Design Development

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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New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

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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

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

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Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

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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.

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

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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:

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

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Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

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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.

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Let’s go.

Learning through your own experience is SLOW.

Accelerate your growth with Design Development – your hub to learn direct from top performers in real estate development, design and construction.

#business #leadership #development #architecture #engineering #construction #marketing

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Let’s go.

Rob Simmons is the Director of Development for Cathartes, a Boston-based private real estate firm with nearly one billion in investments across the Northeast. Cathartes strive to meet the evolving needs of an ever-changing society with purposeful spaces that promote smart living with every project. Rob has over 17 years of experience in the industry and has developed more than 700 housing units, several hundred hotel rooms, and 50,000 square feet of commercial space, all with a capitalization of maybe more than 600 million. He manage all development activities, including land due diligence, design, engineering, entitlement, financing, and construction.

Summary:
Rob Simmons, the Director of Development for Cathartes, shares his insights on real estate development and the success of Cathartes. He discusses the importance of boutique firms and their ability to see value in emerging markets. Rob also emphasizes the significance of community and smart living in their projects, as well as the challenges they face in the current market.

Key Takeaways:

• Cathartes focuses on emerging markets and ground-up development in secondary or tertiary cities.
• The company prioritizes community and smart living in their projects to create a sense of belonging and connection.
• Building strong relationships with sellers and communities helps Cathartus navigate the permitting process and gain trust.
• The current market challenges include increasing construction costs and tighter lending conditions.
• Cathartes has a five-year development pipeline of 600 units and aims to continue growing and delivering value to communities.

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

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Stephen Laverty is a partner at Jumbo Capital Management and the co-founder and principal at Surus Development & Construction. With a background in construction and project management, Steve has a deep understanding of the real estate industry and has successfully built and managed a team of professionals in the field.

Summary:

Stephen Laverty, partner at Jumbo Capital Management and co-founder of Surus Development & Construction, shares his career journey and insights into the real estate industry. He discusses the importance of aligning your skills with the right company and industry, the challenges of project management, and the process of launching and growing a construction business. Steve also highlights the need for a strong company culture and the impact of technology on the self-storage market.

Key Takeaways:

• Align your skills with the right company and industry to maximize your potential for success.
• The early years of your career may be a grind, but don't run from tough challenges as they can be valuable learning experiences.
• Building a strong company culture is essential for attracting and retaining talent.
• The self-storage market is growing due to increased residential development and improved building design.
• The field staff is crucial in construction projects and finding experienced builders is becoming more challenging.

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

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Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

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 David Andronico is the Managing Director of Development at Jones Street Residential. He has extensive experience in construction management and project execution in the real estate industry.

Summary:
David Andronico discusses his role as the Managing Director of Development at Jones Street Residential and the company's focus on multi-family real estate. He explains how the company has expanded from acquiring stabilized assets to developing new construction projects. He also emphasizes the importance of staying close to the properties and the communities they are a part of. Andronico shares the concept of "confident humility" and the importance of being open to learning and figuring things out. He also highlights the value of hands-on experience and taking risks to achieve success. Andronico shares a powerful story about a plumbing foreman and the lesson he learned about the importance of putting oneself in a position to succeed. He discusses the different paths for emerging professionals in the development industry and the opportunities for growth and learning. Andronico also talks about the future plans of Joan Street Residential, including their focus on development projects and creating housing opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• Jones Street Residential focuses on both acquiring stabilized assets and developing new construction projects.
• The company established a property management division to ensure residents' efficient operation and satisfaction in their properties.
• Managing a property allows for better feedback from residents and the ability to apply lessons learned to future developments.
• The company is shifting towards a fund model to attract a wider range of investors and provide a more streamlined investment process.
• "Confident humility" is a valuable trait in leaders, combining the confidence to achieve outcomes with the humility to continue learning and seeking answers.
• Taking risks and putting oneself in a position to succeed can lead to personal and professional growth.
• Hands-on experience and exposure to different aspects of development are valuable for emerging professionals.
• The book "The Real Estate Game" by William Porvoo is a recommended resource for learning about development.
• The war memoirs of Major Dick Winters, "Beyond Band of Brothers," offer valuable insights into leadership and creating a team environment.

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Let’s go.

Rob Elfer is a partner at Studio Troika, a design firm based in Boston. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Rob has worked on a wide range of projects, including stadiums, high-rises, and commercial buildings. He is known for his innovative design approach and his ability to bring together diverse teams to create unique and successful projects.

Rens Hayes interviews Rob Elfer, partner at Studio Troika. They discuss the importance of design in the architecture industry and how Studio Troika focuses on design as a value component. They also talk about the different markets they work in, the importance of collaboration and networking, and the impact of technology on the design process. Rob shares his experiences working at different firms and the lessons he learned from each. The conversation also touches on the merger between Ocean US and Studio Troika and the importance of partnership in the industry. They emphasize the significance of alignment, values, and dealing with hard times in finding a good partner. They discuss Studio Troika's differentiation in the architecture industry, including their focus on technology, accuracy, and a unique design process. They highlight the importance of accurate drawings, dimensional control, and involving construction managers early in the design process to avoid costly changes later on. They also emphasize the value of a collaborative and inclusive culture, where employees are empowered and have a voice in decision-making. Rob discusses the importance of developing leaders and creating opportunities for growth within the firm. He shares the steps Studio Troika has taken to foster leadership and the benefits of having a diverse and inclusive leadership team. They emphasize the importance of patience, setting goals, and being inclusive in the workplace. Rob recommends the book "The Ministry of the Future" by Kim Stanley Robinson and the podcast "How I Built This" for inspiration and insights into problem-solving and entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways:

• Design-oriented firms that prioritize the client and the design process can create unique and successful projects.
• Collaboration and networking are essential in the architecture industry, as they allow for the exchange of ideas and the creation of strong relationships.
• Technology and innovation play a crucial role in architecture, enabling firms to improve their processes and create better designs.
• The design and development process should involve diverse teams and disciplines to ensure a comprehensive and successful outcome.
• Building strong partnerships and relationships is key to success in the architecture industry, as it allows for the sharing of knowledge and the creation of better projects.
• Developing leaders within the firm is crucial for long-term success and growth. Studio Troika has created a leadership team and named junior partners and associates to ensure a smooth transition and continued growth.
• Being patient and understanding one's goals is important for emerging leaders. It's not just about chasing a higher salary, but about personal and professional growth.
• Writing down goals and revisiting them regularly helps in making better decisions and staying focused on long-term objectives.

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Let’s go.