Architecture 5 10 20 Guy Geier

Downtown districts are made to be central hubs, but the purpose of these hubs evolved over time. As the world changes socially and professionally, maintaining relevant locations is important for communities to thrive. What choices do we make to revitalize central hubs for cities across America?
Welcome to the second season of Architecture 5 10 20! I’m your host, Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York. Guests from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences related to the built environment will come to share their thought leadership. Our conversations will start with understanding how they arrived at what they’re doing now. More importantly, we will focus on discussing their vision for the future, looking out 5, 10, and 20 years.
Today we are joined by Emily Badger, a distinguished journalist writing about cities and urban policy for The Upshot from the New York Times Washington bureau. Emily is particularly interested in the intricate and dynamic connections between housing, transportation, and inequality within the built environment. In our conversation, we will delve into the impact of hybrid work on serendipitous interactions, and discuss possible opportunities to revitalize central business districts in cities.
Listen as we discuss how we can reimagine cities for the upcoming years. With the rise of hybrid work and vacant office spaces, Emily suggests that central business districts can be revitalized by integrating more affordable housing, public education, health clinics, performance spaces, and community centers to attract people.
Emily's perspective on the need to rethink our cities and downtown's as a call for architects and planners to consider dimensions we may not have explored before. She reminds us that serendipitous encounters, which are essential for fostering creativity, innovation, and a sense of community in an urban environment, do not solely rely on office workers commuting into cities. Cities are interesting because they are vibrant hubs filled with all types of people.
 
Time stamps: [01:09] - Emily Badger talks about why it’s important for coworkers to be near each other.
[03:37] - Asking bigger questions about the meaning and value of cities. PART 1
[05:38] - Asking bigger questions about the meaning and value of cities. PART 2
[07:16] - Emily talks about central business districts and how their purpose evolved.
[10:16] - What uses could appear in downtown districts more frequently?
[12:35] - Emily talks about cities and accessibility.
[15:10] - What are some similarities between strong communities across America?
[17:29] - Reimagining cities for the upcoming years.
[20:19] - Emily encourages everyone to be open minded for creating more alluring environments.
[23:14] - Thank you Emily for reminding us that serendipitous encounters and a sense of community are inspired by diversified locations.
 
Links / Resources:
Guy Geier
Instagram | Twitter
 
Emily Badger
The Upshot
Twitter

Immersive environments pull from art while experimenting with technology. This balancing act brings design to the intersection of innovation and longevity. Staying mindful of all the elements involved lead to design choices that are impactful and integrated into a planet conscious approach.
Welcome to the second season of Architecture 5 10 20! I’m your host, Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York. Guests from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences related to the built environment will come to share their thought leadership. Our conversations will start with understanding how they arrived at what they’re doing now. More importantly, we will focus on discussing their vision for the future, looking out 5, 10, and 20 years.
Today, we are joined by David Schwarz, creative leader and founding partner of HUSH. David integrates content, technology and physical spaces to create compelling experiences that cater to the spectrum of human senses and intuition. I look forward to discussing with David the multidisciplinary realm of immersive experiential design, and its opportunities and challenges, especially those pertaining to sustainability and the constantly changing landscape of technology.
Listen as we discuss the balancing act of creativity, technology, and sustainability in experiential design. David shares how HUSH transforms client ideas into experiential spaces. We talk about developing sustainability storytelling to projects as we pursue thoughtful design.
David's work integrates an artful combination of storytelling, data, visualization, and creative technologies to design experiences that inspire and inform. What sets David apart is not just his design prowess, but also his commitment to innovation and sustainability. David prioritizes low carbon materials and designs within energy budgets for the work he produces at HUSH.
 
Time stamps: [01:09] - David Schwarz explains how he entered the design field.
[03:55] - What’s the original thesis of HUSH?
[05:54] - How does HUSH transform client ideas into experiential spaces?
[08:48] - The balance between innovation and longevity.
[10:35] - How does HUSH work with interior designers? PART 1
[13:20] - How does HUSH work with interior designers? PART 2
[15:13] - David talks about the art direction and the creative direction needed in design challenges.
[17:03] - David explains the goal of adapting to and planning for technology as projects develop. PART 1
[19:38] - David explains the goal of adapting to and planning for technology as projects develop. PART 2
[22:12] - What is David excited about lately?
[24:25] - David talks about tracking energy use in buildings and finding creative solutions for sustainable design.
[26:36] - David recalls the sustainability storytelling added to projects when using thoughtful design.
[29:24] - How does David approach sustainable projects with ESG goals? PART 1
[32:20] - How does David approach sustainable projects with ESG goals? PART 2
[33:50] - There are many roads that lead to the same outcome.
[36:41] - “It does unlock something.”
[38:51] - Thank you David for reminding us of design experiences that inspire and inform.
 
Links / Resources:
Guy Geier
Instagram | Twitter
 
David Schwarz
HUSH

Turnover is the biggest hidden expense in a firm. Most of this hidden expense comes from not understanding your profit margins and people metrics. How can firms start to make a strategic plan for a better sustained financials?
Welcome to the second season of Architecture 5 10 20! I’m your host, Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York. Guests from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences related to the built environment will come to share their thought leadership. Our conversations will start with understanding how they arrived at what they’re doing now. More importantly, we will focus on discussing their vision for the future, looking out 5, 10, and 20 years.
Today, we are joined by Stephen King, an entrepreneurial powerhouse with an unparalleled passion for propelling businesses to new heights. From pioneering internet based accounting services to spearheading growth force, his expertise has played a pivotal role in reshaping financial and growth strategies for architecture, engineering, and other professional services firms. He is also the founder & CEO of GrowthForce.
Listen as we discuss the ways firms can navigate profit margins and people metrics. Stephen understands the unique challenges firms face, providing the tools and insights necessary to navigate those challenges to thrive. We talk about financial concepts, such as Fully Loaded Labor Costs, People Cost, Gross Profit Margin, and Net Labor Multiplier.
As we conclude this conversation with Stephen King, his expertise takes center stage, illuminating a path to financial clarity for architecture and other professional service firms. His insights lay the foundation for firms to decode their data, make informed decisions and increase profits, while also streamlining overhead costs. By embracing his strategic insights, architecture firms can chart a course towards success, avoiding the frustrations of misaligned financials and focusing on achieving design’s full potential.
 
Time stamps: [01:09] - Stephen King recalls how he entered the financial industry.
[04:06] - Stephen talks about navigating profit margins and people metrics.
[05:59] - Do you know your Fully Loaded Labor Costs?
[08:13] - Turnover is the biggest hidden expense in a firm.
[10:01] - Stephen encourages you to look into your profit goals.
[12:45] - How can firms start to make a strategic financial plan?
[15:21] - Stephen explains gross profit and why it’s important to know.
[17:56] - What should firms do after each job?
[20:55] - Stephen shares the common qualities and strategies of financially sustained firms. PART 1
[23:47] - Stephen shares the common qualities and strategies of financially sustained firms. PART 2
[25:29] - Understand the relationship between your people cost and gross profit margin.
[27:09] - Stephen talks about the Net Labor Multiplier. What is it?
[29:06] - Stephen says there are three ways to increase profit. Which is most important for firms?
[31:27] - Thank you Stephen for reminding us that we can chart a course towards success, avoiding the frustrations of misaligned financials.


Links / Resources:
Guy Geier
Instagram | Twitter
 
Stephen King
GrowthForce

There are certain solutions we’ll only find if we work together. That’s why climate conversations are a collaborative effort. What are actions anyone can take to engage with climate conversations?
Welcome to the second season of Architecture 5 10 20! I’m your host, Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York. Guests from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences related to the built environment will come to share their thought leadership. Our conversations will start with understanding how they arrived at what they’re doing now. More importantly, we will focus on discussing their vision for the future, looking out 5, 10, and 20 years.
Today, we are joined by Miranda Massey, a trailblazer who left a distinguished career as a civil rights litigator to establish the Climate Museum. The Climate Museum is a pioneering institution dedicated to shifting our cultural paradigm towards climate engagement. We'll delve into Miranda's commitment to combating climate indifference and climate silence, the powerful impact of the climate museums exhibitions, and the role these exhibitions have in reshaping our collective narrative of the climate crisis.
Listen as we discuss how initiatives and sustainable design are constantly evolving. So it is crucial for sustainability to be inclusive and accessible. John explores the challenges and opportunities in the interior design industry to move the needle forward and minimize our collective impact on the planet. We talk about the influence professionals have in their individual roles and how we each can influence the industry.
Miranda Massey's dedication to bridging the gap between climate awareness, the arts, and civic engagement serves as an inspiration to us all. Through the Climate Museum’s exhibitions and collaborations, Miranda and her team have succeeded in fostering a sense of empowerment and community engagement that transcends conventional boundaries. As Miranda shared her insights, we were reminded that the path to a sustainable future is paved with creative endeavors, dynamic conversations, and a shared commitment to change.
 
Time stamps: [01:15] - Miranda Massey says she started her career in civil rights work.
[03:59] - Why did Miranda found the Climate Museum?
[07:40] - Miranda talks about the collaboration with the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and The Nature Conservancy.
[09:54] - “What do you want your audience to feel?”
[12:23] - Miranda explains the impact of using the arts to communicate climate conversations.
[14:41] - How can people be more optimistic about climate conversations?
[17:40] - Is there a way to measure the impact of the museum? PART 1
[21:19] - Is there a way to measure the impact of the museum? PART 2
[23:59] - How does the Climate Museum engage people who are skeptical about climate conversations?
[25:14] - What are actions anyone can take to engage with climate conversations?
[27:36] - How will you choose to engage?
[30:10] - Miranda emphasizes the need to stay clear and focused as we move towards solutions.
[32:23] - Thank you Miranda for reminding us that we’re all in this together.



Links / Resources:
Guy Geier
Instagram | Twitter
 
Miranda Massey
Climate Museum 
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

When a problem feels far away, we often feel less impacted and feel less agency. Sustainability concerns once felt as if they’re far away. Now, we’re more aware of environmental impacts. What inspiring work are professionals doing to explore sustainable practices for our future?
Welcome to the second season of Architecture 5 10 20! I’m your host, Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York. Guests from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences related to the built environment will come to share their thought leadership. Our conversations will start with understanding how they arrived at what they’re doing now. More importantly, we will focus on discussing their vision for the future, looking out 5, 10, and 20 years.
Today, we are joined by John Strasser, the Chief Sustainability Officer at the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). John is a global leader in sustainability and an expert and proponent of ESG and the circular economy and is committed to making a positive impact on the world. He works with professionals to adapt sustainable practices into the modern industry.
Listen as we discuss how initiatives and sustainable design are constantly evolving. So it is crucial for sustainability to be inclusive and accessible. John explores the challenges and opportunities in the interior design industry to move the needle forward and minimize our collective impact on the planet. We talk about the influence professionals have in their individual roles and how we each can influence the industry.
John's work and optimistic views reassure us that we can all make small incremental changes to combat the current climate crisis, especially those who contribute to the built environment. While it can seem like a daunting task, John reminds us that no one has all the answers. But having the desire to practice at a more sustainable level is the first step in a long journey. He emphasizes the importance of staying informed, making use of available resources and not being afraid to ask questions.
 
Time stamps: [01:13] - John Strasser talks about how he developed his career path. PART 1
[03:56] - John Strasser talks about how he developed his career path. PART 2
[05:17] - What is the goal of ASID? 
[07:46] - John explores the impact that interior designers have on the environment within the industry.
[10:41] - John shares some of the barriers to implementing sustainable practices.
[12:28] - What tools can professionals use to guide sustainable practices? PART 1
[14:34] - What tools can professionals use to guide sustainable practices? PART 2
[17:06] - John shares the challenge to educate the industry and implement practices in a timely manner.
[19:24] - Are organizations within the industry involved in any collaborations?
[22:10] - John talks about the progress of certifications and other standards in the industry.
[24:25] - What are John’s thoughts on circular economy?
[27:42] - Can companies flourish through repurposing?
[29:53] - John explores the parallels between the interior design industry and the fashion industry.
[32:50] - Thank you John Strasser for reminding us that no one has all the answers.

 
Links / Resources:
Guy Geier
Instagram | Twitter
 
John Strasser
ASID 
Facebook

We are all pioneers of learning. Every day we notice the ways we interact with the built environment continue to change. The future relies on our curiosity and willingness to engage in new ways of approaching design.
Welcome to the second season of Architecture 5 10 20! I’m your host, Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York. Guests from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences related to the built environment will come to share their thought leadership. Our conversations will start with understanding how they arrived at what they’re doing now. More importantly, we will focus on discussing their vision for the future, looking out 5, 10, and 20 years.
Today, your guest host Florencia Kratsman, Director of Interior Architecture at FXCollaborative, is joined by Lauryn Menard, Co-Founder + Creative Director at PROWL Studio, and Federico Negro, Founder and CEO of Canoa Supply. Lauryn’s professional background has spanned the worlds of furniture, footwear, future forecasting, and material innovations in a global arena. Federico focuses on a B2B furniture and accessory ecommerce solution founded on circular economy principles.
Listen as the three discuss different perspectives on the current landscape of design and how they envision a more sustainable future. Lauryn and Federico both offer suggestions for more responsible and regenerative options for the physical world. Together, they speak about easier ways companies can approach decisions with more curiosity and less rigidity.
Lauryn’s and Federico’s combined optimism gives hope to present and future professionals in the design space. As physical spaces become more like a complement to digital spaces, we can refocus on human-centered designs that balance eco-conscious elements anchored in simplicity. Our curiosity of a responsible and regenerative future for the physical world can empower us to make better decisions in design.
 
Time stamps: [01:36] - Lauryn Menard talks about her design career being led by her curiosity and passion to create.
[03:26] - Federico Negro shares how his career is inspired by technology and architecture coming together.
[05:32] - How’s the progress of environmental responsibility in design?
[07:51] - Should the design brief process shift? PART 1
[10:30] - Should the design brief process shift? PART 2
[13:22] - Lauryn and Federico talk about upcoming professionals expressing interest in mission-driven businesses.
[15:03] - We are the stewards of the world’s materials.
[16:58] - Lauryn suggests how companies can start preparing for a regenerative future.
[19:46] - Federico explains tools that empower better decision making in design.
[22:28] - What can help brands adopt circularity?
[24:25] - “It’s a step forward.” PART 1
[27:21] - “It’s a step forward.” PART 2
[29:53] - “If you align your passions, your skill set, and something that you care about, you can get somewhere.”
[32:09] - The industry has a huge chance to be intentional.
[34:25] - Thank you Lauryn and Federico for reminding us we can explore regenerative practices without fear.



Links / Resources:
Guy Geier
Instagram | Twitter
 
Florencia Kratsman
FXCollaborative
 
Lauryn Menard
PROWL Studio 
Instagram
 
Federico Negro
Canoa Supply
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter