Shows
good traffic.112 / Middle housing university / with Alkarim DevaniAlkarim Devani — developer and founder of mddl — is in good traffic this week for a conversation on how Canada's housing realities compare/contrast with that of the U.S., and how we can better prepare developers to address our continental crisis. Timeline:00:00 Alkarim Devani is in good traffic.02:47 Canada's housing crisis.04:36 Cities not sharing solutions with each other.05:14 The competitive silence in real estate development.05:51 Al's background as a developer in Calgary.06:43 The Plus 15 downtown system and its failures.07:31 Down...
2026-05-271h 03
Think and Act LocallyThe Bottom-Up Revolution - The Missing Middle Has a Missing IndustryAlkarim Devani has built over 1,000 homes in Calgary — fourplexes, row houses, a 212-unit heritage restoration — and noticed something strange: people kept asking about the small projects. That observation turned into a doctorate, a national education program, and a growing movement to make middle housing a viable career path for a whole new generation of city builders. In this episode, he talks about why the obstacles aren't what most people think, why large developers will never fill this gap, and what it's actually going to take to get more people building.
ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES
Alkarim Devani (LinkedIn)
Alkarim Devani (Site...
2026-05-1222 minThe Bottom-Up RevolutionThe Missing Middle Has a Missing IndustryAlkarim Devani has built over 1,000 homes in Calgary — fourplexes, row houses, a 212-unit heritage restoration — and noticed something strange: people kept asking about the small projects. That observation turned into a doctorate, a national education program, and a growing movement to make middle housing a viable career path for a whole new generation of city builders. In this episode, he talks about why the obstacles aren't what most people think, why large developers will never fill this gap, and what it's actually going to take to get more people building.
ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES
Alkarim Devani (LinkedIn)
Alkarim Devani (Site...
2026-05-1222 min
Kelowna Real Estate Podcast104: Empowering Communities by Revolutionizing Middle Housing Development with mddl's Alkarim DevaniWATCH
▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube
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EPISODE DESCRIPTION
Episode 104: Matt and Taylor are joined by Alkarim Devani. Alkarim is the CEO & Co-Founder of mddl from Calgary, Alberta, who's also the Co-Founder of the development company RNDSQR. Alkarim’s work has gained a multitude of media attention and frequently been the recipient of The Canadian Architecture Awards, MUDA Awards, American Architecture Prize, and the BILD Awards, as well as being a frequent guest lecturer at The University of California, Berkeley, and The University of Calgary. In addition, Alkarim regularly contributes his time t...
2025-08-0548 minKelowna Real Estate Podcast104: Empowering Communities by Revolutionizing Middle Housing Development with mddl's Alkarim DevaniWATCH
▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube
***
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
Episode 104: Matt and Taylor are joined by Alkarim Devani. Alkarim is the CEO & Co-Founder of mddl from Calgary, Alberta, who's also the Co-Founder of the development company RNDSQR. Alkarim’s work has gained a multitude of media attention and frequently been the recipient of The Canadian Architecture Awards, MUDA Awards, American Architecture Prize, and the BILD Awards, as well as being a frequent guest lecturer at The University of California, Berkeley, and The University of Calgary. In addition, Alkarim regularly contributes his time t...
2025-08-0548 min
The Critical LaneThe Housing System is Broken: How Missing Middle Housing Offers a Real SolutionThe housing system in Canada is in trouble and affordability is getting worse and supply is tight. Traditional solutions are not keeping up but there is a promising alternative called missing middle housingIn this episode I talk with Alkarim Devani co-founder of MDDL. He is a Top 40 Under 40 honouree and doctoral candidate who is creating simple and scalable ways to build missing middle housingWe cover what missing middle really means why people misunderstand it how making development simpler can unlock real solutions who is helping to push...
2025-07-0832 min
Blueprint for Growth: Innovation in HousingTech-Driven Design: Revolutionizing Engineering and Housing DevelopmentSeason 1 episode 3 - Tech-Driven Design: Revolutionizing Engineering and Housing DevelopmentIn this episode of Blueprint for Growth, we take a deep dive into the challenges of housing development, with a focus on design and engineering. From navigating regulations to fostering collaboration among key players, we break down the obstacles that shape this crucial phase. We also explore innovative building methods like mass timber and modular construction, highlighting their potential to make housing more sustainable and efficient. Plus, we discuss how empowering homeowners is playing a bigger role in increasing density and...
2025-03-0626 min
In Development PodcastIn Development Episode 57: Alkarim Devani Returns to talk mddlIn this episode, we reconnect with Alkarim Devani to talk about how Edmonton and Calgary are faring when it comes to pushing for a better policy and regulatory environment with regard to infill development. We learn more about mddl, an expert organization in middle housing whose mission is to build capacity from top to bottom for "missing middle" and reduce barriers to delivering this kind of development. We glean insights from Alkarim on how to tell the positive story of infill and work across communities to push for better.Alkarim Devani is co-founder of...
2025-02-2853 min
The Canadian Real Estate InvestorWho & What You Need To Build Missing MiddleWe are joined by Alkarim Devani of RNDSQR & MDDL, to talk all things Missing Middle! As the co-founder of RNDSQR for almost a decade, Alkarim demonstrated his vision through numerous projects, including hundreds of middle housing developments and mid-rise buildings with heritage restorations, comprising over 200+ units. In his new role as co-founder and CEO of MDDL, Alkarim is leading efforts to educate, empower, advocate for, and mobilize an ecosystem across Canada to support the development of middle housing in a simplified, transparent, and sustainable manner. Sign Up For The Next Webinar Realist ...
2024-11-1940 min
The addy Podcast#55 - Alkarim Devani, RNDSQR, mddl, Real Estate DeveloperAlkarim Devani is the co-founder of RNDSQR, mddl and is focused on creating a framework for missing middle housing in Canada.
Sign up for addy - https://addyinvest.ca/
RNDSQR - https://www.rndsqr.ca/
mddl - https://www.mddl.co/
Peaks and Plains (aka Altadore Townhomes) - https://addyinvest.ca/properties/altadore-townhomes/
Alkarim Devani - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alkarim-devani-45964a24/
Disclaimer
Purchasing investments made accessible through addy will unless otherwise indicated be conducted by by...
2024-11-1140 min
Meet in the mddlWelcome to Coffee In a Cocktail BarMeet your host, Alkarim Devani, as he breaks down what you can expect from Coffee In a Cocktail Bar. The first episodes will launch May 15th and are published weekly on Wednesdays. Hit follow or subscribe to be notified!
2024-05-0301 minMeet in the mddlWelcome to Coffee In a Cocktail BarMeet your host, Alkarim Devani, as he breaks down what you can expect from Coffee In a Cocktail Bar. The first episodes will launch May 15th and are published weekly on Wednesdays. Hit follow or subscribe to be notified!
2024-05-0301 min
Collisions YYCAlkarim Devani, The Housing Crisis, Changing Lives & Building DreamsJoin us in this episode as we sit down with RNDSQR President and seasoned real estate developer, Alkarim Devani. Follow his transformative journey from residential real estate to inner city developments, fueled by a deep passion for design and architecture. Delve into the compelling story behind the birth of RNDSQR, a company instrumental in breathing new life into Calgary’s inner city with a blend of mixed-density properties. Engage in the discussions on the importance of respecting the land, disseminating historical city narratives, and harnessing technology for societal good. With Alkarim at the helm, we navigate through the importance of...
2023-07-2056 min
In Development PodcastIn Development Episode 6 - Building Thriving Communities Through The Missing Middle with Alkarim DevaniOn today's episode of In Development Alkarim, Mariah and Ryan discuss how to balance the needs of a neighbourhood as it redevelops. They dive deep into human behaviour and how the needs of people change and evolve over time. Redevelopment is a balancing act between viable projects and social responsibility and Alkairm shares his experience as one of Alberta's leading medium scale builders. Alkairm has chosen to build with a focus on people's needs and we recommend you check out his website. Alkarim’s vision is to make thriving communities through elevated design and innovation. He wan...
2021-11-1858 min
Real Estate Student Association PodcastEpisode #9 - Calgary PropTech & Building Communities ft. Alkarim DevaniOn today’s episode, we hear about Alkarim Devani’s journey in the real estate industry. From working alongside realtors to eventually co-founding RNDSQR development in Calgary, Alkarim’s speaks about his experience as a student at the University of Calgary as well as his current endeavours as an instructor at the University of Calgary. Alkarim also speaks about his current project CHROMA, innovating in the residential rental industry.
2021-05-2057 min
360 Degrees of GoodCity Builder Series: The DeveloperRNDSQR's Alkarim Devani on the role of the developer in city building.
2020-03-0233 min
Calgary Business PodcastRNDSQR founder, Al Devani (Episode 45) | 7 January 2020I travelled to the Calgary community of Altadore to meet the founder and CEO of RNDSQR, a real estate developer and inner city community builder. Al Devani wowed me with his vision for the next steps to the connected home — a connected community. Truly fantastic!
Subsequent to this episode, Avenue Magazine named Al Devani to its list of "Top 40 Under 40" for 2021. Here is a link to the formal announcement | https://www.avenuecalgary.com/top-40-under-40/2021/
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To learn more about the RNDSQR team, click on the links below:
RNDSQR
Website | https...
2020-01-0724 min
Calgary Culture: The Perspectives YYC PodcastChange Summit - Alkarim Devani, Richard De Los Reyes, Brett McDermott, Pete EmesA short summit with Alkarim Devani, Richard De Los Reyes, Brett McDermott, and Pete Emes. 4 successful Calgarian Entrepreneurs and I reflect on the city, succeeding working with our dreams, and where Calgary might be heading next. A great conversation which inspired me to reflect on my own work with Perspectives YYC and the push for change, growth, and creativity! We talk about origin stories, politics, business thinking, and even the merits of a $15 smoothie!Thanks again to Kyle Marshall of Media Lab YYC, Thomas Thomas Band (new EP on Spotify, What!?!?!) and special thanks to ATB Entrepreneurial Centre...
2019-05-1457 min360 Degrees of GoodDevelopment & DensityAlkarim Devani on developing affordable, well-designed multi-unit homes in Calgary's established neighbourhoods.
2019-03-0449 min