Spaces Podcast

In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius explains why construction depends on having the right information in place before work begins. He explores how incomplete plans, unresolved decisions, allowances, premature demolition, and pressure to keep crews moving can turn relatively inexpensive design decisions into costly field changes.He also breaks down why smaller projects are particularly difficult to design and build concurrently, how one unresolved decision can impact multiple trades, and why planning should be viewed as progress rather than a delay.As discussed:Before You Build is Dimitrius’ strategic pre-design framework for homeowners and business owners planning kitchens, ADUs, additions, renovations, and small commercial tenant improvements.It helps you define scope, understand costs, think through soft costs and contingency, assemble the right team, understand timelines, and avoid common mistakes before spending money in the wrong direction.Before You Build Guidebook DownloadLYNESIf you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media.Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast websiteLYNES // Gābl MediaAll rights reserved

In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius sits down with Greg Bleier, founding principal and project director of Studio UNLTD, to explore what it takes to design restaurants that are not only memorable, but operationally successful.Greg shares his path from studying studio art and interior design to founding Studio UNLTD and developing a specialty in hospitality design. He discusses how early relationships, time spent on construction sites, and a willingness to learn the business of restaurants helped shape the firm’s approach.The conversation explores Studio UNLTD’s design process and the importance of understanding the vision behind a restaurant before developing its aesthetic. Greg describes designers as interpreters—using their expertise to translate the goals, personality, food, and culture of a client into a physical experience.Greg also makes the case that restaurant design cannot be viewed only from the guest’s perspective. Kitchens, service paths, bar operations, durability, maintenance, staffing, and economics all have to work together. A beautiful space that creates operational problems, he argues, is ultimately unsuccessful.Dimitrius and Greg then take a closer look at Bavel in Los Angeles, including the inspiration behind its bright, plant-filled environment, the integration of its open kitchen and outdoor spaces, and the technical challenges required to turn ambitious design ideas into something that can actually be built and maintained.Topics include:Breaking into restaurant and hospitality designDesigning around the client’s visionStorytelling and concept developmentBalancing aesthetics with restaurant operationsDesigning for chefs, servers, bartenders, and guestsThe design and evolution of BavelMaintenance, durability, and client educationMockups and testing ambitious design ideasRestaurant economics and changing service modelsAI, analog experiences, and the future of hospitalityAs Discussed:Studio UNLTD | Instagram | LinkedInLYNESIf you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media.Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast websiteLYNES // Gābl MediaAll rights reserved

In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius breaks down some of the most common mistakes building owners make, including skipping permits, hiring the wrong team, starting construction too early, underestimating total project costs, making changes without understanding their impact, and prioritizing speed over clarity.For a deeper look at these issues, Chapter 5 of Before You Build covers common project mistakes and strategies for reducing risk before construction starts.As discussed:Before You Build is Dimitrius’ strategic pre-design framework for homeowners and business owners planning kitchens, ADUs, additions, renovations, and small commercial tenant improvements.It helps you define scope, understand costs, think through soft costs and contingency, assemble the right team, understand timelines, and avoid common mistakes before spending money in the wrong direction.Before You Build Guidebook DownloadLYNESIf you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media.Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast websiteLYNES // Gābl MediaAll rights reserved

In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius sits down with Garland Harris Jr., President of Middle Housing Design Co., to discuss how small-scale housing can help address affordability, infill development, and the changing needs of American cities.Garland shares how his experience in residential design, production homebuilding, and development led him to build a business around duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, and other forms of middle housing. He explains how repeatable plans, construction efficiency, and firsthand development experience allow his team to move projects faster while controlling costs.The conversation also explores how Garland evaluates land, identifies neighborhoods with long-term growth potential, approaches development financing, and navigates regulations often written for projects much larger than the small infill developments he is trying to build.Dimitrius and Garland also look toward the future, discussing how smaller homes, changing transportation habits, delivery services, autonomous vehicles, and reduced dependence on cars could reshape housing, parking, density, and neighborhood design.Topics include:The business model behind Middle Housing Design Co.Duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and missing-middle housingDesigning repeatable, cost-efficient housingSmall-scale infill developmentLand acquisition and neighborhood growth indicatorsFinancing development projectsPermitting and regulations that make small projects harderHousing affordability and the need to build smallerThe relationship between transportation, parking, and housingHow changing mobility could reshape future communitiesAs Discussed:Middle Housing Design Co.Enjoyed this episode? You might want to also listen to the limited series Going Green & Built to DivideLYNESIf you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media.Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast websiteLYNES // Gābl MediaAll rights reserved

This episode of SPACES explores the vital role of interior design in construction projects, emphasizing how early involvement can save time, reduce costs, and enhance the final space. Dimitrius highlights how interior designers add value beyond aesthetics, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces.As discussed:Before You Build is Dimitrius’ strategic pre-design framework for homeowners and business owners planning kitchens, ADUs, additions, renovations, and small commercial tenant improvements.It helps you define scope, understand costs, think through soft costs and contingency, assemble the right team, understand timelines, and avoid common mistakes before spending money in the wrong direction.ACT NOW: the next 25 purchasers get it for a special discount rate of $9!Before You Build Guidebook DownloadLYNESIf you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media.Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast websiteLYNES // Gābl MediaAll rights reserved