Building Knowledge

Building Knowledge

By The Building & Realty InstituteBusinessArtsDesign
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Building Knowledge episodes

  • Episode 80: A Look at New York’s New Law That Phases Out The Most Common Refrigerant Used in HVAC Equipment

    In this episode, we take an in-depth look at New York State’s new law phasing out the most common refrigerant used in HVAC systems—and what the transition means for contractors, building owners, and design engineers. Our guest is Miguel Quintanilla, Principal of Collado Engineering in White Plains, NY. This marks Miguel’s second appearance on Building Knowledge, following his insightful discussion on sprinkler systems in Episode 62.

    Topics covered include:

  • Refrigerant fundamentals and the science behind them
  • The phase-out of R-410A refrigerant
  • The regulatory landscape, with a focus on New York Part 494
  • Equipment and applications impacted by the R-410A ban
  • Compliance deadlines for contractors, owners, managers, and manufacturers
  • Key steps to prepare for the refrigerant transition
  • The rise of A2L refrigerants
  • Expert advice on designing or upgrading HVAC systems in 2025

    • See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    19 min
  • Episode 79: How Port Chester Is Successfully Utilizing Its Growth Plans For Housing

    Episode 79 of Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI) takes a deep dive into how the Village of Port Chester in Westchester County is putting its Smart Growth Housing Plan into action — and seeing results.

    Our guest, Stuart Rabin, Village Manager of Port Chester, shared insights on the driving forces behind the village’s housing strategy, its goals, and the roadblocks along the way. The conversation covered:

  • What sparked the creation of Port Chester’s Smart Growth Plan for Housing
  • The key objectives behind the plan — then and now
  • The challenges village officials have encountered during implementation
  • Completed developments that have expanded the village’s housing stock
  • What’s currently proposed or in progress
  • Rabin’s perspective on whether local and state leaders have become more attuned to the urgent need for Affordable and Workforce Housing in the metro area
  • His take on the biggest housing-related challenges facing municipalities in Westchester and the Mid-Hudson region — and what it will take to solve them

    • This episode offers a grounded, firsthand look at smart growth in action — and what other communities can learn from Port Chester’s approach.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    26 min
  • Episode 78: Now Is the Time to Prepare Your Building for Winter! & The Importance of Preventative Maintenance Procedures for Buildings

    In this episode, we dive into the critical steps property owners and managers should take now to prepare for winter. Our guest is Robert Ferrara, President and CEO of The Ferrara Management Group, Inc., based in Bedford Hills, NY, and a board member of the Advisory Council of Managing Agents (ACMA)—an affiliate of BRI representing top property management firms across Westchester and the Mid-Hudson Region.

    Robert shares expert insights on:

    • Essential preventative maintenance checks before the cold sets in
    • Key areas to inspect on your building’s exterior
    • How to weatherize multifamily and commercial properties effectively
    • The importance of timely HVAC and heat source inspections
    • Winterizing amenity spaces like pools, decks, and rooftop lounges
    • Preparing parking garages and lots for snow, ice, and wear
    • Best practices for year-round preventative maintenance
    • The top challenges currently facing building and facility managers

      • If you're responsible for a residential or commercial property, this episode is your seasonal maintenance checklist—wrapped in expert advice.

      See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

      30 min
    • Episode 77: Insurance Updates for the Building and Realty Sectors

      In this episode of Building Knowledge with The Building and Realty Institute (BRI), we’re joined by insurance expert and returning guest Jason Schiciano, Co-President of Levitt-Fuirst Insurance and Bonding, based in Tarrytown, NY.

      Jason breaks down the most pressing insurance issues facing the building, realty, and general business sectors as of mid-2025. Tune in for insights on:

      • The top insurance trends impacting construction and building professionals
      • What’s behind the rising costs for owners and managers of multifamily buildings
      • The biggest concerns Jason sees on the horizon for the realty industry
      • How businesses across all sectors can prepare for the rest of 2025
      • Why Cyber Liability Insurance is no longer optional
      • And the ongoing benefits of Workers’ Comp Groups 458 and 530 for BRI members

        • Whether you're a contractor, property owner, or business leader, this episode delivers the insurance knowledge you need to stay ahead.

        See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

        30 min
      • Episode 76: Marketing Processes for Businesses During Summer & Fall

        In this episode of Building Knowledge, we’re joined once again by marketing and PR expert Michael Dardano, principal of The Buzz Potential, a Tuckahoe-based firm serving the New York metro area.

        We dive into actionable marketing strategies for businesses as they navigate the summer and prepare for the fall. Topics include:

        • Which social media platforms are best for summer outreach
        • Whether broadcast and print media still have value in seasonal campaigns
        • How to plan ahead for fall marketing—and when to start
        • New media trends, tools, and routines to watch for
        • The impact of national policy, like tariffs, on marketing decisions
        • And insights on the current mindset of business owners across the region

          • Whether you're fine-tuning your summer message or looking ahead to Q4, this episode offers timely, practical advice to help you make the most of your marketing efforts.

          See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

          35 min
        • Episode 75: Security Updates for Building Owners and Managers

          In this episode of Building Knowledge with The Building and Realty Institute (BRI), we’re joined by returning expert Thad McKeown, Director of Sales at Integrated Protection Services, to talk all things security—just in time for the busy summer season.

          Whether you manage a multifamily property, own a commercial building, or just want to protect your home, this episode is packed with practical tips and timely insights. Topics include:

          🔒 Seasonal security reminders for homeowners and property managers
          💡 Why after-hours lighting is more critical than you think
          🆕 The latest in security tech for residential and commercial buildings
          🏢 Summer-specific strategies for office, retail, industrial, and warehouse facilities
          🌪️ How environmental damage impacts security—and how to stay protected
          🧠 A refresher on general security best practices
          📉 Plus: Thad’s take on today’s market climate and whether tariffs are impacting the security industry

          Listen now to stay one step ahead—and one layer more secure.

          See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

          31 min
        • Episode 74: Title Insurance - Reminders on What You Need to Know! & The Challenges Facing Members of the Commercial Real Estate Sectors

          Episode 74 of Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI) takes a deep dive into a topic that every property buyer, owner, and real estate pro should understand: Title Insurance.

          Our guest, Patrick Anarumo, Vice President of Sales at Madison Commercial Real Estate Services, makes his debut on the podcast to break it all down. From decoding what title insurance actually covers to the key differences between lender’s and owner’s policies, Patrick sheds light on common title issues, costs, and when coverage is especially critical—like with condo and co-op purchases.

          The conversation also explores the current headwinds facing the commercial real estate sector in the New York metro area and what Patrick sees as the biggest challenges ahead for the region’s business community.

          Whether you're new to title insurance or just need a refresher, this episode delivers practical insights with real-world relevance.

          See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

          25 min
        • Episode 73: Why This Year’s Decisions of The Westchester County Rent Guidelines Board Are Extremely Significant

          Episode 73 of Building Knowledge with the BRI dives into why this year’s decisions by the Westchester County Rent Guidelines Board are so crucial for owners and managers of rent-stabilized multifamily buildings.

          Our guest, Alana Ciuffetelli, Chair of the BRI’s Apartment Owners Advisory Council (AOAC), returns to the podcast to break it all down. A longtime voice in BRI media, Alana shares key insights on the mounting pressures facing housing providers across Westchester.

          Topics include:

          • Escalating operating costs—especially skyrocketing insurance premiums
          • The ongoing impact of the 2019 Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act (HSTPA)
          • Why minimal rent increases are unsustainable for rent-stabilized buildings
          • The growing sense of crisis in the multifamily sector
          • And what she’d say directly to the Rent Guidelines Board if given the chance

            • If you own, manage, or advocate for multifamily housing in Westchester, this is an essential listen.

            See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

            29 min
          • Episode 72: The Key Issues Currently Facing Builders in N.Y. State

            In Episode 72 of Building Knowledge with the Building and Realty Institute (BRI), we welcomed back Michael Fazio, Executive Director of the New York State Builders Association (NYSBA), for a timely discussion on the pressing challenges facing builders across New York State. This marked Fazio’s second appearance on the podcast—he previously joined us in Episode 20 and was a familiar voice on BRI’s former radio programs.

            The conversation covered a range of crucial topics, including:

          • A look back at Fazio’s first two years leading NYSBA and what’s been accomplished.
          • NYSBA’s perspective on the biggest barriers to housing production in the state.
          • Ongoing advocacy efforts to address New York’s housing crisis.
          • Whether state and local lawmakers have become more attuned to the depth of the housing shortage.
          • NYSBA’s key coalition partners in tackling industry challenges.
          • What lies ahead for New York’s building and construction sectors.
          • Legislative proposals currently on the radar—and the potential impact on builders and developers statewide.

            • This episode offers an insider’s view on policy, progress, and the path forward for the industry.

            See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

            36 min
          • Episode 71: Examining the Roles of Community Housing Innovations (CHI)

            In this episode of Building Knowledge with the BRI, we welcomed Ron Abad, CEO of Community Housing Innovations (CHI), for his first appearance on the show. The conversation explored CHI’s pivotal role in addressing housing needs across the New York metro area.


            Key topics included:

            • A preview of CHI’s 2025 Homeownership Expo, happening June 28.
            • The recent opening of a new affordable housing development in the North Bronx.
            • CHI’s partnership as co-developer of the Mount Hope Affordable/Senior Housing Community in White Plains.
            • A broader look at CHI’s active projects throughout the region.
            • Ron Abad’s take on whether state and local lawmakers are making progress in understanding the region’s urgent need for affordable and workforce housing.
            • And finally, his biggest concerns about today’s housing landscape in the New York metropolitan area.

              • It was an insightful conversation with one of the leading voices in the housing space.

              See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

              25 min

            About Building Knowledge

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            Are you interested in what is happening in the building, realty and construction industries? Welcome to Building Knowledge, the podcast that covers key issues affecting these business communities.…