Design Development

In this episode, we sit down with Dena Prestos, the brilliant architect and civil engineer who is leading the charge against sea-level rise and its devastating impact on our coasts. Dena shares her journey from the untouched wilderness of Alaska to the bustling New York Harbor, where she is working tirelessly to adapt our infrastructure to the changing natural environment. With sophisticated monitoring tools and a deep understanding of resilient construction, Dena is shaping the future of waterfront infrastructure and protecting our most valuable real estate. Don't miss this riveting conversation on climate adaptation and the urgent need for action.

More About Dena-
As Founder and CEO of Indigo River, Dena Prastos, AIA is the first "waterfront architect," trailblazing a new category in the industry. Indigo River is a women-owned transdisciplinary design firm focused on progressive waterfront architecture, resiliency, and climate adaptation. A leading authority in New York Harbor and beyond, the firm specializes in climate adaptation through waterfront solutions that seamlessly transcend boundaries - guiding and executing projects from ideation through final construction and operations. Waterfront architect, civil engineer, futurist, climate adaptation expert, entrepreneur, and creative original, Dena is driven to transform the built world at the water's edge. With transdisciplinary and progressive views, she is fueled by the overlapping of design, technology, and nature. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Cheers

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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In this episode, we welcome Greg Hart, the President of PSMJ Resources, a company that offers a wide range of services to the architecture and engineering industries. From educational services and events to consulting and mergers and acquisitions, PSMJ has become a well-known name in the business world.

Greg discusses the importance of paying bills upfront in the architecture and engineering industry and how accounts receivables can affect cash flow. He gives valuable tips on how to speed up the payment process and why it's crucial for a firm's sustainability.

But that's not all! The discussion then transitions to business valuation, with Greg sharing his insights on what drives value in architecture and engineering firms. He emphasizes the significance of cash flow and how it plays a vital role in determining a company's worth.

Greg's advice on evaluating the value of a business is sure to leave listeners feeling informed and empowered. So, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now to gain a competitive edge in the architecture and engineering industries!

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.

With over 25 years in the construction industry, Roger has extensive experience on both the construction and development sides of the real estate business. Prior to starting FC Modular within Forest City Ratner Companies, Roger spent 12 years at Forest City Ratner Companies as SVP of Mixed Use and Residential Development, entitling and planning over 1,000 residential apartment units integrated into many of FCRC’s Retail projects.
In 2008 Roger spearheaded the first R&D project for Modular Construction which lead to The Creation of FC Modular and subsequently the creation of a factory and business to build the tallest volumetric modular building in the world.

Prior to working at Forest City Roger was an owner and operator of Fiber Media, a high tech Developer/Contractor in the High Tech Sector based in the Mid¬West. Roger’s experience makes him uniquely qualified to lead a groundbreaking industry change like the movement to off-site built construction for large scale urban multifamily construction. As a Recipient of the Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award 2014 for his work on the creation of a high-rise modular process he has been publically recognized as a leader in innovation. Roger received his degree in management and organizational psychology from Babson College.

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.

 Steve Dell’Orto is the founder and CEO of ConCntric, a preconstruction platform that is transforming the fractured preconstruction environment by unifying data, people and processes. ConCntric acts as a single source of truth for all preconstruction stakeholders by providing a dynamic view of the project that ensures a certainty of outcome. As a 26-year construction industry veteran who has lived and breathed the world of delivering preconstruction projects, Steve is uniquely positioned to bring digital transformation to the industry. Steve is the former Executive Officer of one of the largest privately-owned, domestic general contractors in the U.S. with revenues averaging $5-6 billion annually. As the Executive Officer, Steve led the major expansion of his former company’s Western Region including the Northern California and Pacific Northwest division achieving 10x growth and increasing margins by over 40% through a committed focus on selective work acquisition and a more comprehensive preconstruction process. Some of the notable projects completed under Steve’s leadership include the: Golden State Warriors Arena and Development, Salesforce Tower, Facebook’s San Francisco Park Tower, Seattle Convention Center Expansion, Manchester Grand Hyatt, LA County Museum of Art Expansion and the LA Live Development among many others. Steve is committed to leveraging his 30 years in the industry to advance the level of innovation and technological advancement in the real estate and construction sector. In addition to the change he is driving through ConCntric, Steve is an investor and venture partner in several construction-tech focused venture capital funds including Builders VC and Argonautic Ventures. Steve is also an Advisor to eight emerging construction-tech focused startups bringing a wide range of solutions in areas such as autonomy, fintech, work acquisition, change order communication, project communication, marketplaces and artificial intelligence. Since launching ConCntric in 2021, Steve has built a dynamic global team and secured support from strategic and notable investors. Steve and his team are on a mission to make the built world more affordable, predictable and sustainable, and are uniquely positioned to transform the future for the construction and real estate industry. 

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.

In this week's episode of our podcast, Rens sits down with Peter Bartash, the founder of Port One Companies, a dynamic multidisciplinary firm. Peter shares how he discovered his passion for problem-solving through his background in architecture and how it has helped him in his current role. Rens and Peter discuss how taking on big challenges can lead to greater opportunities and the importance of being adaptable in a constantly evolving industry.

Peter's expertise in the architecture industry is impressive, especially given the challenging times he faced when he graduated in 2008. He recognized a gap in the market between ultra-high net worth individuals and the rest of the global economy, and he's been able to develop successful strategies to better serve his clients.

The conversation then shifts to the success of Peter's high-end real estate business. Rens notes that even in a down economy, the ultra-wealthy always have money to spend. Peter explains how their focus on architecture and design has contributed to their success, and shares some of the recent accomplishments of their entry-level design personnel, who identified an investment opportunity that even the senior leadership team had not noticed.

Peter also highlights their impressive asset management system, which has grown to $100 million in just five years. He takes pride in the successful ecosystem they have created, where team members can benefit from each other's insights to achieve even greater success. The services offered by Port One, including architecture and interior design, commercial real estate development, wealth management, alternative investment management, property management, fractional CFO, and outsourced management consulting, are equally impressive.

This episode is full of valuable insights and inspiration for anyone looking to succeed in a challenging industry. Don't miss out on this incredible conversation with Peter Bartash!

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.

In this episode, we sit down with John Wheaton, a successful entrepreneur and, podcaster, and author, to explore his insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and building a solid company culture. John shares his perspectives on what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur and provides practical advice for creating a positive work environment and mentoring other business leaders. He also offers strategies for overcoming common challenges entrepreneurs face, such as burnout and self-doubt. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or an experienced business leader, John's insights are sure to inspire and inform.

 He shared his perspective on what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of taking calculated risks and having a strong sense of purpose. John discussed the importance of creating a strong culture within a company, explaining that a positive work environment is essential for retaining top talent and fostering innovation. He also shared some practical tips for building a positive company culture, such as celebrating wins and recognizing employee contributions.

 Moreover, John talked about his experience as a mentor and coach, sharing his insights from working with other entrepreneurs and business leaders. He emphasized the importance of being a good listener and tailoring advice to each individual's unique situation. Additionally, John discussed some challenges entrepreneurs and business leaders face, including burnout and self-doubt. He shared some strategies for coping with these challenges, such as building a support network and taking time to reflect and recharge.

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.

In this electrifying episode of the podcast, the host welcomes Patrick Haydon, the founder, and owner of Haycon, a premier construction and design/build firm based in Boston. With a passion for sustainable building techniques and a wealth of knowledge about the industry, Patrick is sure to provide listeners with an insightful and engaging discussion about his background and career.

The conversation starts with Patrick discussing his upbringing in the construction world and how it led him to pursue a career in architecture. He explains how his experience as an architect, builder, and developer has helped him to excel in his current role at Haycon.

Next, the host and Patrick dive into sustainable and passive house construction. Patrick shares his thoughts on the growing trend towards energy-efficient affordable housing and how passive house construction plays a role in this movement. He also shares exciting details about a recent trip to Sweden, where he had the opportunity to tour a building company specializing in thermally efficient buildings.

As the discussion continues, Patrick highlights one of Haycon's latest projects, the four-unit building at Washington Street. He explains the use of robust exterior building material and how this project served as a model for future Haqqani endeavors. In addition, Patrick shares the exciting news that they are constructing two of three Passive House buildings this year, and their goal is to eventually build net-zero buildings.

The conversation then shifts to 11 East Lenox, Boston's first mass timber building. Patrick provides a behind-the-scenes look at how this project came to be and its challenges, including the 70-foot high-rise limit in Massachusetts and the need to build seven-story buildings efficiently and cost-effectively.

Finally, the host and Patrick touch upon the challenges faced during construction, including cutting holes for ductwork and plumbing and discuss the future of sustainable construction and mass timber. Patrick predicts that sustainable construction will become increasingly mainstream and required while mass timber will become a popular structural system. They also address the concern that the manufacturing industry may be unable to keep up with the demand for mass timber construction now that it has been approved for use in buildings up to 18 storeys.

Tune in for a dynamic and informative episode with Patrick Haydon, and get a glimpse into the exciting world of sustainable construction and building design!

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.

Ricky Beliveau is a highly successful entrepreneur and real estate expert based in Massachusetts. He is the owner of several real estate businesses and has made a name for himself in the industry with his innovative ideas and passion for building real estate assets.

Ricky is the founder of Volnay Capital, a venture capitalist company that invests in rental properties and condo projects with a focus on small-scale development. This company is a result of his education in finance and his interest in investing in the real estate market. He believes that small-scale development is the future of real estate, and he is dedicated to creating sustainable and affordable housing options for people.

Ricky also co-founded Evo Real Estate Group, a real estate brokerage that aims to change the traditional approach to pre-construction marketing and sales. The company is committed to providing high-quality, customized real estate solutions to its clients. Bond Management is Ricky's management company that manages around 650 units, and it provides a range of property management services to its clients, from day-to-day operations to strategic planning.

Ricky's newest venture is Evo Origin Funding, a pre-equity investment shop. This business is aimed at helping real estate developers and entrepreneurs access the funding they need to bring their projects to life. With a team of experienced professionals, Evo Origin Funding provides customized funding solutions to meet the unique needs of each client.

Ricky's strategy behind launching multiple businesses was a gradual process that started in 2010. He was inspired to create a brand for his real estate investing and development firm after a suggestion from an architect. From there, he continued to expand his portfolio, adding new businesses and services to meet the growing needs of his clients. Today, his companies are a testament to his dedication and hard work, and he continues to lead the way in the real estate industry.

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.

Anthony Fasano is the founder of the Engineering Management Institute. Like many engineers, he aimed to become a high-level executive in my engineering organization.  When observing the leaders in my company, it is evident that they possessed skills in addition to their technical skills, namely excellent people management or ‘soft’ skills.  So, he set out to develop my ‘soft skills,’ a move that not only rapidly advanced my career, but led to me becoming an internal coach and trainer for my company, and ultimately inspired me to leave my engineering career behind to spend more time helping engineers become more effective managers and leaders.

Most AE consulting firms are too busy to focus on attracting, developing, and retaining talented professionals, making it hard to grow. Through his work at the EngineeringManagement Institute, Fasano utilizes a proven framework to help firms build professional development plans, programs, and tools that help them attract, build, maintain strong teams and grow sustainably. In addition to assisting firms in these areas, Fasano has written a bestselling book entitled engineers Your Own Success(byIEEE-Wiley Press), and under his stewardship, EMI has built a massive content platform including 5 active podcasts, 3 YouTube channels, and a popular blog dedicated to helping AE professionals become better managers and leaders.

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.

Marc Savatsky is a Boston-based developer, broker and licensed contractor Marc Savatsky knows real estate. Marc specializes in identifying and assessing development sites, financial modeling, zoning analysis, project permitting plus construction cost estimating and project management. He has a BS in construction management from Purdue University and is currently completing coursework in Boston University’s Real Estate Finance Program. Marc co-hosts a popular podcast called “The Real Estate Addicts”, a passion project which helps to educate others in the field of real estate development and has over 200,000 listens.

Marc lives in Boston and stays closely connected with the community. He volunteers with multiple civic and volunteer organizations including the Neighborhood Office of Affordable Housing where he has served as a Vice President of the board since 2018. Marc has served as a team leader at SPARK Boston, the Mayor’s young advisory council and was recently nominated as finalist for the SPARK Boston outstanding Alumni. Marc has spoken on real estate panels, symposiums and was recently featured in the WSJ and Boston Globe.

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.