About The Guest(s):
Rob Zirkle is the founder and CEO of Brick, an architecture and design firm based in Oakland, California and he is Practice Group Leader and Vice President at HGA after the recent acquisition of Brick by HGA. With over 13 years of experience, Rob has grown Brick into a successful company with a team of 33 employees. He is passionate about creating quality careers for architects and designers and is dedicated to delivering value to his clients.

Summary:
Rob Zirkle, founder and CEO of Brick, shares his journey of building a successful architecture and design firm. He discusses the impact of the current economic climate on the real estate market in the Bay Area and the challenges and opportunities it presents. Rob also announces the recent acquisition of Brick by HGA, a national architecture firm, and highlights the benefits and synergies of the merger. He emphasizes the importance of being open to new opportunities and the value of partnerships in driving innovation and growth in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

• The current economic climate has created challenges for real estate development projects, but there are still opportunities for market-ready deliveries and projects with long-term horizons.
• Multitenant buildings and flexible design are becoming increasingly important in the commercial real estate market.
• Being open to new opportunities and partnerships can lead to unexpected and beneficial outcomes.
• The value of a career in architecture lies in creating value for clients and delivering high-quality work.
• AI and technology can enhance the design process and improve efficiency, but human creativity and decision-making are still essential.

Quotes:

• "We take the work very seriously, but maybe not ourselves super seriously, which I think is a good balance." - Rob Zirkle
• "Being open to opportunities that present themselves is a classic trait that entrepreneurial people have." - Rob Zirkle
• "Change is risk, but if you're looking for new ways to learn and grow, you have to be open to new conversations and opportunities." - Rob Zirkle
• "The future of the industry lies in creating value for clients and focusing on sustainability and equity." - Rob Zirkle
• "Partnerships work when there is synergy and a balance of strengths and perspectives." - Rob Zirkle

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David Chalinski is the founding partner and managing principal at PCA Architects, a Cambridge-based architecture firm. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, David has led PCA to become a highly respected and successful firm known for its creative design work. He is known for his willingness to be vulnerable and humble as a leader, and for his commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration within the organization.

Summary:
David Chalinski, the founding partner of PCA Architects, shares his insights on the importance of ownership transition and the decision to become an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). He emphasizes the significance of building strong relationships with clients and fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration within the organization. David also discusses the challenges and benefits of an ESOP and the impact it has had on PCA's culture and financial performance. He highlights the power of collective problem-solving and the need for leaders to be open to new ideas and perspectives. David's journey and experiences serve as valuable lessons in leadership and organizational growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Building strong relationships with clients is crucial for long-term success in the architecture industry.
• Transparency and collaboration are key elements of a strong organizational culture.
• An ESOP can be an effective way to transition ownership and maintain the company's culture and values.
• Leaders need to be willing to be vulnerable and humble, and to listen to and learn from their team members.
• The value of an ESOP lies in the tax advantages and the alignment of employee and company interests.

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Rob Harbeson is the co-founder and managing partner of Market Square Architects. With over 25 years of experience in architecture and engineering, Rob has a diverse background in various market sectors. He is passionate about design and has a strong focus on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.

Summary:
Rob Harbeson, co-founder of Market Square Architects, shares his journey in the architecture and engineering industry. He discusses the importance of having a diverse skill set and the influence of his engineering background on his architectural work. Rob also delves into the housing crisis and the need for removing barriers to create more affordable housing. He emphasizes the importance of seeking opportunities and taking on additional responsibilities to grow in your career. Rob also highlights the value of partnerships and the benefits of having a complementary business partner. In addition, he talks about the significance of understanding development economics in architecture and the importance of making projects economically viable. Rob shares his ideal client and the rewarding aspects of working on projects that value his input. He concludes by discussing the future of Market Square Architects and the focus on growth through serving clients exceptionally well.

Key Takeaways:

• Having a diverse skill set, such as a background in engineering, can be valuable in the architecture industry.
• Removing barriers and simplifying the approval process is crucial for solving the housing crisis.
• Seek opportunities and take on additional responsibilities to grow in your career.
• Partnerships can be beneficial in business, as they provide support and complementary skills.
• Understanding development economics is essential for making projects economically viable.

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Steve Huntzinger is the co-founder of Dunham Lane Capital Partners and Banyan Real Estate Group. He has extensive experience in the investment industry and has a passion for finding value in both public and private markets.

Summary:
In the part II of this episode, Steve Huntzinger discusses his side business, Banyan Real Estate Group, which focuses on distressed real estate. He shares how the opportunity came about and the process of raising capital and acquiring properties. He also talks about the scalability of the real estate business compared to the investment management business. Steve emphasizes the importance of shared vision and temperament in a successful partnership. He also discusses the impact of rising interest rates on the future value of commercial real estate. Steve provides insights into the growth potential of Floor & Decor, a company he has invested in, and explains their financial opportunity and strategic growth plan. He highlights the advantages of owning publicly traded companies and the potential for share buybacks. Steve concludes by discussing the long-term vision for Dunham Lane Capital and the importance of balancing financial success with a high quality of life.

Key Takeaways:

• Banyan Real Estate Group focuses on distressed real estate and raised capital from friends and family.
• The scalability of the real estate business is limited compared to the investment management business.
• Shared vision and temperament are crucial for a successful partnership.
• Rising interest rates may have a negative impact on the future value of commercial real estate.
• Floor & Decor has a strong growth potential with their strategic growth plan and ability to compound earnings.
• Opening a new Floor & Decor store costs around $9-10 million and generates a 33% return on capital in the first year.
• Floor & Decor's store unit growth and excess cash flow could lead to share buybacks, increasing shareholder value.
• Dunham Lane Capital's ten-year vision is focused on generating strong returns and learning more about businesses.
• Balancing financial success with a high quality of life is important for long-term well-being.

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Steve Huntzinger is the co-founder and managing partner at Dunham Lane Capital Partners. He has a background in finance and has worked in fixed income sales and trading at Citigroup. Steve is known for his business-like approach to investing and his focus on long-term value.

Summary:
In the part I of this episode of Design Development, host Rens Hayes interviews Steve Huntzinger, co-founder of Dunham Lane Capital Partners. Steve shares his background in finance and his experience working on Wall Street. He discusses the importance of taking a business-like approach to investing and the value of long-term thinking. Steve also emphasizes the need for alignment of interests between investors and businesses, as well as the importance of avoiding excessive debt.

Key Takeaways:

• Taking a business-like approach to investing means focusing on the long-term prospects of a company and making strategic choices to maximize its earning power.
• Diversification is not a skill set and should not be the primary focus of investment strategies.
• The utility of wealth increases as net worth grows, and even small increases in returns can have a significant impact over time.
• Fees can have a substantial impact on investment returns, and it is important to consider the fee structure when choosing a financial advisor.
• Alignment of interests is crucial in investing, and investors should look for businesses where management has a significant ownership stake.

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About The Guest(s):
Monte French is the founder and principal of Monte French Design Studio, a Boston-based architecture firm specializing in multifamily residential, commercial, and retail projects. With a background in engineering, ironworking, and the Navy, Monte brings a unique perspective to his work and is known for his can-do attitude and commitment to client success.

Summary:

In this episode of Design Development, host Rens Hayes interviews Monte French, founder and principal of Monte French Design Studio. Monte shares his journey from working as an ironworker and serving in the Navy to becoming an architect and starting his own firm. He discusses the importance of a can-do attitude, the challenges and rewards of sustainable design, and the value of hands-on experience in the construction industry. Monte also highlights the significance of building models and the role of physical models in conveying design intent to clients. He emphasizes the need for consistency in design and construction and the importance of listening to clients to make their projects successful.

Key Takeaways:

1. No path to success is the same; it's important to embrace the twists and turns in your career journey.
2. Consistency is key in sustainable design, both in the construction process and the operational aspects of a building.
3. Physical models are valuable tools for conveying design intent and engaging clients in the design process.
4. A can-do attitude and a willingness to take on challenges are essential for success in the architecture industry.
5. Building a strong team and fostering a culture of collaboration and unselfishness are crucial for a successful architecture firm.

Quotes:

• "Being consistent with [sustainable design] leads to a successful project because it doesn't mean that you can't do a project that is a little more exotic or has an unusual shape to it." - Monte French
• "People need to see what they're drawing… That's where the developmental process happens and where people grow the most." - Monte French
• "If you're looking for that utopian condition, you're going to be sorely disappointed." - Monte French
• "A can-do attitude is critical… Being unselfish is critical because if you're unselfish, that means that you're willing to be successful." - Monte French

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Brendan Gove is a successful real estate developer and entrepreneur. He founded Zero Point Development, a company focused on renewable energy and solar projects. He is also the co-founder of GoVenture, a real estate investment and development company. With a commitment to making the world a better, safer, more humane place, Gove founded Zero-Point Development in 2013 to deliver renewable power solutions and Goventure Capital Group in 2018 to find cost-effective ways to introduce renewable energy technologies to real estate investments.

Summary:
Brendan Gove, a real estate developer and entrepreneur, shares his journey and experiences in the renewable energy and real estate industries. He discusses the importance of the initial "sniff test" for project viability and the impact of rising interest rates on deal economics. Gove emphasizes the need to bring financial literacy into mainstream education and highlights the value of mentors and role models in his career. He also emphasizes the significance of building a solid team and staying committed to one's goals.

Key Takeaways:

• The "sniff test" of a 6% return on cost is an initial indicator of project viability.
• Rising interest rates have made securing financing for real estate projects more challenging.
• Financial literacy should be emphasized in mainstream education to empower individuals in making data-driven decisions.
• Mentors and role models are crucial in guiding and supporting career growth.
• Building a solid team and staying committed to one's goals are essential to entrepreneurial success.

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Frank Valdes is a Principal Architect and market leader in multifamily housing at DiMella Shaffer. With a background in architecture and interior design, Frank has extensive experience in designing and delivering high-quality projects in the multifamily market.

Summary:
Frank Valdes, a Principal Architect and market leader in multifamily housing at DiMella Shaffer, shares his insights on the art of balance in architecture and design. He discusses the importance of balancing design, budget, and construction in order to create successful projects. Frank also highlights the value of early collaboration between architects and interior designers to ensure a cohesive and unique design. He shares his experiences working with renowned architects such as Moshe Safdie and Bill Rawn, and how those experiences shaped his approach to architecture. Frank emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and staying humble in the industry. He also discusses the marketing strategy of DiMella Shaffer, focusing on their commitment to delivering high-quality and distinctive designs in the multifamily housing market.

Key Takeaways:

• Balancing design, budget, and construction is crucial for successful projects in architecture.
• Early collaboration between architects and interior designers leads to cohesive and unique designs.
• Continuous learning and staying humble are important for personal and professional growth in the industry.
• DiMella Shaffer focuses on delivering high-quality and distinctive designs in the multifamily housing market.
• The art of balance is essential in architecture and design, from flexible spaces to negotiating with clients.

Quotes:

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 Mike Fish is the President and CEO of  Dellbrook | JKS , a construction management firm based in Massachusetts. With over 18 years of experience in the construction industry, Mike has a strong background in affordable housing and market-rate housing projects. He is known for his ability to overcome conflict and adversity, making him a trusted figure in the industry.

Summary:
Mike Fish shares his journey in the construction industry, from his early days working on job sites as a teenager to becoming the President and CEO of  Dellbrook | JKS . He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and the parallels between the construction industry and business. Mike also discusses the culture of Delbrook, which prioritizes teamwork and continuous improvement. The company has experienced significant growth, particularly in the market rate housing sector, and is focused on maintaining a growth mindset while improving in various areas, such as diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Key Takeaways:

• Continuous learning is crucial in the construction industry, which is constantly evolving.
• The construction industry is a team game, and success comes from functioning as a team rather than as individuals.
• Building a strong culture of learning and teamwork is essential for long-term success in the construction industry.
• The obstacle is the way: Challenges and obstacles are opportunities for growth and resilience.

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Thank you for joining the Design Development community. Subscribe to capture insight from the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. 

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