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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/iamaleksandrgampel/  Twitter/X: https://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: [email protected] 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​ 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: saifedean.com/podcast Courses: 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: flintlocklab.com Incremental Development Alliance: 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: [email protected] 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: 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: [email protected] Matthew's email: [email protected] 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/