In this episode of “Made With Brilliance,” host Jahnavi is joined by Grayson Jordan, principal at Paul Castrucci Architects, to discuss the critical topic of sustainability in architecture and how evolving regulations in New York City are shaping building designs. Grayson shares the journey of his firm, which has been a pioneer in sustainable and passive house construction, particularly in affordable housing. The conversation explores the challenges of retrofitting existing buildings to meet new energy standards, the importance of collaboration between architects and MEP engineers, and the role of incentives and regulations like Local Law 97 in driving the adoption of sustainable practices. This episode is packed with insights on how to create energy-efficient, healthy buildings that are both economically and environmentally sustainable.

Key Takeaways:

Sustainability in Architecture: Grayson highlights the importance of sustainability in architecture, especially in affordable housing, where energy-efficient designs can significantly reduce operating costs and improve living conditions.

Collaboration is Key: Successful sustainable projects require close collaboration between architects and MEP engineers to ensure that systems are integrated effectively and meet performance expectations.

Navigating Regulations: Understanding and complying with local regulations, such as New York City’s Local Law 97, is essential for building owners and developers aiming to avoid fines and achieve long-term sustainability goals.

Incentives for Sustainability: Grayson discusses various incentives available for sustainable building practices, emphasizing the importance of taking advantage of these programs to offset the costs of green building initiatives.

The Role of Early Planning: Early-stage planning and energy modeling are crucial for ensuring that projects are both compliant with regulations and optimized for long-term performance.

Timeline Summary:

[00:00] - Introduction to the episode and guest, Grayson Jordan.

[01:00] - Grayson shares his background and the founding principles of Paul Castrucci Architects.

[03:00] - The firm’s early adoption of passive house construction and the challenges they faced.

[05:00] - Importance of collaboration between architects and MEP engineers in sustainable projects.

[07:00] - Overview of Local Law 97 and its implications for New York City buildings.

[10:00] - Discussion on the benefits of electrification and the challenges in retrofitting existing buildings.

[13:00] - The role of incentives in promoting sustainable building practices.

[17:00] - The importance of early-stage energy modeling and planning.

[20:00] - Final thoughts on the future of sustainable architecture and how to stay ahead of regulations.

In this episode of “Made With Brilliance,” hosts Jahnavi and Chelseyann delve into the critical importance of project kickoff meetings at MWB Engineering. They discuss how these meetings set the tone for the entire project, ensuring that all stakeholders—from architects to engineers—are aligned on goals, expectations, and technical requirements. The conversation highlights the detailed planning that goes into MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) coordination, the significance of early decision-making, and the role of comprehensive documentation in maintaining project clarity. Jahnavi and Chelseyann also touch on common challenges such as navigating code requirements, managing costs, and the importance of value engineering. This episode offers a valuable look at how effective kickoff meetings can lead to smoother project execution and better outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

Importance of Kickoff Meetings: Kickoff meetings are essential for aligning all project stakeholders and setting clear expectations from the start, which is crucial for successful project execution.

Detailed Planning and Documentation: Early decision-making and thorough documentation during the kickoff process are vital for preventing costly redesigns and ensuring everyone remains on the same page throughout the project.

Navigating Code and Cost Challenges: Understanding and planning for code requirements and managing costs through value engineering are critical components discussed during these meetings to ensure the project stays on track.

Timeline Summary:

[00:00] - Introduction to the significance of project kickoff meetings.

[01:00] - Overview of MWB Engineering’s approach to kickoff meetings.

[02:00] - The role of detailed planning in MEP coordination and system design.

[04:00] - Importance of understanding the project type and its impact on design decisions.

[06:00] - Discussion on HVAC systems and the significance of ceiling heights in design.

[08:00] - How code requirements influence sprinkler and utility planning.

[10:00] - Addressing the challenges of electrical and plumbing system integration.

[12:00] - The value of early-stage collaboration with architects and structural engineers.

[14:00] - Importance of cost management and value engineering in project planning.

[17:00] - Closing thoughts on the key elements of a successful kickoff meeting.

In this episode of “Made With Brilliance,” hosts Jahnavi and Chelseyann dive into the origins of MWB Engineering, a women-owned MEP firm based in New York City, and the journey that led them to establish the company. They discuss the importance of processes in engineering, the challenges of building a strong team, and the significance of being organized in a fast-paced industry. The conversation also explores their experiences with various market sectors, from residential and commercial projects to more specialized areas like healthcare and passive house design. Jahnavi and Chelseyann share insights into the evolving landscape of engineering, the critical role of client education, and the importance of early-stage collaboration to ensure project success. This episode is a deep dive into what makes MWB Engineering unique and the strategies that have helped them grow and thrive in the competitive field of engineering.

Key Takeaways:

Detailed Processes and Effective Team Management: Recognizing the importance of detailed processes and effective team management is crucial for success in the engineering industry.

Collaboration and Early-Stage Planning: Collaboration and early-stage planning are key to avoiding costly redesigns and ensuring that projects meet both client expectations and evolving regulatory requirements.

Client-Focused Approach: MWB Engineering prides itself on being client-focused, staying organized, and maintaining open communication, which has been instrumental in their growth and success.

Timeline Summary:

[00:00] - Introduction to MWB Engineering and the hosts’ backgrounds.

[02:00] - Chelseyann shares how her early interest in engineering led to the founding of MWB.

[05:00] - The challenges of building a team and implementing efficient processes in a growing firm.

[08:00] - Jahnavi discusses the importance of evolving with new technology and staying on top of industry changes.

[10:00] - Overview of MWB’s diverse project portfolio, including residential, commercial, and healthcare sectors.

[13:00] - The significance of client education and collaboration in project success.

[18:00] - Challenges of balancing innovation with practical engineering solutions.

[25:00] - The critical role of early-stage planning in preventing project delays and redesigns.

[29:00] - Final thoughts on the future of MWB Engineering and their goals for expansion.

In this episode of “Made With Brilliance,” Chelsey is joined by Alex Loyer Hughes, co-founder of KURV Architecture, to discuss the evolving landscape of energy efficiency in New York City. Alex shares his journey into architecture, inspired by early experiences and shaped by his background in energy-conscious environments. The conversation covers the challenges and strategies involved in retrofitting old buildings to meet modern energy standards, the importance of holistic design approaches that combine architecture and MEP engineering, and the role of advanced tools like BIM and LIDAR in improving project outcomes. Alex also highlights the significance of staying updated with local laws such as Local Law 97, which are driving the push towards more sustainable building practices.

Key Takeaways:

Energy Efficiency in Retrofitting: Retrofitting old buildings to meet energy efficiency standards is a complex but crucial task, requiring a holistic approach that considers both architectural design and MEP engineering.

Importance of BIM and LIDAR: Utilizing advanced tools like BIM and LIDAR greatly enhances the accuracy and efficiency of projects, reducing change orders and improving overall outcomes.

Local Law 97 Compliance: Understanding and complying with Local Law 97 and other regulations is essential for building owners and developers in New York City.

Collaboration with MEP Engineers: Successful energy-efficient designs require close collaboration between architects and MEP engineers, ensuring that all systems are integrated smoothly and efficiently.

Personal Motivation: Passion for energy efficiency and sustainability drives innovation and excellence in architectural practices.

Timeline Summary:

[00:00] - Introduction to the podcast and today’s guest, Alex Loyer Hughes.

[01:00] - Alex shares his journey into architecture and his early influences.

[02:00] - Discussion on the impact of energy efficiency on building design, particularly in retrofitting old structures.

[04:00] - The role of BIM and LIDAR in improving project accuracy and reducing change orders.

[07:00] - Overview of Local Law 97 and its implications for New York City buildings.

[09:00] - The importance of a holistic approach in energy-efficient design, integrating both architectural and MEP perspectives.

[14:00] - Final thoughts on the future of energy-efficient architecture and the importance of staying updated with local regulations.

In this episode of “Made With Brilliance,” co-hosts Jahnavi and Chelseyann are joined by special guest Eugene, the founder and principal of IMC. Eugene shares his journey into architecture, blending his love for the technical and artistic sides of the field. The conversation delves into the importance of effective communication and collaboration within project teams, particularly between architects and MEP engineers, to minimize change orders and ensure successful project outcomes. Eugene also discusses the benefits of using Revit for project coordination, the impact of architectural codes on design, and IMC’s recent expansion into interior design, which allows for a holistic approach to projects. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone involved in architecture and building, from the importance of early coordination to the advantages of maintaining consistent project teams.

Key Takeaways:

Importance of Communication: Effective communication and coordination between architects and engineers are essential for minimizing change orders and ensuring project success.

Using Revit: The use of Revit by both architects and engineers greatly enhances visualization, client communication, and overall project coordination.

Holistic Design Approach: IMC’s expansion into interior design allows for a cohesive design process, ensuring that both the exterior and interior of a building meet client expectations.

Consistency in Teams: Working with the same project team across multiple projects can lead to better communication, understanding, and ultimately, better project outcomes.

Navigating Codes: A deep understanding of zoning and building codes is crucial for architects to creatively solve design challenges while staying compliant.

Timeline Summary:

[00:00] - Introduction to the podcast and today’s guest, Eugene from IMC.

[01:00] - Eugene discusses his background in architecture and how IMC was founded.

[02:00] - The importance of communication between architects and engineers in project success.

[03:00] - The role of Revit in enhancing project coordination and client communication.

[05:00] - Common issues in construction and the importance of managing client expectations.

[08:00] - The benefits of working with consistent project teams across multiple projects.

[09:00] - How IMC approaches architectural style and the impact of local codes on design.

[12:00] - Discussion on IMC’s expansion into interior design and its impact on project outcomes.

[14:00] - Final thoughts from Eugene on the importance of a holistic approach in architecture.