On this episode of The Anti-Architect Podcast, Christian Giordano sits down with Daniel Monteiro, Managing Partner of Reidy Contracting Group, to discuss a career built from the ground up.

Christian and Daniel explore the lessons learned from growing alongside a company, the value of understanding every facet of the business, and how leadership evolves over time. They also discuss Reidy Contracting Group's recent recognition on ENR's Top 600 Contractors list and the firm's work on high-profile projects, including the Warner Bros. Discovery Global Headquarters, the National Urban League Headquarters in Harlem, and the American Express Centurion Lounge. This conversation offers valuable insights on growth, accountability, and what it means to earn your way to the top.

https://reidygroup.com/

Episode highlights:
(2:18) What frustrates contractors about architects
(6:32) Compressed project schedules and early bidding
(12:50) What architects may find frustrating about contractors
(14:01) How architects can add more value during construction
(15:57) Why cost knowledge should start earlier
(19:04) The value of field experience for architects
(22:31) Learning from RFIs and repeated project issues
(24:35) Daniel’s background and path into construction
(29:29) The early days of Reedy Contracting Group
(34:19) American Express Centurion Lounge project
(36:42) Discovery and Food Network project work
(38:19) New York and New Jersey construction market outlook
(44:14) AI, scanning, robots, and the future of construction

In this episode, Christian sits down with Rick Fourie, Founder of Fourie Consultants in Tampa, for a practical conversation about architecture, construction costs, and project delivery. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience across the trades, subcontracting, general contracting, cost consulting, and owner’s representation, Rick shares how his unconventional path has given him a unique perspective. Together, Christian and Rick explore why accurate estimating remains one of the industry's biggest challenges, the risks of relying on cost-per-square-foot metrics, and how procurement strategies, constructability, and early budget alignment shape project outcomes. The conversation also examines value engineering, contractor pricing, Revit, and AI, while making the case that cost should be viewed not as a constraint on design, but as a powerful tool for making better decisions and delivering more successful projects.

www.fcicost.com
www.theantiarchitect.com

(2:11) Why architects struggle with construction costs
(3:00) The problem with cost per square foot
(6:22) Rick’s start in the trades and estimating
(9:10) Why early budgets are so important
(17:17) Rethinking value engineering as cost changes
(24:37) Constructability and field experience for architects
(29:07) When architects should bring in cost experts
(31:05) What quantity surveying means
(38:15) The risk of free contractor pricing
(55:22) AI, Revit, and the future of estimating

In this episode, Christian sits down with Jeff Lusin, Principal and Co-Owner at 45 Architecture in Bozeman, Montana, for a conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, and the human side of architectural practice. Jeff shares his personal path into architecture - rooted in family craft and a deep connection to community - and how those influences shape the way he leads his firm and works with clients today. Together, Christian and Jeff dig into what it takes to maintain optimism in a challenging industry and the importance of intentional growth. The conversation also turns toward the future, exploring how architects can thoughtfully adapt to new technologies and AI without losing the creativity, judgment, and human connection that define meaningful architecture.

www.45arch.com
www.theantiarchitect.com

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:03) Jeff’s grandfather, shoemaking, craft, and early creativity
(3:30) Leadership, optimism, and staying positive through challenges
(8:09) Why not every client is the right fit
(10:14) Gatekeeping in architecture and the need for more openness
(16:20) How Jeff thinks about architecture fees, value, and risk
(24:16) The origin and growth of 45 Architecture & Interiors
(35:10) The Belgrade Community Library and local accountability
(44:04) How an MBA shaped Jeff’s approach to business
(49:42) AI, design, data, and the future role of architects
(58:58) Final thoughts and where to learn more about 45 Architecture & Interiors

In this episode, Christian has a conversation with Kara Kopach, Executive Director of the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA). Kara has been leading the transformation of the former Fort Monmouth military base into a thriving mixed-use community, including residential, retail, a Robert Wood Johnson healthcare campus, and the 300-acre Netflix Fort Monmouth Movie Studio. Christian and Kara unpack the complexities of large-scale redevelopment and share how community engagement and intentional planning can create spaces that truly connect with people.

https://www.fortmonmouthnj.com/

https://manciniduffy.com/

(0:44) Meet Kara Kopach and Fort Monmouth’s redevelopment story
(4:43) Fort Monmouth history and Kara’s personal connection
(12:03) FMERA’s mission, land use, and redevelopment process
(18:53) How the plan changed over time
(22:09) Historic preservation and design challenges
(33:52) How Netflix came to Fort Monmouth
(45:03) Other major projects, including the new hospital and Riverwalk
(50:39) What happens when the redevelopment work nears the finish line

In this episode, Christian sits down with Eric Edelson, CEO of Fireclay Tile, to explore how a small artisan studio transformed into one of the most innovative, mission-driven tile manufacturers in the country. Eric shares the company’s evolution from a 19-person operation to a 280-employee, vertically integrated business with factories in California and Washington - all while staying true to Fireclay’s roots in craftsmanship, sustainability, and design. Christian and Eric dive into what it really takes to balance handmade artistry with modern technology, from advanced customization tools to the increasing role of AI in manufacturing. The conversation highlights Fireclay’s status as a certified B Corp and the values that drive the company’s commitment to responsible business and environmental stewardship - proving that growth and integrity can go hand in hand.

https://www.fireclaytile.com/

https://theantiarchitect.com/ 

0:00 - Introduction to the episode and Eric Edelson
0:48 - What Fireclay Tile is and how it’s different
1:42 - Eric’s background before joining the company
5:28 - Moving from investing into operating a business
8:02 - Why craftsmanship still matters in today’s world
10:36 - Standing out in a commoditized industry
11:52 - The inefficiencies of traditional supply chains
13:10 - Going direct to the customer and why it works
15:44 - Scaling the team from 20 to 300 plus
17:02 - Preserving culture during rapid growth
18:21 - What becoming a B Corp actually requires
19:40 - Using business as a force for good in real ways
21:00 - Transitioning toward employee ownership
23:42 - Sustainability inside the manufacturing process
25:05 - How recycled materials are actually used
27:50 - Working with major commercial clients at scale
29:12 - Balancing customization with operational efficiency
32:00 - Becoming a fully integrated tile company
34:10 - Risks of vertical integration and how they manage them
39:00 - Leadership lessons from scaling a mission-driven brand
42:15 - Advice for entrepreneurs challenging legacy industries
46:10 - The future of manufacturing, design, and sustainability
50:30 - Long-term vision and what success really looks like
55:20 - Final reflections on impact, growth, and legacy
59:30 - Closing thoughts and where to learn more about Fireclay

In this episode, Christian is joined by John Anthal, Principal and Aviation Practice Director at Mancini. Over the past 12 years, John has built Mancini's aviation practice from the ground up, leading over a million square feet of work across major airports - JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Boston, and Philadelphia. His portfolio includes standout spaces like the American Airlines Flagship Lounge at JFK, one of the world’s top-ranked airport lounges. John shares the complexities of airport design, the evolving needs of travelers, and how teamwork, trust, and strategic relationships drive success. A must-listen for architects, designers, and anyone curious about shaping the airports of tomorrow.

https://manciniduffy.com

https://theantiarchitect.com/

(0:46) Meet John Anthal and his role at Mancini Duffy
(3:02) The phone call that brought John to the firm
(7:34) What annoys John about architects
(15:37) Common mistakes in airport design projects
(22:00) How the aviation practice at Mancini Duffy began
(24:00) Building trust and long-term client relationships
(39:03) Inside airport lounges and passenger experience
(44:36) John’s early life and path into architecture
(48:14) Advice for young architects and future leaders

Listen as Christian reflects on starting Season 5 of The Anti-Architect Podcast - listeners can expect the same honesty, same curiosity, and conversations on the future of this profession. Season 5 launches on March 11, 2026!   

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