Buildings 2.0

Building a Sustainable Future: Insights from Corey Squire

In this conversation, Corey Squire, Associate Principal and Sustainability Director at Bora Architecture, shares his journey into sustainable design, emphasizing the importance of metrics, human-centric approaches, and the role of policy in architecture. He discusses common misconceptions about sustainability, practical strategies for young designers, and the significance of renovation over new construction. The conversation also touches on the tools and technology used in design, the creation of spaces that promote happiness, and the future of sustainable architecture.
 
Takeaways
Sustainable design should focus on measurable impacts on building performance.
Sustainability is about creating healthy indoor environments for people.
Common misconceptions about sustainability often relate to cost.
Orientation and window placement are critical for energy efficiency.
Framed views in architecture enhance the user experience.
Renovating existing buildings can be more challenging but is essential.
Modern technology can significantly improve the performance of older buildings.
Sustainability metrics should be specific and relevant to the project goals.
The architecture industry is increasingly focusing on renovation projects.  Over 50% of architecture revenue will come from existing buildings.
Decarbonization of buildings must happen at an unprecedented rate.
Renovation is often more complex than new construction due to policies.
Tools should enhance, not replace critical thinking in design.
Human happiness in spaces is driven by biological and environmental factors.
AI has limited effectiveness in generating meaningful architectural designs.
Best practices in design must be contextualized to specific communities.
The definition of good design is shifting towards community impact.
Future architecture will prioritize sustainability over aesthetics.
The architectural community is in a transitional period regarding design values.
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IP's Tyler Putnam on Reimagining Architectural Practice Through Technology (Part 1)

In this first installment of a two-part series on Buildings 2.0, Tyler Putnam, Senior Solutions Engineer at Integrated Projects, shares his innovative approach to merging architectural practice with technology and business innovation. Drawing from his equity-based design firm experience to pioneering BIM implementation at major architectural firms, Tyler discusses how digital transformation is reshaping traditional roles. 
He also explores the evolution from CAD to BIM, emphasizing the importance of organizational change and business alignment. His insights on scan-to-BIM technology and digital twins show how data-driven approaches are revolutionizing building ownership and management, while his thoughts on procurement processes highlight opportunities for industry-wide improvement.
 
Topics discussed:
Revolutionizing architectural practice through equity-based design services, combining traditional design roles with innovative business models and construction integration.
The transformation from CAD to BIM workflows, in particular organizational change management and business alignment for successful implementation.
How scan-to-BIM technology serves different stakeholders, from architects and engineers to owners, creating a unified source of truth
The future of digital twins and data-driven decision making in building ownership, moving beyond traditional documentation methods.
The evolution of procurement processes and the need for better project initiation workflows in the architecture industry.
The historical shift in architectural roles from master builders to coordinators, and exploring paths to reclaim essential agency in project delivery.
Leveraging technology automation and computational design to transform traditional architectural processes and improve project efficiency across stakeholders.
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3DGuru.ai’s Mayur Mistry on Democratizing Tech Tools for AEC

In this episode of Buildings 2.0, Jose speaks with Mayur Mistry, Co-founder, 3DGuru.ai and 3DGuru MVP Labs. Through his organizations, Mayur is democratizing AI tools for architecture and construction firms. He shares eye-opening insights about how the technology landscape has evolved, from needing 5,000 images to train an AI model in 2019, to now requiring just 5 images and a few dollars. Through his consulting work, he's also tackling a crucial challenge: helping medium-sized firms innovate without the hefty budgets typically needed for internal tool development. 
Mayur explores practical frameworks for AI adoption, the importance of specialized data in beating bigger competitors, and why firms need to think strategically about their data today to stay ahead tomorrow. Mayur also shares valuable insights about different AI models (Claude vs. OpenAI vs. Llama) and how firms can choose the right tools for their specific needs.
 
Topics discussed:
How AI tools have become radically accessible going from requiring 5,000 images and specialized knowledge in 2019 to now needing just 5 images and the cost of a coffee.
Strategic approaches for firms to adopt AI: starting with pilot projects, focusing on immediate ROI, and leveraging no-code/low-code solutions for quick implementation.
Why firms need a robust data strategy today, including organizing unstructured data, leveraging specialized knowledge, and preparing for future AI implementation.
AI model selection, such as when to use Claude for coding tasks, OpenAI for general applications, and Llama for data-sensitive operations within firms.
Bootstrapping lessons learned on why starting with service-based consulting helped validate market needs and generate immediate revenue while building the product.
Breaking down AI agents, including how natural language can now orchestrate complex workflows, from real estate prospecting to automated design tasks in architecture.

HDR's Paul Liesman on The Reality of Decarbonization

Paul Liesman, Director of Commercial and Corporate Commissioning, HDR, joins Jose on Buildings 2.0 to help demystify building commissioning and share his perspective on New York's ambitious decarbonization goals. 
With over two decades of experience, Paul discusses why nothing really works without commissioning, the challenges of Local Law 97 implementation, and the evolving landscape of building adaptations. His practical insights on building systems integration and the future of construction provide valuable context for anyone involved in the building industry.
Topics discussed:
Early involvement of commissioning agents — before construction even begins — ensures proper planning, pricing, and partnership with the entire construction team.
Integration testing of building systems reveals how components interact, especially during critical events like power transitions.
Local Law 97 and LEED requirements are driving more rigorous commissioning standards, particularly for building envelopes, where significant heat loss occurs despite efficient HVAC systems.
Decarbonizing NYC's million buildings by 2030 faces practical challenges, from electrical infrastructure capacity to the financial burden on smaller building owners dealing with higher interest rates.
Although office-to-residential conversion dominates discussion, challenges like plumbing density and daylight requirements suggest we need more creative solutions for underutilized commercial spaces.
Historic buildings show potential for conversion to light manufacturing, leveraging high ceilings and robust floor structures to bring production back to urban cores.
Despite technological advances like automated CMU laying, successful construction will always require coordinated teams of architects, engineers, contractors, and specialized trades working together.

Integrated Projects' Preston Smith on Aligning Teams with Culture and Leadership

In our third and final part of the conversation series, Jose and Preston Smith, Head of BIM Operations at Integrated Projects, talk about the intersection of culture, leadership, and innovation in the AEC industry. Preston highlights how fostering a strong cultural foundation can help organizations overcome industry challenges, improve team alignment, and drive project success. 
In particular, he stresses the importance of clear communication and collaboration across diverse teams, as well as the transformative role of innovation in reshaping traditional practices. Preston also offers actionable strategies for leaders looking to build a people-first culture and inspire their teams to excel.
Topics discussed:
The impact of a strong organizational culture on overcoming industry challenges and driving innovation in AEC.
Strategies for improving communication and collaboration across diverse teams to ensure alignment and shared vision in complex projects.
Why prioritizing people and building trust within teams are essential for long-term project success in the AEC industry.
How innovative approaches can transform traditional processes and create opportunities for growth in AEC organizations.
The role of leadership in fostering a culture of accountability, creativity, and shared goals within AEC teams.
Practical steps for aligning teams around shared values and ensuring everyone is invested in the success of a project.
The importance of adaptability and resilience in leadership to meet the evolving demands of the AEC industry.
Lessons learned from challenging projects and how they inform better practices and solutions moving forward.
The connection between a people-first approach and achieving better project outcomes and client satisfaction.
How innovation and leadership intersect to create a more efficient, collaborative, and successful future for AEC projects.
 

Integrated Projects' Preston Smith on Aligning Vision with Innovation in AEC

In part two of their three-part conversation, Jose and Preston Smith, Head of BIM Operations at Integrated Projects, explore the transformative potential of technology in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. 
 
Preston emphasizes the critical role of leadership in adopting modern tools, aligning team goals, and fostering collaboration. He shares insights into empowering teams through data-driven decision-making and bridging traditional workflows with innovative solutions. 
 
They also discuss strategies for overcoming resistance to change, sustaining momentum in tech adoption, and aligning timeless design principles with cutting-edge tools. Don’t miss Preston’s vision for reshaping the AEC landscape through leadership, collaboration, and technology integration.
 
Topics discussed:
The role of leadership in driving technological change and ensuring teams are aligned toward adopting modern solutions in the AEC industry.  
Overcoming resistance to change in the AEC sector by fostering collaboration and addressing concerns through effective communication and shared goals.  
How integrating data-driven decision-making can improve project outcomes and build trust across teams in complex architectural and construction workflows.  
Strategies for bridging traditional AEC workflows with modern tools to streamline processes while preserving timeless design principles.  
Addressing challenges in sustaining momentum for tech adoption across diverse teams in the architecture and construction industries.  
The importance of cultivating a collaborative culture that encourages openness to innovation and continuous improvement in design and construction.  
Using technology to create more efficient workflows that improve communication, transparency, and productivity in large-scale architectural projects.  
How data insights can empower teams to make more informed decisions, enhancing project efficiency and reducing risk throughout the lifecycle.  
Preston’s vision for reshaping the AEC landscape by leveraging technology to support creativity, collaboration, and long-term sustainability.  
Aligning leadership, tools, and team goals to drive transformative change and unlock new opportunities for growth in architecture and construction.

Integrated Projects' Preston Smith on Leadership's Role in Modernizing the Industry

Recently on Buildings 2.0, Jose welcomes Preston Smith, Head of BIM Operations at Integrated Projects to our three-part series where they dive into the evolving role of technology in architecture and construction. Preston discusses how leadership drives digital transformation, emphasizing the need for a clear vision to modernize workflows and improve outcomes. 
 
In this first part of the series, Preston also highlights the importance of embracing data-driven insights to foster collaboration across teams, ultimately reducing inefficiencies and driving project success. Additionally, he sheds light on the unique challenges of scaling innovative solutions in an industry rooted in traditional practices. 
 
Topics discussed:
How leadership drives digital transformation in the architecture and construction industries.  
Leveraging data-driven insights to enhance collaboration and reduce inefficiencies across project teams.  
Balancing traditional practices with the adoption of innovative technologies in construction workflows.  
Creating a shared vision to align teams and stakeholders during large-scale digital transformations.  
Designing tech solutions that are user-friendly and seamlessly integrate into existing workflows.  
Overcoming industry resistance to change by demonstrating tangible benefits of technology adoption.  
Strategies for scaling innovative solutions while maintaining operational efficiency in construction projects.  
The critical role of leadership in fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability within organizations.  
Identifying barriers to tech adoption in construction and actionable steps to address them.  
The future of data utilization in shaping smarter, more collaborative construction processes.

Arup’s Gideon D'Arcangelo on Experience Design and User Journeys

In this episode of Buildings 2.0, Jose speaks with Gideon D'Arcangelo, Principal at Arup, to explore the dynamic intersection of digital technology and architecture. Gideon shares his journey from digital media to experience design, emphasizing the importance of integrating technology into physical spaces to enhance user experiences. 
 
Gideon also touches on the role of digital twins in building management, the significance of mapping user journeys to improve architectural outcomes, and the future of digital-physical integration in creating responsive environments. 
 
Topics discussed:
The concept of digital-physical integration, emphasizing the need to merge digital experiences with physical environments to create seamless user interactions.  
The importance of experience design in understanding user needs and mapping their journeys to enhance the overall architectural experience in buildings.  
How digital twins are revolutionizing building management by providing real-time data analysis and enabling scenario planning for improved operational efficiency.  
The role of technology in creating responsive and intelligent environments that anticipate user needs and enhance their experiences within physical spaces.  
The impact of data visualization in communicating building performance and engaging occupants in energy-saving practices and sustainable behaviors.  
The significance of interdisciplinary collaboration among architects, designers, and technologists to achieve successful digital-physical integration in projects.  
Future trends in building design, including increased automation and the growing expectation for technology to be embedded within the built environment.  
The challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid advancement of digital technology in the architecture and construction industries.

Marcus & Millichap’s Darpan Patel on Creative Redevelopment in the Retail Sector

In this episode of Buildings 2.0, Jose speaks with Darpan Patel, SVP at Marcus & Millichap, to explore the evolving landscape of retail real estate. Darpan discusses the surprising resilience of the retail sector, highlighting the high demand for retail spaces driven by population growth and changing consumer preferences. 
 
He emphasizes the importance of omnichannel strategies, where retailers successfully blend online and in-store experiences. Additionally, Darpan shares insights on the trend of adaptive reuse, showcasing how creative redevelopment of existing properties is creating new opportunities for investors. 
 
Topics discussed:
The surprising resilience of the retail sector despite the narrative of a retail apocalypse, showcasing its ability to adapt and thrive in changing markets.
High demand for retail space in growing markets, driven by stable population growth and increasing household formation, particularly in the Sunbelt region.
The integration of omnichannel strategies by retailers, blending online and offline shopping experiences to enhance customer engagement and drive sales.
Creative redevelopment of existing properties, focusing on adaptive reuse to meet current market demands and capitalize on available real estate opportunities.
The importance of customer experience in retail, emphasizing the need for exceptional service to foster loyalty and repeat business.
Insights on how successful retailers are leveraging technology to streamline operations and improve market insights, enhancing their competitive edge.
The impact of economic factors, such as rising interest rates, on retail investment and development strategies, shaping the landscape for future opportunities.
The role of community engagement in retail development, addressing local needs while balancing the interests of various stakeholders in the process.
Challenges faced by developers in navigating complex permitting processes and the need for streamlined regulations to facilitate new construction and affordable housing initiatives. 
The potential for innovative solutions, such as blockchain technology, to improve efficiency in the real estate development process and reduce friction in transactions. 

Lucern Capital Partners’ Frank Forte on Building a Lean and Nimble Real Estate Operation

In this episode of Buildings 2.0, Jose speaks with Frank Forte, Managing Partner & Chief Investment Officer at Lucern Capital Partners. Frank Forte shares his fascinating journey from investment banking to real estate ownership, discussing the importance of calculated risk-taking and how it has shaped his investment strategies. 
 
Frank emphasizes the value of networking, explaining how building strong relationships can lead to lucrative opportunities in new markets. Additionally, he highlights the advantages of maintaining a lean team, which allows for quick decision-making and adaptability in a competitive landscape. 
 
Topics discussed:
The importance of calculated risk-taking in real estate investments and how it can lead to significant rewards when managed effectively.  
Building strong relationships through networking and how these connections can create valuable opportunities in new markets and partnerships.  
The advantages of maintaining a lean team structure, allowing for quick decision-making and adaptability in a competitive real estate landscape.  
Insights on navigating market uncertainties, including rising interest rates and economic fluctuations, while preserving capital and ensuring profitability.  
The role of hard work and perseverance in achieving long-term success in the real estate industry, especially during challenging times.  
Strategies for conducting thorough due diligence on potential acquisitions, including lease analysis and property inspections to mitigate risks.  
The evolution of the real estate market post-COVID and its impact on tenant behavior and property management practices.  
Frank's personal experiences with setbacks, such as property damage, and how these challenges shaped his approach to risk management.  
The significance of mentoring and giving back to the community by supporting young professionals and investing in startups.  
The future outlook for the real estate sector and the potential for growth in light industrial properties and niche markets.