Building Places

Some of the communities thriving today were shaped by developers who took chances on projects others walked away from.

In this episode of Building Places, I am talking with Andrew Marcus, a graduate of Tulane's Master of Sustainable Real Estate Development program. Andrew also serves on the Tulane Real Estate Advisory Board and is an active developer in Greater New Orleans.

Whether you work in real estate or simply care about the future of cities, this episode offers practical insights into the opportunities shaping Greater New Orleans.

• Andrew looks back on his time in Tulane's Master of Sustainable Real Estate Development program.
• He explains how the program prepared him for a career in development. It gave him a strong foundation in finance, planning, design, and sustainability.
• He also shares how those lessons still shape the way he evaluates projects and makes decisions today.

• Andrew believes sustainability is about more than green buildings.
• He explains why strong local economies are the foundation of sustainable communities. Good projects create jobs, attract investment, and help people stay in the places they call home.
• The discussion also covers resilience, population growth, and the long-term future of New Orleans.

• He shares the unexpected path that brought him back to New Orleans.
• After Walgreens acquired Rite Aid, many former K&B Drug Store locations became vacant. His family owned several of those properties.
• That challenge became an opportunity. Andrew began redeveloping the buildings and discovered a passion for commercial real estate.
• He explains why every property requires a different strategy and why understanding the local market is critical.

• Industrial real estate has become a major part of Andrew's work.
• He explains why demand continues to grow for warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers across Louisiana.
• The conversation also explores the transition from NAIOP to CREDA (Commercial Real Estate Development Association) and why industry groups play an important role in sharing knowledge and supporting the profession.

• Andrew believes New Orleans is entering a new period of growth.
• He points to improvements in permitting, new investment across the state, and projects like the Louisiana International Terminal.
• He also explains how commercial real estate development creates jobs, attracts businesses, and strengthens local communities.

• The conversation reveals how he is mentoring Tulane students and helping them launch their careers.
• He believes successful developers need more than technical knowledge. They also need strong relationships, curiosity, and a long-term mindset.
• He encourages students to build their networks early and stay open to new opportunities.

• Building a career in commercial real estate
• Adaptive reuse and retail redevelopment
• Sustainable real estate development
• Industrial real estate and economic growth
• The future of New Orleans
• Commercial real estate investment
• Professional networking through CREDA
• Preparing future real estate leaders

"Sustainability is economic sustainability. If we can create projects that bring investment, create jobs, and help people stay here, everything else starts moving in the right direction." — Andrew Marcus

• Tulane Master of Sustainable Real Estate Development (MSRED) Program
• Tulane School of Architecture and Built Environment
• CREDA (Commercial Real Estate Development Association)
• Louisiana International Terminal
• K&B Drug Stores

Follow John Renne on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-renne

Follow Tulane Real Estate on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/tulane.real.estate/

Thank you for listening to Building Places, the Tulane perspective on real estate, people, projects, and ideas shaping the future of cities, real estate, and the built environment.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone interested in real estate, architecture, or city development.

Join us next time as we continue exploring the people and projects building the places where we live, work, and thrive.

What happens when you apply an architectural lens to the high-stakes world of real estate development? In this episode of Building Places: Tulane Perspectives in Real Estate, I’m talking with Matt Frank, a graduate of Tulane’s School of Architecture and current principal at Morvay.

We explore his transition from a licensed architect to an "asset agnostic" developer and how he’s now focusing on specialized industrial spaces.

The episode ends with Matt discussing the importance of mentorship and how his connection to Tulane eventually led to a lifelong business partnership.

Episode Breakdown by Timestamps:

The Foundation of Architectural Education (00:00:48 - 00:03:07)

• Matt began by saying his architectural education serves as the foundation for everything he’s done.
• He shared a great story about how an interviewer literally moved his folder from one box to another to get him into the program.
• According to Matt, the program wasn't just about design; it was a process for analyzing data and solving problems for specific places.

Bridging Design and Finance: A Father’s Perspective (00:03:08 - 00:07:52)

• Since Matt’s son recently graduated from the same school, we discussed how the curriculum has evolved to include more robust real estate training.
• Matt admitted he was jealous of the financial analysis tools and internships his son had access to, which weren't available during his own time in school.
• In his voice, the modern program at Tulane successfully bridges the gap between design sensibility and the practicalities of financial viability.

Being "Agnostic" Across Real Estate Sectors (00:07:53 - 13:11)

• Matt explained that he has been agnostic in terms of asset classes, working on everything from prefabricated social housing in the UK to large-scale office and industrial projects for a REIT.
• He talked about his current company, Morvay, which focuses on "shallow bay" industrial spaces for small manufacturers and distributors.
• The conversation touched on how diversifying into different sectors, like industrial and multi-family housing, acts as a hedge against shifting capital markets.

The Brutal Reality of Entitlements (13:12 - 17:52)

• Matt defines "entitlements," a kind of global process of getting a project approved through all of the local and state and otherwise municipal agencies, regulatory agencies to allow you to put a shovel in the ground and start building
• He essentially runs "political campaigns" to get community buy-in, which involves meeting with church groups and local neighbors.
• The biggest hurdle is "NIMBYism" people who support development in theory but don't want anything to impact their own lifestyle or "white picket fence."

Traffic, School Children, and the Logic Gap (17:53 - 25:09)

• Matt noted that 90% of community pushback is driven by fears over traffic and the influx of school children.
• He expressed frustration that the public often ignores the "science" of traffic reports and doesn't believe that multi-family projects can actually generate millions in net tax benefits for schools.
• In his experience, even proving a massive financial benefit to a municipality often isn't enough to overcome emotional opposition.

State Preemption and Overcoming Local Backlash (25:10 - 32:16)

• The conversation covered the trend of "state preemption" in California and Florida, where state laws are beginning to override local zoning to ensure housing gets built.
• Matt shared an example of a multi-family project in Los Angeles where state housing bonus laws are the only thing making the development financially viable against local backlash.
• He finds it fascinating that despite different political leanings, both states are moving toward reducing the regulatory "government overreach" that kills new supply.

Mentorship and Building Better Developers (32:17 - 38:18)

• Matt’s advice for the next generation is to look beyond being a "finance ninja" and develop the ability to critically understand a real estate problem as a whole.
• He highlighted the strength of the Tulane network, mentioning that he actually started his current business with a former student he mentored.
• According to Matt, having a sensitivity to how buildings impact society ultimately makes for a more successful and responsible real estate developer.

Key themes discussed

• Architectural education and problem solving
• The entitlements process
• the politics of development
• Nimbyism and community concerns
• State preemption vs. local control
• Multidisciplinary real estate training
• The value of mentorship

Quote from the Episode

"The entitlements process is generally the kind of global process of getting a project approved through all of the local and state and otherwise municipal agencies, regulatory agencies to allow you to put a shovel in the ground and start building." — Matt Frank.

Follow John Renne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-renne/

Follow Tulane on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tulane.real.estate/

Resources

• Learn more about Morvay:https://morvayholdings.com/
• Follow Matt Frank on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-frank-93163b8/
• Explore the Tulane School of Architecture and Built Environment: architecture.tulane.edu

Credits

Thank you for listening to Building Places, the Tulane perspective on real estate, people, projects, and ideas shaping the future of cities, real estate, and the built environment.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone interested in real estate, architecture, or city development.

Join us next time as we continue exploring the people and projects building the places where we live, work, and thrive.

Some of the best real estate projects take years to complete. They also take patience. They take good timing. Most importantly, the ability to keep moving through difficult markets.

In this episode of Building Places, I am with Chris Cobb, Managing Director at Grass River Property and a Tulane architecture graduate.

Chris shares the lessons he has learned from more than three decades in architecture, development, and city building.

Are you interested in development, architecture, urban planning, or commercial real estate? This episode is packed with insights from someone who has experienced both the highs and the lows of the industry.

• Chris begins by narrating how a single drafting class in high school sparked a lifelong career in architecture and real estate.
• This opening chapter follows the path from Tulane's architecture program to Harvard Business School. And, into South Florida's development industry.
• Along the way are stories of rejection, career pivots, and valuable lessons learned through construction, architecture, and development.
• It's a reminder that successful careers rarely follow a straight line.

• The discussion deepened as Chris explored how long lasting communities come to be.
• He says walkable neighborhoods don't happen by accident.
• They are shaped by thoughtful planning, long-term investment, and a clear vision for how people want to live.
• Projects like Downtown Doral, CocoWalk, and Grove Central illustrate how mixed-use development can transform communities. Encourage transit use. And create places where people can live, work, and spend time without depending on a car.

• According to Chris, every real estate cycle brings new opportunities and new challenges.
• Few developers escape market downturns, but the best learn how to adapt.
• This part of the conversation looks at the 2008 financial crisis.
• The difficult decisions developers face during uncertain times.
• Chris also explores why patience often creates opportunities that don't exist during booming markets.

• Miami continues to evolve, bringing both exciting opportunities and difficult questions.
• Topics include affordable housing, transit-oriented development, stronger building codes, rising construction costs, flood resilience, and the balance between growth and quality of life.
• The discussion also explores why thoughtful planning matters as cities continue to expand.

• Success in real estate isn't built overnight.
• Experience, relationships, and good judgment often matter more than moving fast.
• The episode closes with practical career advice for students and young professionals.
• Along are reflections on mentorship, networking, and the value of learning from people who have already navigated multiple market cycles.

• Real estate development
• Architecture and urban design
• Walkable communities
• Mixed-use development
• Commercial real estate
• Miami's growth
• Affordable housing

• Grass River: https://grassriver.com/
• 3650 Capital: https://3650capital.com/
• Urban Land Institute (ULI): https://uli.org/
• CoconutGrove: https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/neighborhoods/coconut-grove
• Downtown Doral: https://www.downtowndoral.com/
• Learn about the Live Local Act: https://www.floridahousing.org/live-local-act
• Tulane School of Architecture and Built Environment: https://architecture.tulane.edu/.
• Tulane Real Estate Program: https://architecture.tulane.edu/real-estate

"Don't always take the easy decision. You need to go out on a limb a little bit to really get the return." — Chris Cobb

Thank you for listening to Building Places, the Tulane perspective on real estate, people, projects, and ideas shaping the future of cities, real estate, and the built environment.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone interested in real estate, architecture, or city development.

Join us next time as we continue exploring the people and projects building the places where we live, work, and thrive.

The best real estate projects do more than change a skyline. They help shape the future of a city.

That’s what I am talking about with Brad Meltzer in this episode of Building Places. Brad is the President and Partner at Two Roads Development. He is also Chair of Tulane's Real Estate Advisory Board and one of South Florida's most respected real estate leaders.

Brad shares his journey from studying architecture at Tulane to leading some of Miami's most recognizable projects. The conversation explores architecture, construction, development, luxury real estate, placemaking, and the future of cities.

For anyone who is interested in real estate, urban development, or leadership, this episode offers lessons from someone who has spent decades helping build one of America's fastest-growing cities.

• Brad reflects on transferring to Tulane and how the university changed the direction of his life.
• He shares how studying architecture, meeting lifelong friends, and building professional relationships laid the foundation for his career. Brad also explains why he continues to give back through the Real Estate Advisory Board and mentorship.

• Brad explains how his career evolved from architecture to construction and eventually to real estate development.
• Stories came from projects like the Mandarin Oriental Miami and the iconic 1000 Museum Tower designed by Zaha Hadid.
• The discussion covers why relationships, trust, and choosing the right partners matter in every single project.

• Luxury housing is changing, and buyers expect more than beautiful buildings.
• There are insights on branded residences, hospitality-inspired living, and the growing demand for experiences that go beyond traditional homeownership.
• There are insights on how developers create value by understanding how people want to live today.

• Successful developments should improve the neighborhoods around them.
• Walkability, public spaces, restaurants, and mixed-use projects create stronger communities.
• The conversation also explores Miami's rapid growth and how thoughtful planning can help cities grow without losing their identity.

• Brad compares the growth of Miami with the opportunities in New Orleans.
• He discusses economic development, resilience, insurance challenges, and why cities need to welcome new ideas and outside investment.
• Brad also shares why he believes New Orleans has everything it needs to compete with other fast-growing cities.

• The conversation shifts from projects to people.
• Raising three sons with different career paths and supporting the next generation is one of his greatest priorities.
• Entrepreneurship, AI, sports, and the importance of encouraging young people to pursue their passions are also core points of the discussion.

• Brad reflects on his role as Chair of Tulane's Real Estate Advisory Board.
• He explains why helping students build careers is just as rewarding as completing development projects.
• The conversation ends with a discussion about the strength of the Tulane alumni network and why relationships continue to open doors throughout a person's career.

Themes Discussed

• Building a career in architecture and real estate
• Luxury residential development
• Placemaking and city building
• Miami's growth and transformation
• Lessons for New Orleans
• Leadership and mentorship
• The value of professional relationships
• The power of the Tulane network

"You don't diversify an economy by all of a sudden having it happen. There needs to be a conscious effort." — Brad Meltzer

• Tulane School of Architecture and Built Environment
• Tulane Real Estate Advisory Board
• Two Roads Development
• 1000 Museum Tower
• Mandarin Oriental Miami
• Four Seasons Residences
• Zaha Hadid Architects
• Louisiana International Terminal

Follow John Renne on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-renne

Follow Tulane Real Estate on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/tulane.real.estate/

Thank you for listening to Building Places, the Tulane perspective on real estate, people, projects, and ideas shaping the future of cities, real estate, and the built environment.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone interested in real estate, architecture, or city development.

Join us next time as we continue exploring the people and projects building the places where we live, work, and thrive.

What does rowing across the Arctic Ocean have to do with real estate development?

According to John Huppi, more than most people realize.

In this episode of Building Places, I sit down with one of the key architects behind Tulane’s real estate program, John Huppi, to talk about endurance, entrepreneurship, city building, and the future of the industry.

John`Huppi shares the story behind his 600-mile unsupported Arctic Ocean row alongside former NFL star Jimmy Graham, his wife Hannah, and a retired Navy SEAL. He explains how two years of preparation shaped his mindset toward leadership, development, and teaching.

The conversation also explores how Tulane’s real estate program grew from a five-course summer minor into one of the largest programs in the School of Architecture and Built Environment, with alumni spread across major U.S. markets including New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington D.C.

Episode Breakdown

Crossing the Arctic Ocean [00:01:42]

• The discussion opened with John Huppi recounting that rowing across the Arctic Ocean was not simply about adventure, but about preparation, teamwork, and endurance.
• He explained how he, his wife Hannah, former NFL player Jimmy Graham, and a retired Navy SEAL crossed 600 miles of open Arctic water without support boats after two years of training and preparation.

Why Preparation Creates Confidence [00:05:20]

• In his words, John said most of the fear and anxiety were handled long before the expedition even started.
• He emphasized that preparation creates calmness under pressure and connected that same mindset to real estate development and professional leadership.

Moving to New Orleans After Katrina [00:09:16]

• John Huppi reflected on arriving in New Orleans shortly after Hurricane Katrina.
• According to John, while many people were leaving the city, he saw opportunity in rebuilding and city transformation.
• He explained how witnessing recovery efforts shaped his interest in development and the built environment.

From Pre-Med to Real Estate [00:11:37]

• John explained that he originally entered Tulane University as a pre-med student studying ecology and evolutionary biology.
• According to him, understanding ecosystems eventually helped him understand cities, density, transportation, and how people interact within urban environments.

Learning Construction Through Real Experience [00:14:38]

• In this segment, John shared how he spent months working construction jobs in post-Katrina neighborhoods before graduate school.
• He discussed learning trades like roofing, cabinetry, insulation, and drywall installation while working directly on job sites across the city.

Choosing Tulane’s Real Estate Program [00:15:48]

• According to John, Tulane stood out because of its sustainability focus and strong alumni network.
• He explained that even though the real estate program was still young at the time, the university already had decades of graduates working in real estate, law, business, and development.

Starting a Development Company [00:19:03]

• John Huppi discussed partnering with one of his classmates after graduation to launch a small-scale development company in New Orleans.
• He explained how their complementary skill sets helped them acquire, renovate, and flip dozens of properties together.

Helping Build Tulane’s Undergraduate Program [00:20:43]

• In his voice, John described how Tulane approached him about helping create an undergraduate real estate curriculum.
• The program started as a five-course summer minor before eventually growing into one of the largest academic programs in the school.

Real Estate as a Team Environment [00:25:13]

• John revealed that real estate development operates like a sports team. He compared developers to quarterbacks and coaches who coordinate specialists and guide projects forward.
• He emphasized that students must learn the “language” of the built environment to collaborate effectively.

Lessons From Pitching a Deal to a Bank [00:27:56]

• He shared a story about walking into a bank meeting wearing a suit for his first deal, only to be told by the bank CEO to “leave the monkey suits at home.”
• He explained that relationships, trust, and credibility matter more in real estate than appearances.

Why Tulane Shifted to a Hybrid Graduate Model [00:32:37]

• John deliberated on the need for flexibility in graduate education.
• He explained that many students want to pursue real estate careers without pausing their jobs, mortgages, or family responsibilities, which led Tulane to create a more executive-style hybrid program.

The Importance of In-Person Networking [00:36:05]

• According to John, even with online coursework, relationship-building remains essential.
• He discussed how Tulane still brings students together through in-person residencies, networking trips, conferences, and industry events across the country.

Building Partnerships Through Tulane’s Network [00:37:23]

• Every one of his real estate transactions involved at least one partner, often someone connected to Tulane.
• He highlighted the strength of the university’s national alumni network across cities like New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington D.C.

Real Estate Exists Everywhere [00:41:21]

• In this section, John emphasized that real estate opportunities are not limited to major cities.
• According to him, small towns, nonprofits, churches, ports, and local institutions all make major real estate decisions that shape their communities.

Teaching Students to Recognize Disruption [00:46:44]

• John discussed Tulane’s approach to AI and technology in real estate.
• Instead of focusing only on software tools, he explained that the program teaches students how to identify disruption and recognize opportunities where innovation can improve the industry.

AI and the Future of Real Estate [00:49:20]

• According to John, AI will continue changing how deals are analyzed, documents are reviewed, and projects are communicated.
• However, he stressed that technology alone is not enough because relationships and trust will still determine whether projects succeed.

Advice for Students Interested in Real Estate [00:56:55]

• Toward the end of the episode, John encouraged students to stay curious and pursue interests outside the classroom.
• He explained that personality, passion, and life experiences often shape success just as much as technical skills do.

Themes Discussed in this Episode

1. Preparation and Mental Toughness
2. Teamwork and Partnerships
3. Real Estate as a Relationship Business
4. The Evolution of Tulane’s Real Estate Program
5. Building the Built Environment
6. Networking and Alumni Connections.
7. Technology, AI, and Industry Disruption

Quotes from the Episode:

At some point, whatever industry you’re working in, you’re going to end up making a real estate decision.— John Huppi

Follow John Renne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-renne/

Follow Tulane on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tulane.real.estate/

Credits:

As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show.

Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey.

We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound.

What does baseball have to do with real estate development?

More than you might think.

In this episode of Building Places, John Renne sits down with Tulane graduate student Solomon Riley to talk about discipline, competition, leadership, and the lessons that helped him move from Division 1 baseball into the world of real estate development.

Solomon shares how growing up in Baton Rouge, studying finance, and pitching at Eastern Kentucky University shaped the way he approaches challenges today. He also explains how Tulane’s real estate development program helped him understand how deals work, how projects are built, and how technology, such as AI, is changing the industry's future.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

How Sports Helped Shape Solomon’s Mindset (00:01 - 02:44)

• Solomon shares his background growing up in Baton Rouge and how sports became a major part of his life.
• He explains his experience pitching Division 1 baseball at Eastern Kentucky University.
• The conversation explores how competition, discipline, and learning how to handle pressure prepared him for real estate development.
• Solomon also talks about why he believes successful people hate losing more than they love winning.

Why Solomon Chose Tulane’s Real Estate Program (02:44 - 05:25)

• Solomon explains how working at a construction company sparked his interest in development.
• He shares why Tulane’s program stood out: it teaches students to understand an entire real estate deal from start to finish.
• The episode also covers how the program changed his understanding of real estate beyond construction and finance.

Learning Real Estate Development Through Real Projects (05:25 - 12:29)

• Solomon discusses his capstone project, in which he created a mixed-use development plan for his hometown.
• He explains the challenges of zoning, financial modeling, due diligence, and building a project from the ground up.
• The conversation also explores how Tulane’s hands-on learning approach helps students gain real-world experience before entering the industry.

How AI Is Changing Real Estate Development (12:29 - 16:07)

• Solomon shares how students are experimenting with tools like ChatGPT https://chatgpt.com/ and urlClaude https://claude.ai/ to analyze zoning codes and improve efficiency.
• He explains why AI cannot replace human thinking but can help developers work faster and solve problems more efficiently.
• The discussion also covers how AI may shape the future of development and renewable energy projects.

Why Solomon Wants to Work in Renewable Energy Development (16:07 - 20:04)

• Solomon explains how a finance class discussion about solar farms and wind farms completely changed his career interests.
• He shares why renewable energy development feels exciting because it combines real estate, infrastructure, technology, and long-term problem-solving.
• The episode also explores how growing energy demands from AI and data centers are creating new opportunities in the industry.

Lessons From Real Estate Trips and Industry Networking (20:04 - 27:18)

• Solomon reflects on trips to Washington D.C., Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Miami through Tulane’s program.
• He explains how meeting developers, city leaders, and Tulane alumni helped him better understand the industry.
• The conversation also covers how networking and exposure to different markets can shape career opportunities.

Advice for Students Interested in Real Estate Development (27:18 - 34:00)

• Solomon encourages students to stay open-minded and not be afraid of learning new things.
• He explains why people from different backgrounds can still succeed in real estate development.
• The episode closes with advice about curiosity, confidence, and taking opportunities even before you feel fully ready.

Themes Discussed in This Episode

1. How Sports Can Prepare You for Business and Leadership

Solomon explains how discipline, competition, preparation, and handling pressure in sports helped him transition into real estate development.

2. Understanding What Real Estate Development Really Involves

The episode breaks down how development goes beyond construction and includes finance, zoning, planning, design, and problem-solving.

3. How AI Tools Are Changing the Way Developers Work

Solomon shares how students and professionals are using AI to analyze information faster and work more efficiently.

4. Why Renewable Energy Development Is Creating New Career Opportunities

The conversation explores how solar farms, wind farms, and growing energy demands are opening new paths in real estate and infrastructure.

5. Learning Through Real Projects Instead of Only Classrooms

The episode highlights how hands-on projects, presentations, and real-world assignments help students build confidence as they enter the industry.

6. Why Networking and Industry Exposure Matter Early in Your Career

Solomon explains how meeting professionals, alumni, and developers during trips helped him better understand the real estate world.

Quote from the Episode

“You gotta hate to lose more than you like to win.” - Solomon Riley

Resources

• Learn more about entity["organization", "Tulane University","New Orleans, LA, USA"] and its real estate development program.
• Learn more about entity["organization","Eastern Kentucky University","Richmond, KY, USA"].
• Explore urlChatGPThttps://chatgpt.com/ for AI-assisted research and productivity.
• Explore urlClaude AIhttps://claude.ai/ for AI-powered document and data analysis.

Follow John Renne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-renne/

Follow Tulane on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tulane.real.estate/

Credits

As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show.

Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey.

We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound.

What does it take to turn a quiet area into one of the most important innovation hubs in the world?

In this episode, I am exploring that that question through the story of Ben Lavery, a Tulane alumnus and member of the real estate advisory board. Ben has worked across engineering, construction, and large-scale development for decades.

In the discussion, Ben shares his journey from studying civil engineering at Tulane to working at Turner Construction, then moving into real estate development with Boston Properties, and now helping shape major development projects at MIT in Cambridge.

In Ben’s voice, real estate is not just about buildings. It is about people, timing, long-term thinking, and strong relationships that hold everything together.

This episode also highlights how cities grow, how universities influence development, and how new tools like AI are starting to change the way deals are analyzed.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

Growing Up and Choosing Tulane (00:00:29 – 00:00:58)

• Ben explained that he grew up in upstate New York and applied to several engineering schools.
• According to Ben, he visited Tulane and immediately felt it was the right fit because of the city, culture, and energy.
• In Ben’s voice, choosing Tulane was not just academic, it was also about lifestyle and experience.
• Ben shared that New Orleans gave him a balance of hard work and enjoyment, which shaped his college experience.

Life as a Tulane Engineering Student (00:01:09 – 00:01:49)

• He studied civil engineering at Tulane and had a small but focused class.
• The program was intense, but it taught discipline and technical thinking.
• In the discussion, he reflected on how students balanced academics with social life.
• Ben mentioned that many of his strongest memories came from both studying and engaging with the city.

Career Start After Graduation (00:06:32 – 00:07:18)

• After graduating in 1993, the job market was difficult, so he entered engineering practice immediately.
• He worked at Turner Construction, where he spent about 12 years learning how large projects are built.
• This phase was important because it taught him how construction really works on the ground.
• Ben shared that exposure to different clients and projects slowly opened his thinking toward development.

Transition Into Real Estate Development (00:07:18 – 00:08:07)

• His shift into development started while working on projects in the Cambridge market.
• According to Ben, conversations with developers helped him see that he could move beyond construction into ownership and planning.
• In the discussion, he described joining Boston Properties and later moving fully into development work.
• Ben highlighted that his MBA studies helped him transition into a more strategic role in real estate.

What Real Estate Developers Actually Do (00:08:35 – 00:10:13)

• Ben stated that real estate development requires a mix of finance, law, design, and communication.
• According to Ben, no single person has all the skills, so teamwork is essential.
• In his voice, success depends on being able to talk to people clearly, especially during difficult conversations.
• He also pointed out that relationships with city officials, contractors, and partners are critical in every project.

Kendall Square and MIT Development Project (00:11:22 – 00:13:03)

• He is currently involved in developing the Kendall Square area near MIT.
• According to Ben, this project is transforming a former underused area into a global innovation hub.
• In the discussion, he described how the project includes housing, labs, retail, and tech spaces.
• Ben emphasized that the goal is long-term value, not quick profit.

Why Universities Are Real Estate Developers (00:11:38 – 00:16:08)

• Ben explained that institutions like MIT act as real estate developers because they invest endowment funds into long-term projects.
• Less than 15% of MIT’s operating costs come from tuition, so investments are necessary.
• Universities build spaces that support research, startups, and innovation.
• Ben also highlighted that universities think in decades, not short-term cycles like private developers.

AI in Real Estate Development (00:20:49 – 00:22:28)

• In the discussion, Ben explained that AI is starting to change how developers analyze deals and legal documents.
• They recently used AI to process financial statements and lease data, and it produced strong initial insights.
• He clarified that AI does not replace lawyers or decision-making but speeds up analysis.
• Ben noted that developers who understand how to use AI will work faster and more efficiently.

Advice for Students and Young Professionals (00:22:55 – 00:24:22)

• Ben advised that technical skills are important, but relationships matter just as much.
• According to Ben, most real estate deals move forward because of trust built over time.
• Students should focus on building networks early and maintaining them consistently.
• He advised young professionals to join industry groups, stay curious, and remain open to learning.

Theme Discussed

• Real estate development as a long-term career is built on relationships
• The evolution from engineering to large-scale development
• How universities shape cities through real estate investment
• The role of AI in modern development workflows
• Career growth through experience, not a straight path

Key Quote from the Episode

“Absolutely. When you go through the process with any young person in your life and you’re trying to guide them through college admissions, it really reflects on how you felt about your own experience.” – Ben Lavery

Follow John Renne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-renne/

Follow Tulane on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tulane.real.estate/

Credits:

As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show.

Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey.

We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound.

INTRO

What does it take to lead an architecture, construction, and real estate development firm through economic shifts, natural disasters, and global projects?

In this episode of Building Places: Tulane Perspectives in Real Estate, I sit down with Angela O’Byrne, CEO of Perez. We are discussing her journey from aspiring architect to becoming the sole owner of one of New Orleans’ most respected architecture and development firms.

Angela shares how she navigated leadership as a single mother. She shares why flexibility is critical in development. And what she learned from leading projects across 25 states and 20 countries. Angela also discusses the realities of affordable housing. The reality of sustainable development, risk-taking, and the future of Tulane’s School of Architecture and Built Environment.

Episode Breakdown

Tulane’s Community Impact & Why the School Stands Out (00:01:19 - 00:09:12)

Angela explains her role as Chair of Tulane’s Dean’s Advisory Council and how the board supports the school through fundraising, innovation, and community outreach.

According to Angela, Tulane’s location in New Orleans makes the experience unique because students learn in a city shaped by culture, climate challenges, and post-Katrina recovery.

Angela says Tulane’s community service requirement is one of the school’s strongest differentiators because it connects students directly to real community impact.

Becoming an Architect, Builder, and Developer (00:09:36 - 00:11:10)

Angela shares that she describes herself as an “architect, builder, developer” because her work extends beyond design into construction and real estate development.

She explains how her role constantly shifts between pursuing funding, overseeing projects, and managing development opportunities.

Angela discusses the importance of finding financing first, explaining that even great projects cannot move forward without the right funding partners.

The Holy Cross Redevelopment & Lessons from Long-Term Development (00:11:28 - 00:15:14)

Angela walks through the decade-long journey of redeveloping the former Holy Cross High School site in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward.

She explains how multiple funding setbacks, changing partners, and the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the project for years before the first phase was completed.

According to Angela, flexibility is one of the most important skills in development because markets, financing conditions, and community needs can change unexpectedly.

Sustainable Development, Walkability & Affordable Housing Challenges (00:15:14 - 00:24:13)

Angela discusses the ongoing challenge of balancing sustainability, affordability, and profitability in real estate projects.

She explains that greener buildings often cost more upfront, which creates challenges in lower-income communities where funding is already limited.

Angela says walkable communities and transit-oriented development continue to grow in demand. But affordability remains one of the industry’s biggest problems.

Growing Perez Into a Global Firm (00:25:28 - 00:36:37)

She became the sole owner of Perez after the previous owner personally chose her as his successor.

In Angela's voice, mentorship and a flexible buyout structure helped her survive the difficult years of ownership.

Perez works across the United States and internationally, including projects in Afghanistan, Lebanon, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Leadership, Ownership & Advice for the Next Generation (00:36:37 - 00:41:57)

Angela says young professionals should understand their appetite for risk before pursuing careers in architecture, construction, or development.

The difference between being a leader, a manager, and an owner, emphasizing that ownership comes with the highest level of responsibility and risk.

According to Angela, success in development requires resilience, flexibility, and the ability to survive both the good years and the difficult ones.

Why This Is the Right Time to Be at Tulane (00:41:57 - 00:43:51)

Angela describes Tulane as a university experiencing significant growth and innovation, especially within the School of Architecture and Built Environment.

She highlights the school’s focus on innovation, community outreach, and real-world impact as major strengths for students entering the industry.

Angela says this period of growth makes it one of the most exciting times to be part of Tulane’s architecture and real estate programs.

Quote from the Episode

“Everything else falls into place once you've got the funding.” – Angela O’Byrne

Resources

Learn more about Perez: http://www.e-perez.com

Follow Angela on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelaobyrne

Explore Tulane School of Architecture and Built Environment at Tulane School of Architecture and Built Environment

Learn more about Tulane University through

Credits

We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music. Audio provided by Soundstripe.

Welcome to the “Building Places” podcast. My name is John Renne, I am a professor at Tulane University and the director of the real estate program. In this first episode of Building Places, I introduce what this podcast is all about: the idea behind Tulane University's real estate program.

This podcast is about the people shaping the future of cities across the United States. It is rooted in the Tulane real estate community. Building Places podcast is made up of alumni, faculty, and students who are actively involved in shaping the industry, not just studying it.

• This podcast was created to connect people who are actively shaping cities and real estate across the United States.
• The podcast is grounded in the community of people that are actively leading the real estate industry across the United States.

• I explained how Tulane University approaches real estate differently by not only focusing on deals. But also focusing on places. Places that are walkable, resilient places that people actually want to be in.
• We combine finance, design, planning, and long-term investment thinking to understand how cities actually grow.
• The focus is always on building places that work financially, socially, and environmentally over time.

• What listeners can expect from each episode includes real stories from alumni, students, and faculty working in the industry.
• You will hear how deals actually come together, what risks developers take, and what happens when projects do not go as planned.
• The focus is on practical experience, lessons learned, and how real decisions are made in a rapidly changing market.

• The podcast also highlights the major topics shaping real estate today, including sustainability, climate resilience, transit-oriented development, and artificial intelligence.
• I explained what connects Tulane real estate development :building places that work financially, socially and the environment.

• This podcast is for anyone interested in real estate, cities, and development.
• The goal is to connect ideas from the classroom to real-world practice.

• The “Building Places” podcast will host Alumni working on major projects across the U.S.
• You’ll hear from Faculty studying where the industry is going
• You’ll also hear from Students already stepping into real roles

“We don’t just focus on deals, we focus on places. Places that are walkable, resilient, and places people actually want to be in.” – John Renne

Follow John Renne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-renne/

Follow Tulane on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tulane.real.estate/

Resources

Reach to me through email at [email protected].

Want to learn more about a career in the Real Estate Industry? Join us.

Credits

As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show.

Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey.

We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. Audio provided by Free SFX, Soundstripe, and Bensound.