Innovative Real Estate with Three Squared, Inc.

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 the growth and transformation the company as gone through as well as what she has gone through personally. Claire shares some of her favorite projects she's worked on, what she learned about architecture, the importance of grounding and boundaries in the corporate world, and what's next on her career journey.   Here's what you'll learn: The role Claire has had while at TSI How many sales calls she's been onThe best lessons she has learned Her favorite projectsTo learn more about the work Claire is doing and her breathwork business check out her Instagram and Clarity Lab.Link to full show notes. Ready to move forward with your project, or have questions about building with shipping containers? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more.

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 be the answer to the housing crisis. Here's what you'll learn: History of building with sticks and bricksWhy lumber prices are so high How the GI bill changed the building industry What role does modular construction play in the future of housingBreck's project highlight of the week: David's Garage  Ready to move forward with your project, or have questions about building with shipping containers? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more.

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. They share why it's important to find mentorship in your market, the impact of having your mindset in check, and what it was like to film with HGTV.  Tristyn and Kamohai also explain why showcasing the Hawaiian culture and people and being inspirations for other Hawaiian families is so important to them.Here's glimpse of what you'll learn: Who are Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama What it is like navigating the permit process in Hawai'iFinding and maintaining balance in an industry that promotes hustle cultureWhat it's like filming an HGTV showTristyn and Kamohai Project Highlight of the week: The home with a tree growing in it. Make sure to follow along Tristyn and Kamohai on Instagram Listen to Deals and Aloha here. Watch Renovation Aloha on HGTV, Tuesdays at 9/8 central timeLink to show notesReady to move forward with your project, or have questions about building with shipping containers? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more.

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 create the most efficient housing. She also shares her experience working with first time developers, analyzing building plans with a buyer mindset, and why working with her company could take your development to the next level. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: Who is Jan Dijkers and her role in the real estate industryHow she helps developers find land and create efficient housingWhy it's important to have girt as a developerThinking twice about Land Bank landProject Highlight of the Week: Veterans Housing Prototype Head to Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, The Loft Warehouse to learn more about their services. Subscribe to Jan's email list here: https://www.jandijkers.com/subscribeFull Show NotesReady to move forward with your project, or have questions about building with shipping containers? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more.

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, the scalability of their product, and how their materials provide big cost savings when it comes to heating and cooling. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: Who is Guardian StructuralWhat are the benefits of building with Guardian PanelsStructural versatility and scalability Who could benefit from building with this materialHow Guardian Structural meets Passive House certificationShow notesTo learn more about Guardian Structural and the work they are doing head to their website.  Supplementary episodes: Phius House with Kat KlingenbergReimaging Multifamily Housing with Susan King of HEDPart 3: Cochrane Home UpdateReady to move forward with your project, or have questions about building with shipping containers? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more.

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 his house and why this is just the beginning for houm.Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: Current project status of the Cochrane HomeDesign decision that will impact cost savingsImportance of Breck building the proof of concept Utilizing technology to stay one step aheadLink to full show notes Supplementary episodes: Part: 1 Breck Building His Own HomePart 2: Breck Designed His Own Home and Now He's Building It. Follow houm on Instagram to following along with the construction of the Cochrane HomeReady to move forward with your project, or have questions about building with shipping containers? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more.

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 talks about what motivated him to become a developer, the importance of collaboration, and how he wants his developments to be an advocate for others. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: Who is JT King and Royal DevelopmentsHow Fort Wayne is pushing the envelope of innovationCollaboration between, developer, municipalities, and architectsNavigating your capital stack and project funding Breck's Project Highlight(s) of the week: Royal Houm & Royal ContainerShow NotesTo learn more about Royal Developments head to their website here. Follow along with Royal Developments on their Facebook and Instagram: @royaldevelopsLean more about the HOME Program. Ready to move forward with your project, or have questions about building with shipping containers? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more.

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 what you'll learn: Is it better to build or buy? How timeline can impact your decision. Stress that comes with bidding on houses. Good and bad inspectors. Project Highlight of the Week: Two Rivers House Ready to move forward with your project, or have questions about building with shipping containers? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more.

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. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: Kat Klingenberg and her role with Phius House.Implementing sustainable building. Phius House certification isn't just for single family homes.Why developers are ideal candidates for Phius House.Project highlight of the week: Hayes Home. Link to full show notes. Link to supplementary resources and episodes: Passive House Institute -  Website and Instagram Reimagining Multifamily Housing With Susan King of HEDThe Real Cost of BuildingReady to move forward with your project, or have questions about building with shipping containers? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more.

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's not included in online plans. How much research you should be doing as a first time builder. Building a traditional cabin with non traditional materials. Project Highlight of the Week: Our First Cabin!Full show notesMake sure to follow Our First Cabin on Instagram and Youtube to stay up to date with all that Sarah and Matt are doing. Supplementary episodes for today's conversation:Buying Home Plans On The Internet: Who Can You Trust And What Is LegitWhy You Need An Architect (...Especially If You Think You Don't)Launching Builder Ready Plans: Your Questions AnsweredReady to move forward with your project, or have questions about building with shipping containers? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more.

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 own builder, despite having years of experience in the field. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: Can you be your own GC?Why banks limit a client's flexibility. What is a sworn statement and why you need it.The level of involvement a general contractor has in a project.Breck's project Highlight Of The Week: Blackridge Farms (coming soon)Link to full show notes. Learn more about the Cochrane Home here.Ready to move forward with your project, or have questions about building with shipping containers? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more.

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 can cost you more moneyImplications of trucking on american infrastructure Waste in the construction industry Project highlight of the week: Concord Wolfehouse!Link to full show notesReady to move forward with your project, or have questions about building with shipping containers? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more.

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 important. The importance of having a space you enjoy and feel comfortable in. Flex spaces and their uses. How costs limit design versatility.Project Highlight of the Week: The HyggeLearn more about the Frederiksbjerg School here.Full show notes for Episode 56. Ready to move forward with your project, or have questions about building with shipping containers? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more.

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 project highlight of the week: Royal HomeLearn more about Runkle consulting here: www.runkleconsulting.comSupplementary episodes: Container Home FAQ: Structural Engineering with Bill RunkleReady to move forward with your project, or have questions about building with shipping containers? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more.

Want to know something that's more challenging than going to mars? Creating change in the housing industry. In this episode we sit down with Jeff Wilson, the founder of Jupe - a disaster relief company dedicated to creating housing solutions for those that have lost theirs. Jeff talks about how the Covid-19 pandemic set the trajectory for the current model, the importance of volume versus square feet, and the current work Jupe is doing to provide housing for Hawaiian's affected by the Maui Fires. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:Introduction of Jeff Wilson and JupeHow the climate is creating a demand for housing relief What the housing industry can learn from the automotive industryImportance of transparency...especially for start upsProject highlight of the week: Maui Fire Disaster Relief Full show notesTo learn more about Jeff an Jupe head over to their website. Make sure to follow both Jeff and Jupe on Instagram. Ready to move forward with your project, or have questions about building with shipping containers? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more.

Architects may be the ones designing the project of your dreams but buildings take a whole village to actually get built . A key component of that team are structural engineers. In this episode we sit down with Bill Runkle of Runkle Consulting and TSIs' go to structural engineer to discuss the importance of his role throughout the process of building. Bill also shares the story of how serving in the United States Military threw him into the world of shipping container architecture. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: What does a structural engineer doHow structural engineers and architects work together The importance of working with people who have experience The role humans play in a technology dominate field Breck's project highlight of the week: Jade HouseTo learn more about Runkel Consulting and Bill's work head over to their website and YouTube page.Ready to move forward with your project, or have questions about building with shipping containers? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more.

We may have made our name with shipping containers, but it is not the only building material we have extensive experience in. At the end of the day we are an innovative architecture firm, meaning we work with any materials that challenge convention. In this Episode, we talk about our team's extensive expertise in various design options, the importance of valuing quality of work, and everything that you need to know about the cost of building. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn in today's episode: Why we don't limit ourselves to containers. How to look for a high quality of work. Benefits of working with an experienced team. Breaking down the costs of building. Breck's project highlight of the week: Whitehall Ohio Housing Development Show notes for Episode 52Supplementary Episodes: Reimagine Multifamily Housing With Susan King of HEDBreck Designed His Own Home and Now He's Building ItStay In Your Lane: When To Hire Your Architect, Engineer, And Specialty ConsultantsReady to move forward with your project, or have questions about building with shipping containers? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more.

Why is change so hard to enact on a large scale level? In this episode we sit down with Susan King, Licensed Architect and Principal at HED, to discuss why it is so challenging to pioneer change in the architecture and development industry. We also speak about the mindset shift of upfront costs versus longevity, the misconceptions of modularization, and how  Passive House is reimagining how we design multifamily housing. Here is  a glimpse of what you'll learn in today's episode: Introduction to Susan King and Passive house.Incentivising cities to adopt innovative building practices. Challenging the 'cost focus' mindset. How Passive House is changing multifamily housing. Challenges modularization faces in the building industry. Click here to learn more about the work Susan is doing with Passive House. Lean more about HED here. Conservatory Apartments In Chicago Ready to move forward with your project, or have questions about building with shipping containers? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more.

We've got exciting news we are finally ready to share - we are launching our Builder Ready Plans. Three different pre-drawn designs that you can now purchase to start building your own innovative home. In this Episode we answer all of your questions about our plans - everything from how much they will cost to purchase, to customization, cutting construction timelines, and everything in between. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn in this Episode:  What are Three Squared's Builder Ready Plans?How much do they cost to purchase? What design options are available? Can I customize these plans after purchase? Can Three Squared build these plans for me?Supplementary episode from today's conversation: Ep. 39 - Buying Home Plans On The Internet: Who Can You Trust And What Is Legit?  Ready to move forward with your project, or have questions about building with shipping containers? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more.

The architecture industry has changed drastically over the past century, tools like AutoCAD and BIM modeling completely revolutionized the process in which buildings are thought up and designed. In this episode Breck shares his thoughts on how architecture has shifted throughout the course of history despite an architect's basic responsibilities remaining the same. He also gives insight into our litigious society and the implications it has on the architectural and building industry. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn in today's Episode: The historical and contemporary role of the architect. How AutoCAD changed the industry. Why architecture is not necessarily an artistic role anymore. What architects responsible for. Breck's Project Highlight of the Week: Nipote's Ready to move forward with your project, or have questions about building with shipping containers? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more.