The Building Culture Podcast

Alex Vondeling has spent her career digging into the part of the problem most people skip past. Not whether we need more housing, we clearly do, but what kind, at what scale, and arranged in what way. She is a principal at Opticos Design, the Berkeley firm that coined the term missing middle housing more than a decade ago, and she has become one of the clearest voices in the country on how to actually build it.What I appreciate about Alex, and about Opticos, is that they are not content to only name a problem. They work tirelessly on the solution. In this conversation we get into the important difference between a fourplex that looks like a house and a fourplex surrounded by parking, why the streetscape decides whether urbanism works at all, and the struggle between how a city can adopt a beautiful comprehensive plan while its own engineers have rules in place that make it impossible to build.We also get into my own work and projects and why the neighborhood, not just the gym within it, is the amenity. If you build places for a living, or you just want to understand why the good ones feel good, this one is worth your time.0:00 Intro1:27 How Alex Found the Missing Middle4:11 What Opticos Actually Does6:14 Build-to-Rent, Reclaimed7:50 Missing Middle Housing, Defined10:11 Making It Work in the Real World13:16 One Ingredient in a Whole Neighborhood15:38 Engaging a City19:19 The Recommendations That Repeat23:14 How Developers Find Opticos28:15 The Real Constraints41:35 The Neighborhood Is the Amenity46:33 Entitlements and the Advocate You Need55:03 Live/Work, Boutique Office, and What's NextCONNECT WITH THE ALEXANDRAAlexandra Vondeling on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-vondeling-6a36571aOpticos Design: opticosdesign.comOpticos on Instagram: www.instagram.com/opticosdesignIn the episode, Alex said an email to Opticos's info inbox always reaches the right person in the firm. The contact form and email live on their site. She also noted Opticos is active on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Substack, and the best time to reach out is early, while the site plan is still flexible.CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELLNewsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ / austintunnell / austin-tunnell-2a41894a / austintunnell CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTUREhttps://www.buildingculture.com/ / buildingculture / build_culture / buildculture

Alicia Pederson spent her twenties living in a 16th-century palazzo in Florence, and it changed everything about how she sees cities, density, and what American urbanism has quietly abandoned. She's the founder of Courtyard Urbanist and holds a PhD in English from Northwestern with a specialty in Renaissance pastoral literature, which turns out to be less of a detour and more of a throughline to everything she now advocates for.In this conversation we cover the history of the courtyard block, why American apartments have failed families for decades, the relationship between lot geometry and livability, why wood-frame construction is a systemic problem, and what it would actually take to build the kind of urban housing that allows families to put down real roots. We also talk about what's happening in my own neighborhood at Wheeler — and why watching my sister, my parents, and my business partners all move within two blocks of each other has made the mission feel more personal than ever.Alicia is working with architects and developers right now to bring this typology back to American cities. We are excited to see the movement on these projects.I think you're going to love this one.0:00 Introduction1:06 Pastoral Literature and the City — from Shakespeare to Santo Spirito6:35 Two Years in a Florentine Palazzo — the experience that changed everything10:41 Wheeler District — what it actually feels like to live near family13:35 What the Courtyard Block Is and Why It Works16:44 How American Cities Became Hostile to Families20:34 The Outdoor Space Problem — what parents of young kids actually need22:56 Why Missing Middle Housing Hasn't Taken Off31:36 Lot Geometry — why European apartments are better to live in38:05 Interblock Urbanism — how Building Culture is solving the same problem39:42 The Case for Masonry — stone, brick, and why it matters47:30 Complex and Vulnerable vs. Dumb and Durable50:15 Energy Efficiency as Greenwashing53:06 Where the Work Is Now — investors, architects, real projects57:03 How to Follow Alicia's WorkLINKS & RESOURCESCourtyard Urbanist Substack: courtyardurbanist.comAlicia on X/Twitter: @UrbanCourtyardCONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELLNewsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ / austintunnell / austin-tunnell-2a41894a / austintunnell CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTUREhttps://www.buildingculture.com/ / buildingculture / build_culture / buildculture

Mike Hathorne spent 30 years in real estate and development trying to understand why the industry keeps building the wrong thing. His answer is in his book, The Great Housing Reversal.It's not a housing shortage. It's a housing mismatch. 64% of American households are one or two people. Over half the housing stock has three or more bedrooms. Mike walks through the three simultaneous trends reshaping who needs a home in America, why the development industry hasn't caught up, and what the neighborhoods people actually want look like.We also talk about the LDS ward study that revealed what happens to communities built on monolithic housing over time, the Harvard research showing that access across socioeconomic lines raises lifetime earnings by 20%, and what it looks like when a developer finally builds the kind of place the data has been pointing toward for decades.Mike recently relocated to Northwest Arkansas to join High Street, a traditional neighborhood development firm. He's also one of the clearest thinkers I've met on the relationship between how we build neighborhoods and how we live in them.Chapters00:00 Introduction00:44 Mike's background: 30 years in development and the path that led to the book03:10 Housing mismatch, not shortage05:00 The numbers: 64% of households are 1-2 people vs. 54% of homes with 3+ bedrooms07:33 Three simultaneous disruptors: fertility rates, marriage rates, and an aging population14:43 Zoning: 75% of residential land locked into single-family20:07 The comps problem: why real estate financing runs backwards from innovation27:29 Placemaking takes longer: lessons from Wheeler District32:28 What supply that matches the market actually looks like36:35 Connectedness is the new luxury42:45 The LDS ward study: why diverse housing makes resilient neighborhoods49:00 When communities can't support themselves, government fills the gap53:47 Personal stories: when mixed neighborhoods change lives57:18 Finding your tribe: Mike's move to Northwest Arkansas and CNU 34CONNECT WITH MIKE HATHORNEhttps://www.amazon.com/Great-Housing-Reversal-American-Dream/dp/B0G1FG4PXN greathousingreversal.substack.com linkedin.com/in/hathorneCNU 34, Northwest Arkansas (May 12-16): cnu.org/cnu-34CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELLNewsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ / austintunnell / austin-tunnell-2a41894a / austintunnell CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTUREhttps://www.buildingculture.com/ / buildingculture / build_culture / buildculture

This episode is a personal one. I sat down with Sarah — my wife, my partner in all of this — to talk about Apollo Workspace: what it is, why we’re building it, and what it means within our larger project, Townsend, in downtown Edmond.We met in the Peace Corps in Uganda, got married after a five-week engagement, and moved to the middle of Oklahoma so I could learn structural masonry from a master mason. Building Culture started around the same time as our marriage, and a decade later, we’re building something that I think pulls together everything we’ve learned — about craft, about community, about what it actually means to make a place where people can do their best work.Apollo is a professional workspace for small teams and solo entrepreneurs — not coworking in the way most people think of it. We’re talking about private offices with real windows, structural brick masonry walls that are 16 inches thick, timber ceilings, and outdoor courtyards with a sauna and cold plunges. The whole thing is embedded in a walkable downtown district with 35+ restaurants and a park across the street.I talk about why we named it Apollo — the Greek god of light, creativity, and knowledge. Why the building materials matter and what people feel when they walk into structural masonry. Why we chose downtown Edmond and how we see it becoming one of the most walkable places in the OKC metro over the next decade.We get into the business case: if you come to Apollo and you don’t make more money than your rent, we’ve failed. This space should pay for itself through better focus, better client impressions, a built-in referral network of 30–40 other small business owners, and the kind of problem-solving community that’s hard to find when you’re running a business alone.We also talk about the Founding Member program — the first people to commit get their name carved in stone on the building. Not a plaque. In the masonry. Because the story of how something begins matters, and the people who take a chance early deserve to be part of that story permanently.If any of this resonates, go to apolloworkspace.com or email hello@apolloworkspace.com. We’re signing LOIs with refundable deposits now — no risk to lock in your space but a great time to get in early. 0:00 Open0:28 Intro & Welcome2:52 The Origin Story — Peace Corps to Oklahoma5:12 Why Build a Workspace?7:37 The Name: Why Apollo?10:00 Workspace, Humanized — What That Means12:15 The Power of Small Business Community14:34 AI, Rapid Change & Learning Together16:51 Structural Masonry: Why the Building Matters19:15 Design with Soul20:14 Mid-Episode Break20:34 Sauna & Cold Plunge at the Office24:06 Why Downtown Edmond?26:33 Apollo at Townsend: The Full Picture28:57 Who Is Apollo For?31:25 Home Office vs. Apollo33:27 Not Networking — Problem Solving37:55 Founding Members Program39:38 How to Get Involved42:13 The Vision: A Thursday Morning at Apollo45:06 Closing & Masonry Event PreviewCONNECT WITH APOLLO WORKSPACEhttps://apolloworkspace.com/https://www.instagram.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/apolloworkspace/hello@apolloworkspace.com CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELLNewsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/https://twitter.com/AustinTunnellCONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTUREhttps://www.buildingculture.com/https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/https://twitter.com/build_culturehttps://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/

In this episode, I sit down with Jan Sramek, Founder and CEO of California Forever, to talk about one of the most ambitious development efforts in the country: they're building the next great American city.

Chapters

0:00 — Why This Conversation Matters

02:05 — Meeting Jan and the Origins of California Forever

06:45 — Growing Up in the Czech Republic and Coming to America

12:10 — What California Forever Is Actually Trying to Build

17:55 — The Housing Crisis and Why Incremental Fixes Aren’t Enough

23:40 — Walkability, Safety, and Designing for Families

30:15 — Why Cities Should Work for Kids and the Elderly Alike

35:50 — The Reality of Building a New City in California

41:30 — Regulation, Risk, and the Cost of Not Building

47:20 — Reviving American Manufacturing and Shipbuilding

53:10 — Master Planning, Density, and Mixed-Use Neighborhoods

59:00 — Learning from Traditional Urban Design

1:04:45 — Community, Belonging, and Social Trust

1:10:30 — What Success Would Actually Look Like

1:15:40 — Long-Term Vision and Final Reflections

CONNECT WITH JAN SRAMEK

California Forever - Building the next great American city

Jan Sramek | LinkedIn

https://x.com/jansramek?s=11

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/

https://twitter.com/build_culture

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/

What if the future of affordable housing doesn’t come from prefab or 3D printing, but from building vertically integrated factories that travel to where homes are needed most?

In this episode, I sit down with Aleksandr Gampel, co-founder and COO of Cuby Technologies, to talk about their radical approach: Mobile Micro-Factories. Instead of shipping oversized boxes across the country, they bring a full factory on-site – producing windows, panels, framing, and even helical piers locally, then assembling homes with unskilled labor.

We get into why housing costs have exploded (up 40–50% since pre-COVID), how Cuby’s system cuts hard costs by reducing skilled labor, and why most prefab and modular ventures have failed. Aleks explains how their vertically integrated model works, why they’re targeting small-to-mid-sized builders instead of one-off homeowners, and what it will mean when dozens, or even hundreds, of mobile microfactories are running across the U.S.

We also dive into design: steel tube framing, magnetic facades, and the surprisingly elegant logic behind Toyota’s production system applied to housing. If you’ve ever wondered how we might actually build cost-effective, durable homes at scale – without sacrificing beauty or quality – this episode is worth your time.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Housing Challenges

02:53 The Concept of Mobile Micro Factories

05:35 Manufacturing Process and Product Offerings

08:24 Building Systems and Structural Integrity

11:17 Cost Management and Market Strategy

14:05 Design Flexibility and Market Demand

17:07 Community Development and Housing Affordability

19:53 Operational Dynamics of Mobile Micro Factories

24:43 Building Efficient Factories with Unskilled Labor

27:30 The Role of Automation in Construction

28:54 Phased Business Plan for Housing Production

30:34 Funding and Capital Efficiency in Startups

32:33 Design Versatility and Limitations in Home Building

34:10 Long-Term Vision and Growth Strategy

35:15 Innovative Problem Solving in Construction

39:13 Challenges of Prefabrication in the Housing Market

41:33 Material Science Innovations for Housing

43:11 The Journey of Co-Founding a Startup

44:33 Connecting with Cuby Technologies

CONNECT WITH ALEKSANDR GAMPEL

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandergample/https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamaleksandrgampel/

Twitter/X:https://twitter.com/alexgamplehttps://x.com/agampel1

Cuby Technologies: https://www.cubytechnologies.com/

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/

https://twitter.com/build_culture

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/

SPONSORS

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

What if the key to designing better cities wasn’t just in concrete, code, or cost, but in understanding how our brains actually work?

In this episode, I talk with Ann Sussman and Kelsey Bradley of the Human Architecture and Planning Institute (HAPI) about a subject that’s as profound as it is underdiscussed: how our unconscious biology reacts to the built environment – and how that should change everything about how we design.

Ann, architect and author of Cognitive Architecture and Kelsey, founder of Design Cause Inc., now Executive Director at HAPI, walk us through the neuroscience of placemaking. We talk eye tracking. Skin conductivity. Heart rate variability. And how our “Stone Age brains” are still calibrated for the Savannah, even when we’re stuck in a strip mall.

This episode will validate what many of us feel but can’t quite explain why some places energize us, and others quietly drain us. The answers aren’t just aesthetic. They’re evolutionary.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 The Car-Free City: Oslo's Urban Transformation

03:43 Human Architecture: Merging Biology and Design

08:03 Understanding Human Experience: The Emotional Brain

11:24 The Impact of Environment on Human Behavior

18:37 The Influence of Modernism on Architecture

23:28 The Threatening Nature of Suburban Design

26:47 Measuring Human Responses: Biometrics in Architecture

31:25 The Science of Emotions in Design

33:52 The Power of Empathy in Leadership

36:57 Designing for Human Flourishing

40:07 The Impact of Built Environments on Mental Health

45:35 Understanding Human Perception in Urban Design

49:13 The Need for Beautiful and Functional Spaces

53:00 The Future of Urban Planning and Community Well-being

MENTIONED RESOURCES

•

Book: Cognitive Architecture: Designing for how we respond to the built environment

•

Book: Urban Experience & Design

https://thehapi.org/

Free course on "The Genetics of Design" – HAPI.org Courses

Design Cause Inc. – Kelsey’s nonprofit building schools in Africa

•

CONNECT WITH ANN SUSSMAN

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-sussman-a1a34a14/

X: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-sussman-a1a34a14/

Ann’s Blog: https://annsussman.com/

The Genetics of Design: https://geneticsofdesign.com/about

CONNECT WITH KELSEY BRADLEY

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

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

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/

https://twitter.com/build_culture

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/

SPONSORS

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

In this episode, I talk with Isaac French, founder of Live Oak Lake and one of the most thoughtful voices I’ve come across in the world of experiential real estate. Isaac’s story reads like an adventure novel: raised with eight siblings on a Texas farm, homeschooled, steeped in grit. Well before turning 30, he walked five acres of tangled brush – no money, just a vision – and figured out how to design and build a seven-cabin, Nordic-inspired retreat that went viral, grossed over $1M in bookings, and sold for $7M. All in under two years. And plenty went wrong along the way.

He’s basically a case study in the idea: you can just do things.

We talk about how Isaac blends hardware – design, layout, light – with software – hospitality, scent, story – to create spaces that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. He shares how a glitch in the Airbnb matrix led him to build a direct-to-consumer brand from scratch, and how beauty often begins by submitting to constraint, whether it’s the land, the budget, or your own limits.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would mean to build with your soul, not just your spreadsheet, this one’s for you.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Creating Community Through Built Environments

03:48 The Journey of Live Oak Lake

17:54 The Art of Hospitality and Experience

27:40 Exploring New Urbanism and Placemaking

36:54 The Power of Saying No

39:02 Exploring Sacred Geometry and Beauty

44:16 Biophilic Design and Human Connection

49:45 The Role of Humans in Environmental Stewardship

54:43 Navigating Success and Humility

01:00:19 Future Visions and Community Building

MENTIONED RESOURCES:

Live Oak Lake | Modern Cabins in Waco, Texas

CONNECT WITH ISAAC FRENCH

Email: i@isaacjfrench.com

Website: https://www.isaacjfrench.com/

Twitter: https://x.com/isaacfrench_

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

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

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/c/IsaacFrench

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/

https://twitter.com/build_culture

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/

SPONSORS

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

New episode out now with Charles Duff, author of The North Atlantic Cities. This is one I’ve wanted to record for years, ever since I read his book. Charles lays out a vision of city building that’s neither skyscraper-packed Manhattan nor endless suburban sprawl, but something in between. Something tested, timeless, and deeply human.

We talk about what makes cities like Amsterdam, London, and Boston so livable-and why they offer a roadmap for places like Oklahoma City and the Sunbelt. It’s not about replicating Parisian density or banning cars. It’s about building places where families can live in row houses, walk to a corner store, catch a train, and still have a backyard, space and privacy. It’s about recognizing that the built environment is one of our biggest levers for addressing the environment, culture, economics, and quality of life–all at once.

Charles explains how a bunch of brick houses built by 17th-century merchants ended up creating one of the most resilient, beautiful, and efficient urban forms the world has ever seen. And he makes a compelling case that we don’t need to invent a new future, we just need to remember what already works.

This one’s for anyone who cares about the intersection of beauty, density, and sanity in our cities. Hope you enjoy it–and if you do, go read the book. It’s changed the way I think about building.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 The Hidden Way of Building Cities

05:08 Understanding North Atlantic Cities

12:27 The Importance of Urban Density

21:01 The North Atlantic Way of Building

26:10 Lessons from North Atlantic Cities

36:11 Living Conditions in 1600s Europe

39:42 The Rise of the Dutch Middle Class

43:35 Architectural Innovations in the Netherlands

46:27 Contrasting Urban Developments: Paris vs. London

48:50 The Modern Row House and Urban Density

55:52 The Importance of Aesthetic in Urban Design

01:01:46 Integrating Density with Community Needs

01:05:45 Final Thoughts on Urban Development

MENTIONED RESOURCES:

Charles’ book- The North Atlantic Cities: https://lute-grasshopper-4hhr.squarespace.com/

CONNECT WITH CHARLES DUFF

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-duff-8a2486237/

Website: https://lute-grasshopper-4hhr.squarespace.com/

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/

https://twitter.com/build_culture

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/

SPONSORS

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

In this episode, I sit down with Joachim Tantau–a cabinetmaker, artist, teacher, and occasional architect to explore the quiet power of sacred geometry. Joachim works at the intersection of tradition, craftsmanship, and cosmic math. His approach to design isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about uncovering the fundamental order embedded in nature, music, architecture, and even the movements of planets.

We talk about how flowers, planets, and buildings all share hidden proportional systems; why the Golden Ratio keeps showing up in history and design; and how ancient builders created structures more efficient-and more awe-inspiring-than much of what we build today. We also dig into why beauty is not just a luxury, but a basic human need.

If you’ve ever felt like modern buildings don’t quite “speak” to you, this might explain why.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Role of Sacred Geometry in Design

03:12 Exploring Sacred Geometry

08:30 Understanding Sacred Geometry

13:27 The Intersection of Geometry and Music

17:03 Sacred Geometry in Architecture

27:16 The Importance of Beauty in Design

39:01 Geometry in Modern Engineering

48:53 Rediscovering Wonder in the Modern World

54:09 The Distinction Between Pleasure and Enjoyment

01:00:17 Connecting Architecture with Nature and Geometry

01:06:04 Ancient Architecture and Cosmic Proportions

01:11:10 Teaching Sacred Geometry in Design

01:17:26 Practical Applications of Sacred Geometry in Architecture

CONNECT WITH JOACHIM:

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoachimTantau

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joachim-tantau-53849055

Website: https://www.joachimtantau.com/home.html

MENTIONED RESOURCES:

The Hidden Geometry of Flowers: Living Rhythms, Form and Number by Keith Critchlow: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12293965-the-hidden-geometry-of-flowers

The Dimensions of Paradise: Sacred Geometry, Ancient Science, and the Heavenly Order on Earth by John Michell : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1443804.The_Dimensions_of_Paradise

Sacred Art in East and West by Titus Burckhardt: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/371784.Sacred_Art_in_East_and_West_1st_Edition

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/

https://twitter.com/build_culture

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/

SPONSORS

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

A hundred years ago, people in small towns were building things that still stop us in our tracks. Two-story brick shops on the corner of Main and Commerce. Sturdy. Modest. Enduring. And beautiful.

So the question is: what changed?

I joined Geoff Graham on his Yeoman podcast, alongside Jaime Izurieta and Saifedean Ammous (author of The Bitcoin Standard), to try and unpack that question.

We talk about why the small towns of the early 1900s could build beautiful things without credentialed architects, starchitects, or REIT funding... and why today, with all our global supply chains and five-star consultants, we mostly build disposable boxes.

Turns out, there’s a connection between money, time preference, and architecture. And when the money got funny, everything else started to crack too – our neighborhoods, our supply chains, even our standards for beauty.

It’s a wide-ranging conversation that touches on architecture, monetary policy, code creep, and how the over-financialization of everything is eroding our ability to build for the long haul.

Take a listen if you’ve ever wondered why your grandparents' post office looks better than your city’s new civic center.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Changing Landscape of Building and Time Preference

02:51 Exploring the Intersection of Money and Architecture

05:57 Historical Context: Building in Early 20th Century America

09:01 The Role of Local Materials and Community in Architecture

11:54 Understanding Time Preference and Its Impact on Building

15:09 The Influence of Monetary Policy on Architectural Beauty

17:50 The Shift from Hard Money to Inflationary Currency

21:03 Regulatory Challenges and Their Impact on Construction

23:57 The Disparity Between Wealth and Money

26:56 The Future of Architecture in an Inflationary Economy

40:47 Innovative Window Design and Egress Solutions

41:32 The Rising Cost of Housing and Inflation's Impact

42:32 Housing as a Store of Value

45:18 The Competition for Homeownership

47:26 Regulatory Challenges in Housing Production

50:47 The Complexity of Modern Building Standards

52:43 Energy Efficiency and Building Costs

53:43 Inflation and Environmental Concerns

56:29 The Future of Energy Production

01:01:20 The Role of Nuclear Energy

01:03:03 The Case for Sound Money and Bitcoin

01:12:14 The Path to a Low Time Preference World

CONNECT WITH THE GUESTS

•

Geoff Graham: Host of the Yeoman Podcast, real estate developer​

Yeoman Podcast Website: https://graham.dev/yeoman/

•

Jaime Izurieta Varela: Architect, developer, urbanist​

http://www.storefrontmastery.com

https://x.com/izurietavarea

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

https://www.instagram.com/storefrontmastery/

https://www.facebook.com/public/Jaime-Izurieta/

Book: Mainstreet Mavericks

•

Saifedean Ammous: Economist, Bitcoin advocate, author​

Website: https://saifedean.com/

Twitter (X):@saifedean

Instagram:@saifedean

Podcast:https://saifedean.com/podcast

Courses:https://saifedean.com/courses

MENTIONED RESOURCES

•

The Bitcoin Standard: The Decentralized Alternative to Central Banking https://saifedean.com/the-bitcoin-standard

•

The Fiat Standard: The Debt Slavery Alternative to Human Civilization https://saifedean.com/the-fiat-standard

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/

https://twitter.com/build_culture

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/

SPONSORS

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

You’re not supposed to be good at everything. But somehow, Alli is.

Architect, landscape architect, developer, GC, policy reformer, zoning translator, builder of teams, builder of trust, builder of actual buildings-it’s no wonder we spent the first five minutes of this episode just trying to list all the roles she plays.

In this conversation, Alli joins me to talk about what it means to be a true generalist in an era obsessed with specialization. We cover her journey from flipping houses as a teenager to running a growing team at Flintlock Lab, directing the Incremental Development Alliance, and quietly (or not so quietly) reshaping how development works across the country-starting in her hometown of Fayetteville, Arkansas.

We dig into building science, incremental housing, the limits of Revit, and why being a builder makes you a better architect (and vice versa). But we also get into the harder stuff-like learning to lead, facing city bureaucracy, and what to do when the guy reviewing your permit might genuinely want to run you over with his truck.

This one’s as practical as it is philosophical, and it left me feeling more hopeful-and a little more fired up-about what’s still possible if we’re willing to roll up our sleeves and terraform our own backyards.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Community Engagement and Local Impact

02:51 The Multifaceted Career of Ali

05:51 Navigating Development and Housing Challenges

09:09 The Unique Economy of Fayetteville

11:56 Balancing Growth and Community Needs

14:57 Career Trajectory and Intentionality

18:06 Building Science and Sustainable Practices

20:49 Design-Build Workflow and Efficiency

24:07 Entrepreneurial Spirit in Development

31:57 The Design-Build Approach: Learning Through Doing

34:51 Scaling Up: The Challenges of Growth

39:10 Understanding the Market: Design Meets Demand

41:55 Terraforming Communities: The Role of Local Investment

44:11 Building a Culture of Collaboration: The Fayetteville Experience

49:50 Changing the Narrative: Zoning and Community Engagement

57:04 Navigating Conflict: Building Relationships with City Staff

01:08:20 Building Relationships in Local Governance

01:15:06 Navigating Conflict with City Staff

01:20:01 Growing a Business: Challenges and Changes

01:26:09 Tools and Software for Efficiency

01:34:00 Learning from Failures and Growth

CONNECT WITH Alli

•

Flintlock Lab:https://flintlocklab.com

•

Incremental Development Alliance:https://www.incrementaldevelopment.org

•

Instagram:@flintlocklab

•

LinkedIn:Alli’s Profile

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/

https://twitter.com/build_culture

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/

SPONSORS

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

In this episode, I talk with Jeral Poskey, former project executive at Google, and current Founder and CEO of Swyft Cities, about a radically different approach to urban transportation that’s fast, flexible, and surprisingly affordable. Spoiler: it's not autonomous or flying cars.

When I first heard about Swyft’s solution, I was skeptical. But I’m increasingly excited about the possibilities, and how it could unlock walkable districts and neighborhoods within the suburban sprawl context (so basically everywhere).

We get into how Jeral’s experience inside Google’s real estate division led to the birth of Project Swyft, why traditional mass-transit infrastructure isn’t feasible (at least on its own), and how Swyft’s solution solves for the last few miles, weaves between buildings, and adapts to cities as they grow.

If you're into urbanism, real estate, autonomous vehicles, or just want to understand what could actually make our cities function better (without waiting 20 years and wasting billions of dollars for a new train–looking at you, California), this one’s worth your time. And excitingly, Swyft has numerous projects underway around the world beginning in 2026.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Project Switch and Urban Transportation

01:48 The Origins of Swyft Cities

05:08 Innovative Transportation Solutions

10:31 Skepticism to Curiosity

14:09 The Last Mile Connection and Urban Challenges

17:34 Economic Models and Urban Growth

19:23 Modularity and Network Effects in Urban Transit

21:16 AI and Efficiency in Transportation Systems

23:40 Cost Comparisons and Infrastructure Decisions

24:15 Understanding the Station Design and Functionality

26:22 Infrastructure Flexibility and Cost Efficiency

29:09 The Competition: Self-Driving Cars and Urban Mobility

32:52 Private vs. Public Sector Transportation Solutions

35:16 Real-World Applications and Case Studies

40:01 Overcoming Skepticism and Educating Stakeholders

43:45 Induced Demand: A Positive Perspective on Urban Transportation

48:13 Future Vision: Scaling and Real Estate Integration

•

Website: https://swyftcities.com/

•

Newsletter: https://swyftcities.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=04dae35275c37b51b049b89c9&id=349fe9a899

•

Twitter: https://x.com/jeralpo

•

Twitter: https://x.com/swyftcities

•

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

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL:

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

https://www.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/

https://twitter.com/build_culture

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/

SPONSORS:

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

In this episode, I talk with Ryan Johnson, co-founder and CEO of Culdesac, about building the United States’ first car-free neighborhood from scratch. We discuss everything from winning over the fire department with foldable ladders to building hundreds of units without building a single parking garage. Ryan also opens up about how designing for people—rather than cars—has paid off big time for both residents and local retailers, and why he believes autonomous vehicles, ride-sharing, and a passion for walkability will reshape cities nationwide.

TAKEAWAYS

Walkability Isn’t a Niche Luxury—It’s a Mass Market Demand. The majority of Americans would pay more to live in a walkable neighborhood, and 92% of Gen Z is on board. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a tidal wave.

Car-Free Living Works—Even in Phoenix. If a walkable neighborhood can thrive in a sprawling, car-centric city like Phoenix, it can work anywhere. The key? Thoughtful design, mixed-use spaces, and actual community-building.

Parking Garages Are the Next Real Estate Mistake. Developers still pouring millions into structured parking are setting themselves up for regret. AV ride-hailing, changing transportation habits, and shifting zoning laws are making them obsolete faster than people realize.

Retail Thrives When It’s a Destination, Not an Afterthought. Culdesac started with six planned retail spaces—now they have 21, and local businesses are thriving. Why? Because people actually want to be there.

Building for Humans, Not Traffic Engineers, Changes Everything. The way we build cities has quietly been making us more isolated, unhealthy, and unhappy. Culdesac’s design flips that script—prioritizing gathering spaces, green areas, and human-scale density.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Need for Change in Urban Design

02:57 Introducing Cul-de-Sac: A New Vision for Neighborhoods

06:12 Designing Walkable Communities: The Cul-de-Sac Approach

08:54 Innovative Infrastructure: Rethinking Parking and Access

11:50 Financing the Future: Capital Strategies for New Developments

15:04 Community and Belonging: The Heart of Urban Living

18:07 Navigating Challenges: Working with City Regulations

21:07 Phased Development: Learning and Adapting in Real Time

24:00 The Impact of COVID-19 on Construction and Costs

26:58 Market Dynamics: Setting Rents in a Changing Landscape

29:43 The Evolution of Walkable Neighborhoods

32:03 Creating Community Through Intentional Design

34:48 Retail and Community Engagement

37:59 The Role of Local Businesses in Urban Development

40:50 Innovative Urban Design and Architecture

43:54 Challenges and Surprises in Development

45:41 The Future of Walkable Communities

50:18 Leadership and Vision in Development

55:41 Advice for Aspiring Developers

CONNECT WITH RYAN

Culdesac:https://culdesac.com

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

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

Twitter: https://x.com/ryanmjohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/

https://twitter.com/build_culture

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/

SPONSORS

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Smith, founder of the Center for Building, to uncover the labyrinthine world of building codes—how they’re made, who really influences them, and why they end up stifling the very innovation and affordability we need. From the peculiarities of elevator requirements to the often overlooked role of local politics and special interests, we unpack how these complex rules shape our homes, buildings, and cities more than we might realize.

TAKEAWAYS

•

Why Building Codes Matter: Even if you’re not a builder or developer, codes dictate your home’s layout, the price of housing, and whether your favorite small condo project can even get off the ground.

•

The ICC (International Code Council) Isn’t Really “International”: You’ll learn how this non-governmental body, which writes most U.S. building codes, can be both extremely influential and surprisingly insular.

•

Over-Regulation’s Real-World Costs: We break down how elevator mandates, fire codes, and accessibility requirements—though well-intended—sometimes create perverse incentives that drive up costs or discourage better solutions.

•

Local Politics & Hidden Interests: Discover how “government members” and private manufacturers shape these codes, and why your mayor or city council may have little say in regulations that affect everyone.

•

A Path Forward: Stephen shares practical ways policymakers and citizens can get involved in reforming the system, focusing on a more human-centered approach that balances safety, cost, and beauty

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Challenge of Building Codes in the U.S.

03:06 The Role of Building Codes in Urban Development

05:46 Understanding the American Way of Building

09:09 The Impact of Building Codes on Housing Costs

12:09 Elevator Regulations and Their Consequences

14:52 Harmonization of Codes and Standards

18:11 Over-Dimensioning in American Construction

21:05 Labor Issues in the Construction Industry

23:57 The Need for Code Review and Justification

26:49 The Tyranny of Bureaucracy in Building Codes

38:49 The Grenfell Fire and Its Aftermath

45:05 Design Innovations in Building Codes

48:25 Understanding the ICC and Code Writing

58:09 The Revolving Door: Industry and Regulation

01:07:26 The Role of Government in Building Codes

01:15:20 Getting Involved: Supporting Change in Building Codes

CONNECT WITH STEPHEN

Center for Building https://www.centerforbuilding.org/

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenjacobsmith.com

Email: stephen@centerforbuilding.org

MENTIONED RESOURCES

Elevator research: https://admin.centerforbuilding.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Elevators.pdf

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/

https://twitter.com/build_culture

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/

SPONSORS

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

Moses Kagan has a unique take on real estate development and investing – and he’s influenced my thinking substantially over the past couple of years.

He is a highly successful syndicator, investor and developer with over $200 million in assets under management. He runs Adaptive Realty, having renovated over 100 multi-family buildings in Los Angeles, managing them in-house while specializing in the "indefinite hold” strategy for long-term wealth building.

He is the Co-Founder of ReSeed, a platform offering long-term GP and LP capital, along with mentorship for emerging real estate operators nationwide. He also hosts Reconvene, a highly regarded annual “unconference” for real estate operators and passive investors to connect and share knowledge. I attended last year, and it was awesome!

And lastly, he is a Twitter personality and avid blogger, sharing valuable insights on real estate and business. I highly recommend you follow him.

This is an excellent conversation about practical investment and real estate development philosophy, and I hope this conversation has as big of an impact on you as meeting Moses has on me!

TAKEAWAYS

•

Holding real estate indefinitely often leads to better investment outcomes than IRR-driven flipping.

•

Traditional real estate models incentivize risky short-term decisions, while sustainable strategies benefit both investors and communities.

•

Investors should focus on post-tax returns rather than pre-tax IRR, as tax considerations play a crucial role in long-term profitability.

•

Wealthy families and patient capital partners are more aligned with indefinite hold strategies than institutional investors.

•

Unlevered yield on cost and all-in price per square foot are key financial indicators for long-term real estate success.

•

Building direct relationships and trust at scale is essential for securing capital, especially for indefinite hold investments.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Development Philosophy

06:06 Understanding IRR and Its Implications

11:55 The Importance of Long-Term Thinking in Real Estate

17:59 Finding the Right Investors for Long-Term Strategies

25:50 Investing with Wealthy Families and Professional Money Managers

40:20 Understanding Capitalization and Investor Liquidity

46:11 Building Trust and Relationships in Real Estate Investment

55:41 Building Trust at Scale in Real Estate

58:01 The Democratization of Capital Raising

01:04:29 New Urbanism and Walkable Neighborhoods

01:06:00 Challenges of Ground-Up Development

01:09:03 Zoning and Building Code Challenges

01:11:57 The Impact of Bureaucracy on Development

01:14:07 Introducing ReSeed: Supporting Emerging Operators

01:17:08 The Importance of Community in Real Estate

CONNECT WITH MOSES

X:https://x.com/moseskagan?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moses-kagan-2638ab2/

Adaptive Realty: https://www.adaptiverealty.com/

ReSeed: https://reseedpartners.com/

Moses Newsletter: https://kagansblog.com/blog/

MENTIONED RESOURCES

The Fort Podcast Interview on ReSeed: https://www.thefortpod.com/videos/moses-kagan-rhett-bennett-co-founders-of-reseed-partners-the-y-combinator-for-re-operators/

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter:https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/

https://twitter.com/build_culture

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/

SPONSORS

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

What if our cities weren’t just places we lived, but places that made us feel alive? In this episode, we welcome back Coby, an urban planner, developer, and author of Building Optimism, to talk about how we can move beyond pessimism and reclaim the built environment. We dive into the philosophy of traditional urbanism versus traditional architecture, how to balance art and economics in development, and why optimism in city building isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s already happening.

Coby shares how his latest project integrates affordability, beauty, and human-scale design, and why zoning reform is beginning to shift the landscape of American cities. We discuss why preservation alone isn't enough, how small developers can create lasting impact, and why the best cities aren’t built overnight—they evolve, adapt, and improve over time. If you’ve ever wondered why some places feel right and others don’t, or how we can design spaces that actually serve human beings, this episode is for you.

TAKEAWAYS

•

Great places aren’t about height or style but about how spaces are formed. Streets, plazas, and courtyards dictate how we experience a city more than the aesthetics of individual buildings.

•

Traditional architecture isn’t about copying the past; it’s about principles that create beauty, durability, and livability across cultures and time periods.

•

Keeping historic buildings is important, but we should also be building new ones that are worthy of being preserved in the future. Fear of losing the past shouldn’t stop us from creating great new places.

•

The best cities have a mix of housing that allows people of different income levels to live side by side. Segregating wealth or poverty harms economic mobility and community vitality.

•

The hardest part of building great places isn’t the architecture—it’s getting the financing. Small-scale, human-centered development struggles to compete with big box projects, but that can change with the right approach.

•

Building better cities isn’t a fantasy—it’s already happening in pockets across North America. The real challenge is scaling those successes and proving that beautiful, walkable, thriving communities can be the norm, not the exception.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Exploring Urban Beauty: A Vision for Cities

01:32 The Intersection of Urban Planning and Development

03:58 The Journey to Writing 'Building Optimism'

10:02 The Current State of Urbanism: A Turning Point

18:41 Traditional Urbanism vs. Architecture: Finding Balance

22:59 The Role of Preservation in Modern Urbanism

38:20 Creating a Living Tradition in Architecture

44:06 Exploring Kingston's Urban Fabric

51:04 Innovative Infill Housing Solutions

58:13 The Importance of Diverse Housing Options

01:06:56 Creating Integrated Communities

01:12:12 The Role of Capital in Urban Development

CONNECT WITH COBY

X: https://x.com/Cobylefko?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Website: ⁠https://cobylefkowitz.com

Substack: https://ourbuiltenvironment.substack.com/p/a-call-to-build-a-better-world

MENTIONED RESOURCES

Coby’s Book:

https://www.amazon.com/Building-Optimism-World-Looks-Better/dp/B0DJV2WLXR/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=Q3

Patrick Sharkey’s Trapped in Place: https://www.amazon.com/Stuck-Place-Neighborhoods-Progress-Equality/dp/0226924254

Samuel Hughes’ Article: Making Architecture Easy: https://worksinprogress.co/issue/making-architecture-easy/

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter:https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/

https://twitter.com/build_culture

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/

SPONSORS

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

Most Americans think painting brick is as simple as grabbing a bucket of latex or oil-based paint, but this common approach can wreak havoc on your home–and is uglier to boot.

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Plechan, the founder of Mineral Stains. We dive deep into the art and science of finishing brick with mineral stains like limewash, potassium silicate and sol silicate.

These centuries-old techniques are not only more durable and beautiful but also allow your brick to breathe, preventing costly damage.

I talk to many people who go to Europe, see a beautiful color, and try to color match it at home on stucco or masonry. It doesn’t turn out the same. Why? It’s not the same paint!

But it can be.

If you are thinking about painting masonry, listen to this episode! And while there are other US based suppliers, Matt at Mineral Stains is an excellent source who manufactures in the US and will help you find the right product for your project!

TAKEAWAYS

Latex acrylic paints are unsuitable for masonry, while mineral stains bond with masonry for enhanced durability and a natural aesthetic.

Potassium silicate offers better longevity than lime wash, while sole silicate works effectively on previously painted or coated surfaces.

Mineral stains are eco-friendly, made from natural pigments, and provide vibrant, non-toxic finishes with a timeless, breathable quality.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Masonry Painting Challenges

02:49 Understanding Mineral Stains vs. Traditional Paints

06:30 Exploring Types of Mineral Stains

10:56 Comparing Lime Wash and Potassium Silicate

18:30 Application Techniques for Mineral Stains

32:28 Best Practices for Exterior Application

35:37 The Importance of Primer in Painting

40:49 Cleaning and Preparing Surfaces for Painting

45:33 Best Practices for New Construction Painting

52:35 Application Techniques: Spraying vs. Rolling

57:49 Interior Painting: Natural Finishes and Techniques

CONTACT MATTHEW PLECHAN AND MINERAL STAINS

Website: https://mineralstains.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mineralstains1

Matt’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-plechan-94a18172

MENTIONED RESOURCES

https://masonrymagazine.com/Default?pageID=2362

https://voyagejacksonville.com/?post_type=interview&p=91151

https://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/global-home-of-the-pga-tour

https://youtu.be/OIWKKjPj5PI

https://youtu.be/cojGgH-79u4

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/

https://twitter.com/build_culture

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/

SPONSORS

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

I’m excited to share this conversation with Will McCollum and Matthew Marshall, the passionate minds behind Citymakers Collective.

This summer, they’re hosting a transformative two-week program in Charleston, featuring some of the top practitioners in the New Urbanism and human-centered design movements.

Their approach is holistic, hands-on, and experiential, with a mission to equip the next generation of city makers to design and build places that are resilient, beautiful, and centered on people.

In this episode, we delve into the challenges of traditional education, what’s missing, and why they felt compelled to create this innovative summer program.

If you’re a young professional or student working in the built environment—whether you’re an architect, planner, builder, developer, engineer or something else—I highly encourage you to check it out and consider applying.

Learn more at:https://citymakerscollective.org/

TAKEAWAYS

•

The City Makers Collective program teaches principles that make cities more livable, sustainable, and people-focused.

•

Participants engage with Charleston’s urban fabric through walking tours, real-world case studies, and collaborative studio projects.

•

The program blends timeless design principles with modern needs to create places that work for today’s challenges.

•

Architects, planners, developers, and more come together to foster holistic learning and solutions.

•

Students learn how to navigate market realities, collaborate effectively, and implement sustainable practices in urban design.

•

Instructors include top practitioners like Lou Oliver and Maria Sanchez (Estudio Urbano), offering a wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives.

•

The program addresses the lack of foundational training in urbanism and traditional design in most architecture schools.

•

Participants gain access to a powerful network of professionals, creating lasting connections for their careers.

•

The program offers scholarships and affordable housing options to ensure a wide range of students can participate.

•

The City Makers Collective aims to grow beyond this summer, offering ongoing programs to shape the future of urbanism and architecture.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Designing Cities for People

08:10 Bridging the Education Gap in Urbanism

14:00 The Importance of Tradition in Architecture

20:42 Integrating Disciplines for Holistic City Building

27:59 Understanding Market Realities in Education

29:50 Creating a Shared Vision for Communities

30:47 Building the Human Habitat

32:11 The Dual Nature of Humanity: Creation and Destruction

33:38 The Responsibility of Architects

34:41 Learning from Past Mistakes in Architecture

36:35 Integrating Tradition with Modernity

37:34 Hands-On Learning in Architecture Education

40:26 The Importance of Networking in Architecture

41:5 Introducing the Fellowship Program

43:24 Funding and Support for Citymakers Collective

45:06 Future Programs and Workshops

46:30 Cognitive Architecture and Human Experience

49:22 Backgrounds and Inspirations of the Founders

52:20 The Journey of Citymakers Collective

53:16 Application Process and Accessibility

CONTACT MATT, WILL & CITYMAKERS COLLECTIVE

Summer Studio Website: https://citymakerscollective.org/summer-2025

Will's email: will@citymakerscollective.org

Matthew's email: matthew@citymakerscollective.org

Citymakers Collective Website: https://citymakerscollective.org/

Newstory Website: https://www.newstoryhomes.org/

Matthew’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/Matth3wMarshall/

Matthew’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmatthewmarshall/

Will’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-mccollum-6965a066

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/

https://twitter.com/build_culture

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/

SPONSORS

Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast!

Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/

One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

Hi everyone! I’m excited to share our final episode of the year, marking one full year of the Building Culture Podcast! This episode is a solo reflection—something new for me—where I dive into the evolution of our brand, key business learnings, our tech stack, updated thinking, and personal growth.

I explore how Building Culture has grown from focusing on structural masonry to a broader mission of creating durable, human-centered architecture and thriving communities. Adapting to challenges like rising costs and supply chain disruptions, I reflect on how staying versatile has helped us remain true to our mission of fostering human flourishing through the built environment.

This episode also includes lessons learned from raising capital, building a team, and refining processes with tools like Superhuman and AppFolio. I share how inspiring books, podcasts, and thinkers—like Make Something Wonderful and Andrew Huberman’s work—have shaped my perspective.

On a personal note, I open up about recovering from a life-changing injury, the importance of pursuing meaningful goals, and how embracing life’s challenges has brought deeper fulfillment. I’ve found that happiness is fleeting, but meaning endures.

I hope this episode inspires you to reflect on your own journey and take away something valuable for your life or business. Thank you for an incredible year, and here’s to building a thriving future together!

CHAPTERS

00:00 Navigating Real Estate Syndication and Fundraising

33:41 Indefinite Hold Strategy in Real Estate Investment

39:45 Understanding Dopamine and Motivation

45:35 The Importance of Free Speech in Society

54:00 The Importance of Free Speech

01:00:05 The Case for Masonry in Modern Construction

01:07:01 Personal Development and New Ventures

01:14:28 Creating Your Own Heaven or Hell

TAKEAWAYS

Building Culture has shifted from a focus on structural masonry to creating human-centered architecture and thriving communities.

Regular feedback, delegation, and alignment have strengthened team culture and efficiency.

Viewing architecture as a human habitat highlights its role in fostering well-being and community.

Adapting to rising costs and personal setbacks underscores the value of flexibility in pursuing long-term goals.

Pursuing meaningful, challenging goals leads to deeper fulfillment and personal growth.

Austin shares aspirations for Building Culture’s role in creating resilient, human-centered communities.

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

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