Tangible Remnants Nakita Reed // Gābl Media

This episode features a fun conversation with Melvalean McLemore.  As you'll hear, we are at a similar point in our careers and I was so excited to be talking with her since she's one of the Black women architects I didn't know well before this episode.  We shout out a number of  black women architects and designers that have influenced our careers as well as talk about her journey into the profession, some of the biases and design challenges that we've seen in the profession as well as the frustration we feel when people try to approach black architects to just serve the role of checking a box.
Links:
Moody NolanMissing 32%: Equity by DesignHUBZone Small Business programTangible Remnants on InstagramTangible Remnants WebsiteLinkedTr.ee for resourcesEarn CEUs for listening to this podcastSignup for Ask Me Anything w/ Nakita ReedGabl Media NetworkSarah Gilberg's Music
Bio: Melvalean McLemore, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP is a Senior Associate, project manager and Texas studio design leader at Moody Nolan, the country's largest African-American owned and operated architecture firm. She was one of the first 500 licensed Black women architects in the U.S and is the 16th licensed black woman architect in the state of Texas. 
She is a champion for diversity in the profession, including co-founding AIA Houston's Women in Architecture committee and NOMA National's HBCU Professional Development Program (PDP).
Melvalean is the recipient of multiple awards, including both the Texas Society of Architects Caudill Young Architect Award and AIA Houston's Ben Brewer Young Architect Award, and most recently the 2024 Young Architects Award from AIA National. Her achievements mark a progressive milestone within the architectural community.
She was honored by the City of Houston for her historic achievement as the first Black female president of the AIA Houston chapter, which prompted the Mayor to officially proclaim November 28th: “Melvalean McLemore Day.
**Some of the links above maybe Amazon affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.** 

This week's episode features a insightful conversation with the trailblazing Ariana Makau. She shares her journey into the field of stained glass conservation and the challenges she faces as a Black woman in a predominantly white industry. She discusses the importance of honoring heritage and the founding of her own company, Nzilani Glass Conservation. Ariana also highlights the unique position of stained glass conservation in the preservation field and the need for proper health and safety practices.  She talks about so many things I never considered - like the importance of blood lead level testing, the responsibility of employers in preserving the health of their workers, and the safe preservation of stained glass windows. As she points out the main components of stained glass are lead and glass - so it was fascinating to learn more about safety protocol. 
Instagram Highlights: Ariana's stained glass work
Links:
Nzilani Glass ConservationNzilani Safety ArticlesArticle: The Art of Health and Safety: Protecting Stained Glass Workers from Lead Exposure by Ariana Makau & David HicksTangible Remnants on InstagramTangible Remnants WebsiteLinkedTr.ee for resourcesEarn CEUs for listening to this podcastSignup for Ask Me Anything w/ Nakita ReedGabl Media NetworkSarah Gilberg's Music
Bio: Ariana Makau is the founder, principal conservator of Nzilani Glass Conservation, and current Interim Collections C.A.R.E. Director of Destination Crenshaw. She holds a MA in Stained Glass Conservation from the V&A/RCA, in London, England; and has been involved in preservation for 30 years. She has worked at numerous museums in the States and abroad including the V&A, the Met, SFMoMA and Getty Museum. Ariana has served on the Board of the Stained Glass Association of America (SGAA), is a Fellow of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC), and a current board member of the Western Chapter of the Association of Preservation Technology (APT). Makau’s work is most fulfilling when at the intersection of equity, preservation and art.
 
**Some of the links above maybe Amazon affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.** 
**This episode is sponsored by www.Smartsheet4architects.com, a better way to manage architecture projects.**
Mentioned in this episode:
Gabl Continuing Education Podcasts
She Builds
a...

This episode features a conversation between Nakita and Lauren McHale, President and CEO of the L'Enfant Trust. They talk about the organization's work in historic preservation and affordable housing in Washington, DC and delve into preservation easements, the redevelopment of the Big Green property in Anacostia, and the importance of community engagement and collaboration in affordable housing projects.
Building Highlight: The Big Green property in Anacostia is being rehabilitated as workforce housing, with a focus on engaging the existing community and preserving the neighborhood's history. Head over to our Instagram page to see historic and current photos.
Links:
The L'Enfant Trust websiteManna HomesNakita Reed's upcoming keynotesTangible Remnants on InstagramTangible Remnants WebsiteLinkedTr.ee for resourcesEarn CEUs for listening to this podcastSignup for Ask Me Anything w/ Nakita ReedGabl Media NetworkSarah Gilberg's Music
Bio: Lauren McHale Lauren was appointed President of The L'Enfant Trust in 2017, after serving as Executive Director and Director of Preservation. In 2012, she initiated the Trust’s Historic Properties Redevelopment Program. Lauren has a B.A. in Art History and Historic Preservation & Community Planning from the College of Charleston and a M.S. in Historic Preservation from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She is the past Chair of the Preservation Action Foundation and Past President of the Latrobe Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians. Lauren currently serves as an ACE DC Mentor Program board member and a citizen member of the Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee of Washington, DC's Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6C.
**Some of the links above maybe Amazon affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.** 
Mentioned in this episode:
Emerging
Unstruct
Gabl Continuing Education Podcasts
She Builds

This week's episode features a fun conversation with the very energetic Jordan Taylor. This episode left me fired up about solar and excited about the future.  Jordan definitely is a reminder of how important it is to follow your interests because they can lead you to your life's work.  By the end of this episode you may pick up some new lingo #bananasandwiches and have a better understanding of what Jordan means when he says that "while money doesn't grow on trees, it does fall from the sky"
Building Highlights: Sharswood in Gretna, VA. These are former plantation homes owned by Jordan's family.
Links:
SynergyGrid60 Minutes: Man unknowingly buy former plantation house where his ancestors were enslavedTangible Remnants on InstagramTangible Remnants WebsiteLinkedTr.ee for resourcesEarn CEUs for listening to this podcastSignup for Ask Me Anything w/ Nakita ReedGabl Media NetworkSarah Gilberg's Music
Bio: Jordan Taylor isn't just building buildings. He's building a better future, brick by sustainable brick. As a seasoned veteran in both the renewable energy and real estate development worlds, Jordan brings over a decade of experience to the table, blending technical expertise with visionary thinking.  
Jordan's journey began in the dynamic world of renewable energy systems. He's navigated the intricacies of technical sales, engineered innovative solutions, and managed multi-million dollar projects with a focus on efficiency and impact. His leadership at SynergyGrid Developments, where he steered a $130 million portfolio, speaks volumes about his financial acumen and strategic vision.
Jordan doesn't just understand renewable energy, he understands how it integrates into the built environment. He's adept at navigating the complex landscape of real estate development, fostering partnerships with key stakeholders, and finding creative solutions to integrate clean energy into the fabric of our communities. His experience at Montgomery Co. Green Bank, where he led business development and secured vital funding for green projects, showcases his ability to bridge the gap between ambition and reality.
 Jordan's passion extends beyond the technical. He's a problem-solver, a collaborator, and a tireless advocate for a more sustainable future. His background in mechanical and robotics engineering, coupled with his proficiency in various software and programming languages, adds a unique dimension to his skillset, allowing him to think outside the box and find innovative solutions to complex challenges.
 Jordan is more than just a leader in renewable energy and real estate development. He's a visionary, a builder, and a champion for a greener tomorrow. His dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit make him a driving force in the fight for a sustainable future. Every...

This solo episode focuses on the various financial tools available to finance the renovation of a historic building.  Specifically:
Grants and bond bills, Tax Credits (HTC, NMTC, LIHTC) and Rebates or incentives (DSIRE & Inflation Reduction Act)
I'll cover a high-level view of various financing products and have included some great resources below if you're interested in learning more. You can also head over to our Instagram page (@tangibleremnants) for some graphics and charts on the various financing options.
If you're working on your own tangible remnant or know anyone else working on a historic building that is looking for additional ways to finance it, please send them this episode.
*Note: I am not a CPA nor do I play one on this podcast so please make sure you do your due diligence, talk to your attorney/CPA to find out what is viable for your individual project and jurisdiction. 
Links:
Government sites to funding programs:
HTC: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/taxincentives/index.htmLIHTC: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/lihtc.htmlNMTC: https://www.cdfifund.gov/programs-training/programs/new-markets-tax-creditDSIRE: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Guides & Resources:
Quinn Evans Historic Tax Credit guide: https://www.quinnevans.com/news/navigating-historic-tax-creditsNovogradac Tax Credit Journal: https://www.novoco.com/resource-centers/affordable-housing-tax-credits/about-lihtc#:~:text=The%20LIHTC%20is%20designed%20to,acquisition%20cost%20of%20existing%20buildings.Community Development Entities (CDEs). New Ecology: https://www.newecology.org/media/IRA webinar (Lorax): https://loraxllc.com/planning-for-the-md-climate-solutions-now-act-copy/Lorax IRA blog: https://loraxllc.com/unlocking-building-sustainability-with-the-inflation-reduction-act-ira/
About the podcast:
Tangible Remnants on InstagramTangible Remnants WebsiteLinkedTr.ee for resourcesEarn CEUs for listening to this podcastSignup for Ask Me Anything w/ Nakita...

This episode features a conversation between Nakita and Ganesh Nayak on the intersection of sustainability and accessibility in the built environment. Ganesh shares his journey from being an architect to starting his own consultancy focused on sustainability and accessibility. They discuss the challenges of retrofitting historic buildings and the need to go beyond compliance with accessibility codes. Ganesh emphasizes the importance of designing for invisible disabilities and creating inclusive spaces. They also touch on the inequities in schools and the power of well-designed spaces to promote equity. The conversation concludes with a discussion on designing for the margins and creating spaces where everyone can thrive.
Links:
Framework for Design Excellence: https://www.aia.org/design-excellence/aia-framework-design-excellenceCOTE: https://network.aia.org/communities/community-home?CommunityKey=3b790506-aca5-4eff-aaf6-8a7b553dc0efAIA guidelines for equitable practice: https://www.aia.org/resource-center/guides-equitable-practice Metier, inc: https://www.metierinc.net/about.htmlARTICLE: Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "A Special Needs family during Covid-19" https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v6ernHxTLPc7OteO6NNIrDkOqPFk7pjH/viewARTICLE: Ekistics and the New Habitat Journal. 2020, Volume 80, Issue No. 2, Article "Accessibility in Urban Spaces: The Potential and Limits of Jugaad" https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uxTBk3ey9wk_ICHz49FUlTtLQL-kiVQS/view?usp=sharingTangible Remnants on InstagramTangible Remnants WebsiteLinkedTr.ee for resourcesEarn CEUs for listening to this podcastSignup for Ask Me Anything w/ Nakita ReedGabl Media NetworkSarah Gilberg's Music
Bio: Ganesh Nayak, AIA, NOMA founded Metier Inc. in Atlanta, GA consulting on sustainable design and accessibility. Growing up in India, he did his undergraduate studies in architecture before acquiring a graduate degree from Kansas State University. He worked in architecture in St. Paul, MN, and Wichita, KS before moving to Atlanta, GA. He has published, taught, and presented extensively on architecture, sustainability, and accessibility. 
Ganesh and his wife Sitara are fully involved in the daily care of their young-adult son with developmental disabilities, and he brings this personal experience and voice to bear on issues of equity, design, and advocacy for disability. He served as chair of Georgia’s State Advisory...