David Tabenken is a seasoned architect and principal at Hacin, a renowned architectural design firm. With over two decades of experience in the field, David has worked on a diverse range of projects, including urban design and campus planning at Carnegie Mellon University and influential interior design endeavors like the restaurant Myers and Chang in Boston's South End. 

David provides rich insights into the cultural heart of Hacin, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and the importance of interdisciplinary thinking in fostering exceptional design. He reflects on the company's commitment to blending architectural visions with interior design early in the development phase, a strategy incorporating multiple perspectives, thus enriching the creative process. The conversation traverses projects ranging from local gems in Boston to residential stretches across the U.S., showcasing David's proficiency and dedication to architectural excellence. 

Key Takeaways:

• Integration of Interior Design: Exemplifying how integrating interior design into architectural projects from the conceptual stage leads to more cohesive and impactful designs.
• Durability as a Metric: Using the longevity of a space without renovation as an indicator of successful design, as illustrated by the lasting impact of the Myers and Chang project.
• Cultivating Company Culture: David discusses the benefits of fostering a collegial and loyal company culture at Hacin, contributing to staff retention and firm stability even in economic fluctuations.
• Strategic Growth: The importance of deliberate and incremental firm growth, maintaining quality and stability without succumbing to rapid expansion pressures.
• Diversity in Influence: Celebrating the diverse educational and cultural backgrounds within Hacin’s team, enriching the firm’s creative approach and innovative problem-solving.

Notable Quotes:

• "Having interior design integrated into our office has really impacted the way we do architecture." - David Tabenken
• "We're loyal to him [David Hacin], he makes it a good place to work, and he's very loyal to his staff." - David Tabenken
• "I always made it clear what was important to me was kind of growing as an architect, making sure I was not just doing design." - David Tabenken
• "At the end of the day, what you're designing needs to be good." - David Tabenken

Resources:

• Hacin
• Books: "How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth"

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James Gray is a seasoned architect and Senior Principal at Stantec, a leading global design and consulting firm. With a career spanning over three decades, he has been instrumental in leading significant growth and transitions in the architecture and construction industry. Starting at AD Inc., James cultivated a successful trajectory which eventually led to the company’s acquisition by Stantec. 

Throughout the episode, James discusses the roles of cultural alignment in mergers and acquisitions, particularly highlighting the synergies realized through Stantec's acquisition of Page. With a focus on sustainability, the episode examines how urban architecture can solve environmental challenges and the potential of technology and policies in shaping the future. James also shares personal anecdotes about his career influences and pivotal projects, offering insights into the intricacies of architectural design and development from a leadership perspective. By understanding broader economic forces and trends, James provides practical strategies for thriving in both prosperous and challenging times within the industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership in Transition: James emphasizes the importance of building motivated teams and aligning their passion with organizational goals during periods of transition and growth.
• Navigating Economic Challenges: The episode provides insights into strategies for resilience and innovation in the face of economic downturns and market changes.
• Cultural Alignment in M&A: Discusses the critical role of cultural compatibility in successful mergers and acquisitions, drawing from the Page and Stantec integration.
• Sustainability in Architecture: Explores how urban densification and the evolution of environmental policies can address the challenges posed by climate change.
• Future of Design and Technology: Highlights the growing importance of electrification and artificial intelligence in shaping the future of architectural design and sustainability.

Notable Quotes:

• "At the end of the day, motivation is the most important, and helping people be motivated for the kind of greater good is what I found to be the best recipe."
• "A big company is really a collection of individuals. It's a bigger collection, but it's still, and it has leadership. And the leaders of this company care about the work."
• "Insatiable curiosity is really important to being good at anything, frankly, and certainly in this business."
• "I like to say that I've been wildly more successful than I ever imagined."
• "Sometimes people probably called me nosy, which is sort of the other connotation of the same kind of set of behaviors."

Resources:

• Stantec

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Jonathan Segal is a highly accomplished architect, developer, and educator known for his integrative approach to real estate development. With nearly four decades of experience, he successfully operates Segal Design Build, overseeing comprehensive projects from architecture to development and construction. Renowned for his innovative "Architect as Developer" model, Jonathan bridges the gap between architectural design and financial strategization, removing traditional industry roadblocks. 

As the conversation unfolds, Jonathan reveals his distinct approach to running Segal Design Build with an ultra-lean team, epitomizing efficiency and creativity. Learning business acumen alongside technical skills is outspokenly advocated by Jonathan as a necessary facet for aspiring architects aiming for development roles. Filled with valuable takeaways, this episode is a remarkable resource for architects and developers looking to expand their horizons in real estate.

Key Takeaways:

• Architects as Entrepreneurs: Jonathan stresses the importance of gaining business acumen and operational control as an architect to drive successful development projects.
• Integrated Approach: By combining roles of architect, developer, and builder, Jonathan eliminates inefficiencies caused by traditional project fragmentation.
• Lean Operations: Running a successful development firm with a minimalistic team structure allows for improved efficiency and decision-making.
• Market Dynamics Insight: Jonathan offers nuanced perspectives on current real estate market challenges, emphasizing strategic adaptability in changing economic conditions.
• Inspirational Mentorship: Through his teachings and seminar leadership, Jonathan guides aspiring architects to develop self-sustaining careers in the industry.

Notable Quotes:

1. "We don't have a request for information log. This is it right here." 
2. "I've been interested in working hard and benefiting from it since third grade." 
3. "The education that we get is tremendous by being on-site every single day." 
4. "You have control of your destiny."
5. "I'm more than happy to let everybody make money doing what I do."

Resources:

• Architect as Developer: architectasdeveloper.com - Learn about Jonathan Segal's approach and seminars.

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Kevin Kennon is a renowned architect internationally recognized for his work in real estate design and construction. He became a partner at the prestigious Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), where he executed projects such as the Rodin Museum in Korea and led developments in downtown New York, including projects for Lehman Brothers. Kevin later founded Kevin Kennon Architecture, broadened his expertise through Kevin Kennan Design Consultancy, and established Beyond Zero to focus on sustainable luxury resort developments.

The discussion touches on the industry's prospects, emphasizing opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, and how architects can leverage these advancements to ask better questions and refine their visionary capabilities. The conversation also dives into Kevin's motivation for starting his own firm, the trials of entrepreneurship following 9/11, and how global events like the pandemic have shaped his current ventures, such as sustainable development projects with Beyond Zero. Kevin's reflections underline the importance of creativity, collaboration, and adaptive learning in cultivating a successful architectural career, emphasizing that—above all—architecture is about crafting and communicating compelling narratives.

Key Takeaways:

• Interconnection of Architecture and Society: Architecture ought to reflect and serve contemporary social values, transforming challenges like AI into opportunities for innovative questioning and design.
• Professional Evolution: Kevin’s career trajectory from an esteemed partner at KPF to establishing his architectural firm showcases the shifts in industry dynamics and the entrepreneurial spirit needed to adapt.
• Creativity and Curiosity: A successful architect balances creativity, confident humility, and continuous learning — attributes that fuel personal and professional growth.
• Challenges in Architectural Practice: With abysmal industry margins, Kevin discusses how architects can align business acumen with passion to innovate and succeed in different sectors, including sustainable developments.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Architecture must meet the moment. It's about understanding the present and envisioning the future."
2. "The promise of AI in architecture lies not in solving problems but in helping us ask better questions."
3. "The goal isn't to resolve something. The goal is just to open another door."
4. "Architecture isn't just about building structures; it's about crafting a narrative that accommodates and communicates visions."

Resources:

• Kennon Design Consultancy AIA
• Beyond Zero

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Lizbeth Heyer is the President of 2Life Communities, an organization dedicated to creating affordable, supportive housing for older adults. Her career in affordable housing began as a tenant organizer, and she has held significant roles such as Associate Director of Public Housing and Rental Assistance in the Massachusetts government. 

As they explore the increased demand for senior housing driven by the baby boom generation, Lizbeth stresses the importance of supportive community living over traditional senior housing models. The conversation expands to include the societal challenges of elder economic insecurity, the role of community in combating loneliness, and the strategic partnerships required for addressing health care needs within these communities.

Key Takeaways:

• Supportive Housing vs. Senior Housing: Lizbeth argues for a shift in mindset from traditional senior housing to supportive housing models that provide critical community and health supports for the aging population.
• The Opus Model: 2Life's OPUS communities offer an innovative approach to middle-income senior housing, providing affordable living without subsidies and creating vibrant community environments.
• Economic and Social Challenges: The episode highlights the economic challenges older adults face and how community living can significantly alleviate those pressures.
• Preventative Health Care: Understanding housing as a social determinant of health can lead to major cost savings and better quality of life for seniors by preventing unnecessary hospital visits.
• The Importance of Advocacy: Lizbeth emphasizes the need for ongoing advocacy and policy change to secure affordable housing and supportive services for all older adults.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Choosing to move into supportive housing, choosing to share your life with others, is choosing success."
2. "We call it supportive housing and we call that aging in community, because community is the best anecdote to loneliness."
3. "The best preventative medicine is keeping people living healthfully, keeping them out of emergency departments, and unnecessary hospitalizations."
4. "We have a holistic view and have to care about prioritization and smart decisions that support the holistic need of housing."

Resources:

• 2Life Communities Website: 2lifecommunities.org – Find comprehensive information about missions, projects, and ways to get involved.
• Book Recommendation: Being Mortal by Atul Gawande – A book examining the care of older adults and the medical treatment of aging.

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Jonathan Iger is the CEO of Sage Realty Corporation, a dynamic leader with a wealth of experience in real estate, design, and construction sectors. Under his leadership, Sage Realty is redefining the tenant experience in a manner akin to the hospitality industry, establishing a consistent branded experience across its portfolio through the Sage Collection.

Throughout the conversation, Jonathan shares his journey from his entrepreneurial beginnings to leading Sage Realty, a company with an illustrious 101-year history. He explores the challenges and opportunities in the office building sector, particularly emphasizing the need for a consistent, hospitality-inspired brand experience that goes beyond traditional real estate management. The conversation highlights the importance of enriching tenant experiences and offers valuable lessons on branding, tenant retention, and the future of office spaces.

Key Takeaways:

• The Vision of Sage Realty: Jonathan Eager discusses how Sage Realty has implemented a hospitality-inspired brand experience across its properties, similar to the hotel industry's branded approach, enhancing tenant satisfaction and retention.
• Value-add Repositioning: Jonathan talks about revitalizing existing assets by investing in tenant experience, services, and aesthetics, beyond traditional capital improvements.
• Impact of Branding in Real Estate: The episode sheds light on why branding office properties can significantly alter tenant perception and engagement, akin to the loyalty-driven approaches used by major hotel chains.
• Operational Excellence: Jonathan emphasizes the importance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and continuous evaluation of tenant touchpoints to elevate customer experiences, drawing from hospitality industry best practices.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Our approach is much more akin to what you see in the hospitality industry... creating a consistent branded experience across all of our assets."
2. "Our outlook is not we're going to sell this building in three years and all that matters is we got the highest gross rent... because that's never the outcome for us."
3. "People come to the restaurant for the food, they come back for the experience."
4. "The more properties that we manage under the Sage brand, the more lives we get to enrich."
5. "Enriching the lives of people at work is not just a mission statement; it's our purpose."

Resources:

• Sage Realty Corporation: Website
• Excellence Wins by Horst Schulze: Recommended reading for insights into hospitality and customer experience excellence.

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Haril Pandya is a Senior Principal at TRIA, where he brings extensive experience in life sciences, adaptive reuse, multifamily projects, hospitality, retail, and workplace design. Before TRIA, Haril was known for his successful tenure at CBT as a leader in repositioning projects, leveraging his entrepreneurial spirit, having also run his own firm, Studio Pandya. 

He offers insights into what architects should focus on in the future while maintaining a connection to the constant human need for spaces that feel right. Pandya underscores the enduring importance of the human condition, stating, "What we like is what we like, and nine times out of ten, or maybe eight times out of ten, we all tend to like sort of similar things." The discussion also examines the importance of business acumen, client relationships, and the challenges of leadership, all enriched by Haril’s pursuit of continued learning and coaching certification.

Key Takeaways:

• Innovation in Architecture: Haril discusses the role of new technologies and materials, like 3D printing, in pushing architectural boundaries and the anticipation for future developments.
• Human-Centric Design: A timeless element in this ever-innovative industry is the human comfort factor in spaces, emphasizing the importance of how environments affect emotions.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Haril narrates his journey from running a small firm to influencing industry practices at larger firms, highlighting the equilibrium of innovation and market adaptation.
• Leadership & Lifelong Learning: Insights into leadership centered on understanding, asking the right questions, and a dedication to lifelong learning through coaching and mentorship.
• Market Dynamics: Eye-opening commentary on how architecture firms need to adapt to market cycles by innovating within traditional practices.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Our sense and sensibility of what we like, what we don't like, what we feel comfortable in—that hasn't changed in years."
2. "The first place I go in the owner's manual is the troubleshooting section."
3. "If you have that access now, the competition for the same space becomes greater."
4. "If you're going to apply those (school projects) immediately to the office...that's not what happens."

Resources:

• Simon Sinek's Book: Start With Why
• Podcasts Mentioned: How I Built This by Guy Raz, Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett
• Books Discussed: How to Be a Rainmaker by Jeffrey J. Fox, Coach the Person, Not the Problem by Marcia Reynolds
• Haril Pandya on LinkedIn: Haril Pandya LinkedIn

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Tyler Suomala is a growth strategist and consultant specializing in helping architecture firms grow their businesses through effective marketing and sales strategies. He shares his insights on how architecture firms can enhance their growth by focusing on effective referral strategies, encouraging listeners to double down on methods that organically generate leads without significant financial investments. He emphasizes the importance of refining business development practices and the detrimental effects of undercutting fees due to a scarcity mindset.

Tyler delves into the critical need for firms to harness marketing actively, distinguishing between marketing and sales functions and shedding light on the misconceptions surrounding them within the design industry. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Tyler elucidates the necessity for architectural firms to adopt a client-centric approach, understand behavioral economics, and improve pricing strategies to thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Key Takeaways:

• Referrals as a Growth Strategy: Double down on referrals and word-of-mouth as an effective means of growing your architecture firm without incurring additional costs.
• Defining Marketing vs. Sales: Understand the distinctions between marketing and sales tasks within a firm to effectively leverage efforts and improve client engagement.
• Overcoming the Scarcity Mindset: Avoid reducing fees out of fear; instead, focus on creating a reliable stream of quality leads to ensure sustainable business growth.
• Continuous Business Development: Consistently invest time in business development, even during busy periods, to prevent reactive sales tactics and ensure long-term stability.

Notable Quotes:

• "Most people don't do it [referral strategy] because they're getting word of mouth and referrals passively."
• "Marketing to me is literally any activity that you're doing with an effort towards increasing awareness around your business."
• "You cannot have too many conversations, you cannot have a conversation that's below you if you're trying to improve your sales process."
• "If you don't have repeatable things... to continue bringing in leads even when you're busy, then your business is at significant risk."
• "Loss aversion... It's two times more emotionally painful to lose something of the same value rather than to win it."

Resources:

• Growthitect: Growthitect
• Monograph: Project management software for architects
• Books Mentioned:
  • "Pitch Anything" by Oren Klaff
  • "Never Split the Difference" by Chris Voss
  • George Saunders

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Stephanie Reichman is an accomplished professional with a background in structural and civil engineering. Despite her educational focus on engineering, Stephanie has crafted a diverse career path that includes roles in project management and virtual design within engineering and construction firms. Her unique career path and passion for assisting others in navigating career pivots have made her a valued voice in the industry. Additionally, she is involved in entrepreneurial efforts, including initiatives that aid professionals in career transitions through resources like AEC Tech Jobs.

Stefanie explores how engineers can overcome traditional constraints by developing diverse skills and the importance of storytelling when presenting oneself during interviews. The episode also uncovers topics like navigating burnout, the significance of clear communication within companies, and how engineers can leverage their value to advocate for themselves in their career growth. 

Key Takeaways:

• Career Flexibility: Stephanie illustrates how an engineering background can serve as a foundation for various career paths beyond conventional roles.
• Importance of Storytelling in Interviews: Effectively communicating your personal career journey and value can significantly influence a successful career pivot.
• Managing Burnout and Career Satisfaction: Identifying personal and professional growth motivations can help mitigate burnout and align career choices with life goals.
• Constructive Career Conversations: Regular feedback and open dialogue with employers are critical in setting career expectations and personal development goals.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I studied structural engineering but realized I didn't want to be a structural engineer. That realization opened doors to explore roles like project management and eventually construction tech."
2. "The interview really is the company's way of de-risking hiring you. It's important to communicate your story and the value you bring effectively."
3. "Burnout often comes from working too much without seeing the desired outcomes. It’s essential to have clear targets and understand how your work aligns with them."
4. "Understanding how you make your company money and being able to communicate that can be vital in discussing promotions and raises."

Resources:

• Stephanie Reichman's LinkedIn: Stephanie Reichman on LinkedIn
• Bluebeam: Bluebeam's Website
• AEC Tech Jobs: A platform connecting talent with tech opportunities in the AEC industry.
• Podcast Mentioned: Jay Shetty's "On Purpose."

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Keith Boyle, Principal at CUBE 3, is a seasoned professional with decades of experience in the field of architecture, design, and construction. As a leading figure at CUBE 3, Keith has played a pivotal role in the firm's expansion and success. 

Keith discusses the evolution of CUBE 3 from its early days to becoming a national leader in architecture and design, emphasizing the importance of aligning architecture with client vision and successfully managing expectations through innovative solutions. As an expert in creating strong partnerships in the real estate sector, Keith shares insights on navigating client relationships, the integration of AI in architecture, and the importance of fostering a company culture where innovation thrives.

CUBE 3's national presence and diverse expertise have enabled the firm to work on transformative projects, including the renowned Titleist Performance Testing Center. Keith explains how focusing on service, communication, and leveraging technology has contributed to CUBE 3's success. From his personal connection to the Pan-Mass Challenge to exploring emerging trends in AI for architecture, Keith's conversation provides comprehensive insights into the future of design and construction.

Key Takeaways:

• Aligning Vision with Design: Importance of understanding client needs and offering design solutions that align with their long-term goals.
• Embracing Technology: Implementing AI and 3D printing to streamline operations and enhance design processes.
• Client Relationships & Trust: Building strong, enduring partnerships through transparency, trust, and effective communication.
• Culture of Innovation: The significance of fostering an environment that encourages questioning norms, embracing challenges, and employee growth.
• Philanthropic Ventures: Personal motivations and the impactful work done through initiatives like the Pan-Mass Challenge.

Notable Quotes:

• "Designing their vision is not just a tagline for us; it's a commitment to truly understand and execute on our client’s needs."
• "When you give more, you get more back. It's about opening doors and building relationships that are mutually beneficial."
• "We want to hire and work with people that are much smarter than me, so we can progress and push the firm in a bigger direction."
• "It's not about the destination; it's about the journey and who you are on that journey with."
• "Embrace AI as an asset. It's an amazing tool that can change the architecture process without replacing the human element."

Resources:

• CUBE 3

Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.

Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

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