In this episode we sit down award winning Detroit native architectural photographer Jason Keen. Jason's impressive portfolio includes collaborations with some of the most influential architecture and design firms worldwide, including Library Street Collective Ford, Bedrock, Smithgroup, ROSSETTI, inFORM Studio, Quinn Evans, HED, and more! He has also won numerous awards including the 2023 AIA Michigan, Building Award, AIA Grand Rapids, Residential Architecture Award, AIA Michigan, Co...
If you've been following along for a while then you know that we call Detroit home - a wonderfully city that has had it's fair share of challenging history, and vibrant culture. Now the city that we love is having it's renaissance - posing as an ideal landscape for growth and development.In this episode Leslie shares why she chose Detroit as the home for her business, and how forming a great relationship with the community and planning department was her key to success. We also talk...
General Contractors play a pivotal role in the AEC industry. Not only do they manage the construction of projects, they also act as a liaison between clients and architects, along with many other responsibilities. It takes the right kind of person to do this job and do it well, and we are lucky enough to work with a great local Detroit GC - Ty Petrie. In this episode we sit down with Ty to talk about the AEC industry from his perspective, and why it matters to build a sense of pride...
What role do robots have in the future of architecture and construction? In this insightful episode as we sit down with Dr. Sara Codarin, Assistant Professor of Architecture at Lawrence Technological University.In this episode, we dive into the transformative potential of robotics in both academic settings and the real world. Sara shares how innovative technologies are reshaping the way we design, build, and restore structures; and explains why we should be techno-optimists when it comes...
Shipping containers are a module that we have been working with for years and has led us to now being not only prepared but experts in modular construction housing. In this episode Breck, Jill, and Leslie sit down to discuss the role modular construction has on the future of housing and how TSI is already one step ahead when it comes to providing modular solutions. They also talk about why developers should be exploring this type of construction, and why off site work can not only b...
Let's talk about feasibility studies aka: finding out what it takes to actually getting a building built! In this episode Jill and Leslie sit down and talk about the importance of conducting feasibility studies especially for multi unit developments. We share our expertise in how we conduct our studies with developers in order for them to maximize their lot and get their projects approved by municipalities across the country. Here's what you'll learn: When to do a feasibility ...
Since 2017 our Director of Sales and Marketing - Claire Ollila has been an integral part of Three Squared, Inc. She has been along for the ride every step of the way and has been one of the driving forces to make our firm everything it is today. Although we are sad to see her go, we are excited to reflect back on Claire's time at TSI and support her as she pursues her passion as a breathwork mentor. In this episode we sit down with Claire and reflect on her time at TSI and discuss ...
Have you ever wondered why we have been building the same way for centuries? Or why the AEC industry is the hardest industry to enact change in? In this episode we sit down and talk about the history of building and how we have gotten to where we are today...still mostly building with sticks and bricks like we have for hundreds of years. Breck gives a quick history of building, shares the implications cheap lumber has on the quality of houses, and how modular construction may ...
Breaking into the real estate development industry was not an easy feat for Hawaiian power couple Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama. However, through years of resilience and hard work they have established their impact and legacy in Hawaii's real estate market. And now they are expanding their legacy with the debut of their HGTV Show Renovation Aloha. In this exciting episode we sit down with Tristyn and Kamohai to hear their story and experience as developers flipping Hawaiian homes.&nbs...
The real estate development industry can be an overwhelming place...good thing there are experts like Jan Dijkers, whos' job is to help developers and builders alike to navigate the industry. Jan is the Managing Broker and President of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, The Loft Warehouse, a Detroit based real estate and marketing company. In this episode Jan shares how she got her start in the real estate industry and her process with working with developers from start to finish to creat...
As you know our Director of Design, Breck Crandell is building his own home - and it's NOT going to be built out of shipping containers. His home using houm technologies is utilizing specialized styrofoam panels, a innovative building material created by Guardian Structural. In this episode we sit down with Guardian to explore their cutting edge building material and explore the future of innovative building options. The Guardian team explains what sets their panels apart from other SIPS...
If you've been following along for a while then you know our Director of Design, Breck Crandell is building his very own home here in the city of Detroit. The home he is building will be the proof of concept for houm, an innovative design approach that is revolutionizing the way we think about housing. In this episode Breck shares the latest updates on the Cochrane Home, including erecting "the shell" of the house as well as the core. He also shares the innovative way he is heating ...
No one wakes up one morning and decides they are a developer, rather it takes due diligence, dedication, and experience to fall into this profession. Something Fort Wayne based developer JT King is highly aware of. In this episode we sit down with JT to talk about his development project in collaboration with the municipality of Fort Wayne, IN. A four home development that will showcase different building typologies in hopes to help solve the housing crisis. JT also talk...
We get asked all the time - should I build or should I buy? While we are not financial advisors, we believe that the pros of building outweigh the ones of buying. In this episode we sit down and discuss the pros and cons of building versus buying, and why making a decision ultimately comes down to timeline and the amount of control you want in the process. We also talk about the impact inspections have and why some people are scared to build a new home. Here's a glimpse of wha...
Kat Klingenberg is the executive director at Phius House Institute; a United States based organization that is working towards solving the climate crisis through sustainable building practices and materials. In this episode we sit down with Kat and talk about the important work Phius House is doing. Kat shares insight into the process of becoming Phius House certified, what it cost to build a Phius House or building, and how this style of building is helping to solve the climate crisis.&...
Dreaming of building your own tiny home or cabin, but wondering exactly how much work it takes? On this exciting episode we sit down with Sarah Victoria and Matt Ng of Our First Cabin, viral Instagram creators that build their own dream cabin in upstate New York. They share their experience and lessons learned as first time builders who bought their building plans on the internet. Here's what you'll learn:Sarah and Matt's story and inspiration.Buying plans on the internet. What...
We often get asked by potential clients, if they can be their own general contractor. Our answer: Do you have previous building experience? In this episode we sit down and discuss when it is a good idea and not so good of an idea for clients to act as their own GC. We reveal the biggest challenges that people face when trying to be their own builder and why hiring a professional general contractor is the best option in most cases. Breck also shares insight to why he hired his o...
One of the most important elements of a successful project is logistics. In this episode we sit down with TSI Project Manager, Jill Ramirez to talk all things logistics in the architecture industry. She explains how factors like remote building locations, congested streets, and even bridge height can all greatly impact the transportation of materials to a project site.Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: How logistics impact the architecture industry Why unique sites c...
Why do we have to leave our homes in order to enjoy beautiful spaces? In this episode we sit down with TSI's Project Manager Jill Ramirez, to talk about why design inclusivity is important and how having access to beautiful spaces affects a society. We also talk about why cost is such a big holdup for creating inclusive spaces and why the industry is seeing a growing demand for flex spaces.Here's what you'll learn in today's episode: What is inclusive design and why it is impo...
So you want to build your own house but don't know where to start. We've got you covered!In this episode we run a mock introductory conversation with first time home builder GW Runkle. We cover questions about looking for land to how much you should budget for construction costs and everything in between. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:How to plan out your budgetWhat to look for when buying landDifference between construction costs and architectural feesBreck's pr...