In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski welcomes Felix Heisel, Director of Cornell University’s Circular Construction Lab, for a deep dive into why designing for disassembly could transform our built environment—and our economy. Felix unpacks how buildings account for 50% of all extracted materials and 41% of global CO₂ emissions, and explains why rethinking end-of-life strategies is critical. They explore the concept of buildings as material banks, the power of local reuse over global recycling, and why a Lego-like approach to construction can unlock new jobs, preserve cultural heritage, and eliminate waste. From policy innovations in New York State to the promise of salvaged timber grading, this conversation reveals how circular construction can create healthier cities—and a more resilient future.

More About Felix Heisel

Felix Heiselis is an Assistant Professor and the Director of the Circular Construction Lab at Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning. He is a faculty fellow at the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability and a graduate field member in architecture, systems engineering, and design technology. Heisel is a licensed architect in Germany and partner of 2hs Architekten und Ingenieur PartGmbB, an office specialized in the development of circular prototypologies. Heisel’s scholarship focuses on a systemic redesign of the built environment as a material depot of endless use and reconfiguration. He has received various awards for his work and published several books and articles on the topic, including Building Better- Less-Different: Circular Construction and Circular Economy( Birkhäuser,2022); Urban Mining und kreislaufgerechte sBauen(Urban Mining and Circular Construction, Fraunhofer IRB, 2021); Cultivated Building Materials(Birkhäuser, 2017), and Building from Waste(Birkhäuser, 2014).

Heisel graduated from the Berlin University of the Arts and has been teaching and researching at universities around the world, including the Berlage Institute, the Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction, and City Developments, the Future Cities Laboratory Singapore; ETH Zürich; and Harvard GSD. The Circular Construction Lab(CCL)at Cornell University’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning houses a design research program that advances the paradigm shift from linear material consumption towards a circular economy within an industrialized construction industry. 

At the intersection of architecture, engineering, material and computer science, as well as economics, the lab investigates new concepts, methods, and processes to (1) design and construct buildings as the material depots for future construction, and (2) activate the potential of the built environment as an 'urban mine' for today's construction. CCL understands architecture as part of a regenerative and restorative cycle and sees design as a vehicle that can advance this ambition with excellence in teaching and research. Through close collaborations with academic, industrial, and legislative/ political partners, the lab ensures the relevance of its work and promotes the direct and full-scale implementation of research results towards a more sustainable, low/ no-carbon, circular construction industry.

CONTACT:

http://ccl.aap.cornell.edu

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/felix-heisel/ 

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In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with Philip Donovan of Little Diversified Architectural Consulting for an inspiring deep dive into designing buildings that uplift all systems of life. Philip shares how growing up in Florida’s wild landscapes—and seeing the world from a thousand feet in an open cockpit—sparked his passion for connecting architecture to nature. He explains how Little’s Regen CoLab moves beyond sustainability to regeneration, weaving local ecology, human well-being, and resilience into every project. From poplar logs reclaimed from Charlotte roadwork to a living building that harvests water and grows community, Philip shows how design can be both deeply local and globally impactful. If you’ve ever wondered how architecture can help us fall in love with life again, this episode is for you.

More About Philip Donovan

Philip Donovan is an architect, partner, and national director for sustainability and regeneration at Little Diversified Architectural Consulting. With over 25 years of experience, he specializes in designing high-performance, zero-carbon environments that deliver resilient, regenerative outcomes for the larger communities of life they are a part of. Philip has served as project architect on five net-zero energy schools, including Discovery Elementary School, the first LEED Zero school in the U.S., NeoCity Academy, Florida’s first zero-energy school; and the 4Roots Carbon Neutral  Mass Timber Education Building. 

He has also been a project leader for two AIA COTE Top Ten award-winning projects: Discovery Elementary and Alice West Fleet Elementary. A passionate advocate for sustainability and resiliency, Philip is a member of the Florida State AIA Advisory Council on Resilient Design, the Green Energy Taskforce for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and the Orange County Sustainability and Resiliency Committee. He has contributed as a technical peer reviewer for the Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 Schools: Achieving Zero Energy and as a reviewer for the USGBC’s Center for Green Schools.

Philip has served on the Mount Dora Historic Planning Commission and currently sits on the advisory board for the College of Community Innovation & Education at the University of Central Florida. An accomplished speaker, he has presented at national and international conferences including Greenbuild, on zero-resource buildings, resiliency, and climate adaptation.

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www.linkedin.com/in/philipmdonovan

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In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski welcomes Todd Thomas, founder of Woodchuck.ai, to reveal how AI is revolutionizing construction waste—and fueling a circular economy. Todd explains how Woodchuck uses smart dumpsters and computer vision to identify, sort, and transform tens of millions of tons of discarded wood into new materials, clean energy, and even hydrogen. From reducing landfill volume by 40% to creating zero-carbon biomass processing, Todd breaks down why sustainability doesn’t have to cost more—it can save money and extend landfill life. They also explore the future of mass timber, the promise of molten salt reactors, and the power of planning for circularity at the design stage. This conversation is a fascinating look at how technology can close the loop in building and demolition.

More About Todd Thomas

Todd Thomas is a recognized voice in AI, innovation and entrepreneurship, and is the best-selling author of Unleashing Abundant Energy. Todd has built his career harnessing emerging technologies to drive efficiencies and create new commercialization opportunities.

Todd has an Economics degree from Claremont McKenna College, has studied Strategy Execution at the Harvard Business School, and has an MBA and a Masters in Economics from the WP Carey School of Business, ASU.Todd is the Founder & CEO of Woodchuck, a climate impact startup dedicated to transforming waste into valuable resources, reducing landfill usage, and unleashing an abundant energy future!

CONTACT:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-thomas-52021433/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/unleashing-abundant-energy/?viewAsMember=true

https://www.linkedin.com/company/woodchuckai/?viewAsMember=true

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In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with Stephen Parker, architect and mental health planner at Stantec, to explore the power—and responsibility—of trauma-informed design. Stephen shares how his personal and professional experiences have fueled his mission to create spaces that foster safety, dignity, and belonging for people in crisis. From veterans living with PTSD to individuals overcoming addiction, Stephen explains why the built environment is never neutral—and how even simple details like door placement, daylight, and acoustic privacy can make or break a healing experience. They also discuss cultural competency, the hidden triggers in institutional settings, and the crucial role of co-design with communities. This conversation is a masterclass in designing buildings that heal not just bodies, but hearts and minds.

More About Stephen Parker

Stephen Parker is a dedicated Mental + Behavioral Health Planner with significant healthcare projects across the US, Canada, China, Kenya, Australia and India. A Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Rising Star, Parker is a proponent of “architect as advocate” for colleague, client, and community alike, he believes strongly in leadership through service. Stephen has served a diverse client base, including the Cleveland Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, helping develop the VA’s new Inpatient Mental Health Design Guide. An accomplished design researcher and pro bono community designer, Stephen is a Behavioral Health Business Future Leader, AIA AAH Best Healthcare Designer Under 40, ENR Top 20 Under 40 Young Professional, HCD Rising Star, HFSE George Pressler Under 40 Award recipient, and ULI Health Leader. Stephen championed the AIA Strategic Council’s Mental Health + Architecture during the pandemic and is a US representative to the International Union of Architects’ Public Health Group. He currently serves as Associate Director for the Design in Mental Health Network headquartered in England, Founding Member of the Center of Health Design’s Behavioral & Mental Health Environment Network, among other service leadership roles at organizations advocating for mental health environments from the Arctic to Australasia.

CONTACT:

https://www.stantec.com/en/people/p/parker-stephen 

https://healthcaredesignmagazine.com/trends/2024-hcd-conference-preview-evolving-crisis-care-models-in-behavioral-health/67229/ 

https://www.stantec.com/en/projects/united-states-projects/s/southeast-psychiatric-treatment-center-norristown-state-hospital

https://www.mentalhealthdesignandbuild.com/story/44645/drawn-together-through-lived-experience

https://www.stantec.com/en/projects/united-states-projects/w/womens-hospital-perinatal-mental-health-unit

https://urbanland.uli.org/planning-design/returning-home-advancements-in-mental-health-design-for-u-s-veteran-facilities

https://www.ribaj.com/intelligence/rising-stars-2024-stephen-parker

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In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with Gena Arthur, founder of Pure Paint, to explore the future of healthy, sustainable coatings. Gena debunks the myth that natural paints sacrifice performance or style, revealing how Pure Paint’s petroleum-free formulas deliver stunning results—without the toxins. They dig into the hidden dangers of microplastics, the limitations of current green certifications, and the systemic barriers startups face when challenging industry norms. Gena also shares the emotional and regulatory rollercoaster of scaling a clean-tech company, including Pure Paint’s breakthrough retail partnership with Lowe’s USA. From UV resilience to real-world color matching, this episode is a deep dive into how healthy walls lead to healthier people—and a healthier planet. Discover why true innovation in building materials demands not just better products, but better systems.

More About Gena Arthur

Gena Arthur is the founder and CEO of Pure Paint Laboratories, a Canadian cleantech company leading the transformation of the architectural paint industry. Her company offers a high-performance, petroleum-free, plant-based paint that provides a toxin and microplastic-free alternative to conventional coatings. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to environmental health, product innovation, and eliminating microplastic pollution. 

CONTACT:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gena-arthur-04a8a3a/?originalSubdomain=ca 

https://www.purepaintlab.com/en-us 

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In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski is joined by Olympian and building science researcher Donna Vakalis for a conversation that spans architecture, AI, athletics, and the climate crisis. Donna shares how her Olympic background fuels her passion for sustainable design and her current postdoc work at MILA—Canada’s leading AI institute—where she’s exploring how machine learning can optimize building performance. From smarter energy models and feed-forward HVAC systems to her role in the global coal phase-out and Racing to Zero, Donna illustrates the complex balance between comfort, carbon, and culture in the built environment. Together, Joe and Donna unpack whether AI is a hero or a hypocrite when it comes to sustainability—and what truly makes a building great.

More About Donna Vakalis

Donna is a postdoctoral researcher at Mila - Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, where she develops AI applications for building systems. Her work bridges advanced machine learning with real-world challenges in building operations and energy efficiency. With a PhD in civil engineering and extensive experience in construction and design, Donna brings a uniquely practical perspective to algorithm development. She's also a two-time Olympian (2012, 2016), and finds that the discipline and problem-solving skills from elite athletics often translate surprisingly well to her research work.

CONTACT:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisdonna/?originalSubdomain=ca 

ThisIsDonna.com  (http://thisisdonna.com/) 

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In this illuminating episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski welcomes physicist and daylighting pioneer Marilyne Andersen for a conversation that sheds new light—literally—on how architecture affects our health, productivity, and sense of well-being. From the science of chronobiology to eye morphology and colored glazing, Marilyne explains how light exposure shapes everything from our mood to our sleep cycles. She shares insights from her groundbreaking research at EPFL and her work with the Daylight Academy, revealing why daylight may be more than a design feature—it might be a human right. Plus, discover how her new role at GESDA is helping bridge the gap between scientific discovery and societal impact. A must-listen for anyone designing spaces for real human needs.

More About Marilyne Andersen:

Marilyne Andersen is a Full Professor at EPFL and head of the LIPID lab since 2010, after 6 years at MIT as tenure-track professor. Since April 2025, she is also the Director General of the GESDA foundation (Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator), whose mission is to anticipate emerging scientific discoveries and translate them into concrete actions for the benefit of society by engaging proactively with policymakers and diplomats. 

Physicist by training, she specializes in the psycho-physiological effects of (day)light with broader research interests on sustainability in the built environment. She has been Dean of ENAC at EPFL (2013-2018), Academic Director of the Smart Living Lab until 2024 and member of the Board of the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction (2015-2024). She was also Visiting Professor at the Lawrence Berkeley Lab in California and at SUTD in Singapore. 

Author of over 250 refereed papers with several distinctions, she was the global Daylight Research Award's inaugural laureate in 2016 and led the winning Swiss team for the Solar Decathlon 2017 competition. At EPFL, she is currently Head of the SKIL for project-based learning and PI of the Swiss-wide SWICE consortium on the energy transition. She is also co-founder of the consulting startup OCULIGHT dynamics.

In parallel, she has been actively engaged in bridging the gap between art and science, notably since 2021 as co-curator of the exhibition entitled Lighten Up! On Biology and Time and as author of the Circa Diem immersive installation and policy-oriented fiction Droit au Jour ; these works have been on display in diverse venues such as the Seoul Biennale, the EPFL Pavilions, the Gewerbemuseum Winterthur, the Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts (mudac) in Lausanne, and will be showcased at the MIT Museum in 2025-2026.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilyne-andersen-b617aa1/

https://people.epfl.ch/marilyne.andersen 

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In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with Bryan Eagle, founder of Glanris, to explore a groundbreaking innovation: carbon-neutral concrete made from rice hulls. Bryan shares how his team transforms agricultural waste into a pozzolanic biochar that can replace Portland cement—dramatically reducing the carbon footprint of concrete. They discuss challenges in scaling this technology, how regulations are driving adoption, and where sustainable building materials might gain the most traction globally. Bryan also highlights the circular potential of decentralized kilns that generate not just materials, but power and carbon credits. An inspiring look at how tech, agriculture, and architecture intersect to build a greener future.

More About Bryan Eagle: 

Bryan is a serial entrepreneurial team member with multiple successful exits.  He co-founded Glanris in 2019 to help address climate change through the development of industrial scale biochar production.  Bryan lead the development of Glanris' biochar application development, including the patents on rice hull biochar in water filtration and work done in biochar in cement, inoculated soil amendments, and tire productions.  With BET, he helped design their rice hull kiln.  

Prior to Glanris, Bryan ran his own consulting/investment company, Memphis Ventures. His primary focus was helping telecom/IoT companies, aviation related companies and supporting companies in the non-profit incubator/foundation he created in 1999, Emerge Memphis.   

His experience with IoT systems began when he founded Skywire in 1993 to develop remote monitoring systems.  Skywire designed, developed and patented Coca-Cola’s first intelligent vending platform that is still in use today on millions of machines worldwide.  Skywire also designed systems for PepsiCo, FedEx and Total Gas among others. He sold Skywire to Marconi Online Systems in 1998.  After Skywire his next start-up was Media4 which he helped sell to EchoStar in 1999.  

Prior to Skywire, Eagle was a member of the executive management team of Cylix Communications Corporation, a specialized provider of satellite and fiber managed data networks.  Eagle was part of the team that led the management buyout of Cylix from GE.  After a successful turnaround of the business, Cylix was sold to France Telecom in 1993.  Prior to Cylix, Bryan was part of the launch of the Discovery Channel and one of the original shareholders. 

Eagle holds a BA from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Columbia University.  He also serves on several corporate, educational and community Boards of Directors.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanmeagleiii/ 

https://www.glanris.com/ 

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In this eye-opening episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with Dr. Sandra Dedesko—engineer, indoor air expert, and healthy buildings researcher—for a compelling dive into how the air we breathe indoors is shaping our minds. From her work with Harvard’s COGFX studies to her current research in Switzerland, Sandra unpacks how even low levels of CO₂ can subtly impair cognitive function—especially creativity. She shares how indoor air acts as an invisible performance driver, and why better ventilation might be the most underrated upgrade in our built environment. They also explore low-carbon ventilation strategies, wildfire smoke protection, and the powerful role of moisture in building performance. A must-listen for anyone who thinks clearer spaces start with clearer air.

More About Sandra Dedesko:

Sandra works at the intersection of engineering and public health to help improve the health and sustainability impacts of buildings. With a background in civil engineering and building design, Sandra elected to pursue a PhD in public health to better incorporate health into her future work. She recently completed her PhD at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health where her dissertation research focused on the link between buildings and cognitive performance. She's recently started as a scientist at EPFL in Switzerland where she continues to pursue her transdisciplinary research, passion for outdoor sports, and proficiency in French.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-dedesko-835b6657/ 

https://x.com/sdedesko

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In this eye-opening episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski is joined by Ann Sussman and Kelsey Bradley from the Human Architecture and Planning Institute (HAPI.org) to explore the fascinating intersection of architecture, biology, and human emotion. Ann and Kelsey reveal how our brains are hardwired to respond to certain visual cues—like faces, fractals, and even the color red—and how this understanding can revolutionize the way we design buildings and cities. From eye-tracking software that predicts where people look first, to how blank facades might make us feel uneasy, this episode unveils the science behind why some spaces feel better than others. Tune in to discover how embracing our biological instincts can lead to more humane, joyful, and walkable environments.

More About Ann Sussman and Kelsey Bradley

Ann Sussman, RA, an architect, researcher, and teacher is passionate about understanding how buildings impact us. She serves as president of the Human Architecture + Planning Institute, (theHapi.org), a nonprofit devoted to improving the design of the built environment through education and research. Her book Cognitive Architecture, Designing for How We Respond to the Built Environment (Routledge, 2015, 2021) won the 2016 Place Research Award from the Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA). She is co-editor of the forthcoming Handbook of Neuroscience and the Built Environment, (Routledge, 2025) due out this summer. Ann has taught a course on the human perception of architecture, Buildings, Biology + the Brain, at the BAC since 2018. 

Kelsey Bradley has been working in the nonprofit space since she founded Design Cause Inc. in 2016. Her work led to the successful completion of 10 new primary and secondary school classrooms across multiple communities in Cameroon and Malawi. Kelsey is now focused on how the built environment impacts mental health at an individual and community scale and is excited to further her interests through the work of The Human Architecture and Planning Institute. Kelsey holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Thomas Jefferson University and will be entering a graduate program in urban planning in the fall of 2025.

CONTACT:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pgw/?originalSubdomain=ca

annsussman.com (http://annsussman.com/) 

https://geneticsofdesign.com/2025/05/20/eye-tracking-buildings-in-lisbon-boston-take-part-in-a-quick-pilot-study/

theHapi.org.

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