By Austin Tunnell
5
2727 ratings
The podcast currently has 29 episodes available.
In this episode, I sat down with architect and advocate Jennifer Griffin to delve into real-life examples of missing-middle, pre-approved plan programs and their potential to transform local development. While fixing zoning laws is essential, it’s not enough to significantly increase missing middle and infill housing—a reality I understand firsthand as a small developer and builder.
Pre-approved plan programs aim to fast-track infill projects by providing community-vetted, permit-ready plans with associated budget estimates, giving small developers a clearer idea of construction costs.
While these estimates may vary over time and with specific project details, having a ballpark figure helps developers make informed decisions quickly. This approach is a significant win for communities struggling with housing shortages.
We discussed case studies from South Bend and Kalamazoo, where these initiatives have been tested, and highlighted the real challenges and successes associated with implementing them.
A key takeaway from our conversation was the importance of community involvement.
Successful programs require more than just plan approval; cities must also invest in infrastructure to support these developments, making it easier for local developers to participate.
Financing the first project is often the hardest step, but pre-approved plans can mitigate some of the risk for builders. We also explored how city collaboration with lending institutions can further enhance these programs' success.
Combining pre-approved plans with incremental zoning changes can lead to long-term benefits for both the community and developers.
For cities looking to adopt these programs and for architects, developers, and advocates seeking to get their local governments on board, Jennifer provided valuable resources and insights to help kickstart the process.
TAKEAWAYS
Pre-approved building programs speed up infill development, tackling housing challenges head-on.
Local developers benefit by reducing risks and securing easier project financing.
Community involvement and city investment in infrastructure are essential for success.
Incremental zoning changes can make a big impact on housing diversity and neighborhood character.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Pre-Approved Plans
02:54 Understanding Pre-Approved Building Programs
05:58 Benefits of Pre-Approved Plans for Communities
08:49 Empowering Local Developers and Builders
11:58 Case Studies: South Bend and Kalamazoo
15:03 Challenges in Infill Development
18:04 Resources and Next Steps for Cities
20:55 Conclusion and Future Outlook
CONTACT JENNIFER & MENTIONED RESOURCES:
Jen’s Email: [email protected]
Liberty House Plans: https://libertyhouseplans.com/
South Bend Pre Approved Plans: https://southbendin.gov/bsb/preapprovedplans/
Kalamazoo Pre Approved Plans: https://issuu.com/kalamazoocity/docs/preapproved_plans_comp
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
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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 OG Steve Mouzon, a well-known architect, designer and instigator of the New Urbanist movement, to explore the art of building places that truly matter. Steve shares compelling stories from his journey in urbanism, including projects like Mahogany Bay Village and Providence in Huntsville, Alabama, where he brought local materials and craftsmanship to life in unique, resilient ways. Steve makes a bold case for why "impossible" projects bring out the best in urban design, inspiring us to rethink what’s achievable. We discuss how generalist thinking, leadership, and a willingness to challenge outdated regulations are essential to creating sustainable, beautiful spaces. This conversation goes beyond theory, offering real insights on creativity, humility, and the power of community involvement in transforming our cities.
TAKEAWAYS:
Preserve Land Character Through Simplicity and Local Craftsmanship: Beautiful, sustainable spaces are achieved by honoring the land’s character and using regional materials and crafts.
Embrace a Generalist Approach for Holistic Solutions: Urbanists should adopt a broad, adaptable mindset, enabling them to see connections and address complex urban challenges creatively.
Challenge the Status Quo to Drive Innovation: Innovative urban solutions emerge when architects and planners push beyond conventional practices and embrace fresh perspectives.
Community Involvement and Intergenerational Exchange Lead to Thriving Spaces: Engaging with the community and drawing on insights across generations helps foster urban environments that truly serve their residents.
Simplicity Over Complexity in Sustainable Design: Simple, resilient designs often outperform complex systems, enhancing sustainability and adaptability in a way that prioritizes human flourishing.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Preserving Land Character and Urbanism
02:48 Steve's Journey in Architecture
08:00 Innovative Projects and Community Building
24:06 Barriers to Building Better Places
41:15 Leadership and Overcoming Challenges
45:12 Exploring Local Patterns and Historical Insights
51:01 Building Codes and Egress Regulations
57:31 The Complexity of Urban Planning and Building Standards
01:03:27 The Importance of Generalist Thinking in Urbanism
01:10:54 The Fragility of Modern Construction Methods
01:19:21 Simplicity vs. Complexity in Sustainable Building Practices
01:30:05 The Vision of Adaptability and Simplicity
01:31:30 Competing Visions in Sustainability
01:33:54 Foundations of Sustainable Places
01:37:48 Intergenerational Exchange in Urbanism
01:40:29 Innovative Developments in Urban Design
01:47:31 Common Threads of Successful Projects
01:52:11 The Importance of Generosity and Humility
01:57:26 Lessons from Pain and Innovation
STEVE’S RECOMMENDED PLACES TO VISIT
CONTACT STEVE:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemouzon/
X: https://x.com/stevemouzon?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.originalgreen?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Book: The Original Green
Websites:
newurbanguild.com (New Urban Guild)
originalgreen.org (Original Green)
katrinacottages.com (Katrina Cottages)
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 Daniel Herriges, the new Policy Director for Parking Reform, and co-author of The Housing Trap, a book he wrote alongside Strong Towns' Chuck Marohn. We delve into the complex issue of housing affordability, discussing how it goes far beyond the usual culprits of capitalism or zoning. Daniel provides great insights into the financial, legal, and cultural forces that have shaped our current housing crisis.
We discuss how housing has become a financial product intertwined with national economic stability, and explore how the suburban experiment, government mortgage programs, and zoning laws have locked many communities into unsustainable patterns of development. Daniel also shared a compelling vision for moving forward, advocating for more incremental and local solutions that empower individuals to take small steps towards improving their communities.
TAKEAWAYS
1. Housing Affordability is Complex: The housing crisis can't be blamed solely on capitalism or zoning—it's the result of a mix of financial, legal, and cultural factors that have developed over decades.
2. Housing as a Financial Product: Housing in the U.S. has evolved into a financial asset tied to the national economy, creating a system where prices must remain high to avoid financial collapse, even if that means homes are unaffordable.
3. The Suburban Experiment's Impact: Post-WWII suburban development, backed by government mortgage policies, has locked us into a system where housing is separated by strict zoning laws, limiting organic neighborhood growth and adaptability.
4. Zoning Laws as a Barrier: Outdated zoning regulations make it nearly impossible to build affordable housing in many desirable areas, restricting supply and pushing up prices.
5. The Need for Incremental Development: Instead of massive top-down solutions, Daniel advocates for smaller, local infill projects like backyard cottages or duplexes that can quickly and affordably add housing in existing neighborhoods.
6. Cultural Shift is Key: Beyond policy changes, there must be a cultural shift where communities accept neighborhood evolution and recognize the value in incremental, human-scale development over rigid, large-scale planning.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Understanding the Housing Crisis
04:10 Historical Context of Housing Affordability
09:14 The Complexity of Housing Affordability
11:07 The Suburban Experiment and Its Impact
17:50 The Financialization of Housing
33:30 Legal and Regulatory Challenges in Housing
34:00 Cultural Shifts in Housing Perception
44:26 Planning for Permanence in Neighborhoods
45:55 The Impact of Zoning and Redlining
49:41 The Decline of Affordable Housing Strategies
51:34 Understanding the Role of Capitalism in Housing
52:53 The Future of Suburban Developments
56:05 The Importance of Incremental Development
01:00:20 Building Culture and Community Engagement
01:06:12 Escaping the Housing Trap: A Cultural Shift
01:17:03 The Future of Housing Policy and Community Development
CONTACT DANIEL
housingtrap.org
Email: [email protected]
Book: Escaping the Housing Trap
Parking Reform: https://parkingreform.org/2024/04/03/meet-our-new-policy-director/
https://x.com/dpherriges
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dherriges/
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/
I sit down with Jaime Izurieta, founder of Storefront Mastery, to explore the transformation of local businesses into powerful engines for community engagement and downtown revitalization. Drawing on his diverse background in architecture, urban planning, and retail design, Jaime shares how he helps small businesses reinvent themselves by focusing on experience and authenticity. We dive into the importance of local businesses as cultural stakeholders, how Main Streets can compete in today’s convenience-driven world, and the role of design in shaping customer experiences. Jaime also discusses the evolution of Main Streets into destinations, not just transactional spaces, while providing insights from his book Main Street Mavericks.
TAKEAWAYS
CHAPTERS
00:00 The Essence of Hospitality in Business
02:20 Jamie Izurieta: A Journey Through Design and Community
08:04 The Experience Economy: Redefining Local Business Success
12:25 Local Businesses as Community Stakeholders
17:08 Transforming Downtowns: The Role of Local Businesses
21:56 Creating Memorable Experiences: The Power of Hospitality
28:14 Lessons from Bookstore Design: User Experience Matters
34:05 Redefining the Closing Process: A Journey of Experience
39:15 Unreasonable Hospitality: Going Above and Beyond
43:05 Building Community Through Local Businesses
49:14 The Importance of Place in Urban Design
55:16 Decentralization: A Hopeful Future for Communities
CONNECT WITH JAIME
Recommended Books:
The Experience Economy
Unreasonable Hospitality
The Network State
Contact
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
Storefront Renaissance League
Great Urban Places to Visit
Savannah, GA
South Beach, Miami
Laguna Beach, CA
Seattle, WA
NYC
Istanbul
CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE
https://www.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/
https://twitter.com/build_culture
https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/
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
SPONSORS
Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/
One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/
I invited Thomas Dougherty, or lead urban designer, back on the Podcast to discuss real life lessons behind several of our current projects at Building Culture. We discuss Townsend, a 1+ acre infill site with 19 townhomes, a couple live/works and 10,000 SF of boutique commercial, that we are nearing approvals on. We get into some really practical stuff we’ve learned, such as how we are parking it, dealing with trash, utilities, and balancing privacy with connection. We also discuss an 80-acre master plan we are working on and how we are taking a slightly different approach than many current TNDs. And of course, we bring it back to the human experience, and how we can serve people through building and architecture!
If you are reading this, I'd greatly appreciate it if you took a moment to leave us a 5 star review! Enjoy.
TAKEAWAYS
Innerblock development creates human-scale spaces within blocks, allowing for the creation of vibrant and intimate urban environments.
Centers and courtyards are essential elements of innerblock development, providing identifiable and delineated spaces for human interaction.
Utilities and fire safety are important considerations in innerblock development, and creative solutions such as geothermal HVAC systems and land condos can address these challenges.
Balancing public and private spaces is crucial in creating a cohesive and livable urban environment.
Thoughtful design and attention to detail, such as trash management and parking solutions, can enhance the overall experience of innerblock development. Public spaces play a crucial role in fostering community and building relationships.
Missing middle building types and diverse housing options are essential for creating inclusive and attainable communities.
The design of a community should be responsive to the topography and natural surroundings.
The layout of streets and the integration of nature can enhance the pedestrian experience and create a sense of place.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Overview
02:51 Creating Human-Scale Spaces: The Concept of Interblock Development
12:53 The Value of Centers and Courtyards in Urban Design
25:02 Addressing Utilities and Fire Safety in Innerblock Development
35:02 Innovative Solutions: Geothermal HVAC and Land Condos
38:45 Balancing Public and Private Spaces in Urban Environments
45:07 Enhancing the Urban Experience: Attention to Detail in Innerblock Development
52:46 The Importance of Missing Middle Building Types
58:06 Designing with Topography and Nature in Mind
01:05:16 Enhancing the Pedestrian Experience through Street Design
CONNECT WITH TOM
https://x.com/NestedUrbanism
https://www.instagram.com/innerblock/
CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE
https://www.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/
https://twitter.com/build_culture
https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/
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
SPONSORS
Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/
One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/
Inspiring and equipping architects, developers, and anyone working in the built environment to craft a more beautiful and resilient world for people.
Las Catalinas might be the most beautiful town built in the 21st century. And my guest today, Sara Bega, has stewarded its evolution as Town Architect for a decade. Las Catalinas is a car-free, kid-friendly, multi-generational community in Costa Rica. Their goal is to create a pedestrian-first environment that maximizes kid freedom and allows for independent exploration and discovery. The town is built on 20% of the 1200-acre site, with a mix of houses, flats, hotels, and shops.
We discuss Sara’s professional journey, and the principles and practices behind developing such a stunningly beautiful and human neighborhood that serves as an inspiration and example for what is possible today.
If you do anything today, just click on this link so you can see the town. It stands as a testament to the beauty humans can cultivate when they set their mind to it: Beach Town in Guanacaste, Costa Rica | Las Catalinas (lascatalinascr.com)
TAKEAWAYS
Creating a car-free, kid-friendly community allows for independent exploration and fosters curiosity and connection with nature.
A pedestrian-first environment benefits not only children but also adults and families, creating a sense of community and connection.
Las Catalinas is a successful example of a car-free community, with a mix of houses, flats, hotels, and shops built on a 1200-acre site.
The community achieves car-free living through walkability, valet services, and emergency vehicle access.
The town architect's role is to oversee the design and planning of the community, ensuring a balance between privacy, walkability, and optimized views. Creating a sustainable and adaptable community requires prioritizing human experience and connection.
Designing a walkable town with a mix of residential and commercial spaces fosters a sense of community.
The legal structure of a town should allow for flexibility and adaptability over time.
Trust in human intelligence and the ability to solve problems is crucial for the success of a community.
Creating a sense of place involves considering the local climate, using natural materials, and designing for the long term.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Las Catalinas
09:46 Creating a Kid-Friendly Community
27:56 Shifting Conversations and Culture
39:48 Solving for Walkability, Privacy, and Optimized Views
42:16 Reversing and Backing into Codes and Legal Structure
45:17 Creating a Clear Legal Structure for Ownership and Responsibility
50:10 Treating a Town as a Town
55:38 Balancing Prevention and Allowing the Best to Happen
01:00:37 Guiding a Town's Growth and Adaptation
01:06:21 Allowing a Town to Grow and Change
01:10:56 Creating Timeless and Sustainable Architecture
01:19:19 Approaching Life with Courage
CONNECT WITH SARA & SHOW RESOURCES
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/begadesignstudio/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarabega/
Las Catalinas: https://www.lascatalinascr.com/
Notre Dame School of Architecture: https://architecture.nd.edu/
CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE
https://www.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/
https://twitter.com/build_culture
https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/
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
SPONSORS
Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/
One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/
Today I get to speak with Alan Pullman, founder of Studio One Eleven, an architecture, urban design and landscape architecture practice focused on human scaled, mixed-use infill projects. They have a truly impressive portfolio of work. I love their “practice themes” which I think will resonate with many of you: housing for all, building community + place, renewing the public realm, 21st century mobility, and equitable practice.
I was truly inspired by this conversation with Alan, particularly around the community integration and engagement they cultivate in their office. He intentionally moved the practice out of their “ivory tower” and down into the heart of the community, sharing their office space with artists and facilitating all kinds of community-wide events and workshops. It’s given me vision for how I want Building Culture to evolve.
Alan and his team work closely with developers around the country looking to do difficult and messy – but meaningful – infill projects. They relish the mess. And, between running a sizeable practice and doing some of their own development projects, I was extremely impressed with Alan’s practical approach (you know, understanding that the economics have to work to do the project!). They strike the right balance between idealism + pragmatism to actually pull off incredible projects, and keep people at the center of what they do and why they do it.
I hope you find this episode as inspiring as I did!
TAKEAWAYS
Reinvesting in cities and putting people at the center of architecture and urban design is crucial for creating meaningful and impactful spaces.
Studio One Eleven specializes in infill development, mixed-use projects, and adaptive reuse, focusing on creating places for people and collaborating with developers and public-private partnerships.
Affordable housing development is complex and requires specialized knowledge and collaboration with various funding sources, such as state, city, and federal programs.
Collaboration and agility are essential in the design process, allowing for co-creation with clients and the ability to adapt to changing needs and circumstances. Studio One Eleven focuses on incremental development and creating human-scale cities.
The firm has transformed their own office into a community space, hosting events, workshops, and an artist-in-residence program.
They are passionate about creating places for people and breaking away from the traditional, car-centric approach to city planning
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
00:57 Studio One Eleven: Focusing on Infill Development and Community Impact
06:04 The Evolution of Studio Eleven: From Large Retail Projects to Community Impact
19:14 Challenges and Opportunities in Affordable Housing Development
32:41 Collaboration and Agility: Keys to Successful Design and Development
37:29 Incremental Development and Human-Scale Cities
38:56 The Financialization of Architecture and Cities
39:23 Curating the Right Mix of Tenants
43:10 Transforming Their Office into a Community Space
48:36 Building Connections and Social Capital
53:28 Creating Places for People
01:05:33 Optimism for the Future and Opportunities for Progress
CONTACT ALAN & STUDIO ONE ELEVEN
Website: https://studio-111.com/
https://www.instagram.com/studiooneeleven/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-pullman-06197159
https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-one-eleven
https://www.facebook.com/studioneleven/
CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE
https://www.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/
https://twitter.com/build_culture
https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/
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
PODCAST SPONSORS
Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/
One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/
I had the opportunity to speak with Bobby Fijan today, who sometimes refers to himself as the Bill James of floorplans. His focus? Building apartments for families – and helping others do it too. He’s a developer, entrepreneur and consultant.
We discuss the lack of family-friendly apartment buildings and the impact on loneliness and community, and how we need to make cities and apartment buildings more family friendly. We touch on the importance of amenities and spaces that are suitable for children, how floorplans make having even one young child very uncomfortable (thereby incentivizing people to move out), and how to make your next apartment or multi-family project more suitable for families and dynamic living conditions. Check it out!
TAKEAWAYS
The current design of apartment buildings caters to a narrow demographic of high-income singles and couples, neglecting the needs of families.
The lack of family-friendly apartment buildings contributes to feelings of loneliness and disconnection in urban areas.
Apartment buildings should prioritize amenities and spaces that are suitable for children and families, such as toddler rooms and playgrounds.
Floor plans should be designed with families in mind, with more bedrooms and more spaces to accommodate children.
There is a need for more apartment buildings that are specifically designed to meet the needs of families. To make apartments more family-friendly, consider allocating more space to living areas and smaller bedrooms and closets.
Adding an extra room, such as a nursery or a home office, can provide privacy and a dedicated workspace for parents.
Differentiating between spaces and creating additional rooms can enhance the functionality and appeal of apartment designs.
Design choices, such as the ratio of living room width to bedroom width and the presence of walk-in closets, can impact rent prices.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Narrow Demographic of Apartment Buildings
05:19 Connecting Loneliness to Moving and Multifamily Buildings
13:18 Challenges in Apartment Design for Families
16:38 Importance of Amenities and Spaces for Families
24:45 Designing Floor Plans for Families
25:56 Designing Family-Friendly Apartments
29:17 The Importance of Additional Rooms
43:35 Optimizing Design Choices for Higher Rent Prices
CONNECT WITH BOBBY
https://x.com/bobbyfijan
https://www.tailorbird.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fijan/
CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE
https://www.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/
https://twitter.com/build_culture
https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/
CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL
https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/
https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell
https://playbook.buildingculture.com/
Trilith is a newly built (and growing) walkable community located next to Trilith Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. It is one of the most successful TNDs and New Urbanists communities in the country.
Rob Parker, as President, leads a team of designers, architects, planners and builders in creating the 235 acre master-planned residential and mixed use development. Rob is a transformational leader with a focus on people, and has extensive experience in town building, commercial and retail development, music entertainment, non-profit leadership, marketing, branding and capital development.
This episode is a must for developers, investors, planners, architects, engineers or city officials interested in creating more walkable, mixed-use, people-first places. Hear directly from someone who has actually done it successfully, and learn about the keys to success, as well as some of the pitfalls.
Trilith is built on the principles of new urbanism, with a focus on walkability, sustainability, and a deep sense of community. The vision of Trilith is to create a town for creatives, artists, storytellers, and makers, where everyone feels loved, served, inspired, and connected. The community is designed to promote longer, better, and happier lives for its residents. Trilith is a successful example of a people-centered, walkable community that prioritizes sustainability and quality of life.
TAKEAWAYS
Trilith is a walkable community in Atlanta, Georgia, built on the principles of new urbanism.
The community is designed to promote longer, better, and happier lives for its residents.
Trillith is focused on creating a sense of community and connection among its residents.
The community is committed to sustainability and has implemented practices such as geothermal heating and cooling and the preservation of green spaces. Trilith is a people-centered, walkable community that prioritizes sustainability and quality of life.
The development focuses on creating smaller footprint, energy-efficient homes and incorporates sustainable technologies like geothermal energy and solar power.
Trilith emphasizes the importance of community and mental health, offering enrichment activities and a progressive school.
The financing of the project involved patient capital and partnerships with builders and investors.
The success of Trilith has led to increased property values and a positive impact on the surrounding area.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Trilith and Rob Parker
03:01 Creating a Walkable Community for Creatives
07:47 Promoting Longer, Better, and Happier Lives
14:42 Fostering a Sense of Community and Connection
18:08 The Freedom of Living in a Walkable Environment
20:29 The Impact of COVID-19 on Trilith
29:05 The Importance of Sharing the Vision
37:48 Commitment to Sustainability and Green Practices
40:02 Creating a Sustainable and Walkable Community
41:30 Incorporating Sustainable Technologies in Home Design
44:20 Prioritizing Community and Mental Health
49:48 The Financing and Partnerships Behind Trillith's Success
55:23 The Positive Impact of Trilith on Property Values and the Surrounding Area
CONNECT WITH ROB & TRILITH
Rob's Linked In
Trilith's Real Estate Instagram
Trilith's Foundation Instagram
Trilith's Facebook
Home Website: Trilith
Town Website: Town at Trilith
Variety Article on Trilith
CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE
https://www.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/
https://twitter.com/build_culture
https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/
CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL
https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/
https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell
https://playbook.buildingculture.com/
The podcast currently has 29 episodes available.
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