What can a 15th-century dome teach us about modern architecture? Quite a lot, it turns out. In this episode of Building Better with Riley Carter, we explore the extraordinary story behind Brunelleschi’s Dome—a feat of engineering that solved one of the greatest structural challenges of the Renaissance. Discover how a goldsmith-turned-architect designed the world’s largest masonry dome without scaffolding, invented new machines, and laid the foundation for centuries of innovation. From double-shell construction to herringbone brickwork, we unpack the techniques and leadership strategies that still resonate with today’s architects and builders striving for resilience, efficiency, and beauty. A masterclass in turning constraints into creativity.

This week on Building Better with Riley Carter, we strip structural design down to its essentials. From load paths to lateral resistance, Riley explains how a strong grasp of structural behavior transforms architectural decision-making. You'll hear why understanding equilibrium, materials, and framing systems isn't just for engineers—and how spatial reasoning and real-world examples can elevate your next project. Whether you're designing a backyard ADU or a multi-story passive house, this episode is your blueprint for structural clarity and confidence.

In this episode we dives into the science and strategy behind ultra-efficient home construction. We explore why materials are the true backbone of Passive House performance, how airtightness and insulation work together for comfort and energy savings, and what the future holds for carbon-smart, climate-resilient building.

From natural insulations like hemp and wood fiber to cutting-edge vapor control systems and triple-glazed windows, Dr. Carter breaks down complex building science into plain, practical insights. Whether you’re a builder, designer, or homeowner aiming for high performance, this conversation will shift how you think about materials, comfort, and sustainability.

Ready to move past “green bling” and into architecture that actually gives back? In this special episode of Building Better with Riley Carter, Dr. Carter unpacks the big ideas in his latest book Ecological Architecture: A Practical Guide to Sustainable Design, Natural Building Materials, and Holistic Environmental Strategies for Healthy Living Spaces .

We trace every layer of a project’s life—from reading the site like an ecosystem, to choosing carbon-storing envelopes, to weaving daylight, water, and fresh air into the heart of the home. Along the way Riley explains:

Emplacement over footprint – why honoring microclimate and culture beats chasing generic “green” checklists.

Bio-based skins and bones – how straw bale, hempcrete, and timber can sequester carbon while keeping you comfortable and quiet.

Life-cycle thinking – the simple questions that reveal a material’s hidden energy, water, and waste costs.

Passive first, tech second – pairing thermal mass, solar orientation, and natural ventilation with next-gen heat pumps and HRVs for resilient comfort.

Regenerative futures – circular-economy strategies and biomimicry lessons that turn buildings into long-term ecological assets.

Whether you’re an architect, builder, or curious homeowner, this conversation will sharpen your design lens and inspire you to see every project as a living participant in its landscape. Grab your notebook—Riley’s pragmatic tips and real-world anecdotes will have you sketching smarter, healthier spaces before the episode ends.

https://rileycarter-architecture.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8BCWT97

In this episode, we dive into the subtle yet powerful ways lighting shapes the spaces we inhabit — from how we perceive a room’s atmosphere to how well we sleep at night.

We talk about:

The science behind how humans see light and why that matters for design.

How materials like glass, wood, and concrete interact with light to create mood and functionality.

The evolution of lighting technology — and why LEDs and smart systems have transformed what’s possible.

The surprising ways light affects our health, regulating sleep, mood, and focus.

How to think about sustainability and ethics when choosing and designing with light.

Through stories, examples, and practical insights, we explore how thoughtful lighting design creates spaces that feel good to be in — functional, beautiful, and sustainable. Whether you’re designing a home, working on a project, or just curious about why some spaces feel better than others, this conversation sheds light on what makes it all work.

https://rileycarter-architecture.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXVDPVQ6

The Eternal Dome explores one of the world’s most enigmatic architectural achievements — a building that defies categorization and continues to inspire wonder. Nestled in the heart of Istanbul, Hagia Sophia stands as a "stone-borne paradox": vast yet intimate, serene yet contested, bridging East and West, church, mosque, and museum — yet fully embodying none. Over nearly 1,500 years, it has endured fires, earthquakes, iconoclasms, empires, and ideological shifts, not by resisting change but by absorbing it, each layer leaving its indelible mark.

We also reflect on Hagia Sophia’s most recent chapter: its reconversion to a mosque in 2020 and the global debates it reignited about heritage, identity, and stewardship. Throughout, Riley draws on insights from his latest book on Hagia Sophia, offering architects and enthusiasts alike lessons in "designing for ambiguity," "sacred stewardship," and "cultural sustainability" — principles that transcend any single era.

The Eternal Dome is not just about architecture; it is about how buildings can outlast regimes, reinterpret traditions, and remain deeply alive — proving that resilience lies in persistent significance and graceful adaptability.

https://rileycarter-architecture.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FGV9CR3G

What does it mean to rebuild a cathedral for the next thousand years? In this episode, I explore how Notre-Dame de Paris—ravaged by fire in 2019—is being reborn through a delicate balance of tradition and innovation. Together, we’ll uncover how its reconstruction wrestles with questions of historical fidelity, sustainability, and collective identity.

We’ll also visit Sagrada Família in Barcelona, another monumental “work in progress,” to see how Gaudí’s visionary principles of slow, meaningful architecture continue to inspire today’s builders. From ancient masonry to digital fabrication, from hand-cut stone to Building Information Modeling, these iconic cathedrals show us how resilience in architecture is not just about strength—but about meaning, care, and stewardship.

Join us as we reflect on how these enduring frames invite us all to rethink what it means to build better—for our time and for generations to come.

https://rileycarter-architecture.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FCFLR798

Often mistaken for just a tourist attraction, this project is actually a living laboratory of design, structure, and craftsmanship. In this episode, we challenge conventional understanding to uncover the profound architectural insights this extraordinary building offers—both historically and in our present day.

We’ll delve into how Antoni Gaudí redefined architecture by using geometry not as mere ornamentation but as the core structural logic of the building. Inspired by natural forms like trees, bones, and shells, he introduced groundbreaking concepts such as branching, tree-like columns and the use of catenary curves—eliminating the need for traditional flying buttresses by internalizing structural forces.

We’ll also explore how each of the basilica’s façades tells a deeply symbolic theological story, transforming stone into narrative, faith into form.

This basilica is more than a building—it's a generational conversation. A vision born in 1882 continues to evolve, shaped by modern technologies like Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, and CATIA. Yet despite the digital tools, the project remains deeply human, honoring traditional craftsmanship and the irreplaceable role of the artisan's hand.

https://rileycarter-architecture.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Architecture-Sagrada-Fam%C3%ADlia-Transformed-Structures/dp/B0F9Y2359F

Hey everyone—welcome back to Building Better with Riley Carter! I’m Dr. Riley Carter, and today we’re unpacking the ideas behind my latest book, Passive House Made Simple. This one’s for homeowners, renovators, and anyone who’s ever wondered: “How can I make my home more comfortable, healthy, and energy-efficient—without breaking the bank?”

In this episode, I walk you through the five core principles that define a Passive House and explain how they translate into everyday benefits: lower energy bills, cleaner air, and that quiet kind of comfort you notice the minute you walk inside. We’ll talk retrofits, smart design moves, and why you don’t need to be an architect or builder to take the first step.

Whether you’re building from scratch or just sealing up some drafts, Passive House Made Simple is your roadmap—and today’s conversation brings that roadmap to life.

You can learn more or grab the book over at www.rileycarter-architecture.com. Let’s get started.

You can find this book at amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTG6QGWG

Welcome to The Global Imperative of Passive House Design, a podcast that explores the critical role of high-performance architecture in shaping a sustainable future. Join Dr. Riley Carter, an accomplished architect, researcher, and economist specializing in residential construction codes, passive house design, and the economic impact of building regulations. With over two decades of experience as a university professor, consultant, and industry expert, Dr. Carter is recognized for her unique ability to translate complex regulations into practical insights, helping professionals, policymakers, and homeowners navigate the intricate relationship between building codes, cost efficiency, and sustainable living.

In a world grappling with escalating climate change, rapid urbanization, and a pressing housing crisis, this podcast delves into the transformative power of Passive House design, often hailed as the "gold standard" of energy-efficient living. Discover how these principles are drastically reducing energy consumption by up to 90% for heating and cooling compared to conventional buildings, providing unparalleled comfort, superior indoor air quality, and enhanced resilience against extreme weather events. Dr. Carter unpacks the long-term economic benefits and lifecycle savings, demonstrating how upfront investments are quickly offset by reduced utility bills and increased property value.

The podcast will explore how Passive House principles are adapting and scaling across diverse global climates – from the icy winters of Scandinavia to the humid tropics of Southeast Asia, and from single-family homes to dense urban multi-family developments and large-scale retrofitting projects. Learn about cutting-edge innovations in prefabrication, AI-driven energy modeling, automation, and advanced materials that are making Passive Houses more accessible and efficient than ever before. We'll also examine the crucial role of policy initiatives, financial incentives, and equitable strategies in driving widespread adoption and addressing issues of housing affordability and energy poverty for all communities.

The Global Imperative of Passive House Design is dedicated to showcasing how thoughtful design and disciplined execution can lead to healthier, more resilient, and more beautiful places to live. Tune in to understand why building for tomorrow starts today and how Passive House design is shaping a smarter, safer, and more economically sustainable built environment

https://rileycarter-architecture.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Passive-House-Design-Construction-Visionaries/dp/B0DVGJGGK1