The Placemaking Podcast

Welcome to the Placemaking Podcast, where we explore the power of place and the built environment in shaping our communities and lives. I’m your host, Matthew Loos, and today we have an incredibly timely and vital topic to discuss: addressing the loneliness epidemic through the concept of ‘Third Places.’

Our guest today is Rik Adamski, the visionary founder of Ash + Lime. Rik is renowned for his innovative approach to urban planning and placemaking, focusing on creating vibrant, inclusive spaces that foster connection and community. With a wealth of experience and a deep passion for sustainability and social impact, Rik is here to share his insights on how the built form can help mitigate the growing issue of loneliness in our society.

We’ll be diving into what ‘Third Places’ are, why they matter, and how thoughtful design can transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary hubs of social interaction. Whether you’re an urban planner, an architect, or simply someone interested in the power of community, this episode is packed with valuable perspectives.

So, without further ado, let’s welcome Rik Adamski to the Placemaking Podcast. 

P.S. We spend (a lot) of time, sweat, tears, and money creating each episode of The Placemaking Podcast. We do this without the support of sponsors as we want to keep the advertisements out of the picture and provide an add-free listening experience. YOUR support ensures we can keep delivering these discussions ad-free!
If you feel compelled to donate to the show (and receive some cool bonuses…) you can check out my Patron Page.

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The Placemaking Podcast

Welcome to the Placemaking Podcast, where we explore the art and science of creating vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive communities. I’m your host, Matthew Loos, and today we have a truly inspiring episode lined up for you.

Joining us is a visionary real estate developer who’s been making waves in Bentonville, Arkansas. Alexandra Tirado has not only made a name for herself in the local market but has also become a beacon of innovation and growth in the industry.

From her early beginnings in real estate development to her current projects that are shaping the future of Bentonville, Alexandra has a wealth of experience and knowledge to share. Today, she’ll take us on a journey through her career, offering insights into the lessons she’s learned along the way and the challenges she’s overcome.

Whether you’re an aspiring developer, a seasoned professional, or simply someone interested in the dynamics of real estate and community building, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.
So, without further ado, let’s welcome to the Placemaking Podcast, Alexandra Tirado!

P.S. We spend (a lot) of time, sweat, tears, and money creating each episode of The Placemaking Podcast. We do this without the support of sponsors as we want to keep the advertisements out of the picture and provide an add-free listening experience. YOUR support ensures we can keep delivering these discussions ad-free!
If you feel compelled to donate to the show (and receive some cool bonuses…) you can check out my Patron Page.

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The Placemaking Podcast

I am extremely excited to share this next conversation with all of you. Today on the show I have Jim Heid, FASLA.

Jim is an infill developer and sustainable development advisor based in Sonoma County, California. Known for his aspirational but practical approach, he works with a range of tools and best practices to communicate the value of inspired design and sustainability within the realities of local market norms. With over forty years experience as an urban designer, land planner, sustainability strategist and now infill developer, he brings a broad range of perspectives and skills to the discussion about how communities grow. Trained as a landscape architect, he received a Masters in Real Estate Development from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as way to more effectively integrate economics, development and design thinking.

An active member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), Jim was at the forefront of defining the tenets of sustainable community design, serving as co-instructor for ULI’s pioneering program in Sustainable Community Design. He continues his leadership as founder and lead instructor for ULI’s program focused on small scale incremental development. He has organized and led fifteen national tours where participants explore the impact and benefits of non-institutional approaches to real estate development, and how it creates stronger local economies and more authentic places.  Drawing on his own experience and the work of others seen during these tours, he authored Building Small: A Toolkit for Real Estate Entrepreneurs, Civic Leaders and Great Communities.  Published in April by ULI, the book has quickly gained a national following from all professions engaged in shaping the built environment. 

Jim works seamlessly with multi-disciplinary teams, bringing his design and real estate training to resolve complex challenges – focusing on enduring solutions  catalyzed by initial, immediate steps. With an emphasis on high quality communications, Jim works to build deep understanding for the ‘how and why’ of decisions – rather than just creating consensus. His collaborative, integrative, and effective team leadership is recognized through his participation or chairmanship of over 15 ULI Advisory Service Panels – recently for Napa, CA and Toronto, Ontario.

Originally born in Pittsburgh, PA; Jim credits the diversity of places he has lived and worked – Moscow, Idaho; Springfield, Vermont; New Orleans; Denver; Phoenix; Boston; and San Francisco – for shaping his appreciation of town form impacts quality of life, and the importance of regional identity for creating more interesting places.  Now living in the idyllic community of Healdsburg, California he shares these insights with clients and audiences across the globe.

P.S. We spend (a lot) of time, sweat, tears, and money creating each episode of The Placemaking Podcast. We do this without the support of sponsors as we want to keep the advertisements out of the picture and provide an add-free listening experience. YOUR support ensures we can keep delivering these discussions ad-free!
If you feel compelled to donate to the show (and receive some cool bonuses…) you can check out my Patron Page.

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The Placemaking Podcast

Welcome, fellow Placemakers, to another enriching episode of the Placemaking Podcast, where we explore the art and science of crafting vibrant communities. I’m your host, Matt Loos and today, we’re diving into the dynamic realm of large-scale planning and infill real estate development.

While our esteemed guest, Joshua Brooks from Sasaki, will be joining us shortly to share his invaluable insights, let’s take a moment to shine a spotlight on a groundbreaking project that’s been reshaping the urban landscape: the Denargo Market project in Denver, Colorado.

Denargo Market stands as a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful planning and innovative design. Nestled in the heart of Denver, this initiative has breathed new life into a once-neglected industrial area, reimagining it as a thriving urban district that harmoniously blends commerce, culture, and community.
Through strategic interventions and community collaboration, the Denargo Market project exemplifies the potential of repurposing underutilized spaces to create vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods that enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike.

As we delve into our discussion on large-scale planning and infill real estate development, we’ll draw inspiration from the successes of projects like Denargo Market, exploring the principles and practices that drive the creation of resilient, inclusive urban environments.

So, dear listeners, get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and inspiration. Stay tuned as we uncover the secrets behind crafting spaces that not only reflect the spirit of their communities but also pave the way for a brighter, more connected future.

Welcome to the Placemaking Podcast. Let’s dive in.

P.S. We spend (a lot) of time, sweat, tears, and money creating each episode of The Placemaking Podcast. We do this without the support of sponsors as we want to keep the advertisements out of the picture and provide an add-free listening experience. YOUR support ensures we can keep delivering these discussions ad-free!
If you feel compelled to donate to the show (and receive some cool bonuses…) you can check out my Patron Page.

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The Placemaking Podcast

Hello, real estate enthusiasts, and welcome back to The Placemaking Podcast, your go-to source for all things real estate development. I’m your host Matt Loos, and today we have a special treat for you – an exclusive conversation with a visionary real estate developer shaping the landscape of the vibrant city of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Charlotte has become a hub for innovative development, and our guest today is at the forefront of this exciting transformation. Join me in welcoming Damon Hemmerdinger, a seasoned real estate expert with a passion for creating spaces that not only stand tall but also tell stories of the city’s evolution.
We’ll be delving into Damon’s journey, exploring the challenges and triumphs of real estate development, and uncovering the unique aspects that make the Queen City a canvas for groundbreaking projects.

If you’re curious about the behind-the-scenes of real estate, the strategies that drive successful development, and the untold tales of iconic buildings, this episode is a must-listen.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of real estate development with Damon Hemmerdinger and discover the secrets that make Charlotte’s skyline so captivating. Welcome to The Placemaking Podcast, where we turn blueprints into narratives!

P.S. We spend (a lot) of time, sweat, tears, and money creating each episode of The Placemaking Podcast. We do this without the support of sponsors as we want to keep the advertisements out of the picture and provide an add-free listening experience. YOUR support ensures we can keep delivering these discussions ad-free!
If you feel compelled to donate to the show (and receive some cool bonuses…) you can check out my Patron Page.

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The Placemaking Podcast

We can’t wait to share this next conversation with all of you. Today on the show we have Jake Newell of Newell Development. Jake Newell is most passionate about developing creative core urban projects He has a background in single family, multifamily, and mixed-use developments. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business prior to pursuing a career in construction management and then transitioning into development with the launch of his company Newell Development. Jake has been involved in the residential growth of Northwest Arkansas for the past 18 years. His extensive background in acquiring, developing, and selling unique infill properties has had a proven impact on real estate development throughout the region. Jake says he is most proud of his work when he sees his clients leading active lifestyles and interacting with the outdoor space around them- walking, biking, or gathering with friends outdoors – all of that plays into his company’s mission of “Curating Place”.

In this episode, we learned about his transition from construction management to his first development project. We discussed the importance of incremental development for growth in a city. Last, but not least, we discussed the importance of focus and knowing your niche when developing properties! There is tons of great information in this episode! I hope you enjoy!

As always, if you have enjoyed the show, please subscribe to the show and share with your friends in the industry. There will be more exciting conversations on the shows to come. So without further ado, let’s start the show!

P.S. We spend (a lot) of time, sweat, tears, and money creating each episode of The Placemaking Podcast. We do this without the support of sponsors as we want to keep the advertisements out of the picture and provide an add-free listening experience. YOUR support ensures we can keep delivering these discussions ad-free!
If you feel compelled to donate to the show (and receive some cool bonuses…) you can check out my Patron Page.

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The Placemaking Podcast

I am extremely excited to share this next conversation with all of you. Today on the show we have Chad Martin, Founder of Weave Property Branding. Chad is a brand designer who has been in the architectural world for over twenty years. Living in the details as buildings take shape, he has an understanding and awareness of the small moves that can change an average space to a unique one. With a focus in environmental branding, he is able to shape a space to create a memorable experience. With a passion for thoughtful placemaking, Chad founded Weave to help intertwine branding with the built environment.

Weave Property Branding works to help blend your branding efforts into the built environment. In doing so, their process provides developers with design consistency from the beginning to the delivery of the property. They begin with a specific design inspiration effort that guides the design team’s efforts throughout the project. In a way, Weave acts as an owner’s representative throughout the life of the development; they work closely with architects, interior designers, project managers, and the management companies to achieve design consistency. As your development progresses, Weave Property Branding act as the common thread that pulls your brand experience together with the built environment. We weave the design professionals together to provide a single fabric that folds into the community.

P.S. We spend (a lot) of time, sweat, tears, and money creating each episode of The Placemaking Podcast. We do this without the support of sponsors as we want to keep the advertisements out of the picture and provide an add-free listening experience. YOUR support ensures we can keep delivering these discussions ad-free!
If you feel compelled to donate to the show (and receive some cool bonuses…) you can check out my Patron Page.

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The Placemaking Podcast

I am extremely excited to share this next conversation with all of you. Today on the show I have Edie Dillman, Co-Founder and CEO of B. Public Prefab. As co-founder of a decidedly disruptive company, she is committed to systems change and the rapid adoption of solutions for the natural and the built environment.

B. Public Prefab is a team of architects, designers, and change-makers meeting the climate and housing crises head-on. They’re reimagining building for the better with technology that achieves extreme energy reduction, deep sustainability, and unmatched livability—at scale.

​In this episode, we take a look at the keys to achieving a truly environmentally sustainable housing envelope, the keys to success in achieving net zero in contruction, and we discussed the Mission of B. Public Prefab and its goals for the future. There is tons of great information in this episode and I greatly appreciated Edie for taking the time out of her extremely busy schedule to discuss this topic of Climate Change and Housing Affordability through high-performance prefabricated construction techniques.

P.S. We spend (a lot) of time, sweat, tears, and money creating each episode of The Placemaking Podcast. We do this without the support of sponsors as we want to keep the advertisements out of the picture and provide an add-free listening experience. YOUR support ensures we can keep delivering these discussions ad-free!
If you feel compelled to donate to the show (and receive some cool bonuses…) you can check out my Patron Page.

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The Placemaking Podcast

26 year old real estate developer and investor relations director for Fund That Flip. Originally from St. Paul, MN but graduated with a petroleum engineering degree in 2019 and moved to Houston for my full time gig. Got started in RE with house hacking a duplex during the height of Covid before noticing a lack of duplex inventory throughout the city, so decided to try and develop them. Raised money from other investors in real estate Facebook groups at first and now from Twitter. Left the engineering job to join Fund That Flip, a national bridge lender who allows accredited investors to buy a piece of the debt and receive monthly distributions. Finished 16 units last year and currently have 30 under construction. Looking to get into slightly larger scale projects this year.

P.S. We spend (a lot) of time, sweat, tears, and money creating each episode of The Placemaking Podcast. We do this without the support of sponsors as we want to keep the advertisements out of the picture and provide an add-free listening experience. YOUR support ensures we can keep delivering these discussions ad-free!
If you feel compelled to donate to the show (and receive some cool bonuses…) you can check out my Patron Page.

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The Placemaking Podcast

Mervin Jebaraj is the director of the Center for Business and Economic Research. He has contributed to economic thinking and public policy discussion that journalists, business people, and community leaders alike rely on to understand how national and regional issues impact Northwest Arkansas and Arkansas as a whole. Arkansas Business and the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal recognized Mervin in their 40 Under 40 lists and on the Arkansas 250 list. He makes presentations that share the center’s expertise directly to over 5,000 individuals annually and tens of thousands more hear and see his economic analysis and commentary through TV, radio and print media. Jebaraj serves on the Community Development Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the Board of Directors of the National Association for Business Economics, the Board of Directors of the Northwest Arkansas National Airport, and on the Board of Directors of the Walton Arts Center. 

Mervin earned a B.A. in Economics and International Relations and a Master’s in Public Administration and Public Policy from the University of Arkansas.

P.S. We spend (a lot) of time, sweat, tears, and money creating each episode of The Placemaking Podcast. We do this without the support of sponsors as we want to keep the advertisements out of the picture and provide an add-free listening experience. YOUR support ensures we can keep delivering these discussions ad-free!

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The Placemaking Podcast