How do real estate markets in Europe and India differ from the U.S.? Why is the construction industry notoriously resistant to change? What are the biggest impediments to design and construction, and how can we overcome them? Grant Stevens, president of Stevens Strategic Alliance, answered these and other intriguing questions on a recent episode of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey.

Grant brings over 40 years of experience in real estate, having led more than 365 projects across 55 markets and $9.5 billion in development.

His work includes expanding Hines into Europe and India, managing iconic projects like the Frank Gehry-designed New World Symphony in Miami, and advising Stanford’s Global Projects Center.

Grant’s expertise connects innovation, proptech, and real-world challenges—helping the industry overcome barriers to change.

His work has been recognized with awards from MagnateView, the Denver Award Program, Construction Tech Review, CIOReview, and others.

Listen to Grant’s insights on The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey in your favorite podcast app.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction

00:44 Meet Grant Stevens

01:56 Challenges and innovations in India

05:50 Real estate landscapes: US, Europe, and India

09:48 One Horizon Center in India

11:29 New World Symphony in Miami

16:45 Shaping innovation with Stanford's Global Project Center

21:41 Real estate's resistance to change

27:18 Future of building spaces: user expectations

Connect with Joe: Website: https://www.ecube.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/

Connect with Grant: Website: https://stevenssa.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantraymondstevens

If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey on Apple and Spotify!

What is data center heat recovery and why does it matter for decarbonization? How do penalties and fines (from inefficient energy management) reshape building design and operation? Why is storytelling a crucial skill for engineers? Nancy Kohout – senior principal and mechanical discipline leader at SmithGroup – answered these questions on a recent episode of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey.

Nancy is a licensed mechanical engineer based in Chicago, with 30 years of experience in decarbonization strategy, mechanical design, and team leadership.

She is also a technical account manager for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Climate Challenge. Her passions lie in driving progress on electrification and heat recovery, and in creating clear pathways to leadership for women in engineering.

Nancy currently serves as president of the Illinois chapter of ASHRAE and co-chairs the upcoming 2026 Women in ASHRAE Leadership Symposium. Outside of work, she enjoys road-tripping to national parks in her camper van, exploring new cultures through travel, and spending time with her family.

Listen to Nancy’s insights on The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey in your favorite podcast app.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction 02:07 Nancy's journey into engineering 06:07 The importance of storytelling in engineering 08:14 Working with the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Climate Challenge 13:44 Strategic decarbonization in engineering projects 19:22 The inevitable rise of energy inefficiency penalties and fines 20:11 Challenges and opportunities in electrification of heating systems 22:53 Peak shaving and grid-interactive design 24:46 Data center heat recovery and decarbonization 26:29 The role of policy in waste heat reuse 31:46 Women in ASHRAE Leadership Symposium 35:55 Final thoughts 

Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/

Connect with Nancy Kohout: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-kohout-p-e-leed-ap-151b9822/

If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey on Apple or Spotify.

What sets medical real estate apart from other asset types? What are the biggest challenges and opportunities in managing these properties today? Which emerging trends are shaping the future of medical buildings? Connie O’Murray addresses these and other key issues in medical real estate.

Connie is the Managing Director of Medical Property Management at JLL, where she leads the national strategy for healthcare real estate. She has over 35 years of experience in commercial real estate, including 14 years focused on medical properties.

Connie is an expert in medical property management, with a deep understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and emerging trends in medical buildings. She created JLL’s national platform and certification program for managing medical buildings, designed to meet the unique needs of healthcare clients.

She also plays an active role in the industry and currently serves as Co-Chair of the BOMA International Medical Office Conference (2024–2025), with past and current leadership roles in BOMA chapters in Houston, Denver, and Southern Colorado.

Listen to Connie O’Murray’s insights on The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey in your favorite podcast app.

In this episode:

01:26 Introduction

02:42 How BOMA shaped Connie’s career

08:15 What makes medical real estate unique

14:50 Leadership lessons from Connie's experience

18:45 Challenges and opportunities in medical real estate

22:20 Trends shaping medical buildings' future

28:58 Why specialization matters in healthcare real estate

Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/

Connect with Connie O’Murray: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/connie-o-murray-0a42a29/

If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey on Apple and Spotify!

What are the biggest business development mistakes design professionals make? What are the do’s and don’ts for firms looking to expand into new markets? How do you ensure ongoing client satisfaction and engagement after a project is underway? Kelly Fehr—a business development consultant for the design and construction industry—answered these and many other key questions to help futureproof your business.

Kelly Fehr is a business development consultant specializing in helping architectural and engineering design firms worldwide. With a background in behavioral science from UC Davis, she took an unconventional path into the design and construction industry. She built her expertise from the ground up, learning how to connect design professionals and contractors with the right opportunities.

She has helped design firms land multi-million-dollar projects, including work at Denver International Airport. Her approach combines deep market research with strong relationship-building—what she calls “discovery-driven client development.”

Kelly has spoken at national and local American Institute of Architects (AIA) conferences. She leads workshops on how to talk to clients about climate change and the built environment. For Kelly, innovation happens when owners and design professionals truly connect, and she believes business development (essentially business relationships) should be both productive and fun.

Listen to Kelly’s insights on The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey in your favorite podcast app.

In this episode:

01:30 Meet Kelly Fehr

02:45 Kelly's unconventional career path

03:27 Behavioral science and business development

05:30 Denver International Airport opportunity

07:45 Discovery-driven client development

15:10 Expanding into new markets

18:35 Ensuring ongoing client satisfaction

23:00 Making business development fun

25:50 Futureproofing your business

26:50 Final thoughts

Connect with Joe:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/

Connect with Kelly:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyfehr/

If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify!

How do cultural influences shape modern architecture? What strategies help architects create more inclusive spaces? How can collaboration improve the design process for complex projects? Mani Farhadi answers these and other key questions on the latest episode of The Future of Buildings.

Mani Farhadi is a prominent thought leader and Senior Facilities Planner at Stanford University’s School of Medicine. She has over 30 years of experience in design and planning, specializing in educational environments.

Mani’s Iranian roots and American upbringing have shaped her unique approach and viewpoint to life in general, as well as architecture and leadership. She had her rights trampled in Iran decades ago, and carries that experience with her to this day. She is sensitive to how we treat each other as people in the workplace, and making the world a better place. She focuses on human-centered design, emphasizing empathy, collaboration, and making sure all voices are heard in the planning process.

As a passionate mentor and guide, Mani has facilitated workshops, Town Halls, and presented at major conferences such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), and San Francisco Design Week. She serves on several nonprofit boards, including the Institute for Traditional Psychoethics and Guidance, Wellesley College Alumnae, and the Niosha International Conservatory of Arts.

She’s also authored several publications, including blogs on topics like “Design Your Life” and “An Education to Remember” published by Perkins + Will in their annual publication “Current.”

Listen to Mani Farhadi's insights on "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" in your favorite podcast app.

In this episode:

• 02:30 Mani Farhadi's early inspirations

• 06:02 Educational journey and early career

• 08:31 Cultural influences on architecture

• 14:11 Mentorship and advocacy

• 19:19 Human-centered design principles

• 22:29 Navigating complex projects at Stanford

• 31:41 Global trends in architecture 

• 36:36 Final thoughts

Connect with Joe:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/

Connect with Mani Farhadi:

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/manifarhadi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mani-ardalan-farhadi-6294183/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mani2farhadi/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mani.a.farhadi/

If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify!

What are the latest innovations in urban healthcare design? How can intelligent building design improve sustainability? How did mobile architecture and emergency response planning evolve since 2020? Doug King gives his insights to these and other important topics related to architecture, thought leadership and sustainability. 

Doug King is Emeritus VP with Project Management Advisors. Doug has served as a healthcare industry consultant, architect, researcher, and academic over the last 45 years. His expertise encompasses high-rise and urban healthcare facilities, community planning, emergency response planning and mobile architecture. 

He was recognized as the top Healthcare Architect in the U.S. for 2020-21 by Healthcare Design Magazine and has been featured in prominent outlets including The New York Times, Healthcare Design Magazine, and Bisnow.

Doug has significantly influenced the healthcare industry on both national and international levels. This includes serving as an appointed member of the Urban Land Institute’s Health Leaders Network.

As an educator, he has mentored future architects at institutions including the University of Illinois, Northwestern University and the University of Pennsylvania. 

Today, as the founder of Douglas King LLC, he advises the healthcare industry, applying his expertise to shape intelligent and sustainable buildings.

Listen to Doug King’s insights on The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey in your favorite podcast app.

In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 03:17 Doug's early inspirations and education 05:45 Journey into healthcare design 12:00 Mobile architecture and emergency response 13:14 COVID-19 response and emergency planning 18:04 Northwestern Memorial Hospital Feinberg and Galter Pavilions: a career-defining project 24:30 Intelligent building design and sustainability 27:20 Advice for aspiring thought leaders 30:48 Key qualities for professional success 35:07 Final thoughts

Connect with Joe:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/

Connect with Doug:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougkingpmainc/

If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify!

What’s the difference between design-bid-build, design-build and design-assist construction methods, and how do you choose the best approach? How are technologies like AI and 6D modeling shaping the future of construction? What does “best value” really mean in managing contractors and design professionals?

Chad Johnson, founder of Conrad Consulting, answers these and more on the latest episode of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey.

Chad’s real estate career spans industries from biotech labs and R&D facilities, to iconic sports stadiums.

Chad graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and then went to work for Duke Engineering & Services. He gained hands-on experience in feasibility studies, engineering packages, and procurement for central energy facilities. He launched his own firm in 2003, specializing in planning, construction management, and commissioning services.

His impressive portfolio includes managing Levi’s Stadium—the first LEED Gold NFL stadium—and leading engineering and commissioning for Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Listen to Chad’s unique insights into project delivery methods, emerging technologies, and project management strategies in your favorite podcast app!

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction 

02:48 Early life and career beginnings

06:00 Lessons from projects at Duke Engineering

11:00 Best value in project management

15:55 Design build vs. design assist

23:40 Commissioning: initial vs. retro

28:48 Challenges in managing complex projects

32:15 Future trends in construction technology

35:39 Final thoughts

Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/

Connect with Chad:  

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

What are the biggest challenges in asset management for engineering? How do you grow and manage a global, diverse team? What is reliability-centered maintenance, and how does it improve operational efficiency? Hetal Lee, the Global Lead for Engineering Solutions at JLL, answers these questions and more in this insightful episode about engineering solutions in buildings.

Hetal holds a bachelor’s degree from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and an MBA from DePaul University. Before joining JLL, she honed her expertise in engineering sales and specialty product development, bridging the gap between sales and operations.

At JLL, Hetal leads a team that develops client-focused engineering strategies by integrating IoT, data, and reliability-centered maintenance to enhance asset management value and efficiency. Her experience includes RFP management, pitch evaluation, and AI applications in asset onboarding. She combines technical proficiency with a holistic approach to team building and fostering diversity.

With a career spanning 22 years, Hetal has earned numerous accolades. She is a Certified Reliability Leader, a Board Member of SHE Builds, an active member and mentor in ASHRAE and Women in ASHRAE, IFMA FMP Certified, and a published author of the Price Industries Engineer’s Handbook.

Listen to Hetal’s invaluable insights in your favorite podcast app.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction

03:00 Career journey and key milestones

05:00 Engineering approach: beyond traditional sales

06:30 Creating a global engineering strategy

09:40 Managing a global and diverse team

12:30 Enhancing onboarding, training, and collaboration

15:45 Reliability-centered maintenance: improving operational efficiency

19:00 Predictive maintenance with IoT and data analytics

23:00 Challenges in asset management and engineering

28:00 Personal insights and career advice

30:23 Conclusion and final thoughts

Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/

Connect with Hetal: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hetal-lee

What strategies help real estate professionals thrive through market shifts? How can functionally obsolete buildings be reimagined for today’s needs? What is the new industry standard for attracting tenants back to buildings? Tim Harrington, Vice Chairman at Newmark in Denver, discussed these and other intriguing questions on the recent episode of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey.

Tim represents major national clients, providing them with comprehensive market insights, financial utilization, and sustainability strategies.

Tim has negotiated leases and sales for over 150 million square feet of office, retail, and industrial space, totaling more than $5 billion in value.

He has been consistently recognized for his exceptional performance. This includes National Rookie  of the Year in 1987 and the top broker nationwide for Grubb & Ellis in 2001.

Tim was selected from thousands of brokers nationwide to receive the Hal Ellis Award in recognition of his professional excellence, leadership, and high ethical standards.

In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 02:44 Tim Harrington's career beginnings 04:00 Overcoming early career challenges 05:53 Achieving national recognition 07:57 Keys to consistent success 13:15 Impact of COVID-19 on commercial real estate 17:20 Innovative approaches to obsolete buildings 20:33 Creating people-centric workplaces 28:03 Simple advice that can help change the world

Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/

Connect with Tim: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-harrington-24555740/

Listen to Tim’s forward-thinking strategies on your favorite podcast app.

Why do Tesla and Johnson Controls recruit and hire Lincoln Tech graduates? What’s the best way to increase inclusion in the industry from the ground-up? How is Lincoln Tech working to address the labor shortage of HVAC technicians?

Josh Jones, the Director of Admissions at Lincoln Tech - Denver, answered these and other interesting questions on the recent podcast episode of “The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey.” 

As a Lincoln Tech graduate myself, I wanted to speak with Josh about how Lincoln Tech is tackling the labor shortage and other challenges our industry faces today. 

With a focus on diversity, sustainability, and hands-on training, Josh revealed how Lincoln Tech prepares students for dynamic careers, including post-graduate opportunities with leaders like Tesla and Johnson Controls.

Listen to Josh's insights on "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" in your favorite podcast app.

In this episode: 00:00 Introduction

01:35 Josh Jones' background and journey

04:32 Addressing the HVAC industry labor shortage

07:21 Lincoln Tech's initiatives and partnerships

10:17 Emerging trends in HVAC education

14:00 Bridging the skills gap

18:42 Creating opportunities for graduates

24:30 Diversity and inclusion at Lincoln Tech

28:55 Final thoughts

Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/

Connect with Josh:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @lincolntechdenver

Website: Lincolntech.edu

If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify!