In this conversation, Ryan Williams shares his journey from an unintentional start in architecture to becoming a co-founder of Arcqive, a platform designed for architects and designers. He discusses his educational background, the role of software in his development, and his experiences at WeWork, including the founding of We of Color. Ryan reflects on the challenges of transitioning from a structured environment to agency work and the importance of creating meaningful experiences in design. He emphasizes the need for curation in a world overflowing with options and the evolving nature of physical spaces in the digital age.

https://arqhive.world/

https://www.pickaverb.com/

How will AI change the world around us? Architect Daeho Lee has been working with AI visualization software to project a new path forward for architecture and design. He joins MoPo discusses his journey in architecture, the evolution of rendering, and the impact of AI on design. He reflects on the transition from traditional rendering methods to AI-generated visuals, emphasizing the importance of visualization as a communication tool in architecture. Daeho shares insights on how AI can enhance the design process, particularly for young architects, while also addressing the limitations and challenges of integrating AI into architectural practice. The discussion culminates in a vision for the future of architecture, where individual creativity and technology converge.

Keywords

architecture, AI, rendering, design process, visualization, communication, Daeho Lee, Adjaye Associates, OMA, technology, Midjourney, instagram, archviz

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:32 The Role of Rendering in Architecture

04:27 Using AI to Generate Design Options

09:49 Shift towards Hyper-Realistic Renderings

12:56 Outsourcing Rendering and New Software

15:05 Exploring AI-Generated Renderings

15:33 The Power of Visualization

17:15 Engaging Clients through 3D Renderings

18:13 The Evolution of Visuals in the Design Process

19:56 Communicating Design Ideas with AI

31:55 Limitations and Potentials of AI in Architecture

41:02 Clients' Preferences and Design Inspiration

42:25 The Role of AI and the Designer

55:04 Limitations of Integrating AI in Architecture

59:16 The Future of Architecture and the Role of Architects

Links

https://www.instagram.com/daeho_lee_0104

https://www.lmtlsarchitecture.com/

What is the impact of sea level rise on coastal cities and what strategies are we implementing to address this issue? We explore the challenges faced by cities like Boston and New York, the role of design and policy in mitigating the effects of sea level rise, and the need for both individual and collective action. Our discussion highlights the importance of considering future risks and making informed decisions about buying property in flood-prone areas. We also touch on the role of incentives and government programs in supporting resilience efforts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the Impact of Sea Level Rise

08:16 Resilience in the Built Environment

14:49 Assessing Risks and Benefits of Buying Property in Flood-Prone Areas

25:17 Design and Policy Approaches to Addressing Sea Level Rise

32:18 Taking Action: Implementing Strategies for Resilience

39:24 Balancing Optimism and Realism in the Face of Sea Level Rise

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of development and uncover what it takes to become a developer. We start by exploring the roots of development, the essential skills needed, and the various development models that shape the industry.

Traditionally, developers acquire land, oversee design and permits, and eventually sell or rent their projects for profit. However, there's a shift towards newer models like the service model and developer consulting, which spread out risk and engage multiple stakeholders in the process.

Throughout our discussion, we showcase inspiring examples of development projects, from community-driven initiatives to innovative public sector developments. Join us as we unravel the complexities and possibilities in the ever-evolving realm of development.

Chapters

00:00 The Basics of Becoming a Developer

06:12 Exploring Different Types of Developers

17:16 The Goals and Principles of Development

32:40 The Evolution of Development Models

43:14 The Importance of Long-Term Perspective

On this episode of our podcast, we dive into the world of sustainable building design with Dr. Irmak Turan, a trailblazer in sustainability and resilience. Discover how integrating sustainability into your projects from the get-go can transform energy efficiency, materials usage, and even enhance occupant well-being. Dr. Turan sheds light on key certifications like LEED and WELL that set the stage for sustainable design excellence. Join us as we explore the pivotal role of daylight, views, and early goal-setting in creating greener, more efficient buildings.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Early Career Journey

06:03 Defining Sustainability and Resiliency

08:33 Collaboration between Engineering and Architecture

11:26 Setting Goals for Sustainable Building Design

16:08 Balancing Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

23:27 Challenges and Strategies for Implementation

29:27 The Value of Daylight and Views in Buildings

33:25 Implementing Sustainability Strategies

35:47 Early Design Decisions for Sustainable Buildings

40:20 Setting Design Standards for Multiple Buildings

44:31 Motivation for Sustainable Building Design

How does mushrooms have to do with sustainable materials? In this Episode, Brian Lee, a principal research scientist at Autodesk, introduces his research on low carbon materials. We learn about mycelium composites and how it can be used as a sustainable and carbon-negative material for building facades. Brian teaches us about the role of research in driving innovation and sustainability at Autodesk. He introduces the challenges of scaling up new materials, and the importance of collaboration with experts from different domains.

Chapters

00:00 Brian’s Background and How He Got Into Design Research

07:09 The Role of Research in the AEC Industry

14:26 The Importance of Materials in Building Sustainability

23:36 Challenges and Opportunities in Scaling Up New Materials

32:15 Collaborating with Experts for Material Development

38:21 The Future of Autodesk Research

Read More in The Carbon Story Blog Series:

In this series we showcase how Autodesk Research is partnering across the company and with customers to build a real-world, net-zero future.

Part 1: The story of carbon and innovation in materials research with Autodesk customers. Link: https://bit.ly/3U7eFdT

Part 2: Explores industry readiness for sustainable solutions and how Autodesk Research is shaping the future of design and make with digital workflows.

Link: https://bit.ly/3JXzKmq

Part 3: How Autodesk’s AI-assisted design technology is enabling sustainability in the AECO industries.

Link: https://bit.ly/4elHo7S

The Pheonix Project: https://adsknews.autodesk.com/en/news/ai-powered-sustainable-housing-phoenix/

Brian’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjlee2/

Autodesk Research Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autodesk-research/

Step into the world of cutting-edge real estate with our latest episode featuring Yair, an architect-turned-data scientist who's reshaping the industry at Hines. We explore the fascinating journey from drafting tables to data analytics, and discover how this unique perspective is transforming urban landscapes.

Yair shares his obsession with converting offices into housing, a timely topic in today's evolving housing environment. We'll dive into the challenges of urban redevelopment, the future of office spaces, and how companies like Hines are adapting to a rapidly changing market.

Get an insider's look at:

• The success story behind Hines innovative coworking product, The Square
• A captivating comparison of architectural giants Gensler and OMA
• The crucial role of MIT labs in fostering industry collaboration
• Hines's strategic shift from office-centric to a diversified real estate portfolio

Chapters

00:00 - Turning Offices into Housing

05:28 - The Success of Hines's Coworking Product

06:27 - Gensler vs. OMA: A Difference in Design

13:55 - Labs at MIT

30:21 - The Challenges and Opportunities of Office-to-Housing Conversions

36:06 - Navigating the Unique Nature of Different Cities in Real Estate

36:53 - Hines: From Office-Focused to a Diversified Portfolio

48:01 - Exploring the Future of Real Estate with AI, Crypto, Decarbonization, and Community

54:18 - The Importance of Being Part of a Strong Group and Accessing Resources for Career Development

Links:

Checkpoint Building

POST Houston

The Big U

One Architecture

BIG

Hines

The Square

Industrious

Williams Tower

South Station Tower

Fifth Wall

Yasushi Sakai is a researcher, artist, and architect that lives in the computer terminal. In this conversation, Yasushi explains his journey from being an architect to his current research at MIT's Media Lab. He discusses his time working in architecture firms and his involvement in digital design divisions. He reflects on the limitations of parametric design tools like Rhino and Grasshopper in fundamentally changing the design process. Yasushi introduces us to the unique composition of the Media Lab and its focus on realizing research ideas and testing them in the real world. We discuss his research on propagational proxy voting systems, which combines fractional voting and liquid democracy. He explains how this voting system can be applied to decision-making in architecture and urban planning.

Links:

Shigeru Ban

Fumihiko Maki

Nikken Sekkei

Flash

Rhino Script

Grasshopper

Git

Media Lab City Science Group

City Scope

What is design worth and can its value even be measured?

The authors of the forthcoming book, Value of Design: Creating Agency Through Data-Driven Insights, join Most Podern to state that it can be and discuss the importance of design in the built environment and its impact on society. They aim to bridge the gap between design and finance, and quantify the value of design in terms of its impact on financial value, social value, and cultural value. The discussion also touches on the subjective nature of design, the role of developers and policy makers in decision-making, and the importance of evidence-based approach to evaluating design quality.

Value of Design: Creating Agency Through Data-Driven Insights coming Fall 2024

by Andrea Chegut, Minkoo Kang, Helena Rong, and Juncheng Tony Yang

In the context of architecture and real estate, the value of design—be it financial or social value—remains largely unmeasured, overlooked, and inadequately researched. By failing to acknowledge the potential of design, we miss opportunities to address the wide-ranging social and sustainability challenges at play today.

MIT Real Estate Innovation Lab

Published by ORO Editions

Graphic Design by Studio Lin

Edited by Julia van den Hout of Original Copy

Preorder Now

De Peter Yi joins Most Podern to talk about his work in addressing the built environment through a design research approach to architectural practice. As an ⁠Assistant Professor of Architecture at the University of Cincinnati⁠, and founder of ⁠Rebuild Collective⁠, an architectural research and design studio, Peter’s practice addresses ways in which architectural and urban design plays a role in the evolution of contemporary society.

Combining his various roles as an architect, researcher, and educator, Peter discusses his journey from childhood experiences to architectural training, education, and professional practice. He explores the impact of research in design, the role of academia, and the development work that targets how ways to improve the relationship between policies governing the development of the built environment and the outcomes that they yield.

Featured Links

• Rebuild Collective on Instagram
• Zoning reform can build better residential blocks - The Architect's Newspaper
• The Wandering Courtyard House⁠
• Low Rise LA

Season 3 of the Most Podern Podcast focuses on design research in the built environment, ranging from innovative ways to address real estate finance, sustainability, policy, civic and engagement. In this season preview, your hosts Libo, Minkoo, and Alex explore how knowledge is created, disseminated, and applied in the industry and introduce the guests, topics, themes, and insights from the season’s upcoming episodes.

Season 3 Schedule

May 27 - Season Introduction with your hosts

June 3 - De Peter Yi - ⁠Architect and Professor at the University of Cincinnati

June 10 - Helena Rong, Tony Juncheng Yang, and Minkoo Kang - Researchers at MIT Real Estate Innovation Lab, Co-Authors of The Value of Design (forthcoming)

June 17 - Yasushi Sakai - Researcher at the MIT Media Lab's City Science Research Group

June 24- Yair Titelboim - Data Scientist and CRE Specialist at ⁠Hines Office of Innovation

July 1 - Brian Lee - Principal Research Scientist at Autodesk Research

July 8 - Irmak Turan - Vice President of Sustainability & Resilience at Thornton Tomasetti

In another in between episode, we explore the question of what makes a good building. We touch on the importance of context, the challenges of building in urban environments, and the impact of building materials and technologies. We explore the importance of light, air, and ceilings in creating a pleasant environment. Our next season on the topic of Research is dropping next week!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Questioning the Definition of a Building

02:24 Exploring the Importance of Purpose and Context

06:49 Adaptability and Flexibility in Urban Environments

10:11 The Role of Materials and Technologies in Building Efficiency

14:48 Balancing Policy and Feasibility in Building Design

27:27 Exploring the Role of Light, Air, and High Ceilings

28:55 Discussing Comfortable Stairs and Well-Designed Spaces

32:38 Evaluating the Impact of Views, Colors, Smell, and Sound

36:25 Appreciating the Experience of Urban Environments

41:30 Defining the Characteristics of a Good Building

50:53 Encouraging a Demand for Better Built Environments

This week, Caroline Sorge joins us to discuss the multifaceted role of architecture in addressing resilience, climate change, and community needs. She the unique challenges faced by different communities in the context of climate justice. Through her experiences in humanitarian initiatives and local projects, she highlights the need for architects to engage with communities, listen to their needs, and collaborate with policymakers to create sustainable solutions. The conversation also touches on the unequal impacts of climate change and the necessity of balancing immediate community needs with long-term sustainability goals.

Takeaways

- Architecture is a multidisciplinary field that requires collaboration.

- Resilience in design is crucial for addressing climate challenges.

- Understanding community needs is essential for effective architecture.

- Humanitarian initiatives can benefit from architectural expertise.

- Designing for displaced individuals requires empathy and understanding.

- Climate change exacerbates existing social injustices.

- Policy and architecture must work together for effective change.

- Access to safe housing is a fundamental human right.

Chapters

00:00 Studying Sustainable Emergency Architecture

01:47 Architecture as Service and Multidisciplinary Collaboration

03:37 Focus on Resiliency in Architecture

06:17 Engagement in Humanitarian Projects

08:54 Constraints and Considerations in Shelter Design

12:15 Addressing Climate Change Inequality

14:05 Local Initiatives and Impact

17:16 Impact of Climate Change on Vulnerable Communities

19:05 Strategies for Dealing with Extreme Heat

20:59 Community Engagement and Holistic Approaches

21:08 Greening Up Cities and Adapting to Community Needs

22:04 Collaboration for Positive Change

24:05 The Power of Policy in Addressing Climate Justice

25:26 Listening to Community Voices and Passing the Pen

31:08 Balancing Sustainability and Community Needs

44:06 A Dream of Safe Homes for Everyone

The Sphere in Las Vegas is a unique and captivating building that has gained viral attention. It is a giant LED screen and a building in one, displaying dynamic and immersive content. It has quickly become a symbol of Las Vegas and its entertainment culture. In this episode, we discuss the Sphere's impact on the built environment and its place in the prioritization of spectacle and entertainment, pushing the boundaries of architecture and real estate. 00:00Introduction to the Sphere

13:41The Sphere as an Immersive Experience

28:57The Sphere: Building or Billboard?

39:35The Importance of Entertainment in Buildings

In this conversation, we explore the challenges of running an architecture business. Why architects are reluctant to view their practice as a business and the stigma associated with prioritizing profit. We dive into the intersection of architecture and entrepreneurship, how architects can become developers and create their own projects. We discuss the business side of architecture and the importance of having the ability to adapt and pivot in response to market changes.

Chapters

00:00The Stigma of Viewing Architecture as a Business

01:50The Lack of Emphasis on Business Practices in Architecture Education

05:09Why Architecture Firms Are Not High-Value Businesses

09:19The Role of Branding and Specialization in Architecture Firms

14:30The Limitations and Risks of Running an Architecture Business

29:59Bridging the Gap: From Architecture to Development

32:17Innovation in Architecture: Addressing Market Needs

35:26The Business Side of Architecture: Understanding Codes and Zoning

38:12Challenges and Rewards of Running an Architecture Business

49:03Building a Strong Team and Network for Success

52:53Self-Awareness and Continuous Learning in Architecture

In this conversation, we explore the definitions of work, career, and job, and how they differ from each other. We discuss the importance of finding work that aligns with one's values and provides a sense of fulfillment. What is the role of office culture and politics in work satisfaction, and how it can it vary across different industries and regions?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Work

08:14 Work-Life Balance and Approaches

25:50 Finding Flow

38:04 Lessons Learned and Applying Them to Business

Have you wondered how the buildings you live, work, learn, and play in actually get created? Libo, Minkoo, and Alex break down the process of making a building and who is involved - who allows it, who pays for it, who designs, and who builds it. The group breaks down how it all comes together and starts to get at the important challenges and opportunities that the process enables.

00:00 Introduction: The Missing Gap in the Building Conversation

06:12 Market Conditions and Incentives in Building Construction

23:45 The Importance of Community Feedback in the Design Process

31:17 Balancing Risk and Certainty in the Construction Process

39:03 The Importance of Project Completeness and Quality

49:43 Becoming Informed and Engaged Occupants of Buildings

Brandon Hall, architect and founder of BHA in Chicago, discusses his career journey and experiences in the field of architecture. He shares how his early interest in building and design led him to pursue a career in architecture that saw him work across continents for some of the most recognized firms in the world. Brandon reflects on his own education and training, and the lessons he continues to learn as the founder of an active architecture practice that looks to build buildings of character and value.

00:00 Introduction and Career Journey

09:30 Design Competitions in Europe

29:17 Embracing the Journey of Your Career

38:54 Articulating Your Design Process and Ideas

Can design training translate to technological innovation?

Zach Soflin, architect turned tech entrepreneur joins Most Podern to discuss his journey from studio to startup. Zach discusses his path from being an architect to building Layer, a transformative software for the building industry, that tackles the unique challenges of working with spatial data. Zach shares how he first became interested in architecture and how his passion for design led him to pursue a career in the field and then beyond.

00:00 Zach's Background and Journey to Architecture

03:18 The Birth of Layer: Solving a Project's Problem

08:16 Financing and Funding a Startup

35:26 The Future of the AEC Industry and Layer's Role

Evan Smith is Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Highland Park Technologies, a company focused on developing automated and cost effective ways to retrofit our built environment. As a licensed general contractor, creator, developer, and serial entrepreneur, shares his career journey moving through various roles and organizations to shape the world around us.

The discussion touches on creating a culture of learning and adaptation, both personally and professionally, shifting focus to leaner approaches in design and building, and challenging assumptions to embrace innovation.

https://www.hiparktech.com/

00:00 Introduction to Evan and his career journey

03:02 Starting a business in landscape architecture

04:27 Transitioning to energy efficiency in housing

09:16 Lessons learned from the failure of Placetailor

16:22 Founding Highland Park Technologies

24:16 Partnership with architects and their strengths and weaknesses

28:19 The Impact of AI on Architecture

29:19 The Changing Job Landscape for Architects

30:41 The Role of AI in Architectural Design

32:04 Creating a Culture of Learning and Adaptation

33:31 Shifting Focus and Leaner Approaches in Architecture

34:51 Challenging Assumptions and Embracing Innovation

37:39 Improving Communication and Collaboration in the Construction Industry

38:06 Speaking the Same Language as Builders

41:16 Creating a Multidisciplinary Team

44:07 Balancing Creativity and Financial Realism

50:25 The Opportunity for Architects to Embrace New Technologies

54:04 Embracing Opportunities and Overcoming Biases

MoPo Season 2 Schedule

March 4 - Season Introduction with your hosts

March 11 - Jacki Schaefer - ⁠⁠Career Coach⁠⁠

March 18 - Andrew Kao - Former VP at ⁠⁠CBRE Hana⁠⁠, Former VP at ⁠⁠Miller Knoll⁠⁠

March 25 - Evan Wiskup - Founder of [⁠⁠Wiskup Architecture⁠⁠] Co-founder of ⁠⁠neighbor⁠⁠

April 1 - Evan Smith - Co-founder of ⁠⁠Highland Park Technologies⁠⁠

April 8 - Zach Soflin - Founder & CEO of ⁠⁠Layer⁠⁠

April 15 - Brandon Hall - Founder of ⁠⁠BHA⁠⁠

Follow Us @

On ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠

On ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠

On ⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠

On ⁠⁠Instagram⁠

On ⁠LinkedIn

Evan Wiskup, founder of Wiskup Architecture and co-founder of Neighbor, shares his unique perspective as both an architect and a real estate developer. He discusses his early interest in design and architecture, his intentionality when studying and practicing architecture, and his transition into real estate development.

Evan emphasizes the importance of finding fulfillment in one's work through balancing between design excellence and practicality, finding compatibility in project partnerships, and moving towards happiness every single day.

wiskuparchitecture.com

itsneighbor.com

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:22 Early Interest in Architecture

04:14 Engaging with Reality

05:37 Shifting Perspective on Architecture

06:07 Getting in Touch with the City

09:25 Transitioning to Grad School at Yale

10:23 Exploring Theoretical Frameworks in Architecture

11:47 Working at OMA and Alloy

13:16 Transitioning to Real Estate Development

25:08 Founding neighbor and Wiskup Architecture in succession

34:19 Managing Multiple Projects and Prioritizing Happiness

38:10 Selecting Projects and Collaborators

42:30 Closing Remarks and Getting in Touch

Once captivated by design's allure, how do those shaping our built environment tap into the compounding power of sharing knowledge, honing their skills, and seamlessly blending beauty with efficiency? Andrew Kao is a licensed architect, a former Product Manager at WeWork, and a former Vice President at both CBRE/Hana and MillerKnoll. He discusses the challenges and frustrations he faced in the architecture industry, navigating his career through a global financial crisis and pandemic, as well as the opportunities he found seeking more from the profession and sharing knowledge along the way. The conversation touches on what it's like starting a company within a larger company, the productization of spatial services, why beauty and efficiency are not mutually exclusive, and Andrew’s hopes for the profession.

Find Andrew on LinkedIn. 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:56 Andrew's Journey to Architecture 06:07 Challenges in the Architecture Industry 12:14 Move to WeWork 16:29 Working on Standards at WeWork 27:51 Documenting and Sharing Knowledge 28:51 Sharing Knowledge and Trading Information 29:17 Transition from WeWork to CBRE HANA 30:14 Starting a Company Inside a Big Company 31:11 Starting Over and Being Lean 32:07 Designing to De-risk Projects 33:00 Efficiency and Documentation 34:24 Transition to Herman Miller 36:15 Managing Change and Mergers 41:22 Efficiency vs. Beauty in Design 45:40 Changes and Hopes for the Profession

How can one develop a rewarding and meaningful career as an architect?

Jacki Schaefer, an architecture career specialist, discusses her journey in the field of architecture and how transitioning away from it led to creating value for others. She highlights the disillusionment she experienced in practice and the disconnect between academia and the profession and how she turned both into a force for positive change for her own life. Jacki also emphasizes the value of career coaching and the need for individuals to understand their motivations and goals in the face of the narrow definitions of success in architectural culture. The conversation concludes with insights into the trends and ideas shaping the new generation of architects and advice for students and professionals.

Follow Jacki on LinkedIn

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:41 Transitioning Away from Architecture

03:08 Disillusionment with Architecture

05:05 Feeling Isolated in Architecture

06:04 Creating a Career Coaching Role

07:31 The Value of Career Coaching

09:23 Ethics in Career Coaching

11:12 Understanding Motivations and Goals

13:27 Narrow Definitions of Success in Architecture

15:49 Influence of Academia on Career Expectations

20:02 Trends and Ideas in the New Generation of Architects

23:40 Advice for Students

24:59 The Lifelong Process of Career Development

25:29 Thinking Ahead and Making Decisions

25:57 Identifying Skills and Experiences

26:25 Understanding Job Parameters

26:54 The Uncertainty of the Future

27:23 Being Open to Possibilities

27:51 Employer Perspective on Hiring

28:14 The Value of Training and Teaching

29:07 Looking Beyond Technical Skills

29:35 Considering Cultural Fit and Personality

30:02 The Anxiety of Finding a Job

30:31 The Gap Between Academia and Practice

31:29 The Challenges of Transitioning to the Real World

31:56 The Impact of Leaving College

32:23 Exposing Students to Different Perspectives

33:21 The Value of Architecture Education

33:49 Questioning the Quality of Work

34:18 Learning from Mistakes and Anti-precedents

35:16 The Importance of Interdisciplinary Work

36:16 Understanding Different Perspectives in Architecture

37:13 The Need for Broad Exposure in Education

38:04 Small Business Owners Doing it Right

39:01 Asking the Right Questions about Success

40:24 Valuing Architecture as Part of Life

41:23 The Challenge of Defining Success

42:49 The Impact of Working with Students

43:17 Memorable Stories of Impact

45:41 Listening to Your Inner Voice

MoPo Season 2 Schedule

March 4 - Season Introduction with your hosts

March 11 - Jacki Schaefer - ⁠Career Coach⁠

March 18 - Andrew Kao - Former VP at ⁠CBRE Hana⁠, Former VP at ⁠Miller Knoll⁠

March 25 - Evan Wiskup - Founder of [⁠Wiskup Architecture⁠] Co-founder of ⁠neighbor⁠

April 1 - Evan Smith - Co-founder of ⁠Highland Park Technologies⁠

April 8 - Zach Soflin - Founder & CEO of ⁠Layer⁠

April 15 - Brandon Hall - Founder of ⁠BHA⁠

Follow Us @

On ⁠Spotify⁠

On ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠

On ⁠Youtube⁠

On ⁠Instagram

On LinkedIn

How can we make our habitats more sustainable?

Architectural and energy designer, Liz Hauver dives into the world of energy-efficient design. She shares her journey into the field, breaks down the fundamentals of Passive House architecture, and highlights why energy modeling should be a core part of architectural education. Liz explores the cost and challenges of Passive House certification, the complexities of retrofitting, and what’s next for sustainable design in Massachusetts.

Liz on LinkedIn

Keywords

Passive House, Energy Design, Sustainable Architecture, Building Science, Massachusetts Energy Code, Architectural Education, Energy Modeling, Climate Adaptation, Retrofit Challenges, Funding for Sustainability

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:15 Personal Journey into Sustainable Design

05:07 Designing with Energy in Mind as a Student

07:21 Using Energy Modeling Software in Design

09:35 Certification and Cost Considerations

11:24 Choosing Passive House as a Specialization

14:24 Feasibility Studies and Design Recommendations

16:08 Key Features of Passive House Construction

19:03 Lessons Learned and New Building Practices

20:59 Adapting Passive House Principles to Different Climate Zones

22:53 Introduction to Passive House Design

25:14 The Role of New Technologies

27:32 Applying Passive House Principles to Buildings of Any Scale

29:07 The Cost and Benefits of Passive House Construction

30:50 Predicting Building Performance and Accounting for Occupant Behavior

32:29 Promoting Passive House Design through Education and Outreach

35:50 Challenges and Opportunities in Retrofitting Buildings to Passive House Standards

38:06 Fee Structuring and Educating Developers in Passive House Design

41:18 The Future of Passive House: Accessibility, Affordability, and Beyond Energy Efficiency

On the inaugural season of Most Podern, where we embark on an exploration of a fundamental question: How do we shape the world around us professionally? Join hosts Minkoo Kang, Libo Li, and Alex Yuen as they guide us on an insightful journey into the dynamic landscape of careers in and around the built environment.

Through candid conversations with professionals from an array of fields and pursuits, we delve into the intricacies of careers that quietly influence our world. From passionate architects to determined startup founders, our guests generously share their personal journeys, challenges, and aspirations as they navigate their professional paths.

Get ready for engaging discussions with experts and innovators as we uncover valuable insights into professional success as well as personal fulfillment. Whether you're a seasoned professional seeking new perspectives or someone just starting out on your journey, we invite you to join us over the conversation!

Season 2 Schedule

March 4 - Season Introduction with your hosts

March 11 - Jacki Schaefer - Career Coach

March 18 - Andrew Kao - Former VP at CBRE Hana, Former VP at Miller Knoll

March 25 - Evan Wiskup - Founder of [Wiskup Architecture] Co-founder of neighbor

April 1 - Evan Smith - Co-founder of Highland Park Technologies

April 8 - Zach Soflin - Founder & CEO of Layer

April 15 - Brandon Hall - Founder of BHA

Follow Us @

On Spotify

On Apple Podcasts

On Youtube

On Instagram

Alex is an urban designer and architect from San Francisco. He’s a founding partner of Collective Operations (CO) and teaches urban design at Harvard GSD. In this conversation, Alex discusses how he fell in love with cities, how Steph Curry inspired his approach to his career, and his motivations as a teacher, urban designer, architect, and developer.

Highlights

• 1:17 When and where Alex fell in love with cities

• 8:00 Perceptorship at DS+R

• 12:15 First days at OMA

• 15:10 The economics of towers

• 17:45 What motivated Alex to move into development

• 21:50 Taking a vacation after OMA

• 24:00 How Alex got into teaching

• 28:41 How Steph Curry inspired Alex to play with freedom and joy

• 39:00 The three questions for a successful project

• 40:00 Practice as a way to talk beyond the discipline

• 43:27 Alex’s ideas for the Most Podern Podcast

• 47:50 Introducing Season 2: Careers

References and Links

• Troy Schaum

• Sarah Whiting

• Felipe Correa

• Stephen Curry

• DS+R

  • Charles Renfro, Liz Diller, and Rick Scafidio

  • Culture Shed

  • High Line

  • Columbia Medial tower

• OMA

  • Milstein Hall

Libo is a Data Engineer at Meta. He trained as an architect and worked in a wide variety of roles across different companies. In this conversation, we discuss his move from design into technology, the motivations and challenges in career transitions, and the relationship between a title and one’s identity.

• 8:45 Transitioning from design into “tech”
• 12:15 The culture shock of going to WeWork
• 18:05 Working in a Revit forward design environment
• 21:08 The newness of BIM
• 22:05 Data and BIM as a medium of communication
• 25:30 What was WeWork good at at?
• 31:10 Labeling oneself as an architect
• 33:50 Learning from Meta
• 37:40 Respecting the challenge of a transition
• 39:10 The three threads of change in the digital/physical environment
• 43:00 The most modernist version of the future

References and Links

• KPF

• CAZA

• WeWork

• The Shed

Minkoo Kang is a designer and developer from Seoul. In this episode we talk to Minkoo about his journey into design, what motivated his move towards finance, and discovering the value of design.

• 1:00 How Gaudi inspired his journey into design
• 4:08 The limitations even at the highest levels of design
• 9:58 Burning out at OMA
• 16:41 Money as the missing element
• 19:55 Experiencing different disciplines at MIT
• 33:29 John Portman as architect developer
• 38:26 Development projects Minkoo is working on now
• 45:13 The struggle with community activists
• 50:00 The stigma against developers
• 52:15 Minkoo's hopes for this podcast

People, Companies, and Things Mentioned.

• OMA
• MIT Real Estate Innovation Lab
• Andrea Chegut
• Hedonic Analysis
• John Portman
• Alloy
• DDG
• Le Corbusier

Welcome to the Most Podern Podcast!

In this episode, we discuss why we are starting this podcast and what we think is missing from the conversation around the built environment.

• 1:10: What makes us a good trio to start a podcast

• 3:14: What does “establishing convening power in the build environment mean?”

• 6:32: Bridging conversations and culture

• 9:40: Agency and time as a key constraint of Architecture

• 13:30: What we want to do with this podcast

• 16:15: Why we want to invite plumbers on the show

• 24:24: What lessons listeners can take away from our future episodes

• 27:50: What aspirational impact will Most Podern have on the world?

OMA is an international architecture firm lead by Rem Koolhaas.

MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a well known University in Boston Massachusetts in the US

Rem Koolhaas is a Dutch architect, theorist, and urbanist. He co-founded the internationally acclaimed firm, OMA.

Links and References

Jared Friedman, a Computational Product Manager at Walter P Moore, joins Most Podern to discuss the challenges and opportunities of incorporating embodied carbon calculations into the design process. The conversation discusses It emphasizes the importance of starting early in design, how to handle inevitable uncertainties, and the outsize role that data plays in delivering a sustainable building project. The conversation also touches on the role of policies and regulations in driving sustainability efforts, the need for better data collection and communication, and the potential for new solutions and technologies in the future.

About Jared

Jared Friedman is a computational product manager at Walter P Moore, a global engineering firm with offices around the world. He is a licensed architect, with a B.Arch from Carnegie Mellon University and a Masters in Design Studies with a focus on Computation and Robotics from the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

Jared has deep experience in parametric design, robotics, and construction technology. He's worked at places like Massaro, BuroHappold, and WeWork; and has previously taught seminars on BIM and computational design at Columbia's GSAPP.

He’s also the author of the ec3-python-wrapper, an open source python package that makes it easier for Python developers to work with the Building Transparency EC3 API.

Connecting with Jared

Jared on LinkedIn

Matterflows.com

Keywords

embodied carbon, design process, early calculations, uncertainties, large dataset, computational designers, tools, workflows, policies, regulations, data collection, communication, new solutions, technologies

Chapter List

00:00 Personal Background and Interest in Sustainability

01:42 Sustainability in Personal and Professional Life

05:48 Computational Design as an Augmentation

07:13 Understanding Embodied Carbon

11:04 Introduction and Background

13:27 Recommendations and Guidelines for Embodied Carbon

16:06 Policies and Requirements for Embodied Carbon

19:04 Role of Computational Designers in Sustainability Practice

21:14 Customized Software and Plugins for Embodied Carbon Analysis

28:02 Interoperability and Openness in the Industry

31:07 EC3 and the Importance of Data in Embodied Carbon Analysis

38:36 The Future of Embodied Carbon Analysis

44:27 Data Practice and Backfilling Data

47:27 Risk Aversion and Trying New Things

49:19 Optimism for the Future of Sustainability in the Built Environment

Daniel McDermott, a greenhouse gas accounting expert, joins MoPo to dive into his career in sustainability and the challenges companies face in reducing their carbon footprint. From the importance of accurate data and standardized reporting to the role of ESG auditors and breakthrough technologies like carbon air capture, Dan sheds light on the critical steps needed to track, trend, and tackle emissions effectively.

What are sustainability and ESG and how do they fit into the incentive structures that shape the built environment?

Grey Lee. an Sustainability and ESG Specialist at S&P Global and instructor at Harvard, joins Most Podern as we dive into the critical differences between sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and how they impact our daily lives. We explore the role of ESG in the real estate industry—how it drives investment decisions, attracts tenants, and maximizes financial performance. Learn how ESG metrics help manage risks and quantify sustainability efforts, and why a just transition and adaptive reuse are key to future-proofing our built environment.

Grey on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/greylee/

In Season 4 of the Most Podern Podcast, we focus on the urgent need for sustainable buildings amid growing housing and infrastructure demands and the need to upgrade existing structures. Our guests discuss how data and technology can improve building performance, as well as the challenges and opportunities of green building practices. We cover key themes such as the impact of inflation on sustainability costs, the importance of industry education, the potential for sustainability to become standard practice, global collaboration, and technology’s role in advancing sustainable practices. We hope you enjoy this season as much as we did.

Schedule:

9/2 - Grey Lee

9/9 - Daniel McDermott

9/16 - Jared Friedman

9/23 - Liz Hauver CPHC

9/30 - Caroline Sorge

Is the Olympics worth it? Alex is on the ground in Paris to find out. From the mind-boggling logistics to the uncertain impact on host cities, we dive deep into the world of the Summer Games. We dissect the spectacle, the spending, and the legacy of this global event. Are the Olympics a celebration of humanity or a colossal waste of resources?

Chapters

00:00 The Olympics: A Moment of Glory for Athletes

02:35 Managing the Impact: Infrastructure and ROI

06:15 Paris: An Established City for the Olympics

08:18 Temporary Structures and Post-Olympics Adaptability

14:00 The Economic and Cultural Significance of Luxury Brands in the Olympics

26:22 The Pattern of Bidding Low and Overspending in Olympic Host Cities

27:34 The Changing Landscape of Potential Host Cities

28:30 The Shift Towards Sustainability and Utilizing Existing Infrastructure

32:34 The Role of Politics and Corruption in the Olympics

38:23 The Cultural Significance of the Olympics

45:49 Potential Future Host Cities

Is it possible to balance economic growth with environmental protection? Can we learn from international examples like China's sponge city movement? Join us as we navigate the complexities of urban sustainability.

In this deep dive episode, we tackle the complex issue of urban sustainability. From New York City's aggressive emissions reduction goals to Boston's carrot-and-stick approach, we explore how different cities are legislating for a greener future. We delve into the challenges and opportunities of retrofitting existing buildings, the role of technology, and the impact of political climate on policy implementation. We also discuss the broader implications of climate change, including the potential for extreme weather events and the importance of resilience in urban planning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Quote: Change is good. You go first.

02:16 Climate, Latitude, and Building Insulation

03:38 The Challenge of Changing Human Behavior

07:52 The Importance of Measurement and Legislation

10:28 Retrofitting Buildings and Capital Costs

21:03 Embodied and Operational Carbon

27:41 Creating Permeable Cities and Sponge City Movement

31:02 The Impact of Storms and Resilience

34:13 Sustainability and Attractiveness of Cities

42:59 The Potential of Density and Challenges of Coastal Cities

Summary

What is the role of landscape in our built environment and how are spaces shaped for nature?

Landscape architect William Shivers discusses his journey into landscape architecture, the education process, and the role of landscape architects in urban design. He emphasizes the importance of integrating nature into urban environments, the challenges of working with living elements, and the significance of iconic public spaces. Shivers also shares insights from his PhD research on American landscapes, particularly focusing on Hawaii's unique ecological and historical context. The discussion highlights the evolving nature of landscape architecture, its economic implications, and the need for adaptive strategies in response to climate change and urbanization.

Keywords

landscape architecture, William Shivers, urban design, public spaces, ecological design, education, iconic landscapes, sustainability, nature, urban planning

Chapters

00:00 The Role of Landscape Architects in Projects 01:15 Defining Good Landscape Architecture 04:02 Iconography and Identity in Landscape Architecture 06:43 Nature's Role in Landscape Design 09:54 Challenges of Urban Landscape Architecture 12:54 The Importance of Trees in Urban Environments 16:06 Contemporary Practices in Landscape Architecture 18:47 Post-Industrial Planting and Environmental Remediation 21:26 Navigating Tree Removal and Preservation 28:03 The Role of Native vs. Introduced Plants 29:24 Revisiting Landscape Practices 31:26 The Mediator: Skills of a Landscape Architect 32:48 Integrating Landscape into Urban Development 33:58 The Highline Effect: Signature Landscapes 36:08 Successful Urban Parks: Case Studies 39:11 Waterfront Parks and Resilience 40:52 Delicate Approaches in Landscape Architecture 43:09 Emerging Landscape Architecture Firms 46:21 William's PhD Research: Trees and History 50:00 Hawaii's Role in American Landscape 54:06 Adapting to Change in Landscape Architecture 56:59 Future Interventions for Vulnerable Areas 57:59 The Evolving Role of Landscape Architecture 01:00:51 William's Vision for the Future

Links

William Shivers

William on LinkedIn

Kate Orff and SCAPE - Living Breakwaters

Toward an Urban Ecology

Brian Davis, University of Virginia

Roberto Burle Marx

Piet Oudolff

The High Line

Klyde Warren Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Studio Zewde

Merritt Chase

Super Bloom Landscape Architecture

Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park

Summary

What does it take to get something done in a community? What does it take to get something built? What does it take to change a city?

Sean Webster is an social entrepreneur, organizer, and citizen developer. His story centers around how one can make change in a community despite immense headwinds. Sean discusses his journey as an entrepreneur and community developer in Boston, focusing on the importance of creating sustainable environments for growth. He shares insights on navigating the challenges of urban development, the need for trust and communication between developers and the community, and the role of creativity in shaping the future of neighborhoods. The discussion highlights the balance between community needs and development goals, emphasizing collaboration and collective action to foster positive change.

NOTE: The residential development project that is discussed in the episode awaiting city approval, received that approval shortly after the recording of this episode.

Keywords

entrepreneurship, community development, real estate, urban planning, trust, collaboration, housing, Boston, social impact, creativity, downtown, cities, urban design

Chapters

00:00 The Entrepreneurial Spirit in Boston 02:57 Revitalizing Downtown Boston 06:15 Navigating Real Estate Inequities 09:06 Collective Economics and Community Empowerment 11:55 Building a New Model for Community Development 15:13 The Challenges of Community Trust 17:56 The Role of Design in Community Spaces 21:04 Friction in Community Development 23:55 The Impact of Preservation on Development 27:15 The Future of One Elmwood Project 39:41 Community Development Challenges 42:48 Navigating Bureaucracy and Community Expectations 46:07 The Importance of Resilience in Development 49:30 Inter-Agency Communication Issues 53:04 Financial Risks and Community Impact 56:56 The Long Road to Realizing Dreams 01:01:08 The Role of Democracy in Development 01:05:10 Engaging the Younger Generation 01:09:07 Creativity as a Driving Force 01:12:07 The Future of Community Development

Links

Sean Webster This family wants to redevelop their Roxbury home into much-needed housing. It isn’t working - Boston Globe

Roxbury family will be allowed to replace their house with an apartment building after years-long neighborhood battle - Boston Globe

How can we build better housing and more of it? Sam Naylor is the co-author of “The State of Housing Design 2023” (Harvard University Press) and the research report “Legalizing Mid-rise Single-stair Housing in Massachusetts”. He is a licensed architect and researcher and joins MoPo to discuss the critical importance of housing design in addressing the current housing crisis. He emphasizes the need for innovative and quality housing solutions and the challenges posed by zoning laws and community resistance. Naylor advocates for design thinking as a means to unlock production and density while also highlighting the significance of community engagement and leadership in shaping housing policy. The discussion also touches on the potential of policy changes such as single-stair reform and the future of housing design, reflecting on personal ideals and the broader implications for urban development. Links [Sam Naylor](https://naylorsam.com/) [Sam on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-naylor/) [Sam on IG](https://www.instagram.com/sam__naylor/) [The State of Housing Design 2023](https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/media-files/2024-07/harvard_jchs_state_of_housing_design_2023.pdf) [Legalizing Mid-rise Single-stair Housing in Massachusetts](https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/media-files/2024-07/harvard_jchs_state_of_housing_design_2023.pdf) [The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University](https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/) Keywords housing design, architecture, housing crisis, Joint Center for Housing Studies, innovative design, community engagement, zoning laws, single stair reform, affordable housing, urban development Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Housing Design and Its Importance 02:59 The Role of the Joint Center for Housing Studies 05:50 Innovative Housing Design: Themes and Insights 09:08 The Importance of Quality Design in Housing 11:57 Challenges in Housing Development and Funding 14:53 Zoning Laws and Their Impact on Housing 18:17 Community Resistance to New Developments 21:11 The Need for Clear Zoning Regulations 24:08 Building Codes and Their Influence on Housing 26:55 Single Stair Reform and Its Potential Benefits 37:19 Revisiting Building Codes and Safety Innovations 40:43 The Case for Scissor Stairs and Efficient Design 43:09 Navigating Building Regulations and Renovations 46:58 The Need for Proactive Code Revisions 49:12 Designing for Functionality and Community Engagement 52:55 The Role of Political Engagement in Housing Architecture 56:16 Community Involvement in Housing Development 01:00:08 The Future of Housing: Leadership and Public Perception 01:04:54 Imagining Ideal Living Spaces 01:08:36 Reflecting on Modernism and Future Projections

In this conversation, Betty Chen shares her multifaceted journey as a student, project manager, and content creator in the fields of architecture and art. She discusses her experiences in public speaking, the origins of her YouTube channel, and her passion for making art and architecture accessible to the public. Betty emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, community engagement, and the challenges of navigating criticism in her work. The conversation culminates in reflections on the future of architecture and the need for mutual understanding in society.

Episode Links:

https://www.youtube.com/articulations

https://www.instagram.com/articulationsv/

https://www.relay.fm/pictorial

Summary

Rob Meyerson and William McKee lead the architectural practice, Common Office, in Sydney, Australia. Their work has been featured in Archdaily, Vogue, and the Sydney Morning Herald. Common Office was founded on an interest in interiors, buildings, urbanism and territory. Emerging out of a body of work that ranges between the domestic and large scale urban design proposals, the office is committed to making buildings, design research and speculative work.

The conversation delves into the opportunities for architectural design in development in Australia and Europe, while also addressing the challenges facing the implementation project. As Rob puts it, the office is highly interesting in “making city”, and the discussion highlights ways in which young architectural practices can contribute to collective urbanism.

Keywords

architecture, development, design, project management, challenges, Australia, Europe, building process, consultants, cities, urbanism, Sydney

Chapters

00:00 Intro 00:45 The Landscape of Architecture in Australia 08:39 Challenges and Opportunities in Residential Architecture 14:21 Community Engagement and Planning Processes 20:30 Navigating Design Limitations 22:30 The Challenges of Project Management 30:38 Balancing Practice and Business 36:25 The Intersection of Design and Business 43:42 Speculative Work and Its Value 47:29 The Importance of Housing in Urban Development 49:37 Contextual Architecture: A Case Study 50:50 The Importance of Communication in Architecture 53:12 Reviving the Art of Physical Model Making 56:14 Future Directions for Common Office 01:00:12 Affordable Housing: Challenges and Opportunities 01:06:09 The Architect's Role in Housing Affordability 01:10:34 Ethics and Aesthetics in Modern Architecture 01:15:36 The Genesis of Common Office

Links for Common Office

https://common-office.com/

https://www.instagram.com/common_office_design/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/common-office/

KC Hardin, founder of Conservatorio, joins MoPo and shares his inspiring journey from corporate law in New York to real estate development in Panama. He discusses the revitalization of Casco Viejo - a historic district in Panama City, the lessons learned in navigating the complexities of real estate, and the importance of community engagement in urban development. KC also reflects on the current landscape of real estate in Panama, the challenges of affordability, and his vision for interconnected neighborhoods that foster community. He emphasizes the need for adaptive reuse of buildings and the role of developers in shaping vibrant urban spaces.

-

Keyes Christopher (KC) Hardin is a co-founder of Conservatorio and has been its president since its inception in 2005. KC also co-founded Esperanza San Felipe, a gang intervention and integration program in the historic district of the Panamanian capital.

Before moving to Panama, KC worked as a corporate lawyer in New York and Tokyo with the firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, where he primarily focused on mergers and acquisitions and private equity. He is a member of the Central America Leadership Initiative of the Aspen Institute and a research associate at MIT's Community Innovators Laboratory (CoLab).

He holds a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and a B.S. in Communications from the University of Miami.

Keywords

real estate, Panama, urban development, community engagement, adaptive reuse, Conservatorio, Casco Viejo, architecture, sustainability, housing

Chapters

00:00 Casey Hardin's Journey from Law to Real Estate

07:35 The Birth of Conservatorio and Its Impact

12:02 Adaptive Reuse and the Challenges of Development

18:48 Lessons Learned and the Evolution of Conservatorio

20:28 Community Development and Zoning in Panama

26:01 Mixed-Use Development and Community Engagement

33:37 Challenges in Design and Development Tools

40:01 Real Estate Landscape and Mobility in Panama

45:40 Future Projects and Urban Revitalization

47:32 The Vision of a Great City

Links

Conservatorio

Casco Viejo

Olde Good Things

Leland Jobson rides the intersection of architecture and technology. In this conversation, he emphasizing the importance of computational design and the role of teaching in shaping future architects. He introduces the significance of Open USD in bridging gaps in design and technology, the philosophical implications of language in representation, and the evolving landscape of architecture in the digital age. Leland shares insights on how software can enhance architectural practice and the need for architects to embrace technology to remain relevant in a rapidly changing industry.

https://www.lelandjobson.com/

https://www.lelandjobson.com/prize

What Technology Wants: Kevin Kelly https://amzn.to/4fRbQao

What role does written communication play in the creation of good buildings?

Julia van den Hout, founder of Original Copy, shares her journey from art history to architecture, emphasizing the importance of writing in the field. She discusses her experiences at Steven Holl Architects, the evolution of architectural communication, and the founding of CLOG, a journal aimed at bridging the gap between rapid online discourse and traditional publishing. Julia also reflects on her current practice, Original Copy, and her role at the Art Omi, the Hudson Valley based arts center. In talking with MoPo, Julia highlights the challenges and opportunities in architectural publishing, the impact of AI on authorship, and the nature of communication in a rapidly changing world.

Keywords

architecture, writing, art history, CLOG, Original Copy, design, communication, AI, publishing, Art Omi

Links

Original Copy

Art Omi

Art Omi Residencies

CLOG

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup 00:12 Julia's Journey into Architecture 02:45 Role at Stephen Hall Architects 05:07 The Evolution of Architecture Media 07:43 The Importance of Writing in Architecture 11:20 Founding CLOG: A New Architectural Journal 14:50 Memorable Moments and Objectives at CLOG 18:10 Transition to Original Copy 22:25 The Flexibility of Creative Projects 25:24 Clientele and Project Examples 27:11 Art Oh My: A Unique Residency 28:19 Application Process for Art Oh My 29:47 The Value of Dedicated Time for Creativity 31:45 The Role of Academic Environments 33:26 Urban vs. Rural Residencies 33:35 Criteria for Project Selection 34:44 Challenges in Print Publishing 35:43 The Impact of AI on Authorship 41:03 Future Aspirations for Original Copy 42:37 Navigating the Current Era of Change

Alex and Minkoo discuss the urban ramifications on the devastating fires that have affected LA. In addressing the the challenges of rebuilding they emphasize the need for better building codes, materials, and leadership to create safer, more resilient communities. The discussion also touches on the role of the non-tangible, including insurance, economic pressures, and the importance of collaboration in urban design to address the complexities of recovery and future planning.

Keywords

architecture, landscape, urban planning, urban design, wildfires, community impact, rebuilding, building codes, insurance, leadership, urban design, building culture, California, environmental policy

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:30 Impact of the Wildfires on Community and Environment

04:28 Challenges in Rebuilding and Community Dynamics

07:32 Economic Implications and Housing Affordability

10:32 Building Codes and Materials for Future Resilience

13:31 Policy Changes and Environmental Regulations

16:17 Insurance Challenges and Market Dynamics

19:32 Leadership and Community Involvement in Recovery

22:29 Opportunities for Urban Design and Community Revitalization

25:37 Future Considerations for Building Practices

28:39 Conclusion and Hope for the Future

How do different countries pay for housing?

Alex and Minkoo delve into peculiar, but impactful complexities of South Korea's real estate market, focusing on the significant rise in housing prices, the cultural implications of high-rise living, and the unique Jeonse system. They discuss the impact of fluctuating financial conditions on housing, the consequences of the Jeonse collapse, and draw comparisons with China's real estate challenges. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of Korea's housing market amidst demographic shifts and economic pressures.

Keywords

South Korea, real estate, housing market, Junsei system, Seoul, cultural significance, interest rates, economic stability, population decline, rental market

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Overview of South Korea's Real Estate Market 02:47 The Dynamics of Housing Prices and Cultural Implications 05:52 Living Conditions and Housing Preferences in Seoul 08:50 Urban Development and High-Rise Living in East Asia 11:33 Geographical Constraints and Housing Density 14:28 Construction Efficiency and Housing Affordability 17:33 Understanding the Jeonse System 20:41 The Challenges of the Jeonse System and Market Dynamics 23:22 Impact of Rising Interest Rates on Housing Market 24:46 Consequences of Defaults and Tenant Rights 27:03 Cultural Reflections in Media: Squid Game 28:30 Emergence of the Rental Market in Korea 29:35 Economic Growth and Real Estate Dynamics 31:22 Lessons from China's Real Estate Market 33:54 Global Economic Interconnections and Steel Production 37:01 Tariffs and Their Impact on Housing Costs 40:12 Future of Housing in Korea: Challenges Ahead 42:32 Shifts in Living Preferences and Market Dynamics 46:08 Opportunities for Innovation in Housing Solutions

Summary

In this reflective episode, the hosts of MoPo discuss their journey over the first year making the show. They emphasize the need to expand their network beyond familiar circles and the value of learning through conversations with diverse guests. The hosts also share insights on the iterative process of podcasting, the challenges and opportunities in their field, and their hopes for the future of the show.

Keywords

podcast, built environment, pandemic impact, communication, collaboration, interdisciplinary, growth, opportunities, challenges, reflection

Chapters

00:00 Reflecting on a Year of Conversations

02:54 The Impact of the Pandemic on Perspectives

06:08 Expanding the Network: Beyond Friends

09:00 Communication and Learning Through Podcasting

12:13 Navigating the Built Environment

15:06 Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Approaches

17:58 Growth and Iteration in Podcasting

20:51 Looking Ahead: Future Directions

24:06 The Balance of Challenges and Opportunities

27:10 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Architect Ruben Segovia joins Alex Yuen and Minkoo Kang to reveal how Mexico is transforming its urban development. From Monterrey to Tulum, young designers and developers are creating walkable, mixed-use communities that prioritize public space and human-scale design. Segovia explains why the "developers are evil" narrative is shifting, how policy changes are enabling innovative real estate projects, and what American cities can learn from Mexico's bold urban experiments. Discover the ground-floor activation strategies, transit-oriented developments, and collaborative design processes transforming Mexican cities into 15-minute neighborhoods that actually work.Ruben Segovia is the co-founder of LS-LAB, an urban, architectural, and landscape design office, and the director of the Master’s in Architecture and Urban Design at the School of Architecture, Art, and Design at Tecnológico de Monterrey. He holds a degree in Architecture from Tec de Monterrey, Monterrey Campus, and a Master in Architecture II from the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

Subscribe to Most Podern on:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3zYvX2lRZOpHcZW41WGVrpApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/most-podern-podcast/id1725756164Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@MostPodernInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/most.podernLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/most-podern

Links

Ruben Segovia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruben-segovia-6a464a67/?originalSubdomain=mxLS-LAB: https://ls-lab.com/LS-LAB on IG: https://www.instagram.com/l_s_lab/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ruben Segovia and LS Lab01:28 Returning to Mexico: Urban Opportunities03:07 Current Urban Development in Mexico04:29 Housing Market Challenges06:28 Historical Context of Housing Scarcity08:15 Urban Growth Models and Political Influence10:02 Mobility and Urban Sprawl12:29 Community Awareness and Urban Advocacy14:06 Characteristics of Mexican Cities15:43 Role of Developers vs. Government16:50 LS Lab's Design Philosophy20:02 Collaboration in Urban Projects22:11 Developers and Urban Safety23:34 Policy Influence on Development25:33 Young Developers and New Standards26:10 Architects and Developers: A Changing Relationship28:33 Shifting Perspectives on Design Value29:17 New Generations in Policy Making32:00 The Future of Urban Development in Mexico34:17 The Importance of Good Developers36:30 Visible Changes in New Developments38:44 Creating Community Through Architecture41:01 The Tulum Case Study: Balancing Tourism and Environment46:31 Sustainable Building Practices in Mexico52:11 Adapting to Climatic Contexts in Design57:26 The Future of Mexican Cities: Optimism and Challenges01:02:22 Lessons from Mexico: Design and Public Space01:04:22 Influential Architects and Designers in Mexico01:08:59 Awareness and Purpose in Contemporary Development

Keywords

Mexican urban development, real estate development Mexico, walkable cities Mexico, mixed-use development, urban planning Mexico, Mexican architecture, Monterrey development, Tulum real estate, transit-oriented development, ground floor activation, 15-minute city, public space design, young developers Mexico, urban design innovation, Mexican cities vs American cities, sustainable urban development, how Mexico builds better cities than America, Mexican real estate development trends 2025, walkable neighborhood development Mexico, urban planning lessons from Mexico, mixed-use real estate projects Mexico, Mexican architect urban development, public space activation strategies, Mexico City urban planning, Yucatan Peninsula real estate, Quintana Roo

What happens when an architect develops their own projects, stops chasing profit, and starts designing for people, planet, and purpose? Jeremy McLeod, founder of Breathe and Nightingale Housing, shares how a single prototype sparked a housing movement in Australia. From ditching car parks and private laundries to designing rooftop commons and slow elevators, Nightingale flips the development playbook — proving that sustainability, affordability, and community aren't just compatible, but catalytic. With a waitlist over 21,000 strong, this conversation reveals how one radical idea changed the market and inspired a new model of ethical housing.

Subscribe to Most Podern on:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3zYvX2lRZOpHcZW41WGVrpApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/most-podern-podcast/id1725756164Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@MostPodernInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/most.podernLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/most-podern

Keywords

Jeremy McLeod, Nightingale Housing, affordable housing, nonprofit developer, ethical development, triple bottom line, sustainable housing, Melbourne architecture, car-free housing, shared laundries, rooftop commons, housing affordability crisis, build-to-sell, housing without profit, real estate innovation, alternative housing models, climate-resilient design, housing as a human right, community-focused development

Chapters

0:00 — Why Profit Gets in the Way

2:00 — Building the Prototype Without a Developer

5:00 — When 1,000 People Lined Up

8:00 — Launching Nightingale from a Manifesto

10:00 — Triple Bottom Line: Sustainability, Community, Affordability

14:00 — Nonprofit Development in a For-Profit World

17:30 — Why Australia's Housing Market Is Broken

21:00 — The Rising Cost of Homeownership

24:00 — Designing for Community, Not Just Residents

28:00 — Rooftop Laundry, Not Penthouses

31:00 — Slow Elevators and Street-Level Encounters

34:00 — System Redesign: Finance, Rules, and Ballots

36:00 — Powering Every Building with Renewables

38:00 — The Market Starts Paying Attention

41:00 — Ditching Car Parks for Shared Cars

44:00 — Lessons in Scaling: Trade-offs and Adaptations

51:00 — Designing Meaningful Imperfection

54:00 — What It Takes to Start Something Bold

56:00 — The Future Will Ask: Why Didn’t We Fight Harder?

Links

Jeremy McLeod (LinkedIn) - https://au.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-mcleod-architectNightingale Housing - https://www.nightingalehousing.org/Breathe Architecture - https://www.breathe.com.au/Let My People Go Surfing - https://www.patagonia.com/product/let-my-people-go-surfing-revised-paperback-book/BK067.html

"Can AI transform construction’s sluggish pace?" In this episode, Dr. Murat Melek, Director of Design AI at Suffolk, explores how AI could reshape the $6B construction giant and the broader AEC industry. From predictive modeling to tackling inefficiencies, Murat shares his journey from structural engineering to leading AI innovation.

Key Points

• AI in Construction: how AI can streamline design and pre-construction phases.
• Efficiency Gains: Predictive analytics cuts rework, saving time and costs.
• Data Power: Suffolk’s data lake with half a million PDFs drives smarter decisions.
• Future Outlook: We’re in a “pre-iPhone era” of construction tech—connectivity is key.

Quotes

• “The design team carries this huge boulder over a hill, only for the contractor to climb it again.”
• “AI isn’t a cheap intern; it’s a precise tool for specific problems.”
• “We’re at a point where building costs match the value generated—something has to change.”

AI in construction, construction technology, predictive modeling, Suffolk construction, AEC industry, data-driven design, building efficiency.

Links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/muratmelek/
• https://www.suffolk.com/
• http://genia.design/
• https://trunktools.com/

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction: Meet Dr. Murat Melek, AI pioneer at Suffolk.
• 00:27 - Context: Construction’s digital lag and Murat’s background.
• 01:21 - Early Career: From Arup to predictive modeling with Python.
• 02:20 - Why Predictive Models?: Speeding up early design decisions.
• 04:11 - Collaboration: How Arup bridged architect-engineer gaps.
• 05:51 - Master’s Journey: Diving into data science at UC Berkeley.
• 09:40 - Industry Stagnation: Why construction lags despite tech waves.
• 16:11 - Suffolk’s Role: Leveraging data as a $6B contractor.
• 22:14 - Structured vs. Unstructured Data: Decoding RFIs and BIM.
• 34:04 - AI in Action: Scoring designs and flagging issues.
• 41:18 - AI’s New Possibilities: Guide rails and creative solutions.
• 48:51 - Business Model Disruption: Outcome-based fees over hourly rates.
• 52:48 - Future Costs: Can AI reverse rising construction costs?
• 58:50 - Advice for Young Pros: Code, learn BIM, seize opportunities.
• 1:03:36 - Defining Our Era: A “pre-iPhone” moment for AEC tech.

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Summary

America was once a land of movement—both physical and economic. But today, we’re stuck. In this episode of Most Podern, Alex Yuen, Minkoo Kang, and Libo Li sit down with historian and The Atlantic’s deputy executive editor Yoni Appelbaum to discuss his new book, Stuck: How the Privileged and the Property Broke the Engine of American Opportunity. They explore how America’s once-thriving culture of geographic and economic mobility has been stifled by restrictive zoning laws, exclusionary policies, and fear of change—making it harder for people to move and prosper. Yoni traces the history of zoning, from its origins to its role in today’s housing crisis, and outlines three key solutions: standardizing zoning laws, legalizing diverse housing types, and embracing housing abundance. The conversation dives into the broader societal consequences of stagnation and why restoring mobility is crucial for a more America’s future.

Links

Read “Stuck”

https://www.yoniappelbaum.com/https://x.com/YAppelbaum

Keywords

Urban mobility, Housing crisis, Zoning laws, Single-family zoning, Affordable housing, Yoni Appelbaum, Stuck book, The Atlantic, Urban development, Housing policy, Economic mobility, Social mobility, NIMBY vs YIMBY, Housing affordability, Zoning reform, Urban planning, Gentrification, Real estate policy, Progressive housing policy, American cities

Chapters

00:00 The American Dream and Housing Ideals17:37 Generational Perspectives on Community Engagement20:12 The Impact of Mobility on Society22:57 Community Concerns vs. Housing Needs25:43 Mobility as a Fundamental Right28:16 Balancing Individual Agency and Community30:43 Proposed Solutions for Housing Challenges34:47 The Challenge of Change36:37 Learning from Global Examples38:40 The Role of Local Communities43:06 Shifting Mindsets on Growth47:35 The Importance of Mobility53:09 Reflections on the Current Era