What's holding LA back from reaching its potential? Jessica Lall, Managing Director of CBRE's DTLA office, and Carl Muhlstein, a veteran LA commercial real estate advisor, have a few ideas.

When Jessica ran for mayor in 2021, she discovered the harsh reality that candidates often spend more time fundraising than working on policy. Carl has witnessed the same cycle of problems for decades. Both see the disconnect between what Angelenos need and what actually gets built.

Why are $500M downtown buildings selling for $150M? Why is the entertainment industry not-so-quietly leaving? And what are we going to do about the graffiti-covered tower that threatens to be the backdrop of the 2028 Olympics?

Jessica and Carl are honest about LA's challenges, but they also see opportunities others are missing. From residential conversion to Century City's post-COVID success, they highlight the incredible potential of open collaboration between politicians, developers, and other stakeholders.

The conversation also covers recent legislation like the Hotel Workers Minimum Wage Ordinance and what it means for the hospitality industry long-term. Plus, they share their thoughts on emerging neighborhoods and their favorite LA buildings, offering a hopeful vision for the future of Los Angeles.

Episode Outline

(04:01) The politics of planning vs. systemic fragmentation

(06:08) Jessica's decision to run for mayor and lessons learned about campaigning

(10:06) Should real estate leaders be civic leaders?

(16:51) The perception problem facing developers and misaligned policy goals

(20:16) The simple way to solve communication breakdowns between business and government

(30:50) How the Hotel Workers Minimum Wage Ordinance impacts hospitality

(33:23) What Downtown LA can learn from Century City

(42:09) The future of Downtown LA and the role of the 2028 Olympics

(54:37) What the entertainment exodus reveals about LA's competitiveness problem

(1:00:07) Neighborhoods on the rise and favorite LA spots

Resources Mentioned

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Settecento

Guest Info

Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn

Connect with Carl on LinkedIn

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast represent the views of the individual speakers, interviewers, or guests alone, and do not necessarily reflect the official positions, views, or opinions of Lincoln Property Company or any of its affiliates.

Building LA is back for season two with a fresh lineup of stories about the forces shaping the city from the ground up.

This season, we're looking at how Los Angeles is being remade by architects and planners, developers and public officials, and what those changes say about where the city is headed.

Each episode dives into the big ideas transforming LA's physical fabric and the people behind the projects, redefining what this city can be.

Season two is sponsored by Lincoln Property Company, an international real estate firm with deep local roots and a 60-year legacy of building what matters.

Whether you're a developer, architect, broker, or just curious about how LA is being designed and constructed, subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. Tune in to hear from the leaders shaping the city's future and the new perspectives pushing LA forward.

Building LA S2: Stories about the city in motion and what it takes to build a better one.

Follow Us:

• Visit the Building LA website
• Connect with Sam on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Lincoln Property Company
• Follow Lincoln Property Company on LinkedIn

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast represent the views of the individual speakers, interviewers, or guests alone, and do not necessarily reflect the official positions, views, or opinions of Lincoln Property Company or any of its affiliates. 

In today's post-pandemic world, we're presented with many new opportunities to think about and shape our workplaces. With over 7000 team members globally, Gensler leads the way with its innovative approach to workplace design and strategy that prioritizes collaboration and community. In this episode, I talk with Michael White, Gensler's principal and managing director of the LA office, and Sarah Koos, a senior strategist, to explore the future of workplace design and how Gensler is bringing these ideas to life in its Downtown LA office.

Throughout the conversation, we dive into Gensler's renovated workplace design, highlighting how its structure embraces various cultures and interests to build a vibrant, engaged work community. Sarah and Michael discuss moving away from traditional work environments to create spaces that are welcoming, dynamic, and full of character.

We also touch on Gensler's commitment to sustainability and how they’re integrating technology into their workflow. Plus, Sarah and Michael share their architectural background and the ways it has shaped their views on workplace design and their vision for the future of Downtown Los Angeles.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• How Sarah and Michael’s background translates to their respective roles at Gensler 
• Shifts in the design profession, noticeable changes in the workplace, and their process of working with clients  
• Post-pandemic approaches to pre-existing projects 
• How Gensler translated the post-pandemic workplace preferences of their employees into their Downtown LA office space 
• The ways this pilot project is influencing a greater renovation in the City National Plaza’s “jewel box” space 
• Creating an office space that feels comfortable, encourages collaboration/creativity, and lowers stress levels
• Sarah and Michael’s perspective on the future of workplace trends 
• Gensler's approach to scenario planning for their clients
• Why Gensler is reinforcing their presence in downtown and the potential of the area

Guest Info:

• Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn
• Connect with Michael on LinkedIn 
• Learn more about Gensler on gensler.com

Follow Us:

• Visit the Building LA website
• Connect with Sam on LinkedIn

In this episode I sit down with Frances Anderton and David Kersh for a discussion about affordable housing and their new initiative, Awesome and Affordable. Many Los Angeles residents have misconceptions, or even prejudices, towards affordable housing and there is a broad misunderstanding about the process to create affordable housing in this city. Their initiative aims to untangle some of these issues.

Frances covers Los Angeles design and architecture in print, broadcast media, and via public events. Her book Common Ground: Multifamily Housing in Los Angeles (Angel City Press) won the 2022 Gold award for best Regional Nonfiction from Foreword Reviews. Previously she was the host of long-standing KCRW show DNA: Design and Architecture and is an expert in design, architecture, and urban housing. David is the former Executive Director of the Carpenters/Contractors Cooperation Committee. For close to 25 years, he worked on policy and legislative initiatives throughout the Southwest, and mobilized support in the planning and political process for the region’s most important public and private projects.

Together, and in partnership with Friends of Residential Treasures LA (FORT: LA), they co-authored an innovative online resource called "Awesome and Affordable: Great Housing Now." This project is a yearlong, new media project aimed at advancing understanding and appreciation for affordable housing: how it’s funded, produced and designed. There’s a lot that is confusing about affordable housing, starting with the meaning of “affordable.” This project aims to answer all this, and offer hope and tools for all those who feel like housing in LA is an insolvable mess, and that the dream that brought so many people here has simply evaporated.

In this episode we highlight the misconceptions surrounding affordable housing and the importance of educating the public on the complexities of housing legislation and urban planning. We touch on common talking points, discuss the current administration's approach, look at solutions from other places such as Vienna's affordable housing system, talk about David and Frances' perspective on the recent ED1 legislation, and much much more. 

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• David’s career background in drafting policy and how that informs his work in affordable housing
• How Frances became a leading voice for design and architecture in LA
• The common misconceptions about affordable housing’s impact on neighborhood character and density in LA
• Why they created Awesome and Affordable
• The Housing Terminology Playbook included within Awesome and Affordable
• The challenges of implementing government housing systems such the ones prevalent in Europe.
• David and Frances’ perspective on ED 1 and the latest legislative initiatives

Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about Awesome and Affordable 

Guest Info:

• Connect with Frances on LinkedIn
• Connect with David on LinkedIn 
• Learn more about Frances on francesanderton.com/about

Follow Us:

• Visit the Building LA website
• Connect with Sam on LinkedIn

In this episode, I'm joined by Robert Hale FAIA, Partner at RIOS. We talk about his career and two of his latest studio projects – Echelon Studios in Hollywood and the Sony Pictures Scenic Arts Building in Culver City. During our conversation, we discuss Robert's experience working with Frank Gehry, the future of LA's architectural and studio landscape, and what's next for the development of production studios.

Echelon Studios is a production hub combining soundstage production facilities, creative office space, and retail spaces all on a single 5-acre block in Hollywood. Robert explains how they balanced all the functional requirements of state of the art soundstages along with creative office, retail and rooftop production offices. We also discuss a very different studio project, The Sony Pictures Scenic Arts Building, a historic 85-year old building on the Sony Lot in Culver City which is the only known building for the creation of historic film backdrops that were featured in movies such as the Wizard of Oz and Sound of Music. Robert and his team at RIOS renovated it to be an events and office space giving it new life.

Robert also shares insights into his background in architecture and his experience working with Frank Gehry, and his later role as VP of Design and Planning at Universal Studios.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• What it was like to work with Frank Gehry in the 80's. 
• Robert’s pivot from Frank Gehry to working for Universal Studios
• How his diverse professional background and key relationships have impacted Robert’s career trajectory 
• Why Robert started at RIOS and the influence LA has on the firm 
• Robert’s expertise in movie studio design 
• The original vision for Echelon Studios
• The unique social atmosphere and functional requirements of a Hollywood studio lot
• The retail presence on the Echelon lot 
• Robert’s perspective on vertical studio development in urban areas
• Why the Sony Pictures Scenic Arts Building was such a unique project for his firm
• Rios’ international expansion 

Guest Info:

• Connect with Robert on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Rios on rios.com 

Follow Us:

• Visit the Building LA website
• Connect with Sam on LinkedIn

Today, I’m joined by Marcelo Spina and Georgina Huljich, the co-founders of Patterns, to discuss their latest project – The Victory Wellness Center in North Hollywood. The project involves the conversion of a former supermarket building originally built in the 1940s, into a contemporary medical office building. In our conversation, we dive into the how they approached the existing building, the challenges and opportunities of building in Los Angeles versus other cities, and the evolving landscape of architectural education.

Georgina and Marcelo highlight how their upbringing in Rosario, Argentina shaped their perspective on architecture and the arts. Drawing inspiration from the city's renowned arts and music scene and the extensive public education system in Argentina, they developed a distinctive viewpoint on the practice of architecture. They emphasize the importance of educating the public about the impact of architecture on their communities and share their experiences as teachers at UCLA and SCI-Arc.

We also discuss Georgina and Marcelo's initial approach to the Victory Wellness Center project and how they were able to create a project that thoughtfully incorporates the original structure, while also breaking from it through a series of cuts, subgrade courtyards and a new floor directly beneath the bowstring truss.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• The influence Rosario, Argentina has on their practice
• Differences and similarities of practicing architecture in Argentina and the U.S. 
• The countries where they see the most exciting potential from young designers
• Thoughts on how to create a successful architecture lecture 
• The key differences between SCI-Arc and UCLA
• Marcelo and Georgina's initial adaptive reuse approach to the Victory Wellness project 
• What parts of the project Marcelo and Georgina are most proud of 
• The opportunities LA presents to innovate and experiment with design 
• Marcelo and Georgina's perspective on what is LA's greatest contribution to architecture 
• Why LA continues to inspire them 

Guest Info:

• Connect with Marcello on LinkedIn
• Connect with Georgina on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Patterns on linkedin.com/company/patterns

Follow Us:

• Visit the Building LA website
• Connect with Sam on LinkedIn

Today, I’m joined by John K Chan, AIA the Co-Founder and Design Director at Formation Association, to discuss how to create a great retail experience, as exemplified by his firm’s design of the Atwater Canyon retail development. We also take a trip outside of the recording studio to explore the project on-site with the owner and developer Myles Rogg, Head of Acquisitions and Development at Rogg Partners.

Atwater Canyon is an adaptive reuse project located in Atwater Village. In our conversation, we cover the importance of retail spaces as integral parts of thriving neighborhoods, how they can engage with local communities, and the factors that contribute to a successful retail space in Los Angeles for both retail tenants and visitors.

Atwater Canyon is a unique space with unusual materiality choices drawn from the history of LA architecture. John explains the international and local inspirations behind the design which artfully connects the street to the parking area behind, and creates a public thoroughfare between the retail spaces. We also touch on how city planning could potentially improve LA's streets to encourage more thriving retail corridors. John also reflects on his journey into architecture and how he started Formation Association with a vision for socially impactful projects.

On site, Myles and John articulate how they approached this development, and why the decision to create 3 retail spaces instead of one has created additional value. This retail space embodies great urban design by creating a public space that’s evocative of the best retail destinations both in and outside of the US.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• John’s approach to designing a great retail experience within an existing 1930's building
• The international references and local inspirations behind Atwater Canyon 
• How retail spaces in LA attract tenants and visitors people
• The major lessons and design ideas drawn from the project 
• The reasons why Atwater Village is a successful retail corridor
• Atwater Canyon’s beautiful and unusual materiality choices 
• The opportunity the developer Myles Rogg saw with the existing building
• The response from the retailers who lease the spaces
• John’s journey into architecture and who he has been inspired by 
• Why John decided to start his own company

Guest Info:

• Connect with John on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Formation Association on formationassociation.com

Follow Us:

• Visit the Building LA website
• Connect with Sam on LinkedIn

In this episode, I speak with Babak Ziai, the Founder and Managing Principal at BrandView, Inc. His commercial real estate investment management firm focuses on acquiring underutilized properties in exceptional locations and transforming them into high-performing mixed-use developments. Today, we discuss BrandView's investment strategy, their creative approach to optimizing the value of properties, the importance of building community and collaboration among neighboring businesses, and how Babak identifies opportunities in Los Angeles.

BrandView currently manages a portfolio worth $20 million and aims to reach $100 million under management this year. Their investment strategy focuses on creative repositioning and long-term value creation. We dive into some of BrandView's specific projects, such as their mixed use building on Windward Avenue in Venice where they currently rent out vacant commercial office space for marketing and branding agencies. 

We also explore the emerging opportunities in Los Angeles, such as the Culver City Arts District and West Adams, while addressing challenges such as nimbyism. We touch on how to revitalize areas such as Hollywood and Downtown LA, and Babak's thoughts on what the city can do to make the market more attractive to retailers. Finally, we discuss Babak's role as an Adjunct Professor in the USC Master of Real Estate Development program. 

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• Babak’s definition of “exceptional locations” and “invisible value”
• BrandView’s investment strategy 
• How BrandView attracts, communicates, and builds relationships with their investors
• The details of BrandView’s Venice property and navigating The Coastal Commission
• Leasing out vacant commercial spaces to marketing and branding agencies 
• The experience of teaching at USC’s Master of Real Estate Development program
• Where in LA Babak is focusing his energy and his perspective on emerging areas 
• The reality of nimbyism in LA 
• What Babak thinks the city can do to make the market more attractive to retailers

Guest Info:

• Connect with Babak on LinkedIn
• Learn more about BrandView on brandviewinc.com 

Follow Us:

• Visit the Building LA website
• Connect with Sam on LinkedIn

In this episode, I am joined by Oliver Evans, the CEO and co-founder of The Kinn – a membership club and workspace in LA that caters to socially conscious entrepreneurs. The Kinn is a beautiful, light-filled space which fosters a community of like-minded individuals committed to personal and professional growth. Today, we discuss Oliver’s transition into entrepreneurship, why he created The Kinn, and growing demand for spaces that help people come together.

Oliver shares insights into his shift from the nightlife industry in New York and his desire for a different lifestyle in LA, which led him to found The Kinn. He discusses the misconceptions about living in LA and how priorities differ from those in New York. Oliver also highlights his perspective on expanding The Kinn to other markets and the lessons he’s learned from the Venice location that will help him with other spaces. We also touch on The Kinn’s popular events, incubator program and future educational offerings.

Throughout our conversation, we dive into the common desire for community and deeper connections in today’s disconnected world. Oliver hopes that co-working spaces like The Kinn will provide a supportive environment for people to develop both their personal and professional circles. Plus, Oliver offers his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and shares his unique perspective on finding the right business opportunities for your individual lifestyle and pain points.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• Oliver’s background in nightlife and hospitality
• Creating a membership club for conscious entrepreneurs 
• The design process and collaborations behind The Kinn’s space in Venice 
• Why people are yearning for community and connection 
• Comparing The Kinn to other co-working companies 
• Advice for entrepreneurs looking to take risks
• How Oliver overcomes the challenges of running The Kinn 
• The Kinn’s incubators, offerings, and how you can get involved 

Guest Info:

• Connect with Oliver on LinkedIn
• Learn more about The Kinn on thekinn.co 

Follow Us:

• Visit the Building LA website
• Connect with Sam on LinkedIn

In this episode we get out of town for the weekend and go to Mammoth to discuss The Limelight Hotel Mammoth with the Managing Director of WATG's LA office, Monica Cuervo. We dive into the company's rich history and its role in designing 5-star resorts across the globe. WATG was founded in Honolulu in 1945 and is now renowned for pioneering hospitality tourism and modern luxury travel experiences. In our conversation, Monica discusses the company's evolution, WATG's response to travelers' changing preferences, and the development of the Limelight Hotel Mammoth.

The development of the Limelight Hotel Mammoth is characterized by its dedication to sustainability and a connection to the outdoors. Monica explains the unique challenges in creating such a one-of-a-kind hotel and the opportunities it presents for setting new standards for innovative and eco-friendly hospitality experiences. The project is also a testament to WATG's commitment to preserving cultural authenticity in hotel design, which is a core value of the company.

Monica shares her perspective on the growing trend of young architects embracing collaboration, the post-pandemic hospitality industry, and the increasing popularity of niche experiences catering to specific interests and cultures. 

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• WATG's history and Monica’s role as Managing Director of the LA office
• The evolution of luxury travel experiences, and where we stand today
• How WATG is embracing new technology such as AI and VR to enhance their process
• The post-pandemic growth of the hospitality industry and the experience economy 
• Personalization, a desire for community, and niche travel experiences 
• The state of the LA Hospitality market, and the focus on hotel retrofits ahead of the World Cup and Olympics
• The Limelight Hotel development in Mammoth Lakes, California 
• The challenges, opportunities, and excitement behind the hotel’s sustainable design 
• Building a team for unique and specific projects 

Guest Info:

• Connect with Monica on LinkedIn
• Learn more about WATG on watg.com 

Follow Us:

• Visit the Building LA website
• Connect with Sam on LinkedIn