Better Buildings For Humans

BBFH is hosted by Joe Menchefski and brought to you by Advanced Glazings, Ltd.
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Welcome to the BBFH podcast. More often than not, when we think about health and wellness, our thoughts turn to diet and exercise. However, most of us spend two-thirds or more of our day inside buildings. The quality of the environment in those buildings has been proven to have a dramatic impact on our well being and our productivity, both at work and at home. There is little discussion about this in the mainstream media. It’s time to start a public dialogue about how we are affected by the buildings where we live, work and play. Thanks for listening! https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/

  1. Rewriting the Rules: Are 21st-Century Schools Finally Putting Students First—or Just Rebranding the Same Old Boxes? – Ep 112 with Cory Boudreau

    -5 J

    Rewriting the Rules: Are 21st-Century Schools Finally Putting Students First—or Just Rebranding the Same Old Boxes? – Ep 112 with Cory Boudreau

    This week on Better Buildings for Humans, Joe Menchefski explores the evolving world of K-12 design with Cory Boudreau, architect at SLAM Collaborative. From a Lego-loving kid to a leader in educational design, Cory shares how his winding career path—from healthcare megaprojects to transformative school campuses—shaped his belief in architecture’s power to influence learning and well-being. In this episode, Cory dives into how modern school design embraces daylighting, outdoor learning, flexible spaces, and even VR labs to create environments where students thrive. He also unpacks how sustainability goals, trauma-informed design, and community needs are reshaping the way we think about the places where our kids learn and grow. Whether you're a designer, educator, or parent, this episode will make you see schools—and architecture—in a whole new light. More About Cory Boudreau Cory Boudreau is a Project Architect and Associate at the SLAM Collaborative in Providence, RI. He has over 12 years of experience designing educational, civic, and community-focused spaces. He is licensed in RI, MA, NC, and SC.  Cory began his design career in Rhode Island, earning his undergraduate degree from the New England Institute of Technology. He then earned his Master of Architecture at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, where he was part of an interdisciplinary  art community that broadened his creative perspective. After working at a few firms in Rhode Island, Cory sought larger, more complex projects and relocated to Charlotte, NC. There, he joined McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, where he was involved in projects of significant scale and complexity across various practice areas. K-12 design became a particular passion of his, and he later became a thought leader and lead designer for the K-12 Team in Charlotte. Cory is also committed to advancing the architectural profession. He contributes through mentorship, technical leadership, and active involvement in organizations such as A4LE, AIA, NCARB, and the ACE Mentor Program. After nearly six years in the Carolinas, he returned to Rhode Island to be closer to his family. Now part of SLAM’s Providence team, continuing to work on K-12 schools throughout New England. Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coryboudreau/  https://slamcoll.com/  Where To Find Us: https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/ www.advancedglazings.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcast www.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625 https://twitter.com/bbfhpod https://twitter.com/Solera_Daylight https://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/ https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltd https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

    27 min
  2. Classrooms on the Frontlines: Are NYC Schools Our Best Hope—or Biggest Gamble—in Climate Resilience? – Ep 111 with Caleb Crawford

    5 NOV.

    Classrooms on the Frontlines: Are NYC Schools Our Best Hope—or Biggest Gamble—in Climate Resilience? – Ep 111 with Caleb Crawford

    This week on Better Buildings for Humans, Joe Menchefski heads to the heart of New York City’s public school system with Caleb Crawford, Director of Sustainable Design and Resiliency at the NYC School Construction Authority. With decades of experience as an architect, educator, and environmental advocate, Caleb dives into how one of the world’s largest school systems is confronting climate change head-on. From electrification and green infrastructure to passive survivability and equity-driven design, Caleb shares the innovative—and often surprising—ways NYC is making schools safer, healthier, and more resilient. He discusses the critical role of local laws, the balancing act of building in a dense city, and how even a brick wall can teach us something about thermal comfort. Whether you're designing new schools or retrofitting old ones, this episode is a masterclass in building for the future, today. More About Caleb Crawford Caleb Crawford is the Director of Sustainable Design and Resiliency at the New York City School  Construction Authority. Crawford comes to the SCA from private practice, where he was a partner in the award-winning firm, Coggan + Crawford Architecture + Design. He has taught design and sustainability at many institutions, including Pratt Institute and City College.  Crawford is a registered architect in New York State, a Certified Passive House Designer, and a LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction. Crawford studied fine arts at the University of Michigan and film at Hunter College before completing a Bachelor of Architecture degree at Pratt Institute. He went on to complete a Masters of Architecture degree at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc). Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-crawford-4295a415/  https://www.instagram.com/greenguynyc/  Where To Find Us: https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/ www.advancedglazings.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcast www.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625 https://twitter.com/bbfhpod https://twitter.com/Solera_Daylight https://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/ https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltd https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

    38 min
  3. Ripping Out the Wires: Why Low Voltage Might Be the Smartest—and Most Dangerous—Idea in Building Design – Ep 110 with Jim Baldwin

    29 OCT.

    Ripping Out the Wires: Why Low Voltage Might Be the Smartest—and Most Dangerous—Idea in Building Design – Ep 110 with Jim Baldwin

    This week on Better Buildings for Humans, Joe Menchefski plugs into the future with Jim Baldwin, founder of Domatic—a company rethinking the very wiring of our buildings. With a background in tech giants like Apple and Microsoft, Jim brings a fresh, user-first mindset to building automation. In this episode, he breaks down how Domatic is creating the "USB for buildings"—a smart, low-voltage system that unifies power and data to make buildings healthier, smarter, and more energy-efficient. From predictive energy modeling using neural nets to real-time air quality monitoring, Jim explains how simplifying tech in buildings can unlock massive sustainability gains without sacrificing occupant comfort. Whether you're retrofitting an office or designing a next-gen apartment block, Jim’s insights will change how you think about what's behind your walls. More About Jim Baldwin Jim Baldwin is the co-founder and CEO of Domatic, a company revolutionizing how smarter, healthier buildings are created. With more than 30 years of experience in software and hardware design and development, he has led and contributed to innovative projects at Apple, Microsoft, Intel, and several startups. His passion lies in applying hardware and software technologies to develop solutions that enhance energy efficiency, comfort, and safety in the built environment. He believes that by combining cutting-edge research, engineering, and entrepreneurship, we can transform the way buildings are wired and improve the quality of life for millions of people. Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimbaldwin/ Where To Find Us: https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/ www.advancedglazings.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcast www.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625 https://twitter.com/bbfhpod https://twitter.com/Solera_Daylight https://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/ https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltd https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

    31 min
  4. Breaking Ground, Breaking Barriers: Why Dirt Work Is the Real Foundation of Healthy Buildings – Ep 109 with Brenna Moore

    22 OCT.

    Breaking Ground, Breaking Barriers: Why Dirt Work Is the Real Foundation of Healthy Buildings – Ep 109 with Brenna Moore

    This week on Better Buildings for Humans, Joe Menchefski digs deep—literally and figuratively—with heavy equipment operator and trailblazer Brenna Moore. In a field long dominated by men, Brenna has carved out a name for herself, not just as a foreman moving mountains of earth, but as a mentor, speaker, and founder of Beast Clothing. With raw honesty and infectious energy, Brenna shares how she overcame industry stereotypes, embraced her strength and femininity, and became a champion for the next generation of women in the trades. From the gritty world of excavation to eco-conscious job sites and youth empowerment programs like Camp BuildHER, Brenna’s story is one of grit, growth, and giving back. Tune in to hear how the foundation of a building starts with the people—and machines—that break the ground. More About Brenna Moore Brenna Moore is a 32-year-old mom to one and a talented Heavy Equipment Operator. She competes in the National Equipment League. Brenna is also an Excavator Instructor with Camp BuildHER, where she teaches other women how to run heavy machinery. On top of that, she owns Beast Clothing Co.  Whether she’s operating equipment, coaching others, or building her business, Brenna is dedicated to showing that women belong in the trades. Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenna-e-moore302/ https://crownquality.com/beast-clothing-store.htm  Where To Find Us: https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/ www.advancedglazings.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcast www.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625 https://twitter.com/bbfhpod https://twitter.com/Solera_Daylight https://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/ https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltd https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

    31 min
  5. “Let There Be Light—Or Else: Why Denying Daylight Is Costing Us Our Health” – Ep 108 with Dr. Lorne Whitehead

    15 OCT.

    “Let There Be Light—Or Else: Why Denying Daylight Is Costing Us Our Health” – Ep 108 with Dr. Lorne Whitehead

    This week on Better Buildings for Humans, Joe Menchefski explores the brilliant intersection of physics, daylighting, and human well-being with Dr. Lorne Whitehead of the University of British Columbia. A physicist, inventor, and serial entrepreneur, Lorne shares how a lucky mistake in grade nine launched a lifelong journey into the science of light. From pioneering daylighting systems and launching tech startups to enhancing human health with spectral design, Lorne’s work has quietly reshaped the way we experience buildings, screens, and even greenhouses. With wit and wisdom, he unpacks the power of “enlightened compromise” in building design—and why the sun might be our most underutilized wellness tool. Tune in to discover how light, innovation, and thoughtful design converge to make our buildings not just smarter, but better for humans. More About Dr. Lorne Whitehead  Dr. Lorne Whitehead is the University of British Columbia’s Special Advisor on Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Research and a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. He has held several administrative positions including Associate Dean, Dean pro tem, VP Academic & Provost and Leader of Education Innovation. He holds over 150 US patents that find application in computer screens, televisions and lighting products and has launched seven spin-off companies. He received a Ph.D. in Physics from UBC and has considerable experience in technological, business and administrative innovation. From 1983 to 1993 he served as CEO of TIR Systems, a UBC spin-off company that grew to 200 employees before being acquired by a multinational corporation. Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorne-whitehead-36831622a/?trk=public_profile_browsemap&originalSubdomain=ca  Where To Find Us: https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/ www.advancedglazings.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcast www.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625 https://twitter.com/bbfhpod https://twitter.com/Solera_Daylight https://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/ https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltd https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

    38 min
  6. Why “Good Design” Might Be Hurting Us: The Case for Sensory Accessibility and Invisible Disabilities – Ep 107 with Eliza Redmann

    8 OCT.

    Why “Good Design” Might Be Hurting Us: The Case for Sensory Accessibility and Invisible Disabilities – Ep 107 with Eliza Redmann

    This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski dives into the artful side of architecture with sculptural artist Eliza Redmann, founder of Folded Poetry. Once an architect on a promising career path, Eliza’s life took a dramatic turn after a traumatic brain injury. What followed was a powerful story of resilience, reinvention, and a new mission: creating art that’s both visually stunning and acoustically functional. Eliza shares how her designs offer sensory accessibility, reflect invisible disabilities, and bring softness into harsh built environments. From using recycled acoustic felt to collaborating with manufacturers like UnikaVev, Eliza is transforming spaces into havens for the neurodivergent and sensory-sensitive. Tune in for a moving conversation about constraint, creativity, and how buildings—and art—can tell deeply human stories. More About Eliza Redmann Eliza Redmann is a licensed architect, sculptural artist, and the founder of Folded Poetry, a design studio based in Durham, North Carolina. After a traumatic brain injury from a car accident abruptly disrupted her architecture career, Eliza transformed her path through creative reinvention. Her art became both a tool for healing and a platform for advocacy, offering viewers a visceral glimpse into the visual disturbances and sensory challenges she continues to navigate. Eliza specializes in custom commissions, design licensing, and prototyping “acoustic artwork” that enhances sensory accessibility in built environments—particularly for individuals with auditory sensitivities. Through her work, she seeks not only to raise awareness about invisible disabilities but also to dismantle the design barriers that often accompany them. Contact: https://www.instagram.com/folded_poetry/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@folded_poetryhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/elizaredmann-foldedpoetryhttps://www.foldedpoetry.com/ Where To Find Us: https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/ www.advancedglazings.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcast www.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625 https://twitter.com/bbfhpod https://twitter.com/Solera_Daylight https://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/ https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltd https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

    37 min
  7. Why Your Dream Home Might Be a Mistake: The Case for Smaller, Smarter, Soulful Design – Ep 106 with Toby Witte

    1 OCT.

    Why Your Dream Home Might Be a Mistake: The Case for Smaller, Smarter, Soulful Design – Ep 106 with Toby Witte

    This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski welcomes architect Toby Witte of Wittehaus—creator of healthy, high-performance luxury homes in the Carolinas. From his roots in Germany to building dream homes in North Carolina, Toby shares how sustainability and soul can go hand-in-hand. They explore why “less is more” isn’t just a design mantra, how solar panels are becoming a no-brainer, and why the best homes are built like Yeti coolers. You’ll hear how simple choices like south-facing windows and carbon-capture concrete are redefining modern living—and why homes should lift your soul. Plus, discover why Toby believes future buyers won’t touch a house that isn’t energy efficient. If you've ever dreamed of a net-zero home that feels like a daily vacation, this is your episode. More About Toby Witte Toby Witte is an award-winning architect and founder of Wittehaus, known for designing soulful, high-performance homes that blend modern aesthetics with sustainable living. Born in Peru and raised in Germany, Toby brings over 25 years of experience across architecture, building science, and construction in both Europe and the U.S. A graduate of UNC Charlotte, he’s earned national acclaim, with work featured in Forbes, Dwell, Architectural Digest, and The New York Times. His book Supersizing Bliss explores how design impacts happiness, and he frequently shares his insights as a keynote speaker, adjunct professor, and podcast guest. When not designing, Toby enjoys family life with his wife, three daughters, and four cats—and yes, he makes time for cooking, traveling, and a good beer. CONTACT:https://www.witteha.us/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobywitte/ https://www.instagram.com/wittehaus/ https://www.facebook.com/wittehaus https://www.youtube.com/@wittehaus https://www.supersizingbliss.com/podcast https://www.supersizingbliss.com/ Where To Find Us: https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/ www.advancedglazings.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcast www.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625 https://twitter.com/bbfhpod https://twitter.com/Solera_Daylight https://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/ https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltd https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

    43 min
  8. The Most Sustainable Building Is Already Built: Why Architects Still Chase New – Ep 105 with Tommaso Bitossi

    24 SEPT.

    The Most Sustainable Building Is Already Built: Why Architects Still Chase New – Ep 105 with Tommaso Bitossi

    This week on Better Buildings for Humans, Joe Menchefski sits down with Tommaso Bitossi, partner at Transsolar and a passionate advocate for climate-responsive design. From Florence to New York City, Tommaso shares his unconventional path from civil engineering to climate engineering, blending a love of math, physics, and frugality with a deep respect for culture and place. Together, they dive into why renovation is cooler than you think, how building envelopes shape human comfort, and why “operable windows” might be the most underrated innovation in architecture. You’ll hear about cutting-edge technologies making electrification easier, the power of post-occupancy studies, and why resilience is the new luxury. Plus, Tommaso shares insights from the Transsolar World Academy and their ambitious carbon-neutral journey. If you care about buildings that do more with less, this episode is for you. More About Tommaso Bitossi Tommaso focuses on two aspects of climate responsive design: architecture and climate engineering based on his professional value of ‘sufficiency before efficiency‘.  His unique perspective on the integrated design process together with his understanding of both the architectural and the engineering approaches facilitate the communication of complex strategies to the design team.   Tommaso deeply believes that a decision-making process based on a solid engineered and out-of-the-box thinking leads to resource conscious solutions and high quality built environments.  It is important to him to keep environmental impacts such as CO2 emissions as low as possible in all projects.  He is committed to education with the goal of helping the next generation rethink how to combat climate change and conserve the planet's limited resources. CONTACT:https://www.linkedin.com/in/architettobitossi/  https://transsolar.com/team/tommaso-bitossi www.transsolar.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/9063475/admin/dashboard/ https://www.instagram.com/transsolar_klimaengineering/?hl=en  Where To Find Us: https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/ www.advancedglazings.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcast www.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625 https://twitter.com/bbfhpod https://twitter.com/Solera_Daylight https://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/ https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltd https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

    40 min
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À propos

Welcome to the BBFH podcast. More often than not, when we think about health and wellness, our thoughts turn to diet and exercise. However, most of us spend two-thirds or more of our day inside buildings. The quality of the environment in those buildings has been proven to have a dramatic impact on our well being and our productivity, both at work and at home. There is little discussion about this in the mainstream media. It’s time to start a public dialogue about how we are affected by the buildings where we live, work and play. Thanks for listening! https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/

Informations

  • Créateur
    BBFH is hosted by Joe Menchefski and brought to you by Advanced Glazings, Ltd.
  • Années d’activité
    2023 - 2025
  • Épisodes
    112
  • Classement
    Tout public
  • Copyright
    © BBFH is hosted by Joe Menchefski and brought to you by Advanced Glazings, Ltd.
  • Site Web de l’émission
    Better Buildings For Humans

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