April 09, 2025

Are Car Dealerships the Future of Great Design? What Retail Architecture Gets Right (and Wrong)” – Ep 81 with Shawn Houghtling & Bryce Jarman

40 minutes

In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with Shawn Houghtling and Bryce Jarman of RH Carter Architects—industry leaders in the art and science of automotive retail design. With a 40-year legacy and partnerships with 17 automotive brands, RH Carter has helped shape the modern dealership experience across Canada.

Shawn and Bryce pull back the curtain on what makes a dealership not just functional, but unforgettable. They explore how architecture supports brand identity, enhances customer experience, and even builds community. From managing complex traffic flows to integrating natural light with Solera® panels for improved occupant well-being, this episode highlights the often-overlooked brilliance of retail design done right.

If you’re an architect, designer, or simply fascinated by how space influences behavior, this one’s for you!

More About Shawn Houghtling and Bryce Jarman

As a Principal at RH Carter Architects Inc. Shawn oversees several National and International Retail Facility Image Programs within the Canadian market. Working across Canada requires extensive travel and the implementation of various design strategies that achieve both corporate branding initiatives as well as addressing local architectural/structural requirements. The ability to work effectively and collaboratively with local architectural and building consultants is paramount to the success of each program as well as the administration and review of construction documents.

As a Junior Associate at RH Carter Architects Inc., Bryce has gained experience as an

Architectural Designer in many different national design programs. Developing and presenting concept designs to retailers across Canada has provided Bryce the opportunity to gain a strong understanding of retailer needs as well as manufacturer image programs and requirements. After taking time to learn the programs and the industry, he was given the opportunity to be the Program Manager of the Ford and Lincoln programs. During this time, Bryce worked with Ford of Canada, and the retailer network, and coordinated the RH Carter team internally to ensure the success of the design programs across the country now and moving in the future.

CONTACT:

https://www.rhcarter.com/team/shawn-houghtling

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-houghtling-oaa-mraic-a7643110/

https://www.rhcarter.com/team/bryce-jarman

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-jarman-8b281b2b9

Where To Find Us:

https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/

www.advancedglazings.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcast

www.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625

https://twitter.com/bbfhpod

https://twitter.com/Solera_Daylight