Rob Hagan is an Associate Principal at CBT Architects, where he leads multifamily, mixed-use, housing, and hospitality work with a focus on retail planning and the public realm. With more than 25 years in practice, Rob brings a global perspective shaped by projects across the U.S., Abu Dhabi, Taiwan, and Europe.

In this episode, Rob explains why retail and the public realm are inextricably linked and how the experience economy is transforming urban development. He shares how online shopping, hybrid retail models, and data-driven design are changing what belongs at the ground floor, and why understanding human behavior is crucial to the success of mixed-use projects.

The conversation also explores Rob’s career journey, leadership philosophy, and commitment to inclusive culture. From mentoring young architects to founding initiatives like CBT Proud and Out in Design, Rob offers a clear view on how thoughtful leadership and community-building strengthen both firms and the industry.

Key Takeaways

• Ground-floor retail shapes how people experience buildings.
• The experience economy is redefining urban retail design.
• Cultural context changes how architecture works and is lived in.
• Strong leadership comes from trust, inclusion, and empowering teams.

Notable Quotes

• “The place where the average person has a chance to really have a meaningful experience with your building, if they’re not living there or working there, is at the ground level of the building.” - Rob
• "The best ideas are really the ones that come from multiple viewpoints coming to the table. And it’s not one individual who decides. Some of the tough decisions are the ones that are made through consensus." - Rob
• “[People are] really focused on going and making meaningful experiences. They’re not focused on going out and grabbing a good at a particular store as much as they used to be.” - Rob
• “Success in the business world is equal parts what you know and who you know, and the relationships you’re able to build really are the thing that can catalyze the next opportunity for you.” - Rob
• "I always tell people that leadership really is an act of continual greater efforts for selflessness. If you’re doing it right, it’s not about you. You are a conduit to meeting your clients’ needs and providing your team the opportunity to grow and learn."- Rob

Resources:

• CBT Architects
• Rob Hagan
• Book Recommendations: Turn the Ship Around! by David Marquet, Start With Why by Simon Sinek, and The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni

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This week's episode is a guest episode on the Growthitect Podcast with Tyler Suomala (also featured in Design Development, Episode 147).

Our discussion offers an insightful exploration into building a robust, long-term growth strategy that effectively balances relationship building with strategic marketing, since word of mouth alone may not suffice in today's competitive landscape.

I unpack the prevalent myth that architecture and engineering firms can thrive on word of mouth alone by emphasizing the necessity of developing a comprehensive business strategy. With an aim to equip firm owners with the right tools, the conversation navigates through essential concepts like the identification of the ideal customer and the critical importance of delivering distinguishable value.

Key Takeaways:

• Value Articulation: Understanding and clearly articulating the unique value your firm provides is essential for attracting ideal clients and driving successful word-of-mouth marketing.
• Strategic Growth Planning: Avoid relying solely on word of mouth; instead, implement a long-term growth strategy that includes active marketing and brand consistency.
• Client Language: Communicate your firm's value in terms that resonate with clients, like cost savings or efficiency improvements, rather than industry jargon.
• Business Resilience: In downturns, firms that demonstrate clearly defined value propositions and strategic marketing plans maintain a competitive edge.
• Continual Learning: Constantly seek out business education opportunities to mitigate risks and increase the value of your firm over time.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The actual goal is to win the right project with the right customer for the right price. It's not to win every project at any price." – Rens Hayes
2. "Word of mouth doesn't just mean, like, I hope they say Rens is cool. It's about what they are actually saying about your firm." – Tyler Suomala
3. "A lot of businesses are the same. The unique part is the industry-specific delivery." – Rens Hayes
4. "How do architects know if word-of-mouth referrals will not dry up, and are they prepared for when that day comes?" – Tyler Suomala
5. "If you don't know who you serve and how you create value to them, you can't influence word of mouth in the right direction." – Rens Hayes

Resources:

• H+O Structural Engineering
• LinkedIn: Follow Rens Hayes
• The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
• Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink

Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.

Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

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Anyeley Hallová is the founder and CEO of Adre, a socially responsible real estate development company. She's committed to introducing inclusivity and equity in real estate, focusing on sustainable and socially beneficial development practices. She has an extensive educational background, including a Master’s in City Planning from MIT and a Master’s in Landscape Architecture from Harvard. She even impacted changes in the International Building Code advancing mass timber construction.

She shares her journey from co-founder of project^, where she gained insights into sustainable design, to launching Adre, driven by her passion for promoting equity and environmental stewardship in urban planning. She speaks candidly about the systemic issues in housing policies influenced by historical discrimination and highlights how projects can be guided by core values rather than mere market trends.

Key Takeaways:

• Socially responsible real estate development integrates inclusive practices at every phase, focusing on who owns, designs, builds, and benefits from the property.
• The challenges faced by real estate developers can be countered with innovative funding solutions, combining philanthropy and investment for a blended return.
• Essential for progress is the incorporation of community needs and feedback, avoiding 'cookie-cutter' solutions in diverse locations.

Notable Quotes:

1. “Socially responsible real estate development requires thinking about ownership, community, and sustainable design at every phase.” – Anyeley
2. “You can't manage what you don't measure. Innovative organizations create their own standards and metrics.” – Rens Hayes
3. “The financial activism space is about using your money and your impact to create equity.” – Anyeley
4. “Developers can solve issues with influence, not just with a project.” – Anyeley

Resources:

• The book "Color of Law" by Richard Rothstein: Influential in Anyeley’s transition towards starting Adre.
• "Coming to America" Podcast: Hosted by Anyeley’s husband, exploring immigration stories.
• A Kid's Book About Real Estate Development: Authored by Anyeley, aiming to introduce children to the fundamentals of real estate development.

Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.

Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

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Matt Marotta is the Managing Principal and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Icon Architecture. With a diverse background in architecture and operations, Matt has been instrumental in leading projects across residential, institutional, and public domains. Having begun his career at Icon as an intern, Matt has risen through the ranks over two decades, becoming an owner and pivotal figure in the firm's leadership team.

Through a detailed discussion, Matt unveils the technological evolution within the architectural field, from hand drawings to AutoCAD and BIM, weighing the benefits and challenges each innovation brings. He highlights the critical balance between project management and operations, sharing strategies for fostering junior staff development and maintaining high-quality design standards. The episode also touches on the impact of AI in architecture, offering a glimpse into future efficiencies and opportunities in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Successful project approval hinges on engaging stakeholders, iterating designs, and incorporating community feedback.
• Career Growth: Embrace new challenges and mentorship; ownership opportunities often arise from initiative and strategic learning.
• Technological Transition: From 2D drafting to BIM, each tool in architecture has strengths and challenges, and future innovation like AI promises further evolution.
• Team Development: Focusing on employee strengths and facilitating continuous learning are essential for a productive architectural practice.
• Balancing Roles: Operational success in architecture requires juggling multiple responsibilities while empowering team autonomy.

Notable Quotes:

1. "You always have to give something back... whether it's how it presents itself or how it fits into the urban fabric."
2. "Ownership wasn't something I was ready for, but I don't think anyone ever is."
3. "AI can probably get us to that next level... helping us with the errors in our construction."
4. "As a managing principal, you can't be the champion for solving every problem on your projects."
5. "Finding what your skill set is... as a junior staff, connects you with someone who can guide you."

Resources:

• Icon Architecture
• Wentworth Institute of Technology
• The Six Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni
• Matt Morotta

Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.

Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

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David Tabenken is a seasoned architect and principal at Hacin, a renowned architectural design firm. With over two decades of experience in the field, David has worked on a diverse range of projects, including urban design and campus planning at Carnegie Mellon University and influential interior design endeavors like the restaurant Myers and Chang in Boston's South End.

David provides rich insights into the cultural heart of Hacin, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and the importance of interdisciplinary thinking in fostering exceptional design. He reflects on the company's commitment to blending architectural visions with interior design early in the development phase, a strategy incorporating multiple perspectives, thus enriching the creative process. The conversation traverses projects ranging from local gems in Boston to residential stretches across the U.S., showcasing David's proficiency and dedication to architectural excellence.

Key Takeaways:

• Integration of Interior Design: Exemplifying how integrating interior design into architectural projects from the conceptual stage leads to more cohesive and impactful designs.
• Durability as a Metric: Using the longevity of a space without renovation as an indicator of successful design, as illustrated by the lasting impact of the Myers and Chang project.
• Cultivating Company Culture: David discusses the benefits of fostering a collegial and loyal company culture at Hacin, contributing to staff retention and firm stability even in economic fluctuations.
• Strategic Growth: The importance of deliberate and incremental firm growth, maintaining quality and stability without succumbing to rapid expansion pressures.
• Diversity in Influence: Celebrating the diverse educational and cultural backgrounds within Hacin’s team, enriching the firm’s creative approach and innovative problem-solving.

Notable Quotes:

• "Having interior design integrated into our office has really impacted the way we do architecture." - David Tabenken
• "We're loyal to him [David Hacin], he makes it a good place to work, and he's very loyal to his staff." - David Tabenken
• "I always made it clear what was important to me was kind of growing as an architect, making sure I was not just doing design." - David Tabenken
• "At the end of the day, what you're designing needs to be good." - David Tabenken

Resources:

• Hacin
• Books: "How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth"

Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.

Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

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James Gray is a seasoned architect and senior principal at Stantec, a leading global design and consulting firm. With a career spanning over three decades, he has been instrumental in leading significant growth and transitions in the architecture and construction industry. Starting at AD Inc., James cultivated a successful trajectory which eventually led to the company’s acquisition by Stantec.

Throughout the episode, James discusses the roles of cultural alignment in mergers and acquisitions, particularly highlighting the synergies realized through Stantec's acquisition of Page. With a focus on sustainability, the episode examines how urban architecture can solve environmental challenges and the potential of technology and policies in shaping the future. James also shares personal anecdotes about his career influences and pivotal projects, offering insights into the intricacies of architectural design and development from a leadership perspective. By understanding broader economic forces and trends, James provides practical strategies for thriving in both prosperous and challenging times within the industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership in Transition: James emphasizes the importance of building motivated teams and aligning their passion with organizational goals during periods of transition and growth.
• Navigating Economic Challenges: The episode provides insights into strategies for resilience and innovation in the face of economic downturns and market changes.
• Cultural Alignment in M&A: Discusses the critical role of cultural compatibility in successful mergers and acquisitions, drawing from the Page and Stantec integration.
• Sustainability in Architecture: Explores how urban densification and the evolution of environmental policies can address the challenges posed by climate change.
• Future of Design and Technology: Highlights the growing importance of electrification and artificial intelligence in shaping the future of architectural design and sustainability.

Notable Quotes:

• "At the end of the day, motivation is the most important, and helping people be motivated for the kind of greater good is what I found to be the best recipe."
• "A big company is really a collection of individuals. It's a bigger collection, but it's still, and it has leadership. And the leaders of this company care about the work."
• "Insatiable curiosity is really important to being good at anything, frankly, and certainly in this business."
• "I like to say that I've been wildly more successful than I ever imagined."
• "Sometimes people probably called me nosy, which is sort of the other connotation of the same kind of set of behaviors."

Resources:

• Stantec

Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.

Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

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Jonathan Segal is a highly accomplished architect, developer, and educator known for his integrative approach to real estate development. With nearly four decades of experience, he successfully operates Segal Design Build, overseeing comprehensive projects from architecture to development and construction. Renowned for his innovative "Architect as Developer" model, Jonathan bridges the gap between architectural design and financial strategization, removing traditional industry roadblocks.

As the conversation unfolds, Jonathan reveals his distinct approach to running Segal Design Build with an ultra-lean team, epitomizing efficiency and creativity. Learning business acumen alongside technical skills is outspokenly advocated by Jonathan as a necessary facet for aspiring architects aiming for development roles. Filled with valuable takeaways, this episode is a remarkable resource for architects and developers looking to expand their horizons in real estate.

Key Takeaways:

• Architects as Entrepreneurs: Jonathan stresses the importance of gaining business acumen and operational control as an architect to drive successful development projects.
• Integrated Approach: By combining roles of architect, developer, and builder, Jonathan eliminates inefficiencies caused by traditional project fragmentation.
• Lean Operations: Running a successful development firm with a minimalistic team structure allows for improved efficiency and decision-making.
• Market Dynamics Insight: Jonathan offers nuanced perspectives on current real estate market challenges, emphasizing strategic adaptability in changing economic conditions.
• Inspirational Mentorship: Through his teachings and seminar leadership, Jonathan guides aspiring architects to develop self-sustaining careers in the industry.

Notable Quotes:

1. "We don't have a request for information log. This is it right here."
2. "I've been interested in working hard and benefiting from it since third grade."
3. "The education that we get is tremendous by being on-site every single day."
4. "You have control of your destiny."
5. "I'm more than happy to let everybody make money doing what I do."

Resources:

• Architect as Developer: architectasdeveloper.com - Learn about Jonathan Segal's approach and seminars.

Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.

Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

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Kevin Kennon is a renowned architect internationally recognized for his work in real estate design and construction. He became a partner at the prestigious Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), where he executed projects such as the Rodin Museum in Korea and led developments in downtown New York, including projects for Lehman Brothers. Kevin later founded Kevin Kennon Architecture, broadened his expertise through Kevin Kennan Design Consultancy, and established Beyond Zero to focus on sustainable luxury resort developments.

The discussion touches on the industry's prospects, emphasizing opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, and how architects can leverage these advancements to ask better questions and refine their visionary capabilities. The conversation also dives into Kevin's motivation for starting his own firm, the trials of entrepreneurship following 9/11, and how global events like the pandemic have shaped his current ventures, such as sustainable development projects with Beyond Zero. Kevin's reflections underline the importance of creativity, collaboration, and adaptive learning in cultivating a successful architectural career, emphasizing that—above all—architecture is about crafting and communicating compelling narratives.

Key Takeaways:

• Interconnection of Architecture and Society: Architecture ought to reflect and serve contemporary social values, transforming challenges like AI into opportunities for innovative questioning and design.
• Professional Evolution: Kevin’s career trajectory from an esteemed partner at KPF to establishing his architectural firm showcases the shifts in industry dynamics and the entrepreneurial spirit needed to adapt.
• Creativity and Curiosity: A successful architect balances creativity, confident humility, and continuous learning — attributes that fuel personal and professional growth.
• Challenges in Architectural Practice: With abysmal industry margins, Kevin discusses how architects can align business acumen with passion to innovate and succeed in different sectors, including sustainable developments.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Architecture must meet the moment. It's about understanding the present and envisioning the future."
2. "The promise of AI in architecture lies not in solving problems but in helping us ask better questions."
3. "The goal isn't to resolve something. The goal is just to open another door."
4. "Architecture isn't just about building structures; it's about crafting a narrative that accommodates and communicates visions."

Resources:

• Kennon Design Consultancy AIA
• Beyond Zero

Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.

Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

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Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/