination mixed-use. Additionally, we will be speaking about how real estate professionals are already transforming where we work and how this has changed during the pandemic.

In today’s episode, we will be speaking with Peter (Pete) Brosens, the co-founder of Stolar Capital, a real estate investment firm with offices in Hoboken and Philadelphia. Since 2012, the firm’s focus has been on developing large mixed-use projects in transit-oriented downtown locations in New Jersey.

Today we will be speaking with Vishaan Chakrabarti, a licensed architect and the founder of the Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU). His professional portfolio is diverse, expanding from creating a master plan for the surrounding area of Michigan Central Station in Detroit to creating a social housing neighborhood in East New York. In this week’s episode, we will be speaking to Vishaan about his latest project for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, originally designed by I.M. Pei.

Today we will be speaking with Vishaan Chakrabarti, a licensed architect and the founder of the Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU). His professional portfolio is diverse, expanding from creating a master plan for the surrounding area of Michigan Central Station in Detroit to creating a social housing neighborhood in East New York. In this week’s episode, we will be speaking to Vishaan about his latest project for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, originally designed by I.M. Pei.

Today we will be speaking with Faith Rose, a founding partner of O’Neill Rose Architects, a design firm based in Brooklyn. Her firm builds projects that have distinct physical, cultural, and historical conditions that create rich and meaningful spaces. She shares how her projects use a versatile approach to creating space that reflects and frames her client’s aspirations. One such project is Cowboy Heaven, a vacation home project in Big Sky.

In today’s episode, we will be speaking with Johanna Anderson, Executive Director of Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services. We will be speaking about Founder’s Way, a major mixed-use project in downtown Ithaca, New York on the site of a former Catholic school. This project was purchased by INHS from the Immaculate Conception School at 320 West Buffalo St. in Ithaca from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester.

In today’s episode, we will be speaking with Yasmin Rehmanjee, partner and Co-Director of the New York office of Buro Happold. She has had two decades of structural engineering design experience, leading large-scale, multidisciplinary projects such as the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Today we will be speaking to Yasmin about the Hudson’s Site in downtown Detroit, a 680-foot mixed-use project that will pay homage to the late department store and tallest retail building in the world.

This week we will be speaking with Jenny Peysin, a licensed architect based in Brooklyn, NYC, about her current passive house project, Wilderness Drive in the Catskills region of upstate New York. As the founder of Jenny Peysin Architecture, her approach to design is rooted in a modernist philosophy, one that incorporates people with the spaces in which they live and work.

Today we will be speaking with Chris Mazzola, the Director of Development at Bijou Properties. We will hear more about the 7Seventy House, a new major mixed-use development in Hoboken, New Jersey, and dive into Chris’s personal experience working on this development. At a broader level, we will also touch on the impact of climate change on urban real estate portfolios and how this has led to evident shifts in urban development projects.

Today we speak with Camila Crazut, an architect and interior designer working as a Project Manager at Spivak Architects in New York City. After training and becoming licensed as an architect in Venezuela, Camila came to the US to extend her training with a degree in interior design. Regardless of the title, Camila identifies as a designer capable of a wide range of creative projects, including the project we focus on today, a Central Park West residential apartment.

Today we will be talking to Rob Menendez, a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. We will be discussing a major intermodal transit hub in Manhattan’s Times Square, serving 65M people per year, known as the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

In today’s episode, we will be speaking with Alicia Hylton-Daniel who is the founder of Hylton Daniel, a design and construction company in Durham, North Carolina. Today we will be speaking with her about Modernist 4, a new single-family home project currently in development.

This week we’ll be talking to Phillip Gesue, the Chief Development Officer at Strategic Capital, a Jersey City-based development company that is a subsidiary of China Construction America.

This week we’ll be talking with Galia Solomonoff, founder and creative director of SAS/Solomona Architecture Studio, in New York City. We will be speaking to her about the Philadelphia Art Alliance, which Galia completed in collaboration with JacobsWyper Architects in 2019.

Today, our guest is Rachel Loeb. Rachel is the President and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation. NYCEDC is a mission-driven non-profit organization that works on behalf of New York City to invest in neighborhoods to address long-standing community needs. We’ll chat about the Bronx Point project, which broke ground earlier this year.

Today, our guest is architect Kirk Mitchell. Kirk is the founder and principal at AKT Designs, an architecture and interior design firm based in Bergen County, New Jersey. We will be talking about 432 Woodland, a spectacular renovation of a single-family home in the Palisades, a stunning cliffside area of northern New Jersey.

Today we’re talking with Anthony Pellegrino, Head of Hotels for ASH NYC, about the Hotel Peter & Paul in New Orleans. ASH NYC reimagined a campus of buildings once owned by the Catholic Diocese into a 71 room hotel with 3 F&B outlets, an event space and courtyard.

Today we welcome Kim Yao to the podcast, partner at Architecture Research Office, ARO, in New York City. We will be talking about Milgard Hall, the 55,000 square foot Interdisciplinary STEM building at the University of Washington – Tacoma campus.

On 9/11, images of Brookfield Place were seen around the world. Its gorgeous glass barrel-vaulted roof collapsed, its entrance blocked by a mountain of debris. Recently, Pelli Clarke Pelli reimagined what the building entrance could be, restoring key parts and changing others, to deliver a more innovative, sustainable building at this iconic location.

One of the most well-known and well-respected professionals in the real estate business joins us on the podcast today for a highly insightful and motivating chat. Listen in as MaryAnne Gilmartin, founder and CEO of MAG Partners, walks us through the process of their latest project, 241 West 28th St, a new-construction, residential building in Chelsea, Manhattan.

In today’s episode, we welcome esteemed architect and partner at FXCollaborative, Ann Rolland, to discuss her most recent project, Q404, or The Academy for Careers in TV and Film located in Hunters Point, Queens.

Today we’re joined by Megan Luce, Senior Director of Interior Design at Michael Graves. Join us as we discuss what it was like to work alongside Michael Graves, himself, and take a look behind the scenes of Megan’s latest project, 1776 On The Green in Morristown, New Jersey.

Our fourth guest of the American Building series is Martin Ditto. Martin is the founder and CEO of Ditto Residential, an award-winning development firm based in Washington, DC. We are talking about OSLOadmo, an 8-unit residential development in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of DC.

Our third guest in the American Building series is Jon Pickard. Jon is a Co-founder and Principal at Pickard Chilton, an award-winning architectural design firm based in Connecticut. We are talking about 2+U (also known as the Qualtrics Tower), the studio’s recently completed 690,000-square foot next-generation office complex in the heart of downtown Seattle. 2+U consists of 2 separate towers of 38 stories and 18 stories joined atop a common podium.

The second guest on the American Building series is Samer Hanini. Samer is the founder and managing partner of the Hanini Group, a development company with an affiliated architecture firm, Brick Design, and a construction management firm, Hanini Construction.

The first guest in the American Building series is Matthias Hollwich, Founder and Partner of the architecture firm HWKN (“Hawk-in”). This episode takes a deep dive into 25 Kent, HWKN’s recently completed commercial building on the Williamsburg waterfront in Brooklyn.