Coffee Sketch Podcast – Episode 180: Architect to Developer with Jeff Pastva, FAIA

Hosts: Kurt Neiswender & Jamie
Guest: Jeff Pastva, FAIA

Summary:
In this episode, Kurt and Jamie are joined by architect and developer Jeff Pastva, FAIA, for a lively conversation that weaves together sports banter, coffee rituals, and a deep dive into the evolving role of architects in real estate development. Jeff shares his journey from traditional practice to working in development, discusses the value of design thinking beyond design, and encourages architects to explore new business models and opportunities in the built environment.

Show Notes (with Timestamps):

• [0:00] – Banter and technical difficulties; introduction of guest Jeff Pastva.
• [2:20] – Sports talk: football, March Madness, and the ups and downs of fandom.
• [10:45] – Coffee chat: favorite local roasters, K-Cups, and coffee rituals.
• [19:35] – Jeff’s background: growing up near Philly, career path, and AIA involvement.
• [22:35] – Transition from architecture to development: inspiration, Rose Fellowship, and lessons learned.
• [32:40] – The value of design thinking in development, zoning, and feasibility.
• [44:00] – Adaptive reuse, sustainability, and the economics of keeping vs. demolishing buildings.
• [54:50] – The growing trend of architects joining development teams and the benefits for projects.
• [57:30] – Jeff’s call to action: architects should consider acquiring and entitling land, leveraging their skills for new business models.
• [59:45] – Where to find Jeff: LinkedIn is the best place to connect.

Connect with Jeff Pastva:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-pastva-faia-cphc-a39a153/

Listen & Subscribe:
Find Coffee Sketch Podcast on your favorite platform for more conversations at the intersection of design, practice, and creativity.

Send Feedback :)

Support the show

Buy some Coffee! Support the Show!
https://ko-fi.com/coffeesketchpodcast/shop

Our Links

Follow Jamie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/falloutstudio/

Follow Kurt on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kurtneiswender/

Kurt’s Practice - https://www.instagram.com/urbancolabarchitecture/

Coffee Sketch on Twitter - https://twitter.com/coffeesketch

Jamie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/falloutstudio

Kurt on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kurtneiswender