In this episode, Christian sits down with Francesca Bucci, President and Founder of BG Studio, the architecture and design firm redefining hospitality on land and at sea around the world. Christian and Francesca explore how Bucci’s distinctive approach to hospitality design - spanning superyachts, luxury hotels, residential, and beyond - has been shaped by her global perspective. She shares the stories behind projects like the Flora, the first ship of its kind designed specifically for the Galápagos, and how designing for both land and sea requires a unique balance of elegance, functionality, and emotion.

https://bgstudio.com/

https://theantiarchitect.com/

0:05 – Christian introduces Francesca Bucci, founder of BG Studio, and sets the stage for the episode
0:50 – Francesca’s design roots in Rome and how cruise ship work launched her firm
1:27 – How pitching one client gave Francesca the confidence to start BG Studio
2:30 – Why leadership, communication, and passion matter more than titles
3:20 – The unique opportunity Francesca received when her previous firm shut down
4:05 – Earning trust by showing up consistently at shipyards and delivering results
5:07 – What makes cruise ship architecture one of the most technical and creative challenges
6:13 – Francesca shares her favorite question: what annoys you about architects?
7:25 – Why she believes the capital-A Architect persona does more harm than good
8:00 – How studying in Italy instilled humility and a love for culture in her design process
9:09 – Coming to the U.S. to build, not just theorize, and the painful learning curve she faced
11:27 – Why Francesca values real-world experience more than perfect portfolios
13:01 – The entrepreneurial mindset she inherited from her family and how it shaped her firm
14:05 – Growing slowly by design and creating a culture of support and excellence
15:33 – Her thoughts on architecture and interior design schools staying too separate
17:06 – Why design students today lack conceptual thinking and how firms like hers fill the gap
18:59 – Francesca shares her hiring philosophy: hire people, not talent
20:03 – Balancing high design with business realities like fees, deadlines, and presentations
22:13 – How she teaches ownership and leadership across her team
23:40 – The honest truth about fees and being selective with projects after 20 years
26:43 – Spotlight on BG Studio’s global work, including Galápagos yachts and NYC condos
28:15 – How working on hospitality projects informs their approach to residential design
30:27 – Why cruise ship design sharpened their expertise in space efficiency and experience
32:14 – The key differences between designing for land and sea
34:01 – Regulations, safety codes, and the unique challenges of maritime architecture
35:03 – Who approves cruise ship designs and how IMO and Solas shape every decision
36:04 – Designing around safety and still making spaces feel luxurious
37:10 – Why Francesca gave up trying to find people already trained in cruise ship design
38:31 – How she builds and trains her team from the ground up
42:06 – Francesca’s origin story and how she stumbled into architecture after studying philosophy
43:51 – What her creative interests taught her about storytelling and space
45:00 – Behind the scenes of the award-winning Celebrity Flora built for the Galápagos
46:47 – How sustainability and local materials guided the Flora’s design
48:01 – A look at the Ultimate Family Suite and how it redefines cruise ship luxury
49:11 – Francesca explains how cruise ships are planned from scratch and designed as they’re built
51:00 – BG Studio’s luxury Long Beach development and what made it such a unique project
53:41 – Navigating COVID by relying on multifamily work and staying connected to long-term clients
56:22 – Francesca’s view on AI and technology in design: helpful, but not the driver
58:10 – Her closing message: never stop learning, reading, and building your own point of view

In this episode, Christian is joined by Peter Bronsnick, Executive Regional Director at Cushman & Wakefield, overseeing operations across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Peter's career story of evolution from hands-on developer and deal maker at SJP Properties to leading one of the most powerful real estate advisory platforms in the country of Cushman & Wakefield. Over his two plus decades in the industry, he has touched on every side of the business, site selection, planning, entitlements, construction, leasing, acquisition, capital markets and marketing. Christian and Peter discuss how a developer’s mindset can sharpen leadership within an advisory powerhouse, what defines successful placemaking today, and his role in some of the region's most transformative projects, including M station in Morristown.

https://www.cushmanwakefield.com

https://theantiarchitect.com/

0:00 – Christian introduces Peter Bronsnick and his role at Cushman Wakefield
1:29 – Why developers need to better understand architecture and design
2:49 – Lessons Peter learned working under Steve Pozycki at SJP Properties
4:37 – The importance of discipline, preparation, and internal expertise
5:47 – What frustrates Peter about how architects approach projects
7:07 – Why the architectural vision doesn’t always translate to real-world use
8:29 – How client collaboration has evolved in architecture and development
9:48 – The dangers of overdesign and ignoring budget realities
11:03 – Finding the balance between creative vision and financial feasibility
12:07 – Getting all stakeholders at the table from the start
13:47 – What a perfect architect developer partnership should look like
15:01 – Why architects need to be comfortable pushing back
16:11 – How to help architects better understand developer risk and mindset
18:02 – Why studying failed developments teaches more than studying success
20:05 – The red flags Peter looks for early in developer relationships
21:00 – Why architects are overworked and underpaid and how that starts
23:00 – How the urgency of capital impacts every part of the development process
24:06 – Peter reflects on his biggest lessons from a decade at SJP Properties
26:22 – The importance of sequencing and process in complex development
27:57 – Why SJP was more than just a developer and how that shaped Peter
28:58 – What inspired Peter’s leap to Cushman and Wakefield
30:07 – Building and scaling a business inside Cushman Wakefield
31:52 – Coordinating brokerage, capital markets, and internal teams
33:15 – How New Jersey real estate culture differs from New York
34:57 – Peter’s origin story and how he accidentally got into real estate
36:43 – The story of getting fired by his dad and finding a new path
38:11 – Why Peter pursued real estate at NYU after Michigan State
39:12 – Deep dive into M Station and what made it a successful placemaking case study
42:31 – The future of real estate development in downtown markets
44:01 – Why speed, innovation, and hospitality models are here to stay
46:02 – The mental health impact of placemaking and returning to the office
47:37 – The rise of AI and Cushman Wakefield’s approach to adoption
49:15 – Why future leaders will need to be AI literate
50:06 – Peter’s final thoughts on the future of cities and the importance of results
52:27 – Closing thoughts and how to connect with Peter Bronsnick

In this episode, Christian sits down with Antonio Scalise, Principal Architect and Founder of Parallel Architectural Group. Growing up in a multi-generational family of masons from Italy, Antonio's path took him from swinging a sledgehammer in New York to leading a full-service architecture firm in New Jersey. Antonio and Christian dive into why every architect should spend at least a year in the field, how Hurricane Sandy became a turning point for his firm, and how lessons from his father’s business still guide the way he leads today. Antonio also explains why being a “yes” firm - even on the $1,000 project - can open doors to lasting relationships and unexpected opportunities.

https://parallelgrp.com/

https://theantiarchitect.com/

0:05 – Christian introduces the Anti-Architect Podcast and guest Antonio Scalise, founder of Parallel Architectural Group
1:05 – How growing up in a multi-generational masonry family shaped Antonio's work ethic
2:15 – Early jobsite memories and the hands-on lessons learned from working alongside his father
3:43 – Why field experience from a young age gave Antonio a deeper appreciation for the trades
4:59 – Antonio's father encouraged education over labor and how that led him to architecture
6:17 – The one thing that frustrates Antonio most about other architects
7:15 – Why architecture education should require at least a year of fieldwork
8:28 – The importance of building physical models and staying connected to tactile design
9:49 – Drawing by hand vs digital shortcuts and what that does to architectural thinking
11:00 – Field precision vs architectural theory and the danger of over-specifying
12:01 – How fee competition is hurting the profession and what clients often misunderstand
13:08 – Why educating clients is part of an architect’s job and how scope comparison reveals the truth
14:01 – Lessons from Antonio's dad about doing the job right, even if it takes longer
15:05 – Builders recommend architects who prevent rework and get zoning right the first time
16:25 – If not an architect, what part of the industry would Antonio be in?
17:34 – How Hurricane Sandy led to explosive growth and a rebirth of his firm
22:24 – Balancing high-end projects with smaller ones and why he never says no
24:03 – Solving problems across many project types and how versatility has been an asset
25:17 – Building trust by learning from mistakes and turning one project into 50
28:23 – What culture looks like at Parallel: humor, hard work, and setting the tone from the top
30:00 – How Antonio encourages accountability and leadership among his team
32:11 – The myth that no one will care as much as the founder, and why it’s wrong
33:04 – Antonio's origin story: from Long Island to California to New Jersey
35:04 – Starting at Brookdale and moving on to NJIT to pursue architecture
36:09 – Why Antonio considers himself a design chameleon instead of having one style
37:03 – His proudest project: a senior center that became a point of civic pride
39:01 – Residential projects that showcase adaptive design and asymmetry
42:02 – Reusing warehouse bones to create a vibrant headquarters for Partner Engineering
43:23 – Why light, proportion, and spatial feel matter more than people realize
45:19 – Thoughts on AI, concrete printers, and why human touch will always matter
48:15 – Concerns about shrinking fees, rising expectations, and retaining architectural value
50:04 – The pros and cons of remote work in a highly collaborative and creative field
51:22 – Why craftsmanship, mentorship, and presence still matter more than ever
52:17 – Antonio's advice to young architects: learn business as much as design

In this episode, Eric Gatti, President and Managing Partner of G William Group, shares how he rose from college intern to leading a full buyout of the firm and how that journey shaped his views on leadership, culture, and trust. Eric and Christian discuss why true leadership means being at the "back of the pack" making sure no one gets left behind. Eric reveals how betting on friends with zero AEC experience built his strongest team, why ego has no place in company culture, and how empowering people to make hires, run accounts, and own outcomes has fueled G William Group's growth and success.

https://www.gwgllc.com/

https://theantiarchitect.com/

0:05 - Christian introduces Eric Gatti, President of G. Williams Group  
1:03 - Eric shares how he rose from college intern to company owner  
2:38 - The story of taking over a delayed Wonder project and earning trust  
4:12 - What happened when design had to take a back seat to delivery  
5:23 - How Eric and Christian first met and why that project mattered  
6:28 - What annoys Eric about working with some architects  
8:03 - Why design isn’t "yours" it's the client’s vision brought to life  
9:01 - How GWG approaches design-build differently than traditional CM firms  
10:13 - Why early collaboration on pricing, programming, and priorities matters  
13:01 - The problem with product reps and value engineering after the fact  
14:47 - How BIM and live data could close the gap between design and cost  
16:48 - Why architects need more hands-on field experience  
18:08 - Debunking the myth that contractors make money from change orders  
21:09 - Eric’s origin story from rugby to repurposing industrial space  
24:30 - Lessons from his first project and the importance of being a sponge  
28:03 - How on-site trades taught Eric more than any classroom ever did  
33:04 - Becoming a partner at 23 and why he almost said yes too early  
36:00 - The hard part of succession managing ego during a buyout  
37:55 - Why building a strong team meant taking risks on friends with no experience  
41:13 - How GWG keeps culture alive by hiring for grit not just credentials  
45:13 - Eric shares how GWG is using OpenSpace Procore and AI carefully  
47:03 - Why speed and polish from AI can’t replace critical thinking and context  
49:02 - Christian and Eric commit to a staff exchange on a future joint project

In this episode, Christian sits down with Leah, Kate, and Sarah - the team behind Architects FORA, a 100% women-owned, fully virtual practice redefining what an architecture firm can be. Their path to creating FORA grew out of a shared desire for a healthier, more transparent way of working as the foundation of the firm. They dive into how they built a practice centered on equity and trust, why affordable housing became their focus, and how projects reflect a community-driven approach. The conversation also touches on how they’re embracing AI and emerging technology to stay nimble, relevant, and impactful as the industry evolves. It’s a candid look at three architects reimagining the profession - and proving there’s more than one way to build a thriving firm.

https://architectsfora.com/

https://theantiarchitect.com/ 

0:00 – Intro
0:42 – Meet the three leaders behind Architects FORA
1:16 – A new model for architectural leadership
2:06 – How their mission was sparked by a retreat
3:30 – Discovering affordable housing as a calling
4:14 – The moment they realized design could do more
5:28 – The shift from prestigious buildings to purpose-driven work
6:13 – A deep dive into housing and homelessness
7:09 – How their remote collaboration began
8:43 – Rethinking the value of work and space
9:41 – Advice for young architects on choosing meaningful projects
10:14 – Why purpose matters more to younger generations
11:08 – What frustrates them most about traditional architecture culture
13:26 – The danger of treating architecture as precious and untouchable
14:39 – How rigidity threatens the future of the profession
16:00 – Finding new areas of influence beyond traditional architecture
17:20 – Why architects are overworked and underpaid
18:50 – A better way to structure tasks and reduce burnout
20:12 – Redundancy and team structure to protect work-life balance
22:40 – Breaking generational mindsets in architectural leadership
24:14 – How they use asynchronous, flexible scheduling
25:17 – Can you work from anywhere, even Guam?
27:04 – How they handle site visits as a remote firm
28:52 – Why travel is worth the tradeoff for team happiness
31:06 – How schedule flexibility supports parenting and caregiving
33:28 – Intentional culture-building without being in person
34:58 – Their secret to authentic team bonding remotely
36:14 – What happens if someone goes over their 40 hours
38:00 – How transparency prevents unrealistic deadlines
39:05 – Why overwork is a leadership failure, not a badge of honor
41:00 – How they designed a clear, equitable salary system
43:00 – Their transparent leadership tiers and performance scoring
45:00 – What “Architects FORA” actually means
46:03 – Solera Apartments: Trauma-informed design in action
49:27 – El Camino: Sustainability and community feedback
51:59 – Lee Avenue: Senior housing with a real sense of place
55:32 – Launching paid post-occupancy evaluations
57:01 – Why AI is a tool, not a threat
59:10 – A call to reimagine what your firm could look like
1:00:44 – Final thoughts and how to learn more about Architects FORA

In this episode, Christian sits down with Jay Stasi, Vice President of Development at The Hampshire Companies, to unpack what really matters when he’s choosing architects and partners: from technical expertise in structural systems to the all-important “grab a beer test.” Jay breaks down the enduring demand for self-storage and multifamily housing, the challenges of rising construction costs, and why “checking the bagel”- his signature phrase for creative due diligence - is essential for successful projects. He also reflects on lessons learned from his family’s tile business, his path through construction and development, and why, no matter how demanding the industry gets, family always comes first.

https://www.hampshirere.com/

https://theantiarchitect.com/ 

0:05 - Christian introduces Jay Stasi and sets the stage for the conversation  
1:01 - Jay explains what matters most when selecting architects and partners  
3:46 - The biggest frustrations developers have with architects  
5:09 - Why architects often miss the mark on budgeting and communication  
6:52 - Coordination challenges and the importance of complete drawing sets  
8:11 - A candid story about deadline pressure and the value of honest conversations  
10:00 - Why direct communication beats email in fast-moving projects  
11:07 - How architects can be more helpful beyond RFPs  
12:28 - Early-stage massing and feasibility feedback as a differentiator  
13:36 - The architect as a potential source of real estate opportunities  
14:21 - What Jay looks for when hiring an architect and why price is not the priority  
16:09 - The “grab a beer” test and why personality fit matters  
17:39 - Innovation in industrial and self-storage projects and what architects should bring to the table  
19:02 - How to work with communities and navigate NIMBY resistance  
21:22 - Overview of The Hampshire Companies and what sets them apart  
23:02 - Jay shares why self-storage continues to thrive across the U.S.  
25:45 - Trends in multifamily housing and how Hampshire finds new opportunities  
27:04 - Evolving amenities in residential buildings and how architects can lead the way  
29:45 - Thoughts on low-income housing integration and design equity  
31:31 - Navigating rising construction costs and market uncertainty  
34:00 - What Jay’s day-to-day role as VP of Development looks like  
36:50 - Jay’s background in construction, teaching, and learning from mistakes  
41:12 - The “check the bagel” rule and why small details matter  
42:06 - How Jay balances career growth with being present for family  
44:22 - The role of technology and AI in the future of development  
46:01 - Final thoughts on why real estate development is a constantly evolving career  
47:06 - A personal reflection on family and what really comes first for Jay  

In this episode, Christian is joined by David Hart, President & CEO of Steinberg Hart to discuss how architecture is evolving: from work culture to technology to firm leadership. David shares why he welcomes the new generation’s pushback on 60-hour workweeks, how the industry’s “seller-doer” model complicates ownership transitions, and why thoughtful decision-making is essential in an era of instant answers. David also takes listeners inside Steinberg Hart’s work on Cal Poly’s new modular student housing-  the largest modular construction project in the U.S. - and explains how AI is already reshaping the firm’s creative process and client collaboration.

https://www.steinberghart.com/

https://theantiarchitect.com/

0:00 - Intro
2:23 – Christian introduces David Hart and highlights the values-first culture at Steinberg Hart
 5:05 – David explains why “values” became the foundation of the firm’s design philosophy
 6:50 – Why architecture should focus on inventing the future, not solving the past
 7:54 – The common mistake architects make during presentations and how to fix it
 9:03 – Why listening and extracting insights are more important than just sharing ideas
 10:26 – How David coaches his team in real-time during client meetings
 12:20 – A candid take on why the profession is overworked and underpaid
 13:09 – The industry’s failure to teach the business of architecture
14:56 – Generational shifts in work-life balance and what technology changed
17:01 – Reflections on burnout, long hours, and what David would do differently
20:03 – How Steinberg Hart embeds values like design, relationships, and change in daily work
22:20 – David shares how long-term relationships and “boomerangs” strengthen culture
24:19 – Why continuous change is essential to a 70-year-old architecture firm
26:06 – How the firm approaches leadership transition with an evolving ownership model
30:59 – The challenge of the seller-doer model and its impact on succession
35:15 – Behind the scenes of Cal Poly’s modular housing project with FullStack Modular
40:14 – Why immediate design-to-fabrication workflows are the future
46:00 – David explains why decision-making, not just design is the modern superpower
57:08 – How mid-sized firms can stay relevant with AI and integrated culture

In this episode, Christian sits down with Christina Magrans, Founder and Managing Director of Studio Lourdes. With her firm, Christina set out to build the kind of environment she never found in the corporate world - one that prioritizes people as much as projects. Together, she and Christian unpack how she’s redefining work/life harmony, balancing client demands with culture, and shaping iconic retail spaces for brands like Bape, Marc Jacobs, Longchamp, Dries Van Noten, and Aesop.
https://www.studiolourdes.com/

https://theantiarchitect.com/

0:05 – Christian introduces Christina Magrans, founder of Studio Lourdes
1:32 – Christina reflects on her early career at TSC Design and how it shaped her
3:10 – How a fast promotion at Tiffany led her to manage global projects
5:01 – Lessons from 9/11 and the 2008 recession that built resilience
6:10 – Christina explains her personal definition of a growth mindset
6:50 – Studio Lourdes uses Ivy Learning to support continuous team development
7:48 – How Christina screens for cultural fit and curiosity during hiring
9:20 – Why values alignment is the first step in taking on new clients
10:39 – How Studio Lourdes balances passion and business when selecting projects
11:36 – The growing overlap between retail, hospitality, and workplace design
12:45 – Christina brings brand discovery practices into workplace projects
13:36 – Why she founded Studio Lourdes to prioritize employee experience
14:30 – Teaching business fundamentals to architects across all levels
16:40 – Transparent goal-setting and revenue discussions as a leadership tool
18:15 – Timesheets as data, not pressure—rethinking accountability in design firms
19:22 – Making client service personal while keeping the team happy
20:40 – What Christina learned at Harvard and IMD executive leadership programs
21:47 – How Studio Lourdes builds culture through values-based retreats and rituals
23:10 – Empowering staff to lead, speak up, and evaluate client relationships
25:00 – Redefining work-life balance through flexibility and communication norms
27:30 – Christina and Christian reflect on happiness, ambition, and evolving goals
30:00 – Why Studio Lourdes pushes back on unpaid design work
32:45 – The case for teaching the business of architecture early in one’s career
34:00 – Christina's top advice for emerging architects and designers
35:00 – The origin of the name “Studio Lourdes” and what it means to her legacy
36:00 – A global design portfolio: Bape, Marc Jacobs, Longchamp, Aesop, and more.

In this episode, Christian is joined by materials expert, educator, and design changemaker Robin Reigi. As the founder of Robin Reigi Inc., Robin has spent over two decades introducing innovative materials to the architecture and design world. From collaborating on landmark projects like TSX Broadway to serving as a presenter on America ByDesign, she brings a unique blend of creativity, pragmatism, and deep industry knowledge.

Robin shares her path from sculptor to business owner, her thoughts on sustainability, and why materials matter more than ever in today’s built environment. She also discusses her recent work in AI education, her leadership with IIDA NY, and what she sees as the future of design innovation. Whether you’re a designer, educator, or just curious about how materials shape space, this episode is full of insight and energy.

https://www.robinreigi.com/

https://theantiarchitect.com/

0:00 – Christian introduces Robin Reigi and her journey in material innovation.

3:47 – Robin breaks down the TSX Broadway project and its moving theater lift.

6:26 – How Robin brought her network into America by Design.

8:04 – Why the show became a standout in the By Design series.

10:21 – Robin shares how she connected with the owner of Boca Ria.

13:30 – What home projects taught Robin about real-world material use.

16:38 – Robin talks about the shift toward sustainability in design.

18:04 – A quick story about a sample that doubled as a fidget toy.

21:22 – How Robin moved from niche materials to commercial-ready products.

23:01 – Looking back at design trends before 9/11 changed the code.

26:42 – Why LEED isn't top of mind like it used to be.

29:50 – Robin shares how she went from freelancer to business owner.

31:29 – A Gensler story that marked a turning point in her career.

32:56 – The moment Robin knew she’d found her path.

36:13 – What American firms can learn from European design culture.

37:42 – Wood trends and finishes that are gaining popularity.

40:21 – How Robin spots materials that are hard to copy.

42:22 – A podcast idea that started with a casual conversation.

45:58 – How being available helped Robin land major projects.

47:59 – Why prompt designers will be vital in the age of AI.

49:57 – How schools are approaching AI with students.

51:22 – Robin’s view on why AI isn’t going away in education.

53:26 – A shoutout to a colleague who helped reshape IIDA NY.

55:10 – From not knowing the term “dealer” to mastering the process.

57:28 – Robin closes with thoughts on storytelling and impact.

In this episode, Christian sits down with Louis Koehl, AIA, CPHD, Director of Sustainable Design at Handel Architects, for a deep dive into what sustainability really means in today’s built environment. Forget buzzwords and marketing veneers - Louis unpacks sustainability as a design foundation, not a feature. And for the first time on the podcast, Christian and Louis pull up actual project photos in real time - like the world’s largest affordable Passive House building - to explore the strategy, decision-making, and trade-offs behind the scenes. This conversation challenges architects to think beyond LEED plaques and into long-term, community-first impact.

https://handelarchitects.com/
https://theantiarchitect.com/

0:00 – Introduction to the Anti Architect Podcast and guest Louis Koehl
1:00 – Louis’s role at Handel Architects and redefining sustainable design
2:15 – Reflecting on Gary Handel and notable firm projects like the Asbury Ocean Club
3:30 – Early career mentors and the technical foundation of Louis’s work
4:00 – What sustainability actually means today
6:00 – Overcoming the perception that sustainability is an extra cost
9:00 – Why sustainability must be baked into the design process
11:00 – Client mindset, life cycle costs, and assembling the right team early
13:00 – Navigating evolving regulations and city mandates like NYC Local Law 97
16:00 – Architects’ role in shaping public policy and the importance of advocacy
19:30 – From sustainability to circularity: trends shaping the materials economy
22:00 – Understanding EPDs, HPDs, and embodied carbon in materials
25:00 – Regenerative architecture: what it means and how it shows up in communities
28:30 – The ego trap: shifting from architect as auteur to architect as collaborator
31:00 – AI, decision making tools, and reducing design phase inefficiencies
33:00 – What Passive House design really is (and isn’t)
35:00 – Key principles of Passive House: airtightness, thermal envelope, ventilation
37:30 – Myths about Passive House: windows, operability, and aesthetics
39:00 – Case Study 1: Santander Tower proposal in Miami
41:00 – Structural innovation and embodied carbon reductions
43:00 – Case Study 2: Santander Santiago HQ and outdoor workspace design
45:00 – Case Study 3: Sendero Verde, the world’s largest fully affordable Passive House
47:00 – Community of Opportunity: housing, services, and public park design
50:00 – Passive House certification bodies and affordable housing trends in NYC
51:30 – Case Study 4: Harmony Commons, a Passive House dorm at University of Toronto
54:00 – Construction detailing, quality control, and contractor engagement
56:00 – Louis’s journey from Kentucky to Columbia to Handel Architects
58:00 – Why architects must shape the future in the face of global challenges
59:00 – Final thoughts: using architecture to elevate lives and build resilient communities