The Building Culture Podcast

I invited Thomas Dougherty, or lead urban designer, back on the Podcast to discuss real life lessons behind several of our current projects at Building Culture.  We discuss Townsend, a 1+ acre infill site with 19 townhomes, a couple live/works and 10,000 SF of boutique commercial, that we are nearing approvals on.  We get into some really practical stuff we’ve learned, such as how we are parking it, dealing with trash, utilities, and balancing privacy with connection. We also discuss an 80-acre master plan we are working on and how we are taking a slightly different approach than many current TNDs. And of course, we bring it back to the human experience, and how we can serve people through building and architecture! If you are reading this, I'd greatly appreciate it if you took a moment to leave us a 5 star review! Enjoy. TAKEAWAYS Innerblock development creates human-scale spaces within blocks, allowing for the creation of vibrant and intimate urban environments. Centers and courtyards are essential elements of innerblock development, providing identifiable and delineated spaces for human interaction. Utilities and fire safety are important considerations in innerblock development, and creative solutions such as geothermal HVAC systems and land condos can address these challenges. Balancing public and private spaces is crucial in creating a cohesive and livable urban environment. Thoughtful design and attention to detail, such as trash management and parking solutions, can enhance the overall experience of innerblock development. Public spaces play a crucial role in fostering community and building relationships. Missing middle building types and diverse housing options are essential for creating inclusive and attainable communities. The design of a community should be responsive to the topography and natural surroundings. The layout of streets and the integration of nature can enhance the pedestrian experience and create a sense of place. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Overview 02:51 Creating Human-Scale Spaces: The Concept of Interblock Development 12:53 The Value of Centers and Courtyards in Urban Design 25:02 Addressing Utilities and Fire Safety in Innerblock Development 35:02 Innovative Solutions: Geothermal HVAC and Land Condos 38:45 Balancing Public and Private Spaces in Urban Environments 45:07 Enhancing the Urban Experience: Attention to Detail in Innerblock Development 52:46 The Importance of Missing Middle Building Types 58:06 Designing with Topography and Nature in Mind 01:05:16 Enhancing the Pedestrian Experience through Street Design CONNECT WITH TOM https://x.com/NestedUrbanism https://www.instagram.com/innerblock/ CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell SPONSORS Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

Inspiring and equipping architects, developers, and anyone working in the built environment to craft a more beautiful and resilient world for people.

Las Catalinas might be the most beautiful town built in the 21st century.  And my guest today, Sara Bega, has stewarded its evolution as Town Architect for a decade.  Las Catalinas is a car-free, kid-friendly, multi-generational community in Costa Rica. Their goal is to create a pedestrian-first environment that maximizes kid freedom and allows for independent exploration and discovery. The town is built on 20% of the 1200-acre site, with a mix of houses, flats, hotels, and shops.  We discuss Sara’s professional journey, and the principles and practices behind developing such a stunningly beautiful and human neighborhood that serves as an inspiration and example for what is possible today.   If you do anything today, just click on this link so you can see the town.  It stands as a testament to the beauty humans can cultivate when they set their mind to it: Beach Town in Guanacaste, Costa Rica | Las Catalinas (lascatalinascr.com) TAKEAWAYS Creating a car-free, kid-friendly community allows for independent exploration and fosters curiosity and connection with nature. A pedestrian-first environment benefits not only children but also adults and families, creating a sense of community and connection. Las Catalinas is a successful example of a car-free community, with a mix of houses, flats, hotels, and shops built on a 1200-acre site. The community achieves car-free living through walkability, valet services, and emergency vehicle access. The town architect's role is to oversee the design and planning of the community, ensuring a balance between privacy, walkability, and optimized views. Creating a sustainable and adaptable community requires prioritizing human experience and connection. Designing a walkable town with a mix of residential and commercial spaces fosters a sense of community. The legal structure of a town should allow for flexibility and adaptability over time. Trust in human intelligence and the ability to solve problems is crucial for the success of a community. Creating a sense of place involves considering the local climate, using natural materials, and designing for the long term. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Las Catalinas 09:46 Creating a Kid-Friendly Community 27:56 Shifting Conversations and Culture 39:48 Solving for Walkability, Privacy, and Optimized Views 42:16 Reversing and Backing into Codes and Legal Structure 45:17 Creating a Clear Legal Structure for Ownership and Responsibility 50:10 Treating a Town as a Town 55:38 Balancing Prevention and Allowing the Best to Happen 01:00:37 Guiding a Town's Growth and Adaptation 01:06:21 Allowing a Town to Grow and Change 01:10:56 Creating Timeless and Sustainable Architecture 01:19:19 Approaching Life with Courage CONNECT WITH SARA & SHOW RESOURCES Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/begadesignstudio/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarabega/ Las Catalinas: https://www.lascatalinascr.com/ Notre Dame School of Architecture: https://architecture.nd.edu/ CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell SPONSORS Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

Today I get to speak with Alan Pullman, founder of Studio One Eleven, an architecture, urban design and landscape architecture practice focused on human scaled, mixed-use infill projects.  They have a truly impressive portfolio of work.  I love their “practice themes” which I think will resonate with many of you: housing for all, building community + place, renewing the public realm, 21st century mobility, and equitable practice. I was truly inspired by this conversation with Alan, particularly around the community integration and engagement they cultivate in their office.  He intentionally moved the practice out of their “ivory tower” and down into the heart of the community, sharing their office space with artists and facilitating all kinds of community-wide events and workshops.  It’s given me vision for how I want Building Culture to evolve. Alan and his team work closely with developers around the country looking to do difficult and messy – but meaningful – infill projects.  They relish the mess.  And, between running a sizeable practice and doing some of their own development projects, I was extremely impressed with Alan’s practical approach (you know, understanding that the economics have to work to do the project!).  They strike the right balance between idealism + pragmatism to actually pull off incredible projects, and keep people at the center of what they do and why they do it. I hope you find this episode as inspiring as I did!   TAKEAWAYS Reinvesting in cities and putting people at the center of architecture and urban design is crucial for creating meaningful and impactful spaces. Studio One Eleven specializes in infill development, mixed-use projects, and adaptive reuse, focusing on creating places for people and collaborating with developers and public-private partnerships. Affordable housing development is complex and requires specialized knowledge and collaboration with various funding sources, such as state, city, and federal programs. Collaboration and agility are essential in the design process, allowing for co-creation with clients and the ability to adapt to changing needs and circumstances. Studio One Eleven focuses on incremental development and creating human-scale cities. The firm has transformed their own office into a community space, hosting events, workshops, and an artist-in-residence program. They are passionate about creating places for people and breaking away from the traditional, car-centric approach to city planning CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:57 Studio One Eleven: Focusing on Infill Development and Community Impact 06:04 The Evolution of Studio Eleven: From Large Retail Projects to Community Impact 19:14 Challenges and Opportunities in Affordable Housing Development 32:41 Collaboration and Agility: Keys to Successful Design and Development 37:29 Incremental Development and Human-Scale Cities 38:56 The Financialization of Architecture and Cities 39:23 Curating the Right Mix of Tenants 43:10 Transforming Their Office into a Community Space 48:36 Building Connections and Social Capital 53:28 Creating Places for People 01:05:33 Optimism for the Future and Opportunities for Progress CONTACT ALAN & STUDIO ONE ELEVEN Website: https://studio-111.com/ https://www.instagram.com/studiooneeleven/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-pullman-06197159 https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-one-eleven https://www.facebook.com/studioneleven/ CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell PODCAST SPONSORS Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

I had the opportunity to speak with Bobby Fijan today, who sometimes refers to himself as the Bill James of floorplans.  His focus?  Building apartments for families – and helping others do it too.  He’s a developer, entrepreneur and consultant.   We discuss the lack of family-friendly apartment buildings and the impact on loneliness and community, and how we need to make cities and apartment buildings more family friendly.  We touch on the importance of amenities and spaces that are suitable for children, how floorplans make having even one young child very uncomfortable (thereby incentivizing people to move out), and how to make your next apartment or multi-family project more suitable for families and dynamic living conditions.  Check it out! TAKEAWAYS The current design of apartment buildings caters to a narrow demographic of high-income singles and couples, neglecting the needs of families. The lack of family-friendly apartment buildings contributes to feelings of loneliness and disconnection in urban areas. Apartment buildings should prioritize amenities and spaces that are suitable for children and families, such as toddler rooms and playgrounds. Floor plans should be designed with families in mind, with more bedrooms and more spaces to accommodate children. There is a need for more apartment buildings that are specifically designed to meet the needs of families. To make apartments more family-friendly, consider allocating more space to living areas and smaller bedrooms and closets. Adding an extra room, such as a nursery or a home office, can provide privacy and a dedicated workspace for parents. Differentiating between spaces and creating additional rooms can enhance the functionality and appeal of apartment designs. Design choices, such as the ratio of living room width to bedroom width and the presence of walk-in closets, can impact rent prices. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Narrow Demographic of Apartment Buildings 05:19 Connecting Loneliness to Moving and Multifamily Buildings 13:18 Challenges in Apartment Design for Families 16:38 Importance of Amenities and Spaces for Families 24:45 Designing Floor Plans for Families 25:56 Designing Family-Friendly Apartments 29:17 The Importance of Additional Rooms 43:35 Optimizing Design Choices for Higher Rent Prices CONNECT WITH BOBBY https://x.com/bobbyfijan https://www.tailorbird.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/fijan/ CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

Trilith is a newly built (and growing) walkable community located next to Trilith Studios in Atlanta, Georgia.  It is one of the most successful TNDs and New Urbanists communities in the country.   Rob Parker, as President, leads a team of designers, architects, planners and builders in creating the 235 acre master-planned residential and mixed use development.  Rob is a transformational leader with a focus on people, and has extensive experience in town building, commercial and retail development, music entertainment, non-profit leadership, marketing, branding and capital development. This episode is a must for developers, investors, planners, architects, engineers or city officials interested in creating more walkable, mixed-use, people-first places.  Hear directly from someone who has actually done it successfully, and learn about the keys to success, as well as some of the pitfalls.  Trilith is built on the principles of new urbanism, with a focus on walkability, sustainability, and a deep sense of community. The vision of Trilith is to create a town for creatives, artists, storytellers, and makers, where everyone feels loved, served, inspired, and connected. The community is designed to promote longer, better, and happier lives for its residents. Trilith is a successful example of a people-centered, walkable community that prioritizes sustainability and quality of life.  TAKEAWAYS Trilith is a walkable community in Atlanta, Georgia, built on the principles of new urbanism. The community is designed to promote longer, better, and happier lives for its residents. Trillith is focused on creating a sense of community and connection among its residents. The community is committed to sustainability and has implemented practices such as geothermal heating and cooling and the preservation of green spaces. Trilith is a people-centered, walkable community that prioritizes sustainability and quality of life. The development focuses on creating smaller footprint, energy-efficient homes and incorporates sustainable technologies like geothermal energy and solar power. Trilith emphasizes the importance of community and mental health, offering enrichment activities and a progressive school. The financing of the project involved patient capital and partnerships with builders and investors. The success of Trilith has led to increased property values and a positive impact on the surrounding area. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Trilith and Rob Parker 03:01 Creating a Walkable Community for Creatives 07:47 Promoting Longer, Better, and Happier Lives 14:42 Fostering a Sense of Community and Connection 18:08 The Freedom of Living in a Walkable Environment 20:29 The Impact of COVID-19 on Trilith 29:05 The Importance of Sharing the Vision 37:48 Commitment to Sustainability and Green Practices 40:02 Creating a Sustainable and Walkable Community 41:30 Incorporating Sustainable Technologies in Home Design 44:20 Prioritizing Community and Mental Health 49:48 The Financing and Partnerships Behind Trillith's Success 55:23 The Positive Impact of Trilith on Property Values and the Surrounding Area CONNECT WITH ROB & TRILITH Rob's Linked In Trilith's Real Estate Instagram Trilith's Foundation Instagram Trilith's Facebook Home Website: Trilith Town Website: Town at Trilith Variety Article on Trilith CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

In part 2 Justin Mares and I discuss the broken food and health systems in the US and the need to prioritize human flourishing. We get into the weaponization of our instincts by companies that produce addictive food, the importance of fixing our environment and food system, and the role of human health in the built environment. Justin shares his experience in the health industry and highlights the misalignment of incentives in the food and healthcare industries.  We touch on the lack of trust in traditional institutions and the challenges of following dietary guidelines. Justin talks about nutrient density in crops, the depletion of nutrients in soil, the impact of food processing on nutrient density, and the potential consequences for human health. We also delve into the challenges of scaling sustainable farming practices and the role of government and corporations in addressing health and environmental issues. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the need for individual and community action to create positive change. Takeaways The food and health systems in the US are profoundly broken and need to be fixed to promote human flourishing. Companies are weaponizing our instincts to create addictive and profitable food products. Fixing the environment, food system, and built environment is crucial for improving human health. There is a lack of trust in traditional institutions and their ability to provide accurate health advice. The misalignment of incentives in the food and healthcare industries hinders progress in promoting human health. Nutrient density in crops is influenced by the nutrients in the soil, and over time, the depletion of nutrients in the soil has led to less nutrient-dense crops. Food processing can further reduce nutrient density, and the consumption of processed foods may lead to nutrient deficiencies and cravings for specific nutrients. Scaling sustainable farming practices, such as regenerative agriculture, can help improve soil health and nutrient density in crops. Government regulations and policies play a role in shaping the food system, but individual and community action is also necessary to create positive change. Addressing health and environmental issues requires a holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of various factors, including food production, human health, and environmental sustainability. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment 00:57 Weaponizing Instincts: The Addictive Food Industry 06:22 Misaligned Incentives in the Food and Healthcare Industries 08:16 The Broken Healthcare Industry 19:19 The Debate on Veganism and Vegetarianism 25:12 Sponsor Acknowledgment and Nutrient Deficiencies in Food 26:41 The Impact of Soil Depletion on Nutrient Density in Crops 29:07 The Nutrient Decay Curve and the Role of Food Processing 34:29 Challenges and Potential of Scaling Sustainable Farming Practices 36:25 Government and Corporate Responsibility in Addressing Health and Environmental Issues 43:00 The Need for Individual and Community Action CONNECT WITH JUSTIN Justin’s Substack: ⁠The Next | Justin Mares | Substack⁠ Twitter: ⁠Justin Mares (@jwmares) / X⁠ Kettle and Fire: ⁠https://www.kettleandfire.com/⁠ Surely Non-Alcoholic Wines: ⁠https://www.drinksurely.com/⁠ Perfect Keto: ⁠https://perfectketo.com/⁠ Truemed: https://www.truemed.com/ RECS Book Rec: ⁠Formerly Known as Food⁠ Book Rec: ⁠The End of Craving⁠ Book Rec: ⁠Gangs of America⁠ CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE ⁠https://www.buildingculture.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/⁠ ⁠https://twitter.com/build_culture⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/⁠ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL ⁠https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/⁠ ⁠https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell⁠ ⁠https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

Justin Mares is the founder of Kettle and Fire, Perfect Keto, and Surely Non-Alcoholic Wines, and is working on his fourth company: Truemed.  I am super impressed with what Justin has accomplished, and am a big fan of Kettle and Fire.  My wife and I drink their bone broth regularly.  What I am most inspired by is that Justin isn’t in business just to be in business.  He is in business to solve problems that make peoples’ lives better, specifically around their physical and mental health and wellbeing.  As the sickest generation of Americans in history–and it’s not even close–he is on a mission to rescue the food system and transform the industry into something that serves people first, not profits.  Health is foundational to human flourishing – even before shelter.   We discuss how Justin started Kettle and Fire by testing the idea with a landing page and no actual product to gauge demand.  We discuss the importance of a healthy food system, and the failures of regulatory bodies like the FDA. Justin emphasizes the need for companies to prioritize consumer health and wellness. Our conversation explores the impact of food regulations and the state of health in the US.  Justin highlights the differences between the US and the EU in terms of food regulations, with the US allowing thousands of chemicals in food that are banned in Europe. We also discuss the high rates of chronic diseases and obesity in the US, and the connection between physical and mental health.  TAKEAWAYS The most profitable food products are often the worst for people, highlighting the brokenness of the food system. Starting a company that prioritizes consumer health and wellness is important but challenging. Bone broth is a nutrient-dense food that can improve gut, skin, and joint health. The FDA and other regulatory bodies have failed to protect consumers, leading to high rates of chronic disease. The food system needs to be reformed to prioritize healthier and more sustainable options. The US allows thousands of chemicals in food that are banned in Europe, leading to worse health outcomes for Americans. The US has high rates of chronic diseases and obesity, with 60% of Americans living with at least one chronic disease and 80% being overweight. There is a strong connection between physical and mental health, and addressing physical health through food interventions can improve mental health. Food regulations and the food system play a significant role in the overall health of the population. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment 01:09 Guest Introduction: Justin Mares 03:25 Starting Kettle and Fire: Testing the Idea 08:16 The Benefits of Bone Broth 11:35 Creating Healthier Food Products 19:11 The Failures of Regulatory Bodies 23:33 Differences in Food Regulations: US vs. EU 30:42 High Rates of Chronic Diseases and Obesity in the US 41:42 The Connection Between Physical and Mental Health 46:24 The Impact of Food Regulations on Health CONNECT WITH JUSTIN Justin’s Substack: The Next | Justin Mares | Substack Twitter: Justin Mares (@jwmares) / X Kettle and Fire: https://www.kettleandfire.com/ Surely Non-Alcoholic Wines: https://www.drinksurely.com/ Perfect Keto: https://perfectketo.com/ Truemed: https://www.truemed.com/ RECS Book Rec: Formerly Known as Food Book Rec: The End of Craving Book Rec: Gangs of America CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

I got the chance to chat with Andy Boenau today, who sometimes refers to himself as a Plangineer, with a background in urban planning and engineering.  We chat about the flaws in traffic engineering and the need for a different approach to the built environment.  Andy is passionate about questioning established norms and finding shared interests to drive positive change. He advocates for the need for critical thinking and curiosity in industries that often prioritize conformity.  TAKEAWAYS Traffic engineering often prioritizes efficiency and speed over the needs and well-being of communities. Questioning established norms and finding shared interests can lead to positive change in the built environment. Critical thinking and curiosity are essential in industries that tend to prioritize conformity. Reforming parking and zoning regulations can lead to more vibrant and diverse communities. Unhealthy infrastructure has negative consequences on physical and mental health. Creating a connected network of bike lanes is crucial for promoting cycling as a mode of transportation. Public opinion plays a significant role in shaping infrastructure decisions. There is a need for a shift in urban planning and design to prioritize human well-being. Andy Boenau is working on a documentary on healthy infrastructure and a book on public opinion. CHAPTERS 00:00 Rethinking Traffic Engineering 09:26 The Power of Social Media 35:02 Driving Positive Change 39:30 Creating Vibrant and Diverse Communities 39:59 The Impact of Unhealthy Infrastructure 45:15 Physical Health Consequences of Car Crashes 49:19 Trauma of Walking on Certain Streets 54:54 Dancing as a Mental Health Solution 01:05:51 Creating a Connected Network of Bike Lanes 01:12:06 Upcoming Projects: Documentary and Book CONNECT WITH ANDY Website & Blog: https://www.urbanismspeakeasy.com/ https://x.com/Boenau https://www.linkedin.com/in/boenau/ Documentary: White Collar Epidemic: Infrastructure Is Crumbling Our Minds & Bodies - Film and Storytelling | Seed&Spark (seedandspark.com) CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

Micah is the founder of Monumental Labs, one of the most exciting companies in the architecture and construction industry right now.  It blends humanistic values with tech – much like Apple did to revolutionize the computer industry in the 80’s. His company is building robotic stone carving factories to unleash a renaissance in art and architecture, using robots to create sculptures, architectural pieces, and more. The goal is to bring costs down, unleash creativity, empower people, and to once again build great architecture that will be standing in 500 years. You can see why I’m so excited to talk to him!  We at Building Culture will absolutely be partnering with him on upcoming projects. The use of robots and AI in stone carving raises philosophical and ethical implications, which we discuss.  It’s worth noting the company is working with artists, architects, and stone masons to create these works of art, and is actually bringing people, that is, humans, INTO the trade of stone carving, and creating entirely new forms of artwork not possible before. Enjoy! Takeaways • Monumental Labs is using robots and AI to revolutionize the art and architecture industry by automating the stone carving process. • The use of robots allows for the creation of highly ornate buildings and sculptures that would be too labor-intensive to create by hand. • The company works with artists, architects, and stone carvers, offering new possibilities for creativity and innovation. • While the use of robots and AI raises philosophical and ethical questions, it also opens up new avenues for artistic expression and pushes the boundaries of what is possible. Technology can help preserve traditional craftsmanship and keep the knowledge and skills of handcrafting alive. • Stone carving can provide more job opportunities for artists and allow them to develop their own art while making a living. • There is a debate between copying great works of art and creating original pieces, but both have their place in the art world. • Architecture gains meaning and value when it is thoughtful about its viewers and users, and when it gives back to the community. • The future of architecture may involve a return to building with stone, using AI and robotics to manufacture custom details and reduce costs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Monumental Labs and the Use of Robots in Stone Carving 03:48 Automating the Stone Carving Process for Highly Ornate Buildings 06:14 Scaling Up and Making Stone Carving More Efficient 11:28 The Role of Hand Carving in Art and Architecture 23:13 Balancing Craftsmanship and Automation in Stone Carving 29:03 The Role of Artists as Inventors and Innovators 33:23 The Future of AI in Art and Architecture 35:16 Preserving Traditional Craftsmanship 38:09 The Debate: Copying vs Creating 41:23 The Meaning and Value of Architecture 56:12 The Future of Architecture: Building with Stone and AI CONNECT WITH MICAH Twitter: https://x.com/mspringut Twitter: https://x.com/Monumental_Labs Website: https://www.monumentallabs.co/ CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

In this episode I get to chat with Matt Dean of Dean & Co, an award-winning agency that we at Building Culture hired to collaborate on our Townsend project, an urban infill, mixed-use neighborhood breaking ground later this year (2024).  While out of LA, he made a trip to Oklahoma City in the middle of our collaboration, and it was awesome to get to meet and chat in person! After trying several routes, we simply weren’t on the same page with the other marketing companies we tried (we tried several!).  Not their fault, it just wasn’t a good fit.  Then we met Matt and his team, and wow, they understood what we were trying to do.  They shared our values, and just happened to be in marketing rather than building.  It was such a fun collaboration. In this conversation we discuss the importance of building authentic brands, connecting with customers and target audiences, finding your tribe and building long term relationships based on shared values and goals. And of course, we conclude with a discussion on AI and the future of marketing and social media. Matt is amazing, as well as his whole team, and if you are in the business, I highly recommend you reach out on your next project.  Check out his website here: https://www.deancostudio.com/ TAKEAWAYS Building authentic brands involves understanding the target audience and delivering on brand promises over time. Long-term relationships and collaborations based on shared values and goals are key to success. Aspiration plays a significant role in people's lives, and brands can help enhance their experiences and fulfill their aspirations. Delivering on brand promises and maintaining authenticity are crucial for building lasting connections with customers. Aspiration is not limited to achieving great success, but can also be about living a happy life doing what you love. Everyday experiences, simple relationships, and human connection are important aspects of aspiration and the built environment. Authenticity is crucial in branding and commercial real estate, as people are seeking genuine connections and experiences. AI and social media have their place, but human connection and emotion cannot be replaced. The future of the built environment is moving towards caring about people, human well-being, and creating spaces that enhance lives. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Format 08:09 Working with Good People and Building Authentic Collaborations 15:32 Creating Authentic Brands and Delivering on Promises 32:22 Understanding the Target Audience and Their Aspirations 38:59 The Beauty of Everyday Life and Human Connection 47:30 The Role of AI and the Future of Human Connection CONNECT WITH MATT Website: https://www.deancostudio.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funkle_/ Agency IG: https://www.instagram.com/deancostudio/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-dean-deanco/ Agency LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dean-co/   CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/  CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

Devon Zuegel is planning a bold, people-centered town from scratch. She has a background in software engineering and has worked at some of the big firms in Silicon Valley. She discovered a passion for urbanism and housing while living in San Francisco when she started looking into why there wasn’t more housing, and she draws a lot of inspiration from her childhood experiences at Chautauqua, a small town in Western New York. We discuss the need for more beautiful and community-oriented neighborhoods and the challenges of current housing policies and regulations. Devon also explains her vision for Esmeralda, a town that combines the principles of traditional neighborhood development (TND) and the community-oriented programming of Chautauqua. We explore the concept of experimentation and flexibility in urban planning and development, and brainstorm the importance of allowing for iteration and adaptation in building communities, the limitations of traditional planning processes and the need for more creative and responsive approaches. We talk about how the tech MVP model (Minimum Viable Product) can be applied to neighborhoods (Minimum Viable Place) through temporary structures, such as food trucks and airstreams, in testing ideas and activating spaces. While we discuss problems, it’s a fundamentally optimistic conversation! We discuss the need for individuals to take more agency and responsibility in shaping their built environment. Devon was an amazing guest, lot’s of energy, nuanced thinking and positive vibes–can’t wait for y'all to hear! CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Background 07:12 The Need for Building Better Places 11:52 Chautauqua: A Model for Community and Learning 15:10 The Challenges of Building Beautiful and Functional Places 24:35 Creating a New Town: The Vision for Esmeralda 31:16 Building for the Long Term: Evolving and Adapting 32:13 Challenges of Planning and Permission 37:53 The Cost of Locking In Decisions 42:48 The Negative Impact of Excessive Process 47:10 The Importance of Truth and Being Wrong 51:17 Hyper-Specialization and Loss of Agency 01:01:09 Capital and the Vision for the New Town 01:04:54 The Appeal of Esmeralda 01:05:49 Back-Weighted Returns 01:06:27 Investor Preferences 01:07:41 The Long-Term Value of TNDs 01:08:38 The Importance of Aligned Capital 01:09:30 Appreciating Wealth and Capital 01:09:59 The Impact of Wealthy Individuals 01:11:42 The Zero-Sum Mindset 01:13:16 The Infinite Potential of Wealth 01:14:13 Creating Value and Making the Pie Bigger 01:15:10 The Role of Wealth in Society 01:17:19 Building Relationships and Community 01:19:56 Funding through Pre-Sales 01:22:03 The Inspiration behind Esmeralda's Name 01:23:23 The Concept of Edge Esmeralda 01:32:05 Podcast - Outro w Music.mp4 CONNECT WITH DEVON & RESOURCES Blog: https://devonzuegel.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/devonzuegel Summer Event: https://www.edgeesmeralda.com/ Book: Invisible Cities Chautauqua: https://www.chq.org/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/

I met Philippe Block while studying historic masonry structures in Spain last summer. He presented his work and I was blown away. He is a pioneering structural engineer who, as part of his research group Block Research Group, is inventing the future of sustainable construction by blending old knowledge and precedent with new technology, materials and innovation. He's BUILDING off of thousands of years of architectural innovation and deepening our knowledge of how structures really work, with stunning results. And what makes it so impressive is he isn't just doing this in a research lab somewhere--though that is where the ideas are refined--he's implementing them in the real world. Not only is that very difficult to do, overcoming all the obstacles, it also takes a tremendous amount of courage. When I say "the building industry is broken," as I often do, what Phillipe is doing is part of the solution--he's part of pioneering and inventing the future that doesn't exist yet. Enjoy! Sign up for my bimonthly newsletter ⁠here⁠ to learn more! PHILLIPE'S BIO Philippe Block is a full professor of Architecture and Structures and head of the Institute of Technology in Architecture (ITA) at ETH Zurich, where he co-leads the Block Research Group (BRG) with Dr. Tom Van Mele. He studied architecture and structural engineering at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US, where he earned his PhD in 2009. The BRG develops sustainable and circular construction solutions through the advancement of computational structural design and innovation in digital fabrication and construction. Specific expertise includes computational form finding, discrete masonry, graphic statics, architectural and structural geometry, digital fabrication and construction, and open-source computation. Philippe and Tom translate their research into practice, with the consultancy Foreign Engineering and the ETH spin-off VAULTED. Most significant is the development of the Rippmann Floor System (RFS), a low-carbon-footprint, fully circular prefabricated concrete floor solution CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Problem Statement 03:10 Three Tenets: Strength through Geometry, Material Effectiveness, and Circular Construction 09:02 Comparison of Concrete and Steel Floor Systems 17:36 The Rippman Floor System 27:29 Combining Architecture and Engineering 32:19 Thinness and Prefabrication of the Rippman Floor System 38:59 Rediscovering Structural Form and Graphic Statics 50:24 Opportunities to Learn Graphic Statics 51:28 Integration of Graphic Statics in Projects 52:21 Opportunities for Self-Education 52:48 New Master of Advanced Studies in Structural Computation 53:17 Focus on Outreach and Education 54:34 The Importance of Open Source and Collaboration 56:29 Graphic Statics as a Tool for Engineering 59:19 The Maturity of Tools for Arch Structures 01:01:16 Challenges in Accepting New Approaches 01:04:07 The Urgency of Innovation in Construction 01:06:35 The Excitement of Discovering and Learning 01:07:47 Following Philippe Block's Work RESOURCESBlock Research GroupVaulted Unreinforced Concrete Floor SystemBRG Githup Compass ResourcesBook on Graphic Statics: Form and Forces: Designing Efficient, Expressive Structures. Book on Guastavino Vaulting by John Ochsendorf MIT's Morningside Academy For Design w/ John Ochsendorf: Phillipe Block Lecture - ETH Zurich, Block Research Group Phillipe Block Lecture - Stone Skins: New Masonry Shells Armadillo Vault Phillipe Block on Linked InCONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

Today I interview Ruben Hassan, a Dutch podcaster and founder of the Aesthetic City podcast. Ruben shares his journey from being an engineer to becoming a full-time podcaster and filmmaker. We discuss the state of construction and development in the Netherlands and the importance of creating beautiful and sustainable built environments. We also explore the day-to-day life in the Netherlands, including transportation, education, and the value of beauty in society. The conversation covers various themes related to the built environment, society, and culture. Some of the key takeaways include the importance of prioritizing people and their well-being in urban planning and design, the need to address environmental and health issues alongside climate change, the tension between tradition and modernity, the role of institutions in shaping the world, and the emergence of countercultures as a response to societal challenges. We also touch on the Dutch farming protests and the value of different perspectives in shaping the built environment. TAKEAWAYS - Ruben Hassan transitioned from being an engineer to a full-time podcaster and filmmaker, focusing on improving the built environment. - The Aesthetic City podcast aims to foster the creation of beauty and true sustainability in architecture and urbanism. - Dutch cities prioritize local, timeless, traditional, and human-centered design principles and traditions. - The Netherlands has a more gentle density approach to urban planning, with cities consisting of mostly five-story buildings. - The Dutch value the ordinary and find beauty in the simple, everyday things. - Day-to-day life in the Netherlands includes a strong emphasis on cycling, integrated neighborhoods, and a sense of community. - Beauty is not just a nice-to-have, but an essential aspect of creating livable and sustainable cities. - The Dutch approach to architecture and urbanism is influenced by their history of religious tolerance, distributed wealth, and residential neighborhoods. Prioritize people and their well-being in urban planning and design. - Address environmental and health issues alongside climate change. - Recognize the tension between tradition and modernity. - Consider the role of institutions in shaping the world. - Acknowledge the emergence of countercultures as a response to societal challenges. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 03:02 - Transitioning to a New Chapter in Life 05:21 - The Issues with Construction and Development 08:24 - Dutch Cities and the Built Environment 09:47 - Urban Planning in the Netherlands vs. the United States 14:28 - The Importance of Building Places People Want to Go 16:08 - Day-to-Day Life in the Netherlands 21:36 - The Height and Density of Dutch Cities 24:09 - The Cultural Heritage of Dutch Cities 30:40 - The Value and Importance of Beauty 38:36 - Perspectives of Older and Younger Generations 44:48 - The Dutch Farmers' Protests 47:27 - The Nitrogen Issue and Farming Practices 48:31 - Government Actions and Public Opinion 50:16 - Tyranny and Populism 51:45 - Disconnect Between Elites and Regular People 53:32 - The Dark Side of Modernity 55:10 - Tradition and Innovation 55:49 - Hope for Change and Paradigm Shift 59:45 - Upcoming Plans and Trip to the US 01:03:31 - Recommended Cities in the Netherlands 01:07:03 - Dutch Perception of Americans RESOURCES 1. Recommended Book: North Atlantic Cities by Charles Duff 2. Recommend Video: Why Beauty Matters by Roger Scruton 3. Painting: The Little Streets by Vermeer 4. Examples of some wonderful NEW humanist cities: Cayala, Guatemala and Le Plessis-Robinson outside of Paris. 5. Recommended Dutch Cities: Utrecht, Leiden, Amersfoort, Harlem CONNECT WITH RUBEN - Website - Cayala Video - Le Plessis Video - Summer School CONNECT WITH AUSTIN https://linktr.ee/austintunnell https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/

Today, I have friend and colleague Thomas Dougherty on the podcast. Last year Tom joined the Building Culture team as our lead Urban Designer. He studied architecture and urban design at Notre Dame and focused on inner block development and has become known as the "alley-guy" for his expertise in creating spaces in these areas. It's a great conversation focused on the centralization of capital in real estate and how that affects decision making, how we prioritize profits over people and most importantly what we can do differently to try and solve these issues. We chat about smaller scale development and the creation of smaller grained places that are essential for vibrant communities, as well as how our current infrastructure is unsustainable financially and how we will see the effects in the next few decades. We discuss infill development, local investment and rethinking the way we raise capital, and finally we dive into the potential for infill development like creating streets as spaces that can really create beautiful, wonderful places. People really can be enriching forces on our built environment and are capable of immense good and immense beauty- hope you enjoy the conversation! TAKEAWAYS - The centralization of capital in real estate development leads to decisions that prioritize maximum returns over human flourishing. - Smaller-scale development and the creation of smaller grained places are essential for building vibrant communities. - Current infrastructure is unsustainable and requires financial innovation to address its high costs. - Financing new urbanist projects is challenging due to the changing landscape of real estate finance. - Infill development offers opportunities for incremental growth and the revitalization of existing communities. - Local investment empowers individuals and strengthens communities. - Capital plays a significant role in shaping development and should be aligned with the values of creating human-scaled places. - Recognizing the potential of infill development and building streets as public spaces can create inviting and reflective environments. REFERENCES https://ioncommunity.com/ CONNECT WITH THOMAS DOUGHERTY https://www.innerblock.org/about CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ https://www.tiktok.com/@buildingculture CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell https://linktr.ee/austintunnell https://playbook.buildingculture.com/p/ready-fire-aim CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:04 Becoming Known as the Alley Guy 05:01 The Concept of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) 07:08 The Potential of Alleys for ADUs 09:05 The American Alley Hidden Resource 12:26 The Impact of Experiencing Human Scale 19:34 Reimagining Suburbs as Villages and Market Towns 30:04 The Limitations of Subdivisions 33:37 The Importance of Language and Advocacy 38:32 Empowering Individuals in Shaping the Built Environment 39:31 The Centralization of Capital 41:25 The Importance of Small-Scale Development 43:20 The Unsustainability of Current Infrastructure 45:52 The Need for Financial Innovation 47:23 The Difficulty of Financing New Urbanist Projects 50:15 The Potential of Infill Development 52:20 The Power of Local Investment 55:51 The Role of Capital in Development 57:19 Recognizing the Opportunities in Infill Development 59:52 Building Streets as Public Spaces

I'm thrilled to have Coby Lefkowitz on the show today. Coby is an urbanist, real estate developer, writer, and consultant based in New York, and I would add, all around optimist. I've been following him on X for several years, and while it was our first conversation it felt like we had known each other much longer. We are saving the technical conversation on building and development for a time down the road, and today we really focused on the culture around building well and the obstacles that come with it. We both share this idea, in a lot of ways, that the best is just ahead if we can align our beliefs as a culture. TAKEAWAYS: - Urbanism and planning play a crucial role in creating beautiful and sustainable cities. - It is important to dream and not settle for utilitarian outcomes in city building. - A cultural shift towards more thoughtful and human-centered city building is needed. - Dopamine plays a significant role in motivation and addiction, and understanding its effects can help us make better choices. - Finding beauty in the ordinary and embracing everyday simplicity can enhance our appreciation of our surroundings. - Background buildings, when designed with quality and simplicity, can provide a strong foundation for vibrant communities. - Tradition and innovation are not mutually exclusive; tradition represents proven innovation that has stood the test of time. - Architecture has the power to shape our experiences and create intrigue and stimulation in our surroundings. - Small actions, such as adding potted plants or personal touches, can transform and benefit streets and communities. - Overcoming fatalism and embracing choice can empower individuals to shape their communities and create meaningful change. - Despite the challenges we face, history shows that humanity has the ability to rise to the occasion and find solutions. - Optimism and a proactive mindset are essential for creating a better future. CONNECT WITH COBY: Twitter https://cobylefkowitz.com COBY'S FAVORITES: * Habits: Daily gym & reading * Top Podcasts: - Basketball theme - Nick's NBA podcast * Books: - Welcome to Your World: Sarah Williams Goldhagen - The School of Llife: An Emotional Education CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Background 04:30 The Importance of Urbanism and Planning 08:08 The Need to Dream and Overcoming Barriers 17:33 The Cost of Development and the Value of Design 25:00 The Culture of Consumption and the Importance of Good 29:35 The Challenges of Financing and the Need for Coherent Vision 35:24 The Importance of Conversations and Understanding Perspectives 41:11 The Cultural Shift Needed for Sustainable Development 42:04 The Dopamine Effect and Addiction 43:26 The Value of Everyday Beauty 47:12 The Role of Background Buildings 50:12 The Balance Between Tradition and Innovation 53:07 The Impact of Architecture on Experience 56:20 The Importance of Restraint and Punctuation in Design 57:49 The Power of Small Actions in Shaping Communities 01:03:06 Overcoming Fatalism and Embracing Choice 01:05:32 The Value of Tradition and the Potential for Change 01:10:01 The Impact of Individual Actions on Shaping Places 01:14:01 The Journey of Making a Difference 01:18:36 The Progress and Hope in Urban Planning 01:22:19 Introduction and Background 01:23:04 Interest in Architecture and Urban Planning 01:24:27 Books That Have Changed the Way Coby Thinks 01:25:36 Inspiring Trips and Observations on the Built Environment 01:31:25 Philadelphia as an Example of Urban Planning 01:33:40 Optimism for the Future 01:36:25 Closing Remarks CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ https://www.tiktok.com/@buildingculture CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Building Culture Playbook Building Culture Instagram

Today I'm dropping the second half of my conversation with Sam Day. In case you missed Part 1, head back to Episode 8 in our Podcast series to check it out. Sam is an architect, urbanist, and infill developer based in Oklahoma City--a rare combination of someone designing buildings (architect), creating spaces with those buildings (urbanist), and actually facilitating them coming out of the ground, including buying land, figuring out financing, leasing up, etc (development). At the beginning of this episode, we continue our conversation on the importance of centers, the challenge of creating centers in suburbia, and the possibility of improving suburbia with possibilities like e-bikes, delivery and more. We have a lot of fun getting into the rapid-fire questions and question that our viewers asked via Instagram, topics like habits and routines, the challenges of architecture school and the importance of learning construction details, and even personal topics like the meaning of fatherhood for the both us. If you enjoyed today's show, make sure to like, comment and share! RESOURCES Podcast Recommendations: - Henry George Podcast - http://seethecat.org/ - Ezra Klein - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ezra-klein-show/id1548604447 - Adam Tooze - https://adamtooze.com/category/on-record/podcast/ Book Recommendations: - Regenesis: https://www.amazon.com.au/Regenesis-World-Without-Devouring-Planet/dp/0141992999 - Micheal Pollen - A Place of My Own (Architecture-theme) - https://a.co/d/aVs5a6U How to Change Your Mind - https://a.co/d/9CJJkDI Omnivores Dilemma - https://a.co/d/0bxxumn - Rise of the Community Builders - https://a.co/d/9hKNKpw - Developing Expertise - https://a.co/d/7h06dT7 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in /samuel-day https://www.instagram.com /_sam_day https://www.wheelerdistrict.com/ Takeaways: - Innovative solutions are needed to address the challenges of housing affordability, community building, and sustainable development. - Learning construction details and practical knowledge is challenging in architecture school, and gaining experience on job sites is crucial. - Being a new father is a rewarding experience, and observing a child's growth and development is fascinating. - Working with clients as an architect can be challenging, as there may be a disconnect between the architect's values and the client's priorities. - Investing in high-quality lighting, landscaping, and tactile elements like hardware can greatly enhance the overall design and experience of a space. 00:00 Creating Centers 04:52 The Challenge of Suburban Development 08:00 Distributed Shopping Centers and E-Bikes to Improve Suburbia 22:20 Habits and Routines 25:20 Podcasts Books That Have Changed Our Thinking 35:00 Getting Started as a Developer 38:00 Pivoting into Construction 43:17 The Joys of Fatherhood 47:30 Challenges of Working with Clients 50:00 Splurging on High-End Items CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE Website: https://www.buildingculture.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ X: https://twitter.com/build_culture TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buildingculture CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL Instagram: https://instagram.com/austintunnell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ X: https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell Join the Movement to Build a Better World: The Building Culture Playbook - https://playbook.buildingculture.com/p/blueprint-1-life-is-boring-yet-profound

In the first half of today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with a friend and colleague, Sam Day. Sam is an architect, urbanist, and infill developer based in Oklahoma City--a rare combination of someone designing buildings (architect), creating spaces with those buildings (urbanist), and actually facilitating them coming out of the ground, including buying land, figuring out financing, leasing up, etc (development). Sam is also very philosophical, and it's easy for us to talk for hours and debate ideas. He is both an ideas guy and an executor, which is another rare combo that leads to unique perspectives and conversation. First we explore Sam's career trajectory, his first infill project of a quad/4plex self financed with an FHA loan that he used as his primary residence (the development hack for those who don't have a ton of cash--a la R John Anderson and the Incremental Development Alliance). We dive into the concept of missing middle housing, explore the various challenges small developers face in this sector, discuss creating vibrant community centers, the pros and cons of a land value tax, as well as what we mean by human scale and the magic of 3 and 4 story buildings (NOT 20+almost stories). In part 2 we broach ideas like the difficulties in controlling land and the financialization of real estate, and the potential transformation of suburbia through e-bikes and distributed shopping centers, envisioning a more connected and accessible community. TAKEAWAYS - Transitioning from architecture to development requires a diverse skill set, including financial modeling and understanding zoning regulations. - Small developers, such as architects and tradespeople, are well-positioned to address the missing middle housing gap. - Implementing a land value tax can incentivize landowners to develop their properties more efficiently and discourage land speculation. - Retrofitting suburbia requires careful planning and consideration of existing neighborhoods and infrastructure. RESOURCES https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-day https://www.instagram.com/_sam_day/ https://www.wheelerdistrict.com/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Career Path 03:04 Becoming a Developer 08:05 The Concept of Missing Middle 17:06 Land Value Tax 25:01 Retrofitting Suburbia 36:26 Concerns about Land Value Tax 43:15 The Need for Solutions 47:12 The Future of Suburbia 48:40 Retrofitting Suburbia 50:17 Transfer of Development Rights 51:44 The Rule of 10,000 53:10 The Magic of Three-Story Buildings 54:43 Creating Centers in Suburbia CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE Website: https://www.buildingculture.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ X: https://twitter.com/build_culture TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buildingculture CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL Instagram: https://instagram.com/austintunnell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ X: https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell Join the Movement to Build a Better World: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/subscribe

Today I sit down with the infamous and inspiring R. John Anderson, also known as 'R John the Bad'. We dive into John's unique story, from his early days quitting high school to pursue his passion in the trades, to his transformative experiences as a developer and influential figure in urban planning. I met John in 2016 at an Incremental Development Alliance workshop he was putting on in San Antonio--teaching normal folks how to be small-scale developers. I love his message about "form follows finance", and that, while it is good to romanticize and dream, we also have to live in reality if we want to get anything done. 🔹 Key Topics: - John's early challenges and how they shaped his career - Impact of the 2008 financial crisis on his philosophy - Transition from tradesman to a successful developer - Insights on small-scale development and building sustainable communities - John's perspective on 'form follows finance' in urban planning 🔹 Connect with R. John Anderson: John's Blog: https://www.rjohnthebad.com/ Incremental Development Alliance: https://www.incrementaldevelopment.org/ 🔹 Timestamps: 00:01 - Introduction to John Anderson 01:06 - John's early life and entry into construction 03:15 - Shift to architecture and impact on development philosophy 05:25 - Experiences with large-scale projects and learning from failures 08:50 - Influence of Leon Kreer and the New Urbanism movement 14:28 - Insights on public service and infrastructure development 20:08 - The journey towards incremental development and small-scale projects 33:04 - Strategies for young developers in the current financial landscape 43:52 - The concept of 'form follows finance' in urban design 01:00:37 - Exploring opportunities in urban renewal and sprawl repair John has a lot of bits of wisdom and insight for anyone interested in architecture, urban planning, and sustainable development. Thanks a ton for coming on! Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe if you support what we are doing at Building Culture. Enjoy! Connect with Building Culture on social media: Website: https://www.buildingculture.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ X: https://twitter.com/build_culture TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buildingculture Connect with Austin Tunnell on Social Media Instagram: https://instagram.com/austintunnell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ X: https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell Join the Movement to Build a Better World: The Building Culture Playbook

Today I get to chat with my business partner and mentor Matthew Myers, a successful entrepreneur, syndicator and real estate developer of unique, infill projects. As a local developer renowned for his work on infill pocket neighborhoods, Matthew shares a wealth of knowledge and personal insights. This episode is a blend of technical expertise, cultural commentary, and personal anecdotes, providing a unique perspective on urban development and its impact on community life. Key Highlights: Matthew Myers' Journey: From leadership training with Giant to real estate development, Discover Matthew's transition and his venture into developing neighborhoods like the Prairie at Post. Innovative Urban Developments: Learn about the Lark, the Ember, and other projects that redefine the concept of community living. Cultural Insights: Explore Matthew's views on the importance of design, the role of relationships in community building, and his personal experiences in overcoming challenges. Pocket Neighborhoods Explained: Understand the concept of pocket neighborhoods and how they foster a sense of identity and place. T he Future of Housing: Matthew discusses the diversity in housing options and how the built environment shapes social wellbeing. Personal Reflections: Gain insights into Matthew's personal growth, his approach to business, and his vision for mentorship in urban development.