Design Development

Rens Hayes
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Design Development is your hub to learn direct from top professionals in real estate, development, design, and construction!

  1. 16 HR AGO

    145: Keith Boyle, Principal CUBE 3 | Partnership, Aligning Vision and Design

    Keith Boyle, Principal at CUBE 3, is a seasoned professional with decades of experience in the field of architecture, design, and construction. As a leading figure at CUBE 3, Keith has played a pivotal role in the firm's expansion and success.  Keith discusses the evolution of CUBE 3 from its early days to becoming a national leader in architecture and design, emphasizing the importance of aligning architecture with client vision and successfully managing expectations through innovative solutions. As an expert in creating strong partnerships in the real estate sector, Keith shares insights on navigating client relationships, the integration of AI in architecture, and the importance of fostering a company culture where innovation thrives. CUBE 3's national presence and diverse expertise have enabled the firm to work on transformative projects, including the renowned Titleist Performance Testing Center. Keith explains how focusing on service, communication, and leveraging technology has contributed to CUBE 3's success. From his personal connection to the Pan-Mass Challenge to exploring emerging trends in AI for architecture, Keith's conversation provides comprehensive insights into the future of design and construction. Key Takeaways: Aligning Vision with Design: Importance of understanding client needs and offering design solutions that align with their long-term goals.Embracing Technology: Implementing AI and 3D printing to streamline operations and enhance design processes.Client Relationships & Trust: Building strong, enduring partnerships through transparency, trust, and effective communication.Culture of Innovation: The significance of fostering an environment that encourages questioning norms, embracing challenges, and employee growth.Philanthropic Ventures: Personal motivations and the impactful work done through initiatives like the Pan-Mass Challenge.Notable Quotes: "Designing their vision is not just a tagline for us; it's a commitment to truly understand and execute on our client’s needs.""When you give more, you get more back. It's about opening doors and building relationships that are mutually beneficial.""We want to hire and work with people that are much smarter than me, so we can progress and push the firm in a bigger direction.""It's not about the destination; it's about the journey and who you are on that journey with.""Embrace AI as an asset. It's an amazing tool that can change the architecture process without replacing the human element."Resources: CUBE 3Thank 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! Leave your thoughts in the comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show! Design Development Podcast! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

    1h 3m

  2. 10 SEPT

    144: Architecture on a Global Stage with Stephen Baker, Baker Design Group

    Stephen Baker is the founder and principal of Baker Design Group, an esteemed architecture and design firm headquartered in Boston. With a career spanning over three decades, Stephen has cultivated an extensive portfolio featuring projects across 20 countries, making him a recognized name in international architecture.  He reveals how the rise of the Internet played a critical role in his firm's global reach and discusses his early collaboration with Gap that paved the way for Baker Design Group's expansion into international markets. Stephen's narrative highlights the importance of trust, innovation, and excellence in design. Stephen further elucidates the core philosophy that drives Baker Design Group, emphasizing the power of integrating multiple design disciplines. He illustrates his approach with compelling examples, including the world-renowned TripAdvisor headquarters, showcasing how comprehensive design thinking goes beyond aesthetics to improve user experience and operational efficiency. Stephen's stories are enriched with insights into the entrepreneurial spirit, strategic partnerships, and the future of architecture with emerging technologies like AI.  Key Takeaways: Baker Design Group utilizes an interdisciplinary approach, leveraging various design disciplines to create impactful architectural solutions.Stephen's collaboration with Gap exemplifies how innovative design can transform retail experiences and establish global reach.Trust, collaboration, and aligning with a client's mission are crucial for establishing successful international partnerships.Innovative technology and seamless integration of design elements are central to creating functional and inspiring workspaces.Architecture and design should prioritize enabling end-users, simplifying complex systems to enhance usability and functionality.Notable Quotes: "Trust is everything. There's trust in communication, and that's where the magic happens.""In the field of industrial design, it's what you enable the customer or client to do. And we apply that to architecture.""This isn't just office space; it's a destination. That's how we view projects like TripAdvisor's world headquarters.""Architecture is not about adding more cost; it's about spending your money differently to achieve better results."Resources: Baker Design Group - Stephen Baker's architecture firmTripAdvisor - Notably mentioned as a significant clientBooks: "What They Don't Teach at Harvard Business School" and "What They Still Don't Teach at Harvard Business School"Harvard University - Referenced for high-performance learning environmenThank 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! Leave your thoughts in the comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show! Design Development Podcast! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

    56 min

  3. 3 SEPT

    143: Unlock Tax Savings in AEC - R&D, Energy, Depreciation and more with Mike Woeber & Jordan Wilson, Corporate Tax Advisors

    Mike and Jordan Wilson are CEO & Director of Business Development of Corporate Tax Advisors, contributing specialized knowledge in assessing and securing tax credits for businesses. They explain the nuances of corporate tax strategies and how their services help businesses capitalize on lesser-known tax incentives.  Mike and Jordan explore the latest opportunities arising from recent tax law changes, specifically the "big beautiful bill." This episode delves into how these modifications stand to impact companies in real estate, architecture, engineering, construction, and monies with revenues below $31 million. Key Takeaways: Understanding Bonus Depreciation: The reinstatement of 100% bonus depreciation creates significant tax-saving opportunities for real estate professionals.R&D Credit Restoration: Amortization of R&D expenses, a costly change from past tax codes, is removed, offering significant benefits, particularly to compaMike is a seasoned tax expert at Corporate Tax Advisors, a specialty firm distinguishing itself from traditional CPA firms by focusing on capturing tax incentives for businesses. Mike's primary role involves navigating the intricate sections of the Internal Revenue Code to deliver lucrative tax savings without filing tax returns.Section 179D Advantages: Despite upcoming changes, the incentive offers substantial deductions for energy-efficient designs, with ongoing opportunities through careful planning and project initiation.Tax Strategy Alignment: Corporate Tax Advisors offer performance-based billing, ensuring clients' alignment with tax savings objectives.Audit Readiness: With tax credits and deductions comes the possibility of audits, and Corporate Tax Advisors ensure proper preparation and negotiation with the IRS.Notable Quotes: "We generally don't have to deliver bad news. Usually, the news we're delivering is good." - Mike"The tax code is often written in a way that if you are investing your time, energy, and resources in things that are advancing the country and the government's interests, you get opportunities to deduct your taxable income." - Renz Hayes"It's a lot of how we evaluate how our overall economy is performing. So to have this advantage is a very necessary part of our system." - Mike"If there's no risk to learning if there's an opportunity, why wouldn't you do that?" - Renz Hayes"Audits are a part of life and we want to do everything we can to be ready for it in the small chance it happens." - MikeResources: Corporate Tax Advisors: WebsiteEpisode 95 featuring Jordan Wilson: Past discussion on tax strategiesThank 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! Leave your thoughts in the comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show! Design Development Podcast! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

    30 min

  4. 27 AUG

    142: Reinventing Urban Self-Storage with Katharine Lau, CEO & Founder, Stuf Storage

    Katharine Lau is the dynamic founder and CEO of Stuf Storage, a company that reimagines self-storage by leveraging under-utilized commercial real estate to create tech-enabled storage solutions. Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey, Kat held a key role at Industrious as their first real estate hire, where she was instrumental in the company's expansion, managing multiple deals and contributing to new product launches. As cities emerge from the challenges of pandemic-induced vacancies, Kat captures the opportunity to provide urban spaces with proximity-based storage solutions, enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of self-storage for modern consumers. By focusing on previously overlooked urban spaces and employing advanced technology, she's optimizing customer experiences and streamlining operations.  Key Takeaways: Innovative Storage Solutions: Stuf Storage monetizes underutilized real estate in commercial buildings to offer convenient, tech-enabled self-storage solutions closer to where people live and work.Strategic Partnerships: The company employs a revenue-sharing model with landlords, converting non-revenue generating spaces into profitable storage units without owning the real estate.AI-Powered Operations: Stuf Storage utilizes proprietary technology, creating efficient and scalable operations amid growing storage demands.Founder Journey Insights: Kat Lau draws on her experience from Industrious, emphasizing thoughtful decision-making and questioning traditional models to drive innovation in self-storage.Expansion and Opportunities: Targeting urban areas with high storage demands, Kat envisions Stuf Storage expanding into markets such as Philadelphia and Miami, representing a significant growth opportunity for developers.Notable Quotes: "We're incredibly different. We offer a new form of supply to the market and monetize underutilized real estate in commercial buildings.""54% of millennials visit their storage unit weekly because it's an extension of their home.""All of our locations, the entire network, is remotely operated.""One of the best pieces of advice was our growth strategy can't just be a reaction to what wework's doing."Resources: Stuf Storage website: Stuf StorageLinkedIn - Kat Lau: Kat Lau on LinkedInIndustrious website: IndustriousAcquired Podcast: Acquired PodcastBooks Mentioned: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraThank 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! Leave your thoughts in the comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show! Design Development Podcast! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

    46 min

  5. 20 AUG

    141: Micro Units and Market Disruption: Boston's Innovative Housing Solutions with Brent Berc, Co-Founder @ Boston Real Estate Collaborative

    Brent Berc is the co-founder of the Boston Real Estate Collaborative, alongside partners Will Avanessian and Patrick Haydon. In the realm of real estate, Brent has significantly impacted the Boston area development scene, focusing on innovative housing solutions like micro-apartments and co-living spaces. His early career challenges turned into pivotal successes, like the East Dedham Street deal which helped lay a strong foundation for the growth of his firm. This investment not only set a precedent for his entrepreneurial journey but also fueled the company's expansion and innovation in property development. Brent shares insightful anecdotes about navigating the hurdles of getting bank loans as emerging developers and the significance of maintaining core values and communication in long-term partnerships. Brent reflects on the joy of problem-solving, learning from each deal, and crafting spaces that add value to the community, which aligns with the collective vision of the Boston Real Estate Collaborative. Key Takeaways: The East Dedham Street Deal: A fortunate acquisition in 2013 that became a catalyst for the growth of Boston Real Estate Collaborative, illustrating the impact of strategic positioning and luck.Innovative Rental Solutions: Discussion on the success of micro-apartments and short-term rentals before Airbnb popularized the concept, highlighting the evolving nature of urban housing.Challenges in Development: Insights into how Boston’s stringent real estate regulations and community expectations shape the development process, even for small-scale projects.The Importance of Mentorship and Values: Brent emphasizes the role of mentorship and personal values as guiding forces in his career choices and business operations.Adapting to Market Changes: The episode discusses strategies to mitigate risks in high-interest environments and the importance of stable planning in real estate development.Notable Quotes: “Luck, I think, is the biggest thing that played a factor there. We were in the right place at the right time.”"You sort of put these things out there in your work and life, and you attract people and experiences that are in line with what you're putting out there.""It's not about what it is, it's about what it is not... Density is, you know, again with this conversation has been talked about till the cows come home.""The best deal is also the most fulfilling deal. And you know, I haven't seen that yet."Resources: Boston Real Estate CollaborativeFlipkey (mentioned historically as an early rental platform)"How Big Things Get Done" by Bent FlyvbjergThank 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! Leave your thoughts in the comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show! Design Development Podcast! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

    52 min

  6. 13 AUG

    140: Behind the Scenes with Mark Shraiberg: Inside Trammell Crow's Development Strategies

    Mark Shraiberg is the Vice President of Development Management at Trammell Crow Company, a prominent subsidiary of CBRE. With Mark's comprehensive understanding of design, spatial planning, and strategic investments positions him as a significant thought leader in the real estate sector. The discussion dives deep into the changing landscapes of real estate development, the challenges and innovations over recent years, and Mark’s extensive career journey from architecture to high-level development management. With a focus on community-centric projects and long-term value generation, the episode offers a thought-provoking glance at the essence of modern development strategies amid evolving market conditions. Mark discusses the critical evolution in the real estate and construction sectors over the last few years, particularly post-COVID, highlighting the need for a shift in approach to deal-making and project execution. From navigating uncertainty and regulatory challenges to understanding the new demands of investors and communities, the conversation encapsulates the complex nature of today’s development landscape. Mark emphasizes empathy, innovative thinking, and sustainable practices as central to overcoming present challenges and creating significant community impact. Key Takeaways: The real estate landscape requires novel approaches to development and investment strategies amidst post-COVID realities and market shifts.Successful development now demands empathy, creativity, and a focus on sustainable practices to address the needs and constraints of all stakeholders.Engaging with local communities and understanding their history is crucial for creating long-lasting, impactful projects.Experience in diverse roles within the industry enhances understanding and empathy, facilitating better project planning and execution.Opportunities often lie in times of uncertainty, requiring vision, calculated risks, and a focus on collaborative problem-solving.Notable Quotes: "A new market inevitably sends you, gives you new challenges. And now I think we have to look back at ourselves...""The path has been cleared, the obstacles are surmountable, and we're going to be able to get to where we all see we're going to go together.""True craftsmanship is worth their weight in gold, and I think we all know this from being out on construction projects.""Change is probably the most difficult thing that we encounter as humans.""The truth is we all have creativity inside of us."Resources: Books:The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick RubinPodcasts:99% Invisible by Roman MarsCompany: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! Leave your thoughts in the comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show! Design Development Podcast! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

    52 min

  7. 6 AUG

    139: Navigating NYC and Miami: Winning Strategies in Top-Tier Real Estate Markets with Matthew Baron, President/Founder of Baron Property Group

    Matthew Baron is a renowned real estate developer with over 25 years of experience, currently leading Baron Property Group. He co-founded Simon Baron Development where he specialized in multifamily developments, particularly in New York City. Under his leadership at Baron Property Group, Matt oversees ambitious projects in NYC and Miami, with a pipeline of 3,600 units and over $2 billion in project value. Matt shares how he got his start in New York City, working his way from a commercial mortgage broker to a top-tier developer with significant projects in both NYC and Miami—two of the most challenging real estate markets in the U.S. His journey from humble beginnings, through strategic partnerships, to leading a company with a multibillion-dollar portfolio captures the core narrative of success against the odds. As the conversation unfolds, he discusses the complexities introduced by local land use regulations, market demand, materials sourcing, and other logistical concerns that can make or break a development project. Matt emphasizes the significance of strategic partnerships, as seen in Miami, where local knowledge supplemented by his operational acumen led to successful expansions.  Key Takeaways: Partnerships and Local Insights: Success in new markets often hinges on strong local partnerships that can navigate local land use and cultural nuances effectively.Development Strategy: Developing large-scale multifamily properties in high-demand areas like NYC and Miami requires significant capital, strategic site acquisition, and meticulous planning.Supply Constraints and Market Dynamics: Understanding market dynamics such as supply-demand imbalances can provide competitive advantages and instruct strategic planning.Operational Efficiencies: Leveraging third-party property management and construction firms allows developers to focus on scaling and managing risk.Growth and Expansion: Evaluating new markets requires comprehensive local knowledge and a commitment to mitigating risks through strategic alliances and extensive planning.Notable Quotes: "You show me any deal, any site, any block [in New York], I know what can be built.""In New York, if you show me a site and I know that site can't be developed... I'll know because I just know because I'm in that world.""It's easy to get into a partnership. It's very challenging to get out of.""Developing large-scale projects is all about your basis.""You don't want to be the schmuck that bought the one site everybody knows you shouldn't buy."Resources: Baron Property GroupThank 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! Leave your thoughts in the comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show! Design Development Podcast! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

    50 min

  8. 30 JUL

    138: Capital Markets with Bryan Koop, Senior Vice President @ CBRE

    Bryan Koop is a distinguished expert in capital markets, currently representing CBRE, a global leader in commercial real estate services and investments. With a robust background spanning roles at Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan, his expertise lies in commercial real estate finance, particularly in multifamily, industrial, office, and retail sectors. As the industry faces unprecedented challenges due to high interest rates and evolving market dynamics, Bryan highlights the current trends and shifts in capital allocation, noting a significant movement away from urban cores to more suburban locations for certain projects, particularly in the multifamily sector. The conversation unveils the crucial metrics and hurdles that define economic viability in commercial real estate projects, such as untrended return on cost and investment return thresholds.  Key Takeaways: Suburban Shift: Investors are increasingly favoring suburban locations over urban cores for multifamily projects due to better cost basis and strong renter demand, despite challenges in suburban office markets.Economic Viability Metrics: Understanding untrended return on cost and levered IRR is essential for developers to ensure projects meet investor expectations.Capital Market Dynamics: The capital stack for commercial real estate deals is shifting with current market conditions, affecting when and how LP equity engages in projects.Role of Relationships: Building strong relationships and being a lifelong learner are key to navigating and succeeding in the real estate and finance industries.Future of Real Estate: Advances in technology and AI present promising new revenue streams and operational efficiencies for commercial real estate.Notable Quotes: "Tell me why we should do a deal and we can talk about the risks and mitigate the risks associated with it, but tell me why we need to do this deal." — Bryan Koop"For multifamily, it's definitely a more interest in the projects that are more viable today than the urban ones." — Bryan Koop"The value of these buildings can be very different than what is today just by efficiencies that are untapped by technology." — Bryan Koop"The entrepreneurial component of capital markets brokerage always enticed me. You're building your own business." — Bryan Koop"Invest in some relationships that make it. It'll change your life. People, things you read, and the people you meet." — Bryan KoopResources: CBRE Capital Markets - Explore more about the services provided by CBRE at CBRE.Book Recommendation: "Margin of SaThank 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! Leave your thoughts in the comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show! Design Development Podcast! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

    47 min
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Design Development is your hub to learn direct from top professionals in real estate, development, design, and construction!

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  • Creator
    Rens Hayes
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    145
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Design Development
  • Show Website
    Design Development

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