American Building

Atif Qadir
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If you want to explore urgent topics related to housing and what they can teach us about ourselves and our country, join us here at American Building. Your host, Atif Qadir, Atif Qadir is a licensed architect and entrepreneur, interested in solving big problems through innovation and technology. He has founded two proptech companies and a real estate development firm, building products ranging from software to workforce housing. Through these experiences, he has a unique perspective on the housing problems - and solutions - we’ll hear about this season. We’ll not only dive into the design and development of iconic buildings, but we’ll also analyze how federal and state policy, local entitlements, and access to capital and distribution are making it increasingly difficult to house Americans. Plus, we will be unpacking relevant news headlines and providing insight into the current legislation related to housing. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

  1. How Small-Scale Homes and Cottage Communities Address Middle-Income Housing Needs

    1 OCT

    How Small-Scale Homes and Cottage Communities Address Middle-Income Housing Needs

    Most developers assume the housing crisis is about supply. Jesse Russell and Ryan Andrews of Hiatus Homes see it differently: it's about designing for households that most developers overlook. One to two-person households represent the largest and fastest-growing demographic in America, yet they're the least served by new construction. Based in Bend, Oregon, Hiatus Homes builds 500-1,200 square foot homes specifically for this market, and since 2020, they've raised $8M from 60 local investors.  Their Hiatus Ninth project demonstrates how small-scale infill development works in practice. On a half-acre lot that once held a single home, they subdivided the property into nine lots and built "twinhomes"—a main unit with an attached ADU that functions as both a primary residence and rental property. This approach allows middle-income buyers (80-120% AMI) to afford homeownership while generating rental income, using financing structures that treat the combined units as a primary residence rather than an investment property. This conversation also explores the policy changes enabling this housing type, the three-stage capitalization strategy they use, the construction process with guaranteed-price builders, and the barriers still preventing small-scale development from scaling nationally. Jesse and Ryan offer practical advice for developers navigating zoning codes, engaging local government, and creating housing that serves workforce needs while remaining financially viable. Episode Outline (03:59) Capital raising through the JOBS Act and community-based investors (08:52) Defining small-scale development and the housing types that qualify (13:49) Hiatus Ninth project overview: subdividing one lot into nine twin homes (21:06) Design and construction process with guaranteed-price builders (23:44) Pricing strategy and the importance of getting buyers into the physical space (27:50) Three-stage financing structures and end-user mortgages (33:23) How Freddie Mac allows rental income to offset mortgage qualification (39:47) Inventory challenges and building permit slowdowns (43:29) Barriers to scaling small-scale developments (53:50) How developers can engage local government and advocate for zoning reform Additional Resources Check out The Mira Shoppe. American Building Podcast listeners get a complimentary gift with their first purchase! Email info@themirashoppe.com to receive your exclusive code and treat yourself to a piece you’ll cherish, while supporting a brand that gives back. Hiatus Homes General Contractor: Simplicity Homes  Private Lender: Builders Capital  Freddie Mac Tour of Homes 2025 Winners  Abundance By Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson Rep. Ilhan Omar's Housing for All Act (2022) Road to Housing Act (2025)...

    1 hr
  2. Met Tower: Creating Five-Star Hotel Experiences in Office Buildings

    24 SEPT

    Met Tower: Creating Five-Star Hotel Experiences in Office Buildings

    The return-to-office policies have settled, but the real challenge has just begun. As companies bring employees back to their desks, the question isn't whether people will return—it's whether they'll want to stay. The office buildings succeeding in this new era aren't necessarily those with the best locations or lowest rents, but rather those who approach office spaces with a hospitality mindset. Michael Kirchmann understood this shift before most developers even recognized the opportunity. As co-founder and CEO of GDSNY, Michael transformed the Met Tower from 20% to 84% leased in 15 months. His strategy includes offering a premium experience at $85-90 per square foot (versus $220+ for new Plaza District towers), hiring former Four Seasons concierges as building staff, and creating amenities like members-only clubs. This approach recognizes that employers now use office environments as recruitment and retention tools, making design quality a competitive necessity rather than a luxury. Beyond development, GDSNY operates GDS Brightstar, a lending platform that combines their construction and leasing expertise, creating unique opportunities to underwrite office deals that traditional lenders avoid. As both borrower and lender, they can identify promising assets and provide rescue capital, construction finance, and workout solutions. Their hands-on approach has saved borrowers tens of millions in construction costs by leveraging existing contractor relationships, making them valuable partners when deals need creative restructuring. Episode Outline (01:54) Growing up in a real estate family and the path from architecture to development (03:31) European development experience with SOM and Howard Ronson  (09:15) GDSNY's mission of creating exceptional real estate through design differentiation (14:40) Assessment of Met Tower's condition and repositioning potential (19:12) Creating hospitality-inspired office experiences and targeting new tenant types (27:37) Walking through the transformed tenant experience from street to suite (31:02) Real estate debt market opportunities and GDSNY's lending platform (38:17) Key elements of successful loan workouts and preventing problems through relationships Additional Resources Check out The Mira Shoppe. American Building Podcast listeners get a complimentary gift with their first purchase! Email info@themirashoppe.com to receive your exclusive code and treat yourself to a piece you’ll cherish, while supporting a brand that gives back. Learn more about Met Tower Fogarty Finger Architecture  Ace Hotel Kyoto  Kengo Kuma & Associates Commune Design   Connect with Michael  Connect on LinkedIn  Follow on Instagram  Website  Email: studio@gdsny.com  More From American Building  Grab the exclusive guide: a...

    45 min
  3. Adaptive Reuse and Community Revitalization in Oklahoma City

    17 SEPT

    Adaptive Reuse and Community Revitalization in Oklahoma City

    When's the last time a ping pong game determined whether you could close a $350,000 loan? For Jonathan Dodson, it happened during his first major development project after walking away from a banking career. His moral stand against workplace harassment led him to launch Pivot Project, an Oklahoma City-based development firm specializing in historic preservation and community revitalization.  In this episode, we talk through Medley Market, which exemplifies Jonathan's approach to adaptive reuse projects. The 24-unit mixed-use development with a market hall and rooftop pickleball courts required navigating investor fraud, underground drug operations, and a five-part capital stack including historic tax credits and C-PACE financing. Instead of walking away from the chaos, Jonathan saw a unique opportunity. The conversation reveals Jonathan's philosophy of transparent compensation and community relationships. He shows team members exactly how their contributions translate to development fees, pays consultants what they're actually worth, and gets the greenlight from neighborhood decision-makers before starting projects. This approach treats development as relationship-building rather than financial engineering, creating lasting value for both investors and the communities Pivot Project serves. Episode Outline (03:56) The workplace harassment incident that led to an entrepreneurial pivot (13:07) The legendary ping pong game that secured crucial construction financing (20:15) Acquiring Medley Market: uncovering investor fraud and recapping the deal (32:51) Managing construction costs and tariff impacts in today's development market (38:26) How to turn valued consultants into true partners (45:30) Upcoming hotel project fundraising and Medley Market expansion  Additional Resources Check out The Mira Shoppe. American Building Podcast listeners get a complimentary gift with their first purchase! Email info@themirashoppe.com to receive your exclusive code and treat yourself to a piece you’ll cherish, while supporting a brand that gives back. Learn more about Small Scale Developers Forum Vogue: Eating Your Way Through America’s Best Food Halls  Newsweek: 2025 Best Food Hall  Kate Kaufman  Candace Baitz  Matt Dean   Meta Quest 3  Connect with Jonathan  Connect on LinkedIn  Website  Email: jonathan@pivotproject.com  More From American Building  Grab the exclusive guide: How Eight Developers & Designers Are Responding to The Housing...

    48 min
  4. How a Legendary Architecture Firm Transitions, Grows, and Looks Forward

    10 SEPT

    How a Legendary Architecture Firm Transitions, Grows, and Looks Forward

    Many architecture firm owners struggle with the same challenge: How do you build a sustainable business that can thrive beyond the founder? Joe Furey solved this problem by bringing his finance and technology background to Michael Graves Architecture & Design, one of America's most iconic firms. As CEO and President, Joe has transformed the practice from a firm dependent on Michael Graves’ reputation into a diverse platform business with 165 employees across 10 offices. His approach combines strategic acquisitions with technology integration, creating what he describes as "a mile wide and an inch deep” approach.  This conversation reveals the mechanics behind how a firm transitions, grows, and looks forward. Joe explains his evaluation criteria, integration process, and how he structures deals that benefit both buyers and sellers. He also discusses expanding into technology consulting through the acquisition of Parallax Team and opportunities to leverage AI within real estate development.  Episode Outline (02:09) The biggest lessons from Fortune 500 consulting that informed his leadership philosophy  (15:51) Joining Michael Graves at peak revenue and recognizing the succession planning gap (22:43) Mitigating the number one post-acquisition problem: Trust  (32:34) The Parallax Team acquisition and turning Revit consulting into a revenue driver (36:10) The acquisition playbook for due-diligence and integration frameworks (46:09) Measuring success through KPIs, budgets, and earn-out structures (52:47) Economic adaptation and positioning the firm for long-term growth Additional Resources Check out The Mira Shoppe. American Building Podcast listeners get a complimentary gift with their first purchase! Email info@themirashoppe.com to receive your exclusive code and treat yourself to a piece you’ll cherish, while supporting a brand that gives back. Dario Amodei and his essay in the social posts Trust: America's Best Chance by Pete Buttigieg  Outsourced  Connect with Joe  Connect on LinkedIn  Website  Contact: jfurey@michaelgraves.com   More From American Building  Grab the exclusive guide: How Eight Developers & Designers Are Responding to The Housing Crisis   Learn more on the American Building website Follow on LinkedIn Follow on Instagram Connect with Atif Qadir on LinkedIn Learn more about Michael Graves Architecture & Design  Watch this episode on...

    1h 4m
  5. How Aker’s Core Values Drive Redevelopment and Community at Kinwood

    3 SEPT

    How Aker’s Core Values Drive Redevelopment and Community at Kinwood

    Stephen Ross had an uncompromising vision for a transformational park built over a highway as part of an ambitious Detroit master plan. The challenge was cost. Tina Ladd has built her career remaining determined in the face of challenges. Through her work on both the Detroit master plan and Hudson Yards, she honed her skills to turn the impossible into possible. Today, that same relentless, solutions-driven mindset defines her work at Aker, where she shows that determination applies just as much in multifamily value-add as it does in billion-dollar mixed-use developments.   The Kinwood redevelopment in Rensselaer, New York exemplifies Aker's approach to value-add properties. What began as "Mansions at Technology Park" — a deteriorating 390-unit complex with 21 years of deferred maintenance—became a case study in strategic repositioning. Rather than chasing luxury branding, Aker focused on authentic values that brought a sense of community into a once transient neighborhood.   By building a strong brand around values like dependability, authenticity, accessibility, and even playfulness, the Aker team laid the groundwork for more than just property upgrades — they set the stage for community impact. With a clear phasing strategy, Tina’s team addressed deferred maintenance, added connection-driven amenities, and refreshed apartments with smart, high-impact materials. The result shows how intentional branding, paired with strategic capital investment, can breathe new life into overlooked assets while building a genuine sense of community. Episode Outline (01:47) Early career lessons from Hudson Yards and exposure to large-scale development (04:40) Mentorship lessons in people management and problem-solving  (12:05) Joining Aker, an employee-owned company focused on community building (19:13) Evaluating and repositioning Mansions at Technology Park (25:13) Unit renovation strategy based on Aker’s core values (34:41) Working with branding consultants and creating cohesive guidelines across assets  (40:01) Current projects, including first fund launch and expansion closer to New York City Additional Resources Check out The Mira Shoppe. American Building Podcast listeners get a complimentary gift with their first purchase! Email info@themirashoppe.com to receive your exclusive code and treat yourself to a piece you’ll cherish, while supporting a brand that gives back. Connect with Marianne Kwok  Connect with Amelia Patt-Zamir  Learn more about Method Develop  Learn more about No Walls Studio Check out excerpts from the Kinwood brand guidelines Contact leasing for the Kinwood Connect with Tina Connect on LinkedIn  Aker Website  Email tina@akercompanies.com to get in touch with her regarding the fund mentioned in...

    42 min
  6. Transforming the Transamerica Pyramid and Reshaping Downtown San Francisco | Part 2

    27 AUG

    Transforming the Transamerica Pyramid and Reshaping Downtown San Francisco | Part 2

    SHVO's $400 million transformation of the Transamerica Pyramid required solving a fundamental problem: how do you renovate an iconic building without destroying what makes it unique? The building's original architect, William Pereira, created brilliant structural innovations but made unusual interior design decisions—hiding 17-foot ceilings behind nine-foot drops and resulting in what was for a long time a standoffish, brutalist entrance Working with Lord Norman Foster and Foster + Partners, Michael Shvo's team spent three years on an authentic restoration that would make visitors believe the spaces had always existed exactly as they found them. They expanded the Redwood Park to surround rather than sit within the building complex, exposed the original concrete grid structure, and made meticulous decisions about materials—evaluating stone samples with minute grain variations to achieve perfect light reflection at different times of day.  The most revealing insights from this conversation come from Shvo's navigation of San Francisco's entitlements process. When consultants warned that his proposed changes would waste months seeking impossible approvals, Shvo and Foster submitted their plans anyway. Their fast-track approval and subsequent leasing success—90% occupancy with tenants like Morgan Lewis—demonstrates how authentic design vision combined with strategic community engagement can overcome even the most challenging regulatory environments. Episode Outline (01:21) The $400 million budget breakdown and three-year remastering timeline (02:24) Transforming the brutalist concrete entrance into an inviting space for gathering (01:33) Remastering an iconic design with Foster + Partners (11:41) Shvo's community engagement philosophy that guides the entitlement process (17:31) What's next for Transamerica Pyramid Center, 2 Transamerica, and 3 Transamerica Additional Resources Check out The Mira Shoppe. American Building Podcast listeners get a complimentary gift with their first purchase! Email info@themirashoppe.com to receive your exclusive code and treat yourself to a piece you’ll cherish, while supporting a brand that gives back. Missed part one with Michael Shvo? Listen here Learn more about Pyramid Dreams To Inquire about leasing, visit transamericapyramid.com/leasing  Learn more about The Raleigh  Listen to American Building episode with Vishaan Chakrabarti  For the full episode show notes and property photos, visit americanbuildingpodcast.com  Connect with Michael Shvo Connect on LinkedIn  Website  More From American Building  Grab the exclusive guide: a...

    20 min
  7. Transforming the Transamerica Pyramid and Reshaping Downtown San Francisco | Part 1

    20 AUG

    Transforming the Transamerica Pyramid and Reshaping Downtown San Francisco | Part 1

    Michael Shvo, founder, chairman, and CEO of SHVO, has built a reputation for transforming iconic properties through hospitality-driven real estate development. From residential to commercial assets, his customer-first philosophy has created some of the most iconic properties across global markets. In this episode, Michael shares the remarkable story behind his $650 million acquisition and transformation of San Francisco's Transamerica Pyramid Center—a deal that almost didn't happen due to the pandemic, 600 open building permits, and a lender backing out at the last minute. The building also carries profound personal significance: as an eight-year-old, Michael drew himself next to the pyramid as a symbol of the American Dream, only to discover this childhood drawing four decades later while becoming the building's steward.  Michael offers tactical insights on customer understanding gained from his broker background, risk management during unprecedented market uncertainty, and the power of unwavering conviction rooted in core values. From opening the ground floor to the public to creating what became known as the Pyramid District, his transformation strategy demonstrates how deep market knowledge and authentic hospitality principles can revitalize both individual properties and entire neighborhoods.  Episode Outline (01:49) What Michael's early career as a residential broker taught him about real estate development (06:43) Advice for building teams and attracting talent in real estate development (07:13) Applying hospitality principles to commercial real estate operations (11:25) Attracting and retaining capital: from friends and family to institutional investors (13:23) Green flags and red flags when evaluating potential investor partnerships (19:41) Opposition and challenges during the original construction of The Transatlantic Pyramid in the 1960s (17:52) Bidding against 44 competitors and winning based on brand stewardship (31:51) Financing challenges and the AIG lender backing out (35:22) The childhood connection: from eight-year-old's drawing to $650M acquisition (38:18) Inspiring the next generation of leaders through Pyramid Dreams Additional Resources Check out The Mira Shoppe. American Building Podcast listeners get a complimentary gift with their first purchase! Email info@themirashoppe.com to receive your exclusive code and treat yourself to a piece you’ll cherish, while supporting a brand that gives back. Learn more about Pyramid Dreams For the full episode show notes, including Michael’s childhood sketch, visit americanbuildingpodcast.com Connect with Michael Shvo Connect on LinkedIn Website  More From American Building  Grab the exclusive guide: How Eight Developers & Designers Are Responding to The Housing Crisis   Learn more on the American Building website Follow on LinkedIn Follow...

    41 min
  8. Studio Barn and Principles for Successful Adaptive Reuse

    13 AUG

    Studio Barn and Principles for Successful Adaptive Reuse

    When the construction numbers came back for Worrell Yeung’s artist studio design in Westerly, Rhode Island, everyone had to pause and recalibrate. The ground-up approach they'd developed was simply too expensive for the clients' needs and lifestyle. This moment led them back to the initial design prompt and sketches.  Rather than seeing this as a setback, Jejon Yeung and Max Worrell, co-founders of Worrell Yeung, discovered that working with the existing horse stable structure resulted in a space with more character and historical layering than the big and bold remodel would have achieved.  Their approach to transforming the barn demonstrates how adaptive reuse can honor what has value while breathing new life into a property. The material strategy exemplifies this even further: wrapping the entire structure in asphalt roofing sheets to create a unified envelope, maintaining the exposed timber frame and inserting plywood volumes for functional needs. Beyond Studio Barn, this conversation explores how Worrell Yeung draws inspiration from artists to inform architectural projects. From a Long Island glass house inspired by Sol LeWitt's grid sculptures to an upstate New York property that references Michael Heizer's "Double Negative," they demonstrate how art can provide formal and conceptual frameworks for residential architecture. Their approach to adaptive reuse extends across functions, from renovating MoMA's Founders Room to expanding a historic chapel for The Evergreens Cemetery, always guided by the philosophy that adaptive reuse should both preserve and innovate. Episode Outline (01:40) The collaborative studio environments that shaped their practice (08:16) Building a diverse team and trusted collaborator network (12:10) The Studio Barn project origins and working with artist clients (17:37) Creating flexible workspace for two different artistic practices (24:37) Solving infrastructure challenges while preserving the timber frame structure (32:19) Turning inspiration into tangible design  (38:56) Common challenges in adaptive reuse and designing for future use cases  (41:02) Three principles for successful adaptive reuse projects Additional Resources Check out The Mira Shoppe. American Building Podcast listeners get a complimentary gift with their first purchase! Email info@themirashoppe.com to receive your exclusive code and treat yourself to a piece you’ll cherish, while supporting a brand that gives back. Learn more about Studio Barn Check out artists and Studio Barn owners Ari Marcopoulos and Kara Walker  Learn more about Frame House  Learn more about Ridge House Watch 6 Secrets Architects Use to Create a Calming Retreat with Worrell Yeung (Design Masterclass) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkXhqrUh01s  Listen to Episode 9 with Kim Yao  Connect with Jejon and...

    46 min
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About

If you want to explore urgent topics related to housing and what they can teach us about ourselves and our country, join us here at American Building. Your host, Atif Qadir, Atif Qadir is a licensed architect and entrepreneur, interested in solving big problems through innovation and technology. He has founded two proptech companies and a real estate development firm, building products ranging from software to workforce housing. Through these experiences, he has a unique perspective on the housing problems - and solutions - we’ll hear about this season. We’ll not only dive into the design and development of iconic buildings, but we’ll also analyze how federal and state policy, local entitlements, and access to capital and distribution are making it increasingly difficult to house Americans. Plus, we will be unpacking relevant news headlines and providing insight into the current legislation related to housing. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Information

  • Creator
    Atif Qadir
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    95
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Atif Qadir
  • Show Website
    American Building

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