Shows
American BuildingAdaptive Reuse and The Future of RetailWhen Jim Somoza first walked through Chelsea Market in 1994, he was blown away by the adaptive reuse concept. Years later, through a series of real estate transactions, Jim met Irwin Cohen, the visionary behind the project. He spent four years as president there, and is now applying those lessons at Industry City, turning 16 abandoned waterfront buildings into Brooklyn's largest mixed-use campus.As Managing Director and Partner at Industry City, Jim has overseen the $450 million transformation that now houses 650 businesses—from blacksmiths and vinyl record stores to biotech companies and AI startups. But the real innovation is in ho...2025-07-0953 min
American BuildingThe Ponce City Market Approach to Sustainable ConstructionWhen visitors walk into the Pottery Barn at 619 Ponce, they often ask about the amazing candle scent filling the space. But the smell isn't a candle at all—it's the building itself. The four-story mass timber structure is built from Southern Yellow Pine that developer Jamestown sourced from their own timber holdings.As Director of Innovation and Sustainability at Jamestown, Carrie Denning Jackson is leading projects that put the "healthy people, healthy planet" concept into action. Her path from IBM's Smart Cities division to Google's Sidewalk Labs and now her current role at Jamestown follows a consistent th...2025-07-0236 min
American BuildingMass Timber and the Future of Sustainable Housing DevelopmentWhat if the biggest barrier to carbon-neutral development isn't the technology or the materials, but actually the industry's resistance to change? Most developers know sustainable construction is the future, but translating those ideals into financially viable projects feels impossible when you're faced with premium construction costs and market-rate rents. Nate Helbach believes that large-scale, sustainable development is possible when you’re willing to challenge every assumption about how buildings get financed, designed, and built.As founder and CEO of Neutral, Nate leads a vertically integrated development team that makes sustainability profitable. By bringing architecture, construction, carpentry, technology, an...2025-06-2550 min
American BuildingThe Housing Solution Hidden in Plain SightWhen's the last time you knocked on a stranger's door to ask for something? For most people, the answer is probably never—or at least not since Halloween as a kid. But Cecily King is building Kipling Development this way, sourcing deals by networking in underserved communities and connecting with retiring landlords. Kipling bridges the gap between subsidized low-income housing and luxury market-rate developments. The firm specializes in acquiring and remodeling naturally occurring affordable housing, which are properties that serve middle-income earners, such as teachers, healthcare workers, and young professionals. In other words, the demographic that’s often...2025-06-1846 min
American BuildingWhy Trailborn is Betting On America’s Drive-To DestinationsBen Weinberg and Michael Weiss, childhood friends turned business partners, are threading the needle between nostalgia and innovation with their hospitality ventures Castle Peak Holdings and Trailborn. From the beaches of Wrightsville, North Carolina to the foothills of Rocky Mountain National Park, they’re transforming three-star properties into four-star resort experiences that honor local charm. Their approach defies conventional hospitality wisdom. Rather than imposing a rigid brand template, each Trailborn property celebrates its unique setting while elevating the standard of outdoor destinations. As founders in the “memory-making business,” they describe how they’ve leveraged demographic analysis and local rel...2025-06-1150 min
American BuildingIntroducing American Building Season 4What's shaping the future of real estate development? The industry is facing some of its biggest challenges yet: Rising construction costs, tariffs, shifting investment trends, and an evolving residential market redefining how and where we live, work and stay. But with changes comes opportunity. Join us for season four of American Building as we dive into the urgent questions shaping the built environment in the year ahead. I'm Atif Qadir, a licensed architect turned developer and the creator of this podcast, along with Michael Graves Architecture and Design. In...2025-06-0402 min
Ranch Investor PodcastChallenging Assumptions: East-Coast Developer's Perspective on Real Estate InvestingIn this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Atif Qadir, a luminary in the fields of real estate and urban planning, to explore the intricate dance between development, technology, and the socio-political landscape shaping our cities. Atif offers invaluable advice for those looking to transition from corporate roles to real estate development, emphasizing market knowledge, specialization, and capital access. We also explore the philosophical impacts of consumerism on city planning, the evolving landscape of office spaces, and how global politics intertwine with local real estate markets. This episode is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the nexus of development...2024-02-1247 min
Rethink Real Estate. For Good.Architectural entrepreneur.Atif Qadir is a serial entrepreneur, but that’s not where he started. Trained as an architect and urban planner, Atif decided pretty early on that he wanted to work his way up the ladder, from servicing developers as an architect or builder, to being one! So he started developing his own small properties, and as his frustrations with finding project financing grew, so did his entrepreneurial ideas. He launched Commonplace, a fintech platform, with a mind to create a marketplace for emerging developers and investors. Dating for development projects. In amongst all of this and in...2023-11-2936 min
American BuildingKeith Rand of Mill Creek Residential | The Future of Housing In AmericaWhat does the housing crisis actually entail? To wrap up Season 3 of American Building, I’m joined by Keith Rand, Vice President at Mill Creek Residential, to discuss the main housing production issues Americans face today and different solutions to address them. We look at limitations with local and state government policy and unpack the proposed housing supply plan from the White House. In our conversation, Keith explains the root cause of the supply and demand imbalance in New York City. Between the exorbitant cost of land, insurance, and property taxes, the city that more than 8 million peo...2023-07-2649 minAmerican BuildingMatt Giammanco of AvalonBay Communities | Thanet Circle in Princeton | Suburbia Part IIGarden-style apartments offer residents the best of both worlds: green space and lower density living without the upkeep and price tag of a single-family home. In this episode, I trace back to the origins of garden-style apartments and highlight who lives in them now. I also revisit a conversation with developer Matt Giammanco of AvalonBay Communities to discuss Thanet Circle, a new multi-building garden-style apartment complex in Princeton, New Jersey.Located in a suburban environment that is walkable, bikeable, and in need of rental housing, Matt shares how he and his team chose and developed this project...2023-07-1950 minAmerican BuildingArthi Krishnamoorthy of TenBerke | The Princeton Residential Colleges in Princeton | Dormitories, Then and NowDorm life is a quintessential part of the American university experience, but that wasn’t always the case. In this episode, I outline the history of dormitories and share an edited version of my conversation with Arthi Krishnamoorthy, Senior Principal at TenBerke, to discuss the firm’s residential college project on the Princeton campus. After three years of attending Zoom school, college students are setting records for on-campus housing demand. Mixed with the ever-rising rent prices in college towns, many universities are reimagining the traditional dorm model to accommodate the crowds. Arthi is working closely with t...2023-07-1238 minAmerican BuildingPeter Brosens of Stolar Capital Building | Chatham on Main in Chatham | What is Workforce HousingBetween the global financial crisis, tanking housing production, and rapid inflation, housing affordability for middle income workers has become increasingly out-of-reach. Workforce housing, a type of unregulated affordable housing, addresses the limitations that professionals like teachers, healthcare providers, and retail clerks are facing when it comes to owning a home. In this episode, I unpack the concept of workforce housing and revisit a conversation with Peter Brosens, founder of Stolar Capital, where we cover the details of Chatham on Main, his firm’s garden-style, multifamily complex in Chatham, New Jersey.Located in an...2023-07-0541 minAmerican BuildingAndrew Regenstreich, Formerly of Housing and Neighborhood Development Services | Gateway Project in Orange | Nonprofits and HousingYou can’t have a conversation about affordable housing without acknowledging the impact of rent regulation. Also known as rent control, rent stabilization or rent limits, these coveted units offer occupants a sense of stability by guaranteeing their monthly rent payment won’t skyrocket year after year. So, why is regulated affordable housing so hard to come by? Developer Andrew Regenstreich has an idea. Andrew was the former Director of Real Estate and Economic Development of Housing and Neighborhood Development Services (HANDS). In this episode, I’m revisiting a conversation we had to discuss the agency’s affordabl...2023-06-2847 min
Motley Fool MoneyDeal or No Deal?Regulators are taking a hard look at acquisitions for Adobe, MIcrosoft, and Amazon. And that might be a good thing for Adobe and Activision shareholders. (00:21) Emily Flippen and Matt Argersinger discuss: - Why more rate hikes are on the way. - How housing’s impact on inflation probably won’t slow down any time soon. - Why Activision and Adobe shareholders might not want their company’s proposed acquisitions to go through. (19:11) Deidre Woollard spoke with Atif Qadir, the founder of proptech company Commonplace, about how issues at regional banks affect real estate, and whet...2023-06-2339 minAmerican BuildingKirk Mitchell of AKT Designs | North Woodland Street in Englewood | Beyond McMansionsAs the old adage goes, a man's home is his castle. That doesn't mean that every home is a castle or a mansion, but in this day and age, it could very well be a McMansion. In this episode, I explore the history of mansions and how the style has been interpreted by millions of suburban homeowners. I also revisit a conversation I had with Kirk Mitchell of AKT Designs about his single-family home renovation in Englewood, New Jersey that exemplifies how to avoid tired McMansion tropes. In the suburbs of New York City, it’s common for...2023-06-2136 minAmerican BuildingJohanna Anderson of Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services | Founders Way in Ithaca | Changing Needs, Changing HousingThe racially-charged NIMBY, or ‘not in my backyard’, phenomenon is at the core of zoning laws, particularly in the greater New York City area. In this episode, I take us back to the early 1900s to look at the nation’s first zoning resolution and examine how it continues to affect communities today. I also revisit a conversation with developer Johanna Anderson, the executive director of Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, to learn more about a mixed-use affordable housing development in upstate New York. Founders Way is a mixed-use structure that boasts two separate wings with a new additio...2023-06-1443 minAmerican BuildingJenny Peysin of Jenny Peysin Architecture | Wilderness Drive in East Jewett | Finding Refuge in Vacation HomesWhether it’s called a shore house, weekend home or cottage, the concept remains the same: escape from the city. The cultural phenomenon of staying at a non-primary residence during the summer is especially pervasive in New York City. In this episode, I look into the history of vacation homes in the tri-state area and how the current work-from-home culture impacts these communities. I also revisit a conversation with architect Jenny Peysin to discuss the Passive House movement and learn about her unique build in the Catskill region of upstate New York.Wilderness Drive in East Jewett is...2023-06-0734 minAmerican BuildingNick Falker of Cambridge Realty Partners | The Elm in New Haven | Living in a College TownWith Zoom school largely a thing of the past, college students are back to living on or near campus again. Between dormitories, apartments, and multifamily homes, there are an estimated 8.5 million student housing beds across the US with an projected increase to 9.2 million this decade. In this episode, I’m unpacking the factors contributing to the boom in student housing and the pros and cons this housing type poses to the surrounding communities. I’m also revisiting a conversation with Nick Falker of Cambridge Realty Partners to discuss The Elm, the firm’s multifamily build in New Haven...2023-05-3142 minAmerican BuildingKenneth Namkung of Monument Office | Suburbanism Exhibit in New York City | The Origins of Mass Produced HousingDue to the 1950 Federal Housing Authority and Veterans Administration loan programs, suburbs on Long Island and New Jersey were growing at 10 times the rate of downtown areas in New York City. Levittown in Nassau County is perhaps the most quintessential example of the outcome of those loan programs. Totaling 17,400 homes built on 4,000 acres of potato fields, Levittown was marketed as a safe, peaceful escape from the city. But, like most things that seem too good to be true, there was something nefarious behind-the-scenes: the loan programs had race-based underwriting guidelines and deed covenants that shut out BIPOC c...2023-05-2434 minAmerican BuildingRachel Loeb, Formerly of NYCEDC | Bronx Point in Bronx | When Governments Build HousingPublic housing is the oldest and one of the largest subsidy programs in the country. However, there hasn’t been any significant expansion of public housing spending since 1974 when President Nixon placed a moratorium on that budget. In this episode, I shine a light on the complicated history of government housing and the deep influence it has on segregation and race-related issues in the United States. I also revisit a conversation with Rachel Loeb, former president and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, an agency that develops housing under the auspices of economic development. We...2023-05-1734 minAmerican BuildingLea Cloud of CDR Studio Architects | Bushwick Townhouse in Brooklyn | Townhouses Then and NowIn this episode, we’re exploring the history of townhouses in New York City and unpacking how this housing type relates to gentrification, a hot-button issue at the intersection of race, class, and housing. We’re revisiting a conversation that I had with Lea Cloud, co-founder and partner of CDR Studio Architects, where she walks us through a thoughtful, innovative Bushwick townhouse renovation. Townhouses are single-family, multi-level homes that share walls with other homes on one or both sides and feature an entrance directly to the street. They’re most common in New York City neighborhoods like Harlem...2023-05-1040 minAmerican BuildingMaryAnne Gilmartin of MAG Partners | 241 West 28th Street in New York City | Renting TodayToday we are speaking with the insightful MaryAnne Gilmartin, who discusses her experience getting into the real estate business, incorporating sustainability, and embracing wellness as it relates to creating new developments. MaryAnne is the CEO of MAG Partners and in this episode we dive into her project at 281 West 28th Street in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. The neighborhood of West Chelsea has changed drastically over the years. An area with architecture as diverse as the community that lives there, MaryAnne’s development on West 28th Street encompasses the history and diversity of the Upper East Side. Resi...2023-05-0329 minAmerican BuildingCamila Crazut, Formerly of Spivak Architects | Central Park West in New York City | Who's Afraid of the CooperativeToday I sit down with Camila Crazut, former architect and interior designer for Spivak Architects. Camila and I discuss her Central Park West project located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the benefits and challenges of projects in a cooperative structure, and the good & bad of client and designer relationships. Located in an upper class residential area, the Central Park West building is a pre-war, 11 storey building in a family-oriented neighborhood. Camila goes into detail about how the scope of the renovation is centered around its relation to Central Park and how they incorporate millwork throughout t...2023-05-0332 minAmerican BuildingMelissa Román Burch, Formerly of Lendlease Development | Claremont Hall in New York City | The History of HighrisesOn today’s podcast, we sit down with Melissa Román Burch to learn more about her project with Lendlease Development, Claremont Hall. Located in the academic acropolis of New York City, Claremont Hall is a mixed-use building with modern neo-gothic architecture and sweeping views of the Hudson River. We also dive into some of Melissa’s other developments such as the Atlantic Yards (renamed Pacific Park) and 1 Java Street. Melissa believes that development is about people and to be innovative we have to get curious and question fundamental assumptions. We ask the question of how to expand...2023-05-0355 minAmerican BuildingIntroducing American Building Season 3What does home mean to Americans today, particularly after a pandemic that transformed our society's relationship to the built environment? Over the past three years, we have had to redefine our homes, neighborhoods, towns and cities and restructure our lives as shared spaces became cut off.Now, broad-based issues such as social justice and diversity have come to the forefront of public interest with loud support, and sometimes louder opposition. Housing is where these topics all come together. Sit down with me, Atif Qadir, a licensed architect turned developer, city planning commissioner, and founder of C...2023-04-2602 minAmerican BuildingAtif Qadir of Commonplace | Building for ImpactAll good things either evolve or get left behind, that is why I have renamed REDIST to Commonplace. After speaking with over 250 real estate professionals, I found that developers working on affordable and workforce housing projects that support underserved communities often face the most difficulty in accessing funding. Operating at the intersection of brokerage, media and technology, Commonplace is a marketplace that connects real estate developers with capital to build more affordable, sustainable, accessible, and inclusive cities. In short, we’re bridging the gap between mission-driven developers and the money they need in order to make an imp...2023-04-2608 minAmerican BuildingSean Pichon of PGN Architects and Omar Karim of Banneker Ventures | 2220 MLK Avenue in Washington, D.C. | So, There is a Housing CrisisTo kick off Season 3 of American Building, I sit down with Sean Pichon of PGN Architects and Omar Karim of Banneker Ventures. We explore the projects they are working on together in D.C., such as 2220 MLK Avenue, while also diving into topics such as the nationwide housing shortage and home ownership for Black Americans. Sean and Omar go in depth about their project in Historic Anacostia at 2220 MLK Avenue, an update to a local church which adds affordable housing to the neighborhood, and how they are approaching community pushback. We also break down how the residential a...2023-04-2647 min
MULTIFAMILY AP360EP#261 Public Financing For Commercial Real Estate with Atif QadirSend us a textToday, I sit down with Atif Qadir, from American Buildings. Atif Qadir, AIA founded REDIST, a proptech startup based at the Columbia Startup Lab, and Amanat Properties, a development company focused on the renovation of historic real estate in New Jersey. He was previously a member of the acquisitions and development teams at Extell Development for real estate deals across the United States and Canada. Atif serves as a city planning commissioner in Hoboken, where he lives. He sits on the boards of The Hudson School, Haven Adolescent Community Respite Center, a...2022-07-1921 minAmerican BuildingLauren Popish of The Wave Podcasting | Season RecapTo round out season two, I’m pulling back the curtain and chatting with my producer about the behind-the-scenes of the show. Lauren Popish is the founder of The Wave Podcasting, an agency and recording studio based in Los Angeles that helps people tell their unique stories through podcasting by providing audio editing, educational resources, and a digital community. Lauren is a total pro when it comes to successfully launching and scaling a podcast, which is no easy feat into today’s market. We discuss what the top podcasts have in common, the importance of building a commu...2022-06-2843 minAmerican BuildingRon Schinik of New Blueprint Partners | Vancouver Innovation Center in Vancouver | Redeveloping ManufacturingI’m joined by Ron Schinik, the CEO of New Blueprint Partners, a New York-based company focused on redeveloping manufacturing facilities into mixed-use assets. Ron has a solid foundation in auditing and grew into the role of CFO at three companies centered around operational efficiency. We discuss why he decided to take the leap from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, and how his background in finance complements his current role as CEO. We get into the details of the Vancouver Innovation Center in Washington State, which is what Ron calls the antithesis of the 1950s and 1960s sub...2022-06-2158 minAmerican BuildingBo Sundius of Bunch Design | Stop Making Sense ADU in Los Angeles | Designing Small SpacesI’m joined by Bo Sundius, the owner of Bunch Design. His latest project, the Stop Making Sense Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), explores how you can make a small space feel big. ADUs are 1,200 square foot houses built on an existing single family home property. The space must include a kitchen, bathroom, and a bedroom. Bo highlights that this format allows for some income flexibility that can really help middle class dreams come true, provide a space to help care for aging parents, and respond to the housing crisis in California. Bo walks us through his firm’s typ...2022-06-141h 13American BuildingMark Gardner of Jaklitsch / Gardner Architects | Inwood Sacred Sites in New York City | Sacred ArchitectureI’m joined by Mark Gardner, a Partner at Jaklitsch/Gardner and Professor at the Parsons School of Design. We discuss his work with the Inwood African Burial Ground & Lenape Ceremonial Site, also known as the Inwood Sacred Sites, and how colonization manifests itself in design and architecture across the US. When The Bowery Residents Committee learned the site it planned to purchase had a history as a burial ground for enslaved Africans and as a Lenape Ceremonial Site, their plans for building and operating a high-quality shelter for people experiencing homelessness quickly changed. In our conversation, Mar...2022-06-0751 minAmerican BuildingDevin McIntyre of REDIST | Next Gen InterviewToday, I’m joined by the Product Manager at REDIST, Devin McIntyre. Devin grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and has always been inspired by the city. We discuss how Detroit has transformed into a hub for creativity and technology in the past few years, and how the hustle culture of his hometown motivated him to pursue entrepreneurship from a young age. Before joining the REDIST team, Devin worked for a smaller DTC business, large corporations, and startups. When I asked him how he sees his career panning out, he said that he’s intere...2022-05-3111 minAmerican BuildingTommy Craig of Hines & Rick Cook of COOKFOX | 555 Greenwich and 345 Hudson Street in New York City | Pioneering Sustainable ArchitectureToday, I’m joined by Tommy Craig, Senior Managing Director at Hines, and Rick Cook, Founding Partner at COOKFOX. Tommy and Rick are both pioneers of the sustainable architecture movement and have joined forces for the 555 Greenwich and 345 Hudson Street project. As it stands, they’re two existing buildings that form an entire block in the Hudson Square neighborhood of Manhattan. The goal for 555 Greenwich was to stitch the two buildings together, complete 345 Hudson Street, and face west out towards the Hudson River. The combined buildings are 1.2 million square feet, and as you can imagine, designing that kind...2022-05-241h 10American BuildingChok Lei of Clear Mountain Capital | The Cedarview in Storrs | Garden CommunitiesToday, I’m joined by real estate executive Chok Lei to discuss his work with The Cedarview, a multiphase rental apartment development near the University of Connecticut. The 250-unit community is set upon a former nine-hole golf course, and will provide necessary housing for the students, faculty, and permanent residents of the college town. Chok describes how his team is providing a product that the town needs, but also is keeping in-line with the rural, natural character of Northeastern Connecticut. Chok shares how he was influenced to pursue a career in real estate development from a young age...2022-05-1743 minAmerican BuildingIfeoma Ebo of Creative Urban Alchemy | The Perfect New York Street in New York City | Optimizing Urban StreetsToday, I’m joined by the Founding Principal at Creative Urban Alchemy, Ifeoma Ebo. Ifeoma is a Brooklyn native with a background in architecture, urban planning, real estate development, and environmental sustainability. In our conversation, we dive into the details of her latest project, The Perfect New York Street, which is a modern take on the streetscape of Third Avenue between 33rd and 34th Street. She walks us through what people might see, hear and feel when walking through this re-crafted space, and highlights the ripple effect it can have on the local economy and neighborhood safety. 2022-05-1259 minAmerican BuildingApoorva Rao of Michael Graves Architecture & Design | Next Gen InterviewToday, I’m joined by senior architectural designer at Michael Graves Architecture & Design, Apoorva Rao. Apoorva shares what originally drew her to the field of architecture and how her passion for her family, Indian-American culture, theology, and philosophy ultimately inspired her thesis. She highlights the coaches and mentors who have helped shape her as a person and designer. She also touches on the role that Indian classical dance plays in her approach to architecture, and her dedication to always work from a place of boldness and courage. About the Guest:Apoorva Rao is a senior arc...2022-05-0221 minAmerican BuildingRyan Graye of Eremos | NOBULL in Boston | Limiting Noise DistractionI’m joined by Ryan Graye, the founder and principal of Eremos, an acoustic design firm based in New York City and Miami. We get into how he got his start in this field, his design experience with major fitness facilities, and his current project with the NOBULL headquarters in Boston. Ryan shares what he learned during his time at Cerami & Associates and how he decided to leave the corporate world to start Eremos. Acoustic design is all about applying the science of sound and vibration to architecture. It’s something that a lot of people take for g...2022-04-2644 min
Streams to ImpactREIA 138 Atif Z. Qadir: Unlock public financing for commercial real estateWe'd love to hear from you. What are your thoughts and questions?Atif (Ah-tif) Qadir (Kau-der) founded REDIST, a venture-backed fintech company focused on real estate incentives, and Amanat (Ah-mon-at) Properties, a development company focusing on the renovation of historic real estate in New Jersey. Previously, he was at Extell Development, where he was an Associate on the acquisitions and development teams for deals across the United States and Canada.Main Points:How deals are traditionally capitalized and what's wrong with itHow public financing tools can help more deals make senseWhat are...2022-04-2527 minAmerican BuildingMatt Giammanco of AvalonBay Communities | Thanet Circle in Princeton | Choosing the Right LocationMatt Giammanco is a Senior Director of Development at AvalonBay Communities, the real estate investment trust that acquires, develops, redevelops, and manages apartment communities across the nation. He’s based in their New Jersey office and is part of the development team focused on north and central New Jersey. In today’s episode, Matt brings us behind-the-scenes on the Thanet Circle project in Princeton, New Jersey, and how they’re changing the landscape of suburban rental housing. We also discuss more broadly how major developers like AvalonBay choose where to develop, and then how they go about building. Matt...2022-04-1958 minAmerican BuildingKenneth Namkung of Monument Office | Suburbanism in New York City | The American SuburbToday, I’m joined by Associate, Senior Project Architect, and Designer with NBBJ, Kenneth Namkung. When he’s not working in the NBBJ Healthcare+ Studio, he’s running Monument Office, his research and design firm. I invited Kenneth on to discuss Suburbanism, a concept design proposal for a civic installation in the Herald Square area of Manhattan. Kenneth details the inspiration behind Suburbanism and how he came up with the design. He wanted to highlight the transition that many New Yorkers make: growing up in the land of shopping malls and cul-de-sacs, and then moving to the big cit...2022-04-1353 minAmerican BuildingJack Whalen of Michael Graves Architecture & Design | Next Gen InterviewToday, I’m chatting with another next-gen architectural designer at Michael Graves Architecture and Design, Jack Whalen. We discuss his time as a mentee in the ACE Mentor Program, how his work at dRemodeling in Philadelphia helped prepare him for his role at Michael Graves, and his vision for sustainable architecture. Jack also shares the spectrum of what his days look like and what he enjoys most about working at Michael Graves. He says that one day he might be working on a project locally in Princeton or New York City, and the next he’s on a cal...2022-04-0518 minAmerican BuildingLouis Schump of Gensler | The Westside Pavilion in Los Angeles | The Future of RetailToday, I’m joined by the creative director at Gensler, Louis Schump. Louis has spent his career making progress in proving, demonstrating, and advocating for interiors to be on equal footing as exterior design. His design philosophy is rooted in defining problems and creating unique solutions, which is on full display in his work with the Westside Pavilion. The Westside Pavilion is a former shopping mall located in West Los Angeles, California that is being repurposed into an office complex for Google. You might recognize the location from Clueless, but like most shopping centers, it’s been on a...2022-03-2952 minAmerican BuildingMelissa Román Burch of Lendlease Development | Claremont Hall in New York City | Creating Successful PartnershipsToday, I’m joined by Head of the New York City office for Lendlease Development, Melissa Román Burch. Melissa is a leading property executive and developer in New York with twenty years of public-company real estate experience. In our conversation, we discuss how growing up in Ohio, attending college in Cambridge, and living her adult life in New York City has shaped her outlook on real estate. We touch on the role of academic institutions as economic generators for the cities in which they're situated and the connection between community and higher education. Melissa share...2022-03-2259 minAmerican BuildingAustin Crowley of Michael Graves Architecture & Design | Next Gen InterviewToday, I’m joined by Austin Crowley, a design architect at Michael Graves Architecture & Design. We’re giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to build your career at such an iconic firm and share our advice for listeners who are looking to break out into the field. Austin joined Michael Graves Architecture & Design in 2016 after finishing his Bachelor of Architecture degree at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark. From a young age, he was always interested in drawing, nature and music, and was encouraged to channel that into architecture. On today...2022-03-1514 minAmerican BuildingTing Chin of Linearscape | Wild Walk in Tupper Lake | Connecting Buildings and LandscapesI am joined by Ting Chin, founding principal of Linearscape, an award-winning New York City-based design firm. Linearscape was awarded the prestigious 2012 AIA ENYA Award for their submission “Sym’bio’pia” to the Harlem Edge Competition. Known for its unique designs, the firm focuses on connecting the urban environments to architecture, and architecture to landscape. Today we discuss the ways that buildings and landscapes can be integrated effectively and efficiently with thoughtful designs.Ting also shares her experience designing Wild Walk, an interactive nature walk at the Wild Center. Built-in the forest, this project guides visitors into the tree...2022-03-0833 minAmerican BuildingCoby Lefkowitz of Backyard | Nile Street in San Diego | Accessory Dwelling UnitsCoby Lefkowitz, the co-founder of Backyard, a real estate development company focusing on infill development in Southern California, joins us to discuss the topic of Accessory Dwelling Units — also known as ADUs. These relatively inexpensive homes can be used to help ease the burden of the current housing market by providing more affordable options. Coby shares with us some of his thoughts on underlying ADU legislation and smaller infill development projects. In today’s episode, we also discuss Coby’s 3322 Nile Street project in San Diego. Located in the heart of Altadena, the neighborhood features mostly cozy homes w...2022-03-0154 minAmerican BuildingEdwin Harris of EVOKE Studio Architecture | Durham Public Schools New Elementary School in Durham | Building Quality SchoolsI am joined by Edwin Harris, AIA, LEED AP, NOMA, Co-Founder and Design Principal at EVOKE Studio Architecture and design firm based in Durham, North Carolina. Today we will discuss the new elementary school that his firm has been focusing on designing for Durham public schools. EVOKE Studio Architecture was selected to design this elementary school, with plans to explore the interwoven relationship between the natural and built environment. As our needs begin changing, so do the buildings we occupy. With COVID and the pandemic, the outdoors has become a lot more important in terms of providing t...2022-02-2251 minAmerican BuildingAndrew Regenstreich of Housing and Neighborhood Development Services | Gateway Project in Orange | The Role of Public IncentivesIn today’s episode, I speak with Andrew Regenstreich, the Director of Real Estate and Economic Development at Housing and Neighborhood Development Services (HANDS). HANDS, Inc. is a developer of affordable housing in New Jersey. They engage stakeholders in community organizations, cultural spaces, and commercial properties to help revitalize spaces. Recently, they have planned the “Gateway Project” at 523 Freeman Street, a new construction project for mixed-use housing in Orange, New Jersey. As an undeveloped lot at the corner of Scotland Road, the “Gateway Project” will provide opportunities for entrepreneurs, open space for public gatherings, showcasing local artists, and moderat...2022-02-1550 minAmerican BuildingNick Falker of Cambridge Realty Partners | The Elm in New Haven | Second CitiesIn this week’s episode, I speak with Nick Falker, the Managing Partner at Cambridge Realty Partners based in New Haven, Connecticut. His firm has been investing and developing in real estate opportunistically since 1978. Beginning in 2015, the company pivoted to focus on the New Haven multifamily residential market. In today’s episode we will discuss The Elm, a new construction multi-family building in Downtown New Haven. More broadly, we will also speak about the rise of the second city during COVID and what other cities may learn from it. As we will learn, New York’s loss is perhaps New Ha...2022-02-0848 minAmerican BuildingAlda Ly of Alda Ly Architecture | Tia San Francisco in San Francisco | Designing for WomenToday I am joined by our guest Alda Ly, the founder and principal of Alda Ly Architecture (ALA), a New York City firm that focuses on interiors with a specialty in tech-driven commercial projects. Join us as we discuss her work across the country for Tia, a women's health network and, in particular, their location in San Francisco. More broadly, we will be talking about the future of commercial design in a post-pandemic world. Alda’s firm has designed a new and vibrant space for Tia, a full-service women's healthcare platform creating a women-centric model of care wit...2022-02-0155 minAmerican BuildingSam Dickinson of Keeler Markwood Group | The Peekskill Brewery in Peekskill | Developing and RedevelopingThis week, I am joined by our guest Sam Dickinson, principal at Keeler Markwood Group, a Westchester-based development company focused on ground-up and value-add opportunities in the Greater New York area. We discuss the Peekskill Brewery, a major renovation, and redevelopment project that Sam’s firm had been working on in the Hudson Valley. More broadly, we will talk about how a good development strategy and design can make the difference between foodservice venues that survive and those that fail to make the cut.Historically, the Peekskill Brewery project was the Myers Brothers Storage warehouse -- a fo...2022-01-2554 minAmerican BuildingArthi Krishnamoorthy of Deborah Berke Partners | The Princeton Residential Colleges in Princeton | In-Between SpaceI am joined today by our guest Arthi Krishnamoorthy and we discuss topics of the two new Residential Colleges that her team has designed at Princeton University, including strategies she implements to help make university buildings feel more like home for students that are coming from near and far. Additionally, we discuss the topics of how to integrate inside and outside to connect the colleges to the site and to the landscape, how to create designs that transform architectural spaces into homes for students and how she has addressed the impact of COVID-19 while building on-campus housing....2022-01-1851 minAmerican BuildingPaul Lewis of LTL Architects | Carnegie Mellon University Residence & Academic Hub in Pittsburgh | Designing for EducationIn today’s episode, I am joined by Paul Lewis, FIAI, Principal at LTL Architects based in New York City. He shares with us his experience of working on projects for universities across the United States, from NYU to the University of Wyoming. Additionally, we learn more about his project working on the Carnegie Mellon University Residence & Academic Hub Project. Recently, he was awarded the prestigious Rome Prize, the Emerging Voices Award and the Young Architects Award. As a 265-bed residence hall, the Carnegie Mellon University Residence & Academic Hub Project aims to improve the quality of student lif...2022-01-1140 minAmerican BuildingLauren Eckhart Smith of Alagem Capital Group | One Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills | Large-Scale Sustainable DesignIn today’s episode, I discuss the topic of sustainability with my guest Lauren Eckhart Smith, the Head of Design at Alagem Capital Group in Beverly Hills, California. I also speak with her about One Beverly Hills, a mixed-use project that includes residential, retail, hotel and both new construction and renovation components. This project, located at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard, is a one-of-a-kind building with the most advanced technologies for health and sustainability. Additionally, I discuss with Lauren how this particular 17.5-acre site is one of the largest projects incorporating sustainable design and...2022-01-0444 minAmerican BuildingPascale Sablan of Adjaye Associates | Cleveland Foundation Headquarters in Cleveland | Design Justice | Part 2In today’s episode, I speak with architect and Founder of Beyond the Built Environment, Pascale Sablan. She shares with us her experience working on the Cleveland Foundation Headquarters as a Senior Associate at S9 ARCHITECTURE in New York. This project, located at the corner of Euclid Avenue and East 66th Street, is meant to be as open, transparent, and inviting as possible to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment. More broadly, we discuss the topic of design justice and how that aims to challenge structural inequalities by centring marginalized individuals in community-led design practices. As Founder of...2021-12-2837 minAmerican BuildingPascale Sablan of Adjaye Associates | Cleveland Foundation Headquarters in Cleveland | Design Justice | Part 1In today’s episode, I speak with architect, activist, and Associate at Adjaye Associates, Pascale Sablan. She shares with us her experience working on the Cleveland Foundation Headquarters as a designer at S9 ARCHITECTURE in New York. This project, located at the corner of Euclid Avenue and East 66th Street, is meant to be as open, transparent, and inviting as possible to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment. More broadly, we discuss the topic of design justice and how that aims to challenge structural inequalities by centering marginalized individuals in community-led design practices. As Founder of Beyond the...2021-12-2136 minAmerican BuildingLea Cloud of CDR Studio Architects | Bushwick Townhouse in New York City | Designing ConnectivityIn this week’s episode, I met with Lea Cloud who is a co-founder and partner of CDR Studio with Victoria Rospond. She shared with me her experience working on several projects, including working on the Bushwick townhouse in Brooklyn as well as a residential project in Snowmass, Colorado. Prior to co-founding the firm, she gained experience working at PKSB Architects where she was project architect for two New York State University projects, a library addition and renovation at the Fredonia Campus. Lea also shares how she is able to succeed as a designer with a diverse wor...2021-12-1446 min
TRXL066: ‘Pushing Against A Cotton Ball’, with Atif QadirSpecial guest Atif Qadir of REDIST joins the podcast to talk about his mission to aggregate and redistribute financial and near-monetary incentives in the real estate development space, the lack of coordination between governmental agencies' data, how he built a team and leverages their superpowers, how his career led to REDIST coming from an architectural background, and more.LinksAtif on LinkedInREDIST websiteREDIST on LinkedInAmerican Building PodcastOK Computer Lecture Series: Autonomous Vehicles (YouTube)Check out my other podcasts too: Archispeak and PeopleverseMy YouTube channelConnect with EvanTwitterLinkedInInstagramYouTubeEmailSponsor...2021-12-1451 minAmerican BuildingClayton Taylor of West of West and JR Gideon of Lincoln Property Company | Eastbound in Austin | Austin Design Week LiveToday we will be talking to Clayton Taylor and JR Gideon who are jointly working on the Eastbound project, a new mixed-use development in East Austin. This project is designed for open-air business-ready gatherings on a large scale and incorporates the current trend of destination mixed-use. Additionally, we will be speaking about how real estate professionals are already transforming where we work and how this has changed during the pandemic. Both of our guests have impressive professional portfolios, Clayton is the Founder and Principal at architecture firm West of West based out of Portland Oregon and JR is the...2021-12-071h 08
The Lead Sponsor - Real Estate Investing Through Syndications and FundsLeveraging Public Incentives to Acquire Multifamily - with Atif Qadir | TLS145Atif is a licensed architect turned entrepreneur. He founded REDIST, a venture-backed fintech company based in Brooklyn and focused on real estate incentives, and Amanat Properties, a development company focusing on the renovation of historic real estate in New Jersey. Previously, he was at Extell Development and is a graduate of MIT and Columbia.Atif Z. Qadir founded REDIST, a venture-backed fintech company focused on real estate incentives, and Amanat Properties, a development company focusing on the renovation of historic real estate in New Jersey. Previously, he was at Extell Development, where he was an Associate on...2021-12-0130 min