LivLive: Design, Building, and the Business of Remodeling

David Pollard
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

LivLive is a conversation-driven podcast about design, building, real estate, and the business behind it all. Hosted by Dave Pollard, architect and co-founder of LivCo, LivLive brings together architects, builders, developers, and industry leaders to talk honestly about how projects really come together — from early ideas and design decisions to construction, ownership, and long-term value. Each episode blends professional insight with real-world experience.

  1. LivLive Ep. 0000042 - Nick Ruffini

    1d ago

    LivLive Ep. 0000042 - Nick Ruffini

    LivLive Episode 42 | Nick Ruffini – Hospitality, Storytelling, and Building Businesses People Actually Care About This week on LivLive, Dave sits down with longtime friend Nick Ruffini for a wide-ranging conversation about hospitality, storytelling, entrepreneurship, customer experience, and the power of human connection in an increasingly automated world. Nick's career has taken him from his family's restaurant business in Philadelphia to professional music, media production, podcasting, brand strategy, and now consulting through The Ruffini Group. Drawing on lessons from hospitality, entertainment, and real estate development, Nick helps organizations create stronger narratives, more memorable customer experiences, and deeper connections with the communities they serve. The conversation explores why hospitality isn't limited to restaurants and hotels, how every business tells a story whether it realizes it or not, and why the companies that win in the future will be the ones that prioritize people over processes. Dave and Nick also discuss entrepreneurship, charging what you're worth, building authentic brands, creating meaningful experiences, the dangers of over-automation, and how business can be a vehicle for serving communities and improving people's lives. Whether you're a business owner, developer, designer, contractor, entrepreneur, or simply interested in creating better experiences for the people around you, this episode offers practical insights and thought-provoking perspectives that extend far beyond business. Why hospitality is a competitive advantage in any industryHow storytelling influences customer decisions and brand loyaltyThe concept of "narrative continuity" across every customer touchpointLessons from the restaurant industry that apply to all businessesWhy many entrepreneurs struggle to charge appropriately for their expertiseThe role of human connection in an AI-driven worldHow developers, businesses, and communities can benefit from stronger storytellingThe difference between transactions and memorable experiencesWhy serving people well remains one of the strongest business strategies availableHow business can become a force for community building and positive impact00:00 Introduction and reconnecting with Nick Ruffini 02:10 The Ruffini Group and helping businesses tell better stories 08:30 From restaurants to music, media, and entrepreneurship 15:20 Life as a professional musician and the realities of the industry 22:15 Building a career through curiosity and reinvention 27:45 Entrepreneurship, pricing, and charging what you're worth 34:20 Hospitality as a business philosophy 39:15 Why customer experience matters more than ever 44:30 Human connection in an increasingly automated world 49:15 Reviews, customer feedback, and authentic brand building 54:00 Storytelling, real estate development, and community engagement 58:30 Business as a tool for serving people and strengthening communities 1:02:00 Final thoughts and where to find Nick Ruffini This is one of those LivLive episodes that moves beyond tactics and gets into bigger ideas about how we build businesses, communities, and relationships that people genuinely want to be part of.

    1h 4m
  2. LivLive - Ep. 0000041 - Jef Forward

    May 20

    LivLive - Ep. 0000041 - Jef Forward

    In Episode 41 of LivLive, Jef Forward joins Dave Pollard for a deep conversation about the evolution of design-build, leadership, company culture, and the future of client experience in the remodeling industry. Jef shares the origin story behind Forward Design Build — from paying his way through architecture school building decks, to realizing traditional architecture firm life wasn’t the right fit, to taking a leap in 1997 after discovering the concept of “design-build” in a magazine article that changed his career trajectory. The conversation explores how personality profiling through DISC has shaped Forward’s internal culture and client communication systems, and how Jef is now integrating AI tools to create more empathetic, personalized communication experiences for both clients and team members. Dave and Jef also discuss scaling a creative company, hiring and leadership challenges, architecture school versus entrepreneurship, and the realities of building a people-first business in a high-stress service industry. This episode is packed with insights for architects, remodelers, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in leadership, culture, and the intersection of design, technology, and human connection. How Jef Forward transitioned from architect to design-builderWhy DISC personality profiles transformed team communication at Forward Design BuildHow AI can enhance empathy and client experience in service businessesThe realities of scaling from a small team to a 47-person companyLessons learned from hiring, leadership, and company cultureWhy architecture school often prepares people to create — but not necessarily to run businessesHow design-build reshaped the relationship between architects, builders, and homeownersThe importance of creating a stress-free remodeling experience for clientsWhy humility and failure often become the foundation for growth Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Episode 4100:42 – Meeting Jef Forward Through Remodelers Advantage02:11 – Using AI to Automate Empathy and Improve Communication03:10 – DISC Personality Profiles and Client Communication05:07 – Building Team Culture and Managing a 47-Person Company07:00 – Architecture School, Creativity, and Deadline Culture08:08 – Creating a Stress-Free Client Experience08:33 – Connecting DISC to Leadership and Client Experience Roles15:04 – The Origin Story of Forward Design Build19:51 – Discovering Design-Build Through Remodeling Magazine20:33 – Quitting Architecture Firm Life and Taking the Leap21:30 – Learning Construction, Remodeling, and Entrepreneurship in Real Time34:50 – Marketing, Reputation, and Standing Out in Ann Arbor36:40 – Architecture School vs. Business Ownership37:30 – Final Reflections on Creativity, Leadership, and Building a Company

    56 min
  3. LivLive Ep. 0000040 — Peter Barden | HKS, Technology, Stadium Design & Virginia Tech Architecture Stories

    May 14

    LivLive Ep. 0000040 — Peter Barden | HKS, Technology, Stadium Design & Virginia Tech Architecture Stories

    In Episode 0000040 of LivLive, Dave reconnects with longtime friend and former Virginia Tech School of Architecture classmate Peter Barden, now a Senior Project Manager with HKS Architects. What starts as a conversation about architecture school memories and old studio stories quickly turns into a deep discussion about the evolution of the construction and architecture industry over the last 20+ years — from BIM and virtual construction to integrated project delivery, stadium design, adaptive reuse, and the future of technology in the built environment. Peter shares his unique career path moving between architecture firms and major contractors, including experiences at Commonwealth Architects, Hourigan, and HKS, where he’s worked on complex sports and large-scale commercial projects. Dave and Peter also reflect on the culture and educational philosophy of Virginia Tech Architecture, the professors and experiences that shaped them, and how design education influences the way architects think long after school ends. The episode blends serious industry insight with plenty of nostalgia, humor, and behind-the-scenes stories from architecture school, Habitat for Humanity builds, Richmond connections, and the early career paths that shaped both of their journeys. How BIM and virtual construction transformed commercial architecture and constructionWhy construction is simultaneously one of the most advanced and most outdated industries technologicallyThe realities of coordinating massive sports and commercial projectsHow working on stadiums changes the way you experience sporting events foreverThe difference between architecture school thinking and real-world project deliveryWhy Virginia Tech Architecture created such a unique design mindsetThe importance of curiosity, exploration, and learning how to think differentlyLessons from adaptive reuse, historic renovation, and large-scale collaborationFunny stories and memories from architecture school studio culture and early career life00:00 — Introduction to Episode 40 & Peter Barden01:45 — Peter’s career path: architecture, construction & HKS04:00 — BIM, virtual construction & technology evolution in the industry08:30 — Integrated project delivery & collaboration challenges12:00 — Pushing technology beyond current industry standards16:00 — Virginia Tech Architecture culture & learning how to think differently20:00 — Curiosity, experimentation & adapting to new technology24:00 — Student projects, design thinking & adaptive reuse discussions29:00 — Joining HKS & working in the sports sector during lockdown33:00 — Stadium design, sports architecture & seeing buildings differently37:00 — Architecture school professors, studio culture & formative experiences41:00 — Theoretical architecture education vs. practical application44:00 — Habitat for Humanity builds & hands-on learning experiences48:00 — Richmond memories, old apartments & architecture school reunion stories

    52 min
  4. LivLive Ep. 0000039 - Jake Harris

    May 7

    LivLive Ep. 0000039 - Jake Harris

    In this episode of LivLive, Dave sits down with Jake Harris—builder turned entrepreneur—to unpack a journey that feels increasingly relevant across the construction industry: moving from building homes to building technology. Jake’s path started in the trenches as a builder, where he experienced firsthand the friction, inefficiencies, and financial gaps that small construction businesses face every day. That real-world perspective led him into the world of fintech, where he’s now developing tools like Build Wallet and Project Wallet—solutions designed to fix how money moves through construction projects. This conversation goes beyond just “builder to tech founder.” Dave and Jake dig into the deeper why: the broken payment structures in construction, the risks contractors carry, and how better systems could fundamentally change the industry. They also explore what it actually takes to make the leap—from operator to entrepreneur to product builder—and why more builders may be uniquely positioned to drive the next wave of innovation. If you’re in design-build, construction, or even adjacent to the industry, this episode will challenge how you think about money, risk, and opportunity in your business. Why the construction payment system is fundamentally broken—and who it hurts mostHow a builder’s perspective can lead to powerful tech innovationThe real risks contractors take on with cash flow and project financingWhat Build Wallet and Project Wallet are solving in the industryThe mindset shift from building projects to building companies and productsWhy more builders may move into tech and entrepreneurship00:00 – Intro & Episode SetupDave opens the show and introduces Jake Harris—builder, entrepreneur, and fintech founder. 01:00 – From Builder to Tech EntrepreneurJake shares his background in construction and the early signs that something wasn’t working in the industry. 04:30 – The Problem with Construction PaymentsBreaking down the structural issues in how money flows through projects—and why it creates risk for builders. 10:15 – Where Builders Get BurnedReal-world examples of cash flow pressure, delayed payments, and financial exposure. 16:40 – Identifying the OpportunityHow Jake recognized the gap and began thinking about solutions beyond the jobsite. 21:30 – Building Build Wallet & Project WalletWhat these platforms do, who they’re for, and how they aim to fix payment inefficiencies. 28:45 – Fintech Meets ConstructionWhy construction is ripe for disruption—and why it’s been slow to change. 35:20 – The Leap into EntrepreneurshipWhat it actually takes to transition from operator to founder, and the risks involved. 42:10 – Advice for Builders Looking to InnovateJake’s perspective on where opportunity exists today for builders willing to think differently. 48:00 – The Future of Construction FinanceWhere things are heading and what a better system could look like. 52:30 – Closing ThoughtsFinal reflections on entrepreneurship, industry change, and building what’s next.

    41 min
  5. LivLive Ep. 0000038 - Kai Biami

    Apr 29

    LivLive Ep. 0000038 - Kai Biami

    AI isn’t replacing marketing—it’s exposing who actually understands it. In this episode of LivLive, David Pollard sits down with Kai Biami (KBiami Marketing, Builder Funnel contributor) for a grounded, no-BS conversation on what’s really happening at the intersection of marketing and AI. This isn’t a tools conversation. It’s about thinking differently. Kai breaks down why most companies are approaching AI completely backwards—focusing on shortcuts instead of strategy—and how the real opportunity is building systems that compound over time. The discussion moves into how content, SEO, and client acquisition are shifting, and why the firms that win won’t just be “using AI”… they’ll be structuring their business around it. You also get into the realities for design-build firms specifically—where trust, differentiation, and communication matter more than ever—and how AI can either dilute your brand or sharpen it depending on how it’s used. If you’re trying to figure out how to actually apply AI in a way that drives growth (not noise), this episode delivers. Why most businesses are using AI as a shortcut—and why that’s a mistakeThe shift from one-off marketing efforts to scalable, repeatable systemsHow AI is changing SEO, content strategy, and long-term visibilityWhat “good” content looks like now that anyone can generate contentHow builders and design firms can stand out in an AI-saturated marketWhere AI actually saves time vs. where it creates riskA practical mindset for integrating AI without losing your brand voice 00:00 – Opening: Why This Conversation Matters Right NowYou frame the episode around the rapid shift in marketing and why AI is forcing a rethink—not just an upgrade. 01:45 – Kai’s Background & Builder Funnel ConnectionKai walks through his path into marketing, his experience in the industry, and how he’s thinking about AI today. 04:30 – The Core Problem: People Are Using AI BackwardsEarly thesis of the episode—most people are chasing efficiency instead of building strategy. 08:10 – From Campaigns to SystemsDiscussion shifts into how marketing is evolving from one-off efforts into structured, repeatable systems. 12:00 – Content Explosion vs. Content QualityWhy AI-generated content is flooding the market—and why most of it won’t perform. 16:30 – What Actually Differentiates You NowPerspective, experience, and clarity vs. generic AI output. 21:00 – SEO in an AI WorldHow search behavior and content discovery are changing, and what still matters. 25:40 – Builders & Design Firms: Where This Hits HomeYou bring it back to real application—how this affects design-build companies specifically. 30:15 – AI as Leverage (When Used Correctly)Where AI actually creates efficiency and allows smaller teams to scale impact. 34:50 – The Risk: Losing Your VoiceHow over-reliance on AI can flatten your brand and make you indistinguishable. 38:20 – Practical Use Cases That Make Sense TodayRealistic entry points—what to start doing now without overcomplicating things. 42:10 – Where This Is Going NextKai’s perspective on how quickly this evolves and what businesses should be preparing for. 45:00 – Closing Thoughts: Strategy > ToolsReinforcing the core idea—AI is only valuable if it’s built on clear thinking and positioning.

    52 min
  6. LivLive Ep. 0000037 - David Supple

    Apr 22

    LivLive Ep. 0000037 - David Supple

    This week on LivLive, Dave sits down with David Supple, founder of New England Design & Construction, for a deep dive into the true meaning of design-build—and why the industry may have gotten it wrong. David shares his unconventional path from studying architecture at Tufts to realizing, early in his career, that he was designing buildings he didn’t actually know how to build. That realization pushed him into the trades, where he worked as a carpenter (briefly, by his own admission), before ultimately starting what would become a 20+ year design-build firm. The conversation centers around a powerful idea: that the separation between architecture and construction is historically recent—and fundamentally flawed. David breaks down how the role of the “architect” originally meant master builder, and how over generations, education systems and industry structures split design from execution, creating a lack of accountability that still exists today. Dave and David also explore what it really means to take responsibility for a project—from concept through completion—and why true design-build isn’t just a delivery method, but a mindset rooted in ownership, craft, and follow-through. This is a thoughtful, philosophical, and at times provocative conversation about the identity of architects, the evolution of the industry, and why bringing design and construction back together might be the key to doing better work. Why David felt unqualified designing buildings early in his career—and how that changed his pathThe original meaning of “architect” as master builderHow and why architecture and construction became separated over timeThe role universities played in reshaping the professionWhy the lack of a single point of accountability creates problems in projectsHow design-build restores responsibility from concept through executionWhy designing without owning the outcome doesn’t make sense in residential work 00:00 – Intro & Guest BackgroundDave introduces David Supple and frames the conversation 01:00 – Architecture School Reality CheckDavid reflects on Tufts and realizing he was designing without understanding construction 02:00 – “I Didn’t Know How to Build Anything”The turning point that pushed him out of traditional architecture thinking 02:45 – Trying the Trades (and Getting Fired)His short-lived but important experience working as a carpenter 03:30 – Starting NEDCHow he launched the business and began integrating design + construction 04:30 – What an Architect Originally WasThe “master builder” concept and historical definition 05:30 – When Design and Construction SplitHow the industry evolved into separate roles 06:15 – Education’s Role in the DivideHow universities reinforced specialization over integration 07:00 – The Accountability ProblemWhy fragmented responsibility creates issues in projects 07:45 – The Case for True Design-BuildOwning both design and execution as a better model 08:30 – Residential Work vs Traditional ArchitectureDave connects it to real-world challenges in residential practice

    56 min
  7. LivLive Ep. 0000036 - Nicholas Cooper

    Apr 11

    LivLive Ep. 0000036 - Nicholas Cooper

    In this episode of LivLive, Dave sits down with Nicholas Cooper, architect and leader focused on housing, community, and the long-term impact of the built environment. This conversation goes beyond architecture as a profession and gets into architecture as responsibility. Nicholas shares his journey—from early career influences and firm experience to stepping into leadership with a clear mission around housing, equity, and creating meaningful places for people to live. A major theme throughout the episode is housing as a system—not just buildings, but the social, economic, and generational implications tied to it. Nicholas brings a thoughtful perspective on everything from single-family homes to multi-family, senior living, and mixed-income communities, and how design can elevate outcomes across all of them. Dave and Nicholas also explore the intersection of personal life and professional risk—particularly how fatherhood and family can shape major career decisions. There’s an honest look at what it takes to step into something new, take a leap, and build with intention. From large-scale planning to individual responsibility as designers and builders, this episode is a grounded and meaningful conversation about where the industry is—and where it needs to go. Why housing should be viewed as a long-term societal system, not just a productHow architecture firms shape outcomes beyond design—through leadership and decision-makingThe role of mixed-income and intergenerational communities in the future of housingHow fatherhood and personal values influence career risk and entrepreneurshipThe difference between designing buildings vs. creating places people truly belongWhy architects and builders need to think bigger about impact, not just projects00:00 – Intro & Welcoming Nicholas CooperDave introduces Nicholas and sets the stage for a conversation around housing, design, and leadership. 02:30 – Early Career & Path into ArchitectureNicholas shares his background, early influences, and the firms that shaped his thinking. 07:45 – Chicago, Richmond & Career DecisionsA look at geographic decisions, missed opportunities, and how career paths evolve over time. 12:10 – Fatherhood & Taking the LeapHow becoming a father influenced Nicholas’ decision to pursue a new direction. 17:30 – Housing as a Core MissionWhy housing—across all types—is central to Nicholas’ work and worldview. 23:40 – From Single Family to Mixed-Use CommunitiesDiscussion on scale: designing everything from homes to large master-planned environments. 29:15 – Equity, Access & Responsibility in DesignThe role architects and builders play in creating more equitable housing opportunities. 35:20 – What Makes a Great CommunityBreaking down the ingredients of successful, livable places. 41:10 – The Future of Housing DevelopmentWhere Nicholas sees opportunity and change coming in the industry. 47:00 – Advice for Architects & BuildersGuidance for those looking to grow, lead, and make a bigger impact. 52:30 – Closing Thoughts & Final TakeawaysWrapping up with perspective on purpose, risk, and building a better future.

    49 min
  8. LivLive Ep. 0000035 - Michael Anschel

    Apr 1

    LivLive Ep. 0000035 - Michael Anschel

    Michael Anschel joins the show — builder, educator, and a driving force in pushing the remodeling industry to think more critically about how we build. What made this conversation different is how naturally it connected three worlds:building science, teaching, and emerging tools like AI. Michael talks about what actually drives him — not just building, but helping people understand why things work (or don’t). From teaching flashing details at IBS to getting follow-up emails months later, there’s a clear throughline:when people “get it,” everything changes. One of the more interesting threads is the tension between being a maker and using tools that remove the “making” part. That shift — mentally more than technically — might be the biggest hurdle for builders right now. This was a thoughtful, honest conversation about:what we build, how we think, and what might need to change next. Michael shared a few tools and projects he’s actively working on: • AI Pulse (Weekly Tech Roundup)https://aipulseweb-bqfxmg34.manus.space/search • Tech of Interest (Ideas, tools, experiments)https://technewslet-ysuopz87.manus.space/ • ConstructAI (Drawing + Spec Analysis Tool)https://constructai-kears88n.manus.space/project/1 → Upload drawings + specs to identify conflicts, missing info, and query your project instantly. And the incredible Basement/Crawlspace tool that he has built: https://belowgrade-qthxut5u.manus.space/ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro + LivLive kickoff (and no Instagram today)02:00 – How Dave and Michael first connected (COVID + Remodelers circles)03:30 – Who Michael is + IBS demo / teaching background04:30 – Why teaching matters (and what makes it fulfilling)07:30 – Helping people “get it” — impact beyond the jobsite10:30 – Transition: building science mindset vs typical construction thinking14:00 – Where projects actually break down in the real world18:30 – Drawings vs reality: gaps, interpretation, and risk23:00 – The hidden time drain: reviewing documents and chasing info28:00 – Introducing AI in a practical way (not hype)32:00 – 3D printing, visualization, and using AI to generate models36:00 – The “maker vs machine” tension (big mindset shift)40:00 – Using AI for real applications (design, communication, tools)45:00 – Basement tool + building science applications50:00 – Where this is all heading for builders55:00 – Closing thoughts + future opportunities

    57 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

LivLive is a conversation-driven podcast about design, building, real estate, and the business behind it all. Hosted by Dave Pollard, architect and co-founder of LivCo, LivLive brings together architects, builders, developers, and industry leaders to talk honestly about how projects really come together — from early ideas and design decisions to construction, ownership, and long-term value. Each episode blends professional insight with real-world experience.

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