Hundreds of real estate conferences happen every year, but very few address the tactical realities of small scale development. 

In 2012, Jim Heid, in conjunction with the Urban Land Institute, launched the first Small Scale Developers Forum (SSDF) with 20 people in San Francisco. What started as an "Island of Misfit Toys” now sells out within a week of registration and draws in 100+ participants per event. Attendees tour projects, workshop development challenges, and connect with peers facing similar obstacles in other cities.

The success of SSDF revealed a deeper need: Developers wanted more than twice-yearly gatherings. They needed ongoing support, access to proven templates, and connections that lasted between events. Jim's book "Building Small" captured a decade of knowledge from 150+ projects, and now the Building Small platform expands that foundation into a membership program with coaching workshops, online project critiques, and resources organized around each stage of the development process.

Our conversation also addresses the practical barriers facing small scale development today, from local regulatory cultures to national capital structures. Plus, we discuss how small scale development can address housing diversity and affordability. 

Episode Outline

(04:57) Jim’s early projects and formative development experiences 

(14:41) How the SSDF format grew from single-day programming to immersive multi-day events

(31:50) The three pillars of Building Small: community, bridging the gap, and championing great design

(39:46) How small scale development responds to today’s housing challenges

(42:10) Working through industry barriers and scaling sustainably 

(46:03) The distinction between mentoring and coaching

(56:55) How to get involved with Building Small 

Additional Resources

This episode of American Building is brought to you by New Blueprint Partners — making industrial real estate accessible to the everyday investor. They provide a simple, hassle-free, and transparent path to owning industrial properties, backed by experienced operators. You may remember founders Ron Schinik and Marc Esrig from our episode on the Vancouver Innovation Center, where they shared how collaboration and communication shape successful projects. Learn how you can build your industrial real estate portfolio at newblueprintpartners.com.  

Connect with Jim 

Connect on LinkedIn 

Learn more about Building Small 

Join Building Small the Network

Building Small: A Toolkit for Real Estate Entrepreneurs, Civic Leaders, and Great Communities by Jim Heid 

More From American Building 

Grab the exclusive guide: How Eight Developers & Designers Are Responding to The Housing Crisis  

Learn more on the American Building website

Follow on LinkedIn

Follow on Instagram

Connect with Atif Qadir on LinkedIn

Learn more about Michael Graves Architecture & Design 

Watch this episode on YouTube