Innovative Real Estate with Three Squared, Inc.

If you've listened to our podcast for a while you know that our Director of Design, Breck Crandell is going through the process of building his own home, here in Detroit.

The journey hasn't come without some challenges, but he is finally putting a shovel in the ground and build the houm proof of concept.

In this newest episode, Breck shares his whole process from design to permitting and finding a bank and goes into detail on why this project is so much more than just building his own home.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: 

• Overview of the Cochrane Home.
• Why Breck isn't building with containers.
• Challenges faced with the Detroit Land Bank. 
• Finding a bank to approve a loan. 
• Why building the houm proof of concept is so important. 

Find the full show notes here.

To learn more about houm, and Breck's building & design process head over the houm page here.

Make sure to also follow houm on Instagram to stay up to date with all houm related updates. 

Supplemental Episodes mentioned:

Episode 35 - Our Newest Design Innovation: Launching houm By Three Squared, Inc.

Episode 28 - Part 1: Breck Building His Own houm.

Ready to move forward with your project? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team.

Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more. 

In the booming short term rental market, unique stays are king.

That’s why on our latest podcast, we sat down with Rachel and Scott from Stillwater Stays - the duo behind the popular container home Airbnbs located in Northern Michigan, situated on a 50+ acres horse farm.

They share a behind scenes look at their process developing their short term rentals, and how unique architectural design and creating an unforgettable experience led to their success.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn in this episode: 

• Introduction to Stillwater Stays.
• Building a unique short term rental.
• Learning what your municipality wants to see. 
• Creating Airbnb experiences. 
• Project Highlight: Stillwater Stays Cabin 4. 

If you want to learn more about Stillwater Stays and book your own stay, head over to their website. 

Ready to move forward with your project? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team.

Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more. 

When building a project of any size it can be overwhelming, especially when figuring out where to start - but it doesn't have to be! The whole process can be broken down into 4 manageable steps.

In this special episode Claire, Leslie, and Breck, sit down with notable developer Janice Stitzer to talk about her 4 step development process. She shares her insider guidance on everything from land acquisition to building a real building and everything in between.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn in this Episode: 

• Who is the Uncommon Developer Janice Stitzer
• The 4 step process of building. 
• Why a proper land acquisition process is vital to project success. 
•  Impact of building a supportive team for your project. 
• Everything they don't tell you about buying plans on the internet. 
• Project highlight of the week: Backcountry A-Frame. 

Please be sure to head over the the Uncommon Developer website and Instagram, to explore the valuable resources Janice has created to help people make their development dreams come true.

Also be sure to check out the Backcountry A-Frame on Instagram.

Episode referenced:

Buying Home Plans On The Internet: Who Can You Trust And What Is Legit?

Everything You Need To Know About Financing Your Project

Ready to move forward with your project? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team.

Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more. 

Sometimes projects are more about collaborating with clients rather than just building something for them - case in point: Steelhaus. 

In this episode Breck, Leslie, and Claire sit down with Chris and Nicole to talk about their project Steelhaus and uncover the inspiration to build a mixed-use space in the city of Detroit. 

Here's what you'll learn in today's episode: 

• Introduction to Steelhaus 
• How Chris and Nicole's background impacted their design. 
• How zoning ordinance and building code affect a projects scope. 

To learn more about Steelhaus head over to their website and Instagram. 

Ready to move forward with your project? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team.

Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more. 

If you've spent any time on social media look and dreaming about container homes you've probably came across The Pacific Bin - a short term rental property just outside of Seattle.

In this very special Episode Breck, Leslie, and Claire sit down with Devon Loerop from The Pacific Bin, and talk all things container construction. As well as discuss why containers are ideal for short term rental projects. 

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: 

• Who is Devon Loerop and what is The Pacific Bin. 
• A first-hand account of land acquisition. 
• Why containers are great for short term rentals.
• Differences between off-site and on-site fabrication. 
• Why social media is crucial in building a project's brand. 
• What's next big project for Devon...

Click here for the full show notes from Episode 43.

To learn more about The Pacific Bin and book your own stay head over to their website and Instagram. 

If you're interested in learning more about Tammy Loerop's design firm - check out TKL Interiors. 

Ready to move forward with your project? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team.

Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more. 

In the world of architecture things have been done the same way for countless years, but the tides are changing. As more technology and software is created there is a better understanding of how the AEC industry can be optimized especially with algorithms. 

In this episode Breck, Leslie, and Claire sit down with Francisco Landeros who specializes in creating algorithms and writing software that is helping to simplify architecture. 

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn in this episode: 

• Who is Francisco Landeros and what he does. 
• Using advanced software to make better designs. 
• The difference between computational design and software development.
• How algorithms shaping the future of architecture. 
• Breck's project highlight of the week: Mack Home! 

Click here for the full show notes from Episode 42. 

Ready to move forward with your project? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team.

Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more. 

There's a lot of talking going around about artificial intelligence, and the impact it will have on professions in the future. There's even more discussion within the field of architecture. 

In this episode Breck and Claire sit down with Architectural Designer and TSI's very own Bryce Cox to talk about the role of artificial intelligence in architecture, and whether or not algorithms will replace architects. 

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: 

• The difference between artificial intelligence and generative design.
• Impact of advanced technologies on the future of architecture. 
• Why the human element is import and design. 
• How programs like ChatGPT are changing the way people understand AI.
• Breck's project highlight of the week: Hayes Home. 

Learn more about houm here. 

Click here for the full show notes from today's conversation.

If you are interested in downloading are full project portfolio click here.

Ready to move forward with your project? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team.

Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more. 

One of the biggest keys to a successful project is having land before you start the design process. Not only does it allow for the project to start off well, it also pays off in the long run.

In this very special episode we sit down with our clients Rhys and Nicky, and talk about their project the Hidden Box House. We unpack the journey of finding the perfect property and how the demand in vacation rentals is leading to homes paying their own mortgages.  

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn from us in this episode: 

• Introduction to our clients Rhys and Nicky. 
• The potential financial benefits to building transient lodging. 
• Why a good pre-construction process leads to success.
• Impact of see projects in 3D. 
• Breck's project highlight of the week: Hidden Box House.

Click here for the full show notes for Episode 40.

Make sure to follow the Hidden Box House on Instagram, and head over to TheHiddenBoxHouse.com to stay up to date with this project and be on the lookout to book your own stay. 

Ready to move forward with your project? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team.

Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more. 

The rise in social media has led to a lot of confusion about what is and is not real...the same rings true for architecture. It's very difficult to see if an image is a real finished project or just a render. 

And now with the rise of builder ready plans for sale on the internet it's even more important to know who you're working with is legit so you don't get scammed. 

In this episode Leslie, Breck, and Claire unpack everything you need to know to make smart choices when it comes to buying builder ready plans. They discuss key things to look for from a seller and why sellable plans are not as simple as buying and building. 

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn in this episode: 

•  What are buyer ready plans. 
• What you need to know before you buy plans online. 
• The upgrades and options that are sometimes available with online plans.
• What you need to look out for so you don't get scammed. 
• Three Squared, Inc.'s buyer ready plans. 
• Breck's project highlight of the week: High Garden Arbor! 

Check out this supplemental episode for today's conversation:
Why You Need An Architect (...Especially If You Think You Dont't)

Click here for the full show notes from Episode 39.  

Ready to move forward with your project? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team.

Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more. 

Detroit natives Katrina and Darnell Stewart wanted to leave a legacy not only for their family but on the city that they were born and raised in.
This dream has led them to develop Concord Squared at Islandview - a veterans housing project located in the Islandview neighborhood of Detroit. 

In this episode Breck, Leslie, and Claire  sit down with Katrina and Darnell to share their experience as first time developers and how adapting to change allowed their project to take off.  They also discuss overcoming hurdles like land accusation and finding partnerships. 

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn in this episode: 

• Introduction of developers Katrina and Darnell Stewart. 
• Adapting to project changes. 
• Building your Pro Forma as a first time developer. 
• Finding balance between a city and client's wants/needs. 
• Exploring partnerships to move your project along. 
• Breck's project highlight of the week: Concord Square at Islandview!

If you're interested in the work that Darnell and Katrina are doing - or have funding opportunities for their veteran housing project reach out to them by contacting them here: [email protected]

Click here to view the full show notes for Episode 38. 

Ready to move forward with your project? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team.

Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more.