What if the future of affordable housing doesn’t come from prefab or 3D printing, but from building vertically integrated factories that travel to where homes are needed most?

In this episode, I sit down with Aleksandr Gampel, co-founder and COO of Cuby Technologies, to talk about their radical approach: Mobile Micro-Factories. Instead of shipping oversized boxes across the country, they bring a full factory on-site – producing windows, panels, framing, and even helical piers locally, then assembling homes with unskilled labor.

We get into why housing costs have exploded (up 40–50% since pre-COVID), how Cuby’s system cuts hard costs by reducing skilled labor, and why most prefab and modular ventures have failed. Aleks explains how their vertically integrated model works, why they’re targeting small-to-mid-sized builders instead of one-off homeowners, and what it will mean when dozens, or even hundreds, of mobile microfactories are running across the U.S.

We also dive into design: steel tube framing, magnetic facades, and the surprisingly elegant logic behind Toyota’s production system applied to housing. If you’ve ever wondered how we might actually build cost-effective, durable homes at scale – without sacrificing beauty or quality – this episode is worth your time.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Housing Challenges

02:53 The Concept of Mobile Micro Factories

05:35 Manufacturing Process and Product Offerings

08:24 Building Systems and Structural Integrity

11:17 Cost Management and Market Strategy

14:05 Design Flexibility and Market Demand

17:07 Community Development and Housing Affordability

19:53 Operational Dynamics of Mobile Micro Factories

24:43 Building Efficient Factories with Unskilled Labor

27:30 The Role of Automation in Construction

28:54 Phased Business Plan for Housing Production

30:34 Funding and Capital Efficiency in Startups

32:33 Design Versatility and Limitations in Home Building

34:10 Long-Term Vision and Growth Strategy

35:15 Innovative Problem Solving in Construction

39:13 Challenges of Prefabrication in the Housing Market

41:33 Material Science Innovations for Housing

43:11 The Journey of Co-Founding a Startup

44:33 Connecting with Cuby Technologies

CONNECT WITH ALEKSANDR GAMPEL

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamaleksandrgampel/ 

Twitter/X: https://x.com/agampel1 

Cuby Technologies: https://www.cubytechnologies.com/ 

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ 

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ 

https://twitter.com/build_culture 

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ 

SPONSORS

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ 

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/ 

What if the key to designing better cities wasn’t just in concrete, code, or cost, but in understanding how our brains actually work?

In this episode, I talk with Ann Sussman and Kelsey Bradley of the Human Architecture and Planning Institute (HAPI) about a subject that’s as profound as it is underdiscussed: how our unconscious biology reacts to the built environment – and how that should change everything about how we design.

Ann, architect and author of Cognitive Architecture  and Kelsey, founder of Design Cause Inc., now Executive Director at HAPI, walk us through the neuroscience of placemaking. We talk eye tracking. Skin conductivity. Heart rate variability. And how our “Stone Age brains” are still calibrated for the Savannah, even when we’re stuck in a strip mall.

This episode will validate what many of us feel but can’t quite explain why some places energize us, and others quietly drain us. The answers aren’t just aesthetic. They’re evolutionary.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 The Car-Free City: Oslo's Urban Transformation

03:43 Human Architecture: Merging Biology and Design

08:03 Understanding Human Experience: The Emotional Brain

11:24 The Impact of Environment on Human Behavior

18:37 The Influence of Modernism on Architecture

23:28 The Threatening Nature of Suburban Design

26:47 Measuring Human Responses: Biometrics in Architecture

31:25 The Science of Emotions in Design

33:52 The Power of Empathy in Leadership

36:57 Designing for Human Flourishing

40:07 The Impact of Built Environments on Mental Health

45:35 Understanding Human Perception in Urban Design

49:13 The Need for Beautiful and Functional Spaces

53:00 The Future of Urban Planning and Community Well-being

MENTIONED RESOURCES

Free course on "The Genetics of Design" – HAPI.org Courses 

Design Cause Inc. – Kelsey’s nonprofit building schools in Africa

CONNECT WITH ANN SUSSMAN

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-sussman-a1a34a14/

X: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-sussman-a1a34a14/ 

Ann’s Blog: https://annsussman.com/ 

The Genetics of Design: https://geneticsofdesign.com/about 

CONNECT WITH KELSEY BRADLEY

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseybradley/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseydeebradley/ 

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ 

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ 

https://twitter.com/build_culture 

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ 

SPONSORS

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ 

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/ 

In this episode, I talk with Isaac French, founder of Live Oak Lake and one of the most thoughtful voices I’ve come across in the world of experiential real estate. Isaac’s story reads like an adventure novel: raised with eight siblings on a Texas farm, homeschooled, steeped in grit. Well before turning 30, he walked five acres of tangled brush – no money, just a vision – and figured out how to design and build a seven-cabin, Nordic-inspired retreat that went viral, grossed over $1M in bookings, and sold for $7M. All in under two years. And plenty went wrong along the way.

He’s basically a case study in the idea: you can just do things.

We talk about how Isaac blends hardware – design, layout, light – with software – hospitality, scent, story – to create spaces that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. He shares how a glitch in the Airbnb matrix led him to build a direct-to-consumer brand from scratch, and how beauty often begins by submitting to constraint, whether it’s the land, the budget, or your own limits.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would mean to build with your soul, not just your spreadsheet, this one’s for you.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Creating Community Through Built Environments

03:48 The Journey of Live Oak Lake

17:54 The Art of Hospitality and Experience

27:40 Exploring New Urbanism and Placemaking

36:54 The Power of Saying No

39:02 Exploring Sacred Geometry and Beauty

44:16 Biophilic Design and Human Connection

49:45 The Role of Humans in Environmental Stewardship

54:43 Navigating Success and Humility

01:00:19 Future Visions and Community Building

MENTIONED RESOURCES:

Live Oak Lake | Modern Cabins in Waco, Texas

CONNECT WITH ISAAC FRENCH

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.isaacjfrench.com/ 

Twitter: https://x.com/isaacfrench_

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaacfrench_

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaacjfrench/

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/c/IsaacFrench 

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ 

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ 

https://twitter.com/build_culture 

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ 

SPONSORS

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ 

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/ 

New episode out now with Charles Duff, author of The North Atlantic Cities. This is one I’ve wanted to record for years, ever since I read his book. Charles lays out a vision of city building that’s neither skyscraper-packed Manhattan nor endless suburban sprawl, but something in between. Something tested, timeless, and deeply human.

We talk about what makes cities like Amsterdam, London, and Boston so livable-and why they offer a roadmap for places like Oklahoma City and the Sunbelt. It’s not about replicating Parisian density or banning cars. It’s about building places where families can live in row houses, walk to a corner store, catch a train, and still have a backyard, space and privacy. It’s about recognizing that the built environment is one of our biggest levers for addressing the environment, culture, economics, and quality of life–all at once.

Charles explains how a bunch of brick houses built by 17th-century merchants ended up creating one of the most resilient, beautiful, and efficient urban forms the world has ever seen. And he makes a compelling case that we don’t need to invent a new future, we just need to remember what already works.

This one’s for anyone who cares about the intersection of beauty, density, and sanity in our cities. Hope you enjoy it–and if you do, go read the book. It’s changed the way I think about building.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 The Hidden Way of Building Cities

05:08 Understanding North Atlantic Cities

12:27 The Importance of Urban Density

21:01 The North Atlantic Way of Building

26:10 Lessons from North Atlantic Cities

36:11 Living Conditions in 1600s Europe

39:42 The Rise of the Dutch Middle Class

43:35 Architectural Innovations in the Netherlands

46:27 Contrasting Urban Developments: Paris vs. London

48:50 The Modern Row House and Urban Density

55:52 The Importance of Aesthetic in Urban Design

01:01:46 Integrating Density with Community Needs

01:05:45 Final Thoughts on Urban Development

MENTIONED RESOURCES:

Charles’ book- The North Atlantic Cities: https://lute-grasshopper-4hhr.squarespace.com/ 

CONNECT WITH CHARLES DUFF

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-duff-8a2486237/ 

Website: https://lute-grasshopper-4hhr.squarespace.com/ 

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ 

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ 

https://twitter.com/build_culture 

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ 

SPONSORS

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ 

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/ 

In this episode, I sit down with Joachim Tantau–a cabinetmaker, artist, teacher, and occasional architect to explore the quiet power of sacred geometry. Joachim works at the intersection of tradition, craftsmanship, and cosmic math. His approach to design isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about uncovering the fundamental order embedded in nature, music, architecture, and even the movements of planets.

We talk about how flowers, planets, and buildings all share hidden proportional systems; why the Golden Ratio keeps showing up in history and design; and how ancient builders created structures more efficient-and more awe-inspiring-than much of what we build today. We also dig into why beauty is not just a luxury, but a basic human need.

If you’ve ever felt like modern buildings don’t quite “speak” to you, this might explain why.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Role of Sacred Geometry in Design

03:12 Exploring Sacred Geometry

08:30 Understanding Sacred Geometry

13:27 The Intersection of Geometry and Music

17:03 Sacred Geometry in Architecture

27:16 The Importance of Beauty in Design

39:01 Geometry in Modern Engineering

48:53 Rediscovering Wonder in the Modern World

54:09 The Distinction Between Pleasure and Enjoyment

01:00:17 Connecting Architecture with Nature and Geometry

01:06:04 Ancient Architecture and Cosmic Proportions

01:11:10 Teaching Sacred Geometry in Design

01:17:26 Practical Applications of Sacred Geometry in Architecture

CONNECT WITH JOACHIM:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joachimtantau/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoachimTantau

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joachim-tantau-53849055

Website: https://www.joachimtantau.com/home.html 

MENTIONED RESOURCES:

The Hidden Geometry of Flowers: Living Rhythms, Form and Number by Keith Critchlow: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12293965-the-hidden-geometry-of-flowers 

The Dimensions of Paradise: Sacred Geometry, Ancient Science, and the Heavenly Order on Earth by John Michell : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1443804.The_Dimensions_of_Paradise 

Sacred Art in East and West by Titus Burckhardt: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/371784.Sacred_Art_in_East_and_West_1st_Edition 

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ 

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ 

https://twitter.com/build_culture 

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ 

SPONSORS

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ 

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/ 

A hundred years ago, people in small towns were building things that still stop us in our tracks. Two-story brick shops on the corner of Main and Commerce. Sturdy. Modest. Enduring. And beautiful.

So the question is: what changed?

I joined Geoff Graham on his Yeoman podcast, alongside Jaime Izurieta and Saifedean Ammous (author of The Bitcoin Standard), to try and unpack that question.

We talk about why the small towns of the early 1900s could build beautiful things without credentialed architects, starchitects, or REIT funding... and why today, with all our global supply chains and five-star consultants, we mostly build disposable boxes.

Turns out, there’s a connection between money, time preference, and architecture. And when the money got funny, everything else started to crack too – our neighborhoods, our supply chains, even our standards for beauty.

It’s a wide-ranging conversation that touches on architecture, monetary policy, code creep, and how the over-financialization of everything is eroding our ability to build for the long haul.

Take a listen if you’ve ever wondered why your grandparents' post office looks better than your city’s new civic center.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Changing Landscape of Building and Time Preference

02:51 Exploring the Intersection of Money and Architecture

05:57 Historical Context: Building in Early 20th Century America

09:01 The Role of Local Materials and Community in Architecture

11:54 Understanding Time Preference and Its Impact on Building

15:09 The Influence of Monetary Policy on Architectural Beauty

17:50 The Shift from Hard Money to Inflationary Currency

21:03 Regulatory Challenges and Their Impact on Construction

23:57 The Disparity Between Wealth and Money

26:56 The Future of Architecture in an Inflationary Economy

40:47 Innovative Window Design and Egress Solutions

41:32 The Rising Cost of Housing and Inflation's Impact

42:32 Housing as a Store of Value

45:18 The Competition for Homeownership

47:26 Regulatory Challenges in Housing Production

50:47 The Complexity of Modern Building Standards

52:43 Energy Efficiency and Building Costs

53:43 Inflation and Environmental Concerns

56:29 The Future of Energy Production

01:01:20 The Role of Nuclear Energy

01:03:03 The Case for Sound Money and Bitcoin

01:12:14 The Path to a Low Time Preference World

CONNECT WITH THE GUESTS

Yeoman Podcast Website: https://graham.dev/yeoman/

www.storefrontmastery.com 

https://x.com/izurietavarea 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/izurietavarea/ 

https://www.instagram.com/storefrontmastery/  

https://www.facebook.com/public/Jaime-Izurieta/ 

Book: Mainstreet Mavericks 

Website: https://saifedean.com/

Twitter (X): @saifedean

Instagram: @saifedean

Podcast: saifedean.com/podcast

Courses: saifedean.com/courses

MENTIONED RESOURCES

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ 

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ 

https://twitter.com/build_culture 

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ 

SPONSORS

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ 

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/ 

You’re not supposed to be good at everything. But somehow, Alli is.

Architect, landscape architect, developer, GC, policy reformer, zoning translator, builder of teams, builder of trust, builder of actual buildings-it’s no wonder we spent the first five minutes of this episode just trying to list all the roles she plays.

In this conversation, Alli joins me to talk about what it means to be a true generalist in an era obsessed with specialization. We cover her journey from flipping houses as a teenager to running a growing team at Flintlock Lab, directing the Incremental Development Alliance, and quietly (or not so quietly) reshaping how development works across the country-starting in her hometown of Fayetteville, Arkansas.

We dig into building science, incremental housing, the limits of Revit, and why being a builder makes you a better architect (and vice versa). But we also get into the harder stuff-like learning to lead, facing city bureaucracy, and what to do when the guy reviewing your permit might genuinely want to run you over with his truck.

This one’s as practical as it is philosophical, and it left me feeling more hopeful-and a little more fired up-about what’s still possible if we’re willing to roll up our sleeves and terraform our own backyards.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Community Engagement and Local Impact

02:51 The Multifaceted Career of Ali

05:51 Navigating Development and Housing Challenges

09:09 The Unique Economy of Fayetteville

11:56 Balancing Growth and Community Needs

14:57 Career Trajectory and Intentionality

18:06 Building Science and Sustainable Practices

20:49 Design-Build Workflow and Efficiency

24:07 Entrepreneurial Spirit in Development

31:57 The Design-Build Approach: Learning Through Doing

34:51 Scaling Up: The Challenges of Growth

39:10 Understanding the Market: Design Meets Demand

41:55 Terraforming Communities: The Role of Local Investment

44:11 Building a Culture of Collaboration: The Fayetteville Experience

49:50 Changing the Narrative: Zoning and Community Engagement

57:04 Navigating Conflict: Building Relationships with City Staff

01:08:20 Building Relationships in Local Governance

01:15:06 Navigating Conflict with City Staff

01:20:01 Growing a Business: Challenges and Changes

01:26:09 Tools and Software for Efficiency

01:34:00 Learning from Failures and Growth

CONNECT WITH Alli

• Flintlock Lab: flintlocklab.com

• Incremental Development Alliance: incrementaldevelopment.org

• Instagram: @flintlocklab

• LinkedIn: Alli’s Profile

  
  

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ 

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ 

https://twitter.com/build_culture 

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ 

SPONSORS

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ 

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/ 

In this episode, I talk with Jeral Poskey, former project executive at Google, and current Founder and CEO of Swyft Cities, about a radically different approach to urban transportation that’s fast, flexible, and surprisingly affordable. Spoiler: it's not autonomous or flying cars.

When I first heard about Swyft’s solution, I was skeptical.  But I’m increasingly excited about the possibilities, and how it could unlock walkable districts and neighborhoods within the suburban sprawl context (so basically everywhere).  

We get into how Jeral’s experience inside Google’s real estate division led to the birth of Project Swyft, why traditional mass-transit infrastructure isn’t feasible (at least on its own), and how Swyft’s solution solves for the last few miles, weaves between buildings, and adapts to cities as they grow.

If you're into urbanism, real estate, autonomous vehicles, or just want to understand what could actually make our cities function better (without waiting 20 years and wasting billions of dollars for a new train–looking at you, California), this one’s worth your time.  And excitingly, Swyft has numerous projects underway around the world beginning in 2026.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Project Switch and Urban Transportation

01:48 The Origins of Swyft Cities

05:08 Innovative Transportation Solutions

10:31 Skepticism to Curiosity

14:09 The Last Mile Connection and Urban Challenges

17:34 Economic Models and Urban Growth

19:23 Modularity and Network Effects in Urban Transit

21:16 AI and Efficiency in Transportation Systems

23:40 Cost Comparisons and Infrastructure Decisions

24:15 Understanding the Station Design and Functionality

26:22 Infrastructure Flexibility and Cost Efficiency

29:09 The Competition: Self-Driving Cars and Urban Mobility

32:52 Private vs. Public Sector Transportation Solutions

35:16 Real-World Applications and Case Studies

40:01 Overcoming Skepticism and Educating Stakeholders

43:45 Induced Demand: A Positive Perspective on Urban Transportation

48:13 Future Vision: Scaling and Real Estate Integration

In this episode, I talk with Ryan Johnson, co-founder and CEO of Culdesac, about building the United States’ first car-free neighborhood from scratch. We discuss everything from winning over the fire department with foldable ladders to building hundreds of units without building a single parking garage. Ryan also opens up about how designing for people—rather than cars—has paid off big time for both residents and local retailers, and why he believes autonomous vehicles, ride-sharing, and a passion for walkability will reshape cities nationwide.

TAKEAWAYS

Walkability Isn’t a Niche Luxury—It’s a Mass Market Demand. The majority of Americans would pay more to live in a walkable neighborhood, and 92% of Gen Z is on board. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a tidal wave.

Car-Free Living Works—Even in Phoenix. If a walkable neighborhood can thrive in a sprawling, car-centric city like Phoenix, it can work anywhere. The key? Thoughtful design, mixed-use spaces, and actual community-building.

Parking Garages Are the Next Real Estate Mistake. Developers still pouring millions into structured parking are setting themselves up for regret. AV ride-hailing, changing transportation habits, and shifting zoning laws are making them obsolete faster than people realize.

Retail Thrives When It’s a Destination, Not an Afterthought. Culdesac started with six planned retail spaces—now they have 21, and local businesses are thriving. Why? Because people actually want to be there.

Building for Humans, Not Traffic Engineers, Changes Everything. The way we build cities has quietly been making us more isolated, unhealthy, and unhappy. Culdesac’s design flips that script—prioritizing gathering spaces, green areas, and human-scale density.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Need for Change in Urban Design

02:57 Introducing Cul-de-Sac: A New Vision for Neighborhoods

06:12 Designing Walkable Communities: The Cul-de-Sac Approach

08:54 Innovative Infrastructure: Rethinking Parking and Access

11:50 Financing the Future: Capital Strategies for New Developments

15:04 Community and Belonging: The Heart of Urban Living

18:07 Navigating Challenges: Working with City Regulations

21:07 Phased Development: Learning and Adapting in Real Time

24:00 The Impact of COVID-19 on Construction and Costs

26:58 Market Dynamics: Setting Rents in a Changing Landscape

29:43 The Evolution of Walkable Neighborhoods

32:03 Creating Community Through Intentional Design

34:48 Retail and Community Engagement

37:59 The Role of Local Businesses in Urban Development

40:50 Innovative Urban Design and Architecture

43:54 Challenges and Surprises in Development

45:41 The Future of Walkable Communities

50:18 Leadership and Vision in Development

55:41 Advice for Aspiring Developers

CONNECT WITH RYAN

Culdesac: https://culdesac.com

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanjohnsonaz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liveculdesac/

Twitter: https://x.com/ryanmjohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/

https://twitter.com/build_culture

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/

SPONSORS

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Smith, founder of the Center for Building, to uncover the labyrinthine world of building codes—how they’re made, who really influences them, and why they end up stifling the very innovation and affordability we need. From the peculiarities of elevator requirements to the often overlooked role of local politics and special interests, we unpack how these complex rules shape our homes, buildings, and cities more than we might realize.

TAKEAWAYS

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Challenge of Building Codes in the U.S.

03:06 The Role of Building Codes in Urban Development

05:46 Understanding the American Way of Building

09:09 The Impact of Building Codes on Housing Costs

12:09 Elevator Regulations and Their Consequences

14:52 Harmonization of Codes and Standards

18:11 Over-Dimensioning in American Construction

21:05 Labor Issues in the Construction Industry

23:57 The Need for Code Review and Justification

26:49 The Tyranny of Bureaucracy in Building Codes

38:49 The Grenfell Fire and Its Aftermath

45:05 Design Innovations in Building Codes

48:25 Understanding the ICC and Code Writing

58:09 The Revolving Door: Industry and Regulation

01:07:26 The Role of Government in Building Codes

01:15:20 Getting Involved: Supporting Change in Building Codes

CONNECT WITH STEPHEN

Center for Building https://www.centerforbuilding.org/

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenjacobsmith.com 

Email: [email protected]

MENTIONED RESOURCES

Elevator research: https://admin.centerforbuilding.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Elevators.pdf 

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/

https://twitter.com/build_culture

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/

SPONSORS

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/