Facade Focus

Tom Caldicott
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I'm connecting the Global Facade Industry by interviewing leaders in each continent to discuss industry problems, explore solutions and help create a positive outcome for the global industry.

  1. JAN 19

    Syndi Sim on Why we need more Women in the Glass Industry | Episode #14

    Sponsors Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)Website: https://aga-ca.comLinkedIn: /agaengineered Syndi SimDirector, Sales and Business Development, Q-railing North AmericaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-cunningham-44a8031a/ Tom CaldicottCEO, Unity SearchWebsite: www.unitysearchltd.comLinkedIn: /tom-unitysearch 00:00 – Introduction to Cindy Sim and Her Journey02:47 – The Importance of Women in Glass and Glazing06:11 – Addressing the Disconnect in Leadership09:07 – Promoting Women in the Industry11:57 – The Role of Mentorship in Career Advancement15:03 – Creating Opportunities for Women18:01 – Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn20:58 – The Value of Authenticity and Community24:01 – Cindy's Role in the National Glass Association27:01 – Conclusion and Call to Action29:31 – Empowering the Glass Industry: Syndi's Journey33:45 – Women in Glass: Building a Supportive Community38:06 – Inspiring Change: Expanding Women in Glass Initiatives44:22 – Global Connections: Women Supporting Women in Glass47:34 – Quickfire Insights: Personal Reflections and Advice Hey guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus Podcast, where I aim to connect the global façade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be interviewing leaders and industry experts from across the world to discuss common challenges we all face and the innovative solutions helping to move the industry forward. This week, I’m joined by Syndi Sim, Director of Sales & Business Development at Q-railing North America, and one of the most visible and influential advocates for women in the glass and glazing industry. Syndi’s story is a brilliant one. She didn’t start in glass. She came from the broader AEC world, stepped into the glazing industry with zero experience, and built everything from the ground up through curiosity, consistency, and putting herself out there. Across 13 years, she’s worked with fabricators, suppliers, and now directly with the glazing community — all while building one of the strongest personal brands in the industry. She credits her rise to mentorship from both men and women and now sees it as her responsibility to give that same support to the next generation. In this episode, we dive into an important topic for our industry: the role, impact, and advancement of women in glass and glazing. We discuss the visibility gap in the C-suite, the stigma facing women entering the trades, the lack of formal mentorship programs, and why creating opportunity often starts with building your own brand. Syndi also opens up about the work being done through the California Glass Association’s new Women in Glass initiative — from heart-to-heart conversations to cross-generational support networks — and why she believes this movement needs to grow across the United States and beyond. It’s an honest, energizing, and much-needed conversation for anyone who wants to see this industry evolve. Now, a quick shout-out to our podcast partners, Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA) — an employee-owned business with over 55 years of curtainwall experience. Innovative people. Iconic projects. You won’t find another curtainwall contractor like AGA. Their culture and craftsmanship drive everything they do. Alright, let’s get into this week’s episode of the Facade Focus Podcast with Syndi Sim from Q-railing North America. GuestHostChaptersIntro for Notes Section

    59 min

  2. 11/10/2025

    Every Building Has Secrets: Facade Engineering with Tali Mejicovsky | Episode 12

    Sponsors: Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)Website: https://aga-ca.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/agaengineered Guest: Tali Mejicovsky - Associate Principal Facade's - ARUP New YorkLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tali-mejicovsky-9b4727/Host:Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity SearchWebsite: www.unitysearchltd.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/tom-unitysearchHey guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus Podcast, where I aim to connect the global façade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from.Over the coming weeks, I’ll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the solutions helping to move the industry forward.This week, I’m joined by Tali Mejicovsky from Arup New York.Tali has been at Arup for nearly three decades and has worked on some of the most recognisable cultural and civic projects in the US and abroad. Her focus is simple. Get in early, define what the facade wants to be, and make sure the design intent actually makes it through construction.We get into existing buildings, reclads, dealing with heritage and landmark bodies, how to improve performance without killing the architecture, and what makes a great relationship between facade engineers and glazing contractors.It is a proper masterclass in performance-based facade design.Quick shout-out to the sponsors of the podcast, Architectural Glass and Aluminum, otherwise known as AGA.They are a leader in custom curtain wall systems and have been providing tailored glazing solutions for over 55 years.More impressively, they are one of the largest employee-owned businesses in the glazing industry across the US and have a phenomenal team that buys into their ethos of collaboration and craftsmanship.I am delighted to have them as a partner of the pod.In the meantime, let’s get into this week’s episode of the Facade Focus Podcast with Tali Mejicovsky.00:00 Introduction to Tali Mejicovsky and Her Journey03:03 Exploring Facade Engineering and Project Involvement06:03 Challenges in Existing Buildings and Facade Renovations08:54 Balancing Design Intent and Performance in Facade Engineering11:58 The Emotional Connection to Historic Buildings15:02 Navigating Design Constraints in Facade Projects18:01 The Role of Performance in Facade Design21:01 Circular Economy and Sustainable Practices in Facade Engineering23:54 Collaboration with Glazing Contractors26:59 Improving Bid Documents for Glazing Contractors32:38 Integrating Engineering Disciplines34:52 Advice for Glazing Contractors35:44 Importance of Mock-Ups and Testing38:06 Quick Fire Questions: Personal Insights43:08 Reflections on Loss and Awareness46:42 Learning and Mentorship47:25 Travel Aspirations and Bucket List

    56 min

  3. 10/28/2025

    Chris Ball on Accountability, Visibility & Building Better Teams

    Sponsors: Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)Website: https://aga-ca.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/agaengineered Guest: Chris Ball, Vice President at John McDougallLinkedIn:   / chrisb-tn  Host:Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity SearchWebsite: www.unitysearchltd.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/tom-unitysearchHey guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focused Podcast, where I aim to connect the global facade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore innovative solutions that help move the industry forward.This week, I’m joined by Chris Ball, Vice President at John McDougall Company in Nashville. Chris’s story is a fascinating one—originally from South Africa, he started out in roofing and ACM before moving to the U.S. in 2017. After spending some time with a leading glazing and panel contractor in Salt Lake City, he joined John W. McDougall to lead their architectural division—the team behind complex metal facade projects.These days, Chris calls Tennessee home, though you’ll still catch his accent. As he jokes, when he tells people he’s from “the South,” they don’t always realize he means pretty far south—as in, the other hemisphere. At McDougall, the company runs two divisions: a metal processing division and the architectural division that Chris leads, delivering everything on the exterior—think metal panels, IMP plate, ACM, and louvers.In this conversation, we discuss everything from building accountability through visibility and smart dashboards to really trying to reward outcomes and not just opinions. Chris has a great ability to balance systems with individuality, and he talks about how tools like Smartsheet and Document Crunch—alongside some serious in-house fabrication capability—are helping teams deliver on time, on budget, and with full buy-in across the business.You’ll find Chris brings clarity, pragmatism, and a real builder’s eye to the table. So whether you’re a contractor, a project manager, or even an executive, there’s a ton to take away from this one.Before we dive in, a quick shoutout to our sponsors of the podcast, Architectural Glass and Aluminum—otherwise known as AGA. They’re a leader in custom curtain wall systems and have been providing tailored glazing solutions for over 55 years. More impressively, they’re one of the largest employee-owned businesses in the glazing industry across the U.S. and have a phenomenal team that truly buys into that ethos of collaboration and craftsmanship. I’m delighted to have them as a partner of the pod—so big shoutout to the team over there.In the meantime, let’s get into this week’s episode of the Facade Focused Podcast with Chris Ball.00:00 Introduction to Chris Ball and His Journey02:59 The Problem of Accountability in the Industry05:55 Driving Visibility for Accountability09:05 Implementing a Traffic Light System for Project Management12:09 Learning from Data for Future Projects14:56 The Role of Individuality in Project Management17:52 Rewarding Accountability and Performance21:09 Employee Buy-In and Transition to New Systems24:01 Future Growth and Technological Advancements27:02 Leveraging AI and Automation in Construction30:11 Becoming a Leader in Design and Project Execution33:43 Value Addition in Construction34:50 Choosing the Right Tools for Clients35:37 Measuring Positive Impact36:32 Accountability in the Industry37:16 Culture and Systems Interplay39:17 The Importance of Accountability40:11 Navigating Change and Expectations41:05 Building Custom Systems43:31 Quickfire Questions: Personal Insights

    1h 4m

  4. 10/20/2025

    Andrew Haring on Bringing Pride and Service Back to Glazing | Episode #10

    Sponsors:Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)Website: https://aga-ca.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/agaengineered Guest:Andrew Haring Chief Marketing Office of Frameless Hardware Company (FHC)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-haring-marketing/FHC: https://fhc-usa.com/Host:Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity SearchWebsite: www.unitysearchltd.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/tom-unitysearchChapters- Introduction to the Facade Focus Podcast - Andrew's Unique Journey in the Industry - Challenges in the Glass and Glazing Market - The Role of FHC in Rebuilding Industry Culture - Quick-Fire QuestionsHey guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus podcast, where I aim to connect the global facade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from. Over the coming weeks, I'll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey. This week, I’m joined by Andrew Haring, Vice President of Business Development at FHC – Frameless Hardware Company. Andrew’s story is a fascinating one. He didn’t come from a family legacy in glazing, he fell into the industry almost by accident. From studying design and marketing to swinging a hammer on construction sites, his early years gave him a unique blend of creative and practical experience that would shape his entire career. He went on to spend a decade at CR Laurence, where he helped launch their architectural business development program and rose to become Vice President of Marketing. After that, he spent six years at the National Glass Association, helping to strengthen industry collaboration and elevate technical standards on a global scale. Today, he’s back in the private sector with FHC, a fast-growing manufacturer and supplier that’s bringing a customer-first mindset back to the glass and glazing market. In this conversation, we discuss everything from the skilled labor shortage and the need for better training pipelines, to the balance between technology and craftsmanship, and how FHC is helping rebuild the culture of service that’s been missing in the industry. Andrew brings honesty, humor, and decades of perspective — and whether you’re a fabricator, glazier, or supplier, there’s a ton to take away from this one. Now, quick shout out to our sponsors of the podcast, Architectural Glass and Aluminum, otherwise known as AGA. They’re a leader in custom curtain wall systems and have been providing tailored glazing solutions for over 55 years. More impressively, they are one of the largest employee-owned businesses in the glazing industry across the US and have a phenomenal team that buys into their ethos of collaboration and craftsmanship. I’m delighted to have them as a partner of the Pod, so a big shout out to the team over there. In the meantime, let's get into this week’s episode of the Facade Focus podcast with Andrew Haring.

    1h 17m

  5. 06/23/2025

    Steven Gaynor on Aligning Architects and Contractors Through Smarter Dialogue | Episode #9

    Sponsors Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA) Website: https://aga-ca.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/agaengineered Guest Steven Gaynor of Pivoth Corp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenedwardgaynor/ Pivoth: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pivoth/ Host Tom Caldicott, CEO of Unity Search Website: www.unitysearchltd.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/tom-unitysearch Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Steven Gaynor and Pivoth 02:07 – The Formation of Raina and Its Purpose 03:53 – Challenges in the Exterior Wall Assembly Industry 09:59 – Collaboration and Communication in Construction 17:58 – Real-Life Examples of Market Entry Success 25:51 – The Future of Collaboration in the Industry 27:22 – Performance and Cost: The Core Concerns 30:04 – The Value Proposition of Quality Over Cost 33:42 – Marketing Strategies: Fear vs. Advantage 39:41 – Collaboration and Industry Improvement 40:09 – Getting Involved: A Call to Action 42:41 – Quick Fire Questions: Personal Insights Intro Hey guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus podcast, where I aim to connect the global facade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from. Over the coming weeks, I'll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey. This week, I’m joined by Steven Gaynor — founder of Pivoth and one of the key voices behind the Rain Screen Association of North America. Steven’s work is all about helping building product manufacturers break into — or scale within — the commercial facade market. Steven spent the last two decades working in the cladding and rainscreen industry. From his early days in waterproofing to advising global companies on market entry and compliance, Steven’s passionate about helping businesses reduce friction and bring real value across the supply chain. In this episode, we talk about why exterior wall assemblies still suffer from siloed thinking, how better collaboration can unlock performance and cost savings, and what we can learn from how Europe approaches facade integration. We also dig into the reality of bringing new products to market — what works, what doesn’t, and why brute force and persistence still matter. So if you’re building products, launching systems, or just trying to improve how the industry communicates, this one’s full of insights to help you move in the right direction.

    55 min

  6. 06/02/2025

    Jason Paget on Why Thermally Broken Facade Systems Are Asia’s Next Big Leap | Episode #8

    Sponsors:Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)Visit: https://www.aga-ca.com/your-trusted-partner/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/agaengineered Guest:Jason Paget of Gutmann SE AsiaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-paget-86383630/ Gutmann: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gutmann.me/Host:Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity SearchWebsite: www.unitysearchltd.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/tom-unitysearchChapters00:00 Introduction to Jason Paget's Journey02:53 The Facade Industry's Challenges in Southeast Asia05:53 The Importance of Thermally Broken Systems08:53 Government Incentives and Developer Motivation11:57 The Retrofit Market Potential15:02 Gutmann's Role in Southeast Asia18:10 Education and Collaboration with Local Fabricators20:51 Feedback and Challenges in Implementation24:09 The Positive Impact of Embracing New Systems26:59 Future Prospects and Market Recovery29:55 Quick Fire Questions with Jason PagetHey guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus podcast, where I aim to connect the global facade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from. Over the coming weeks, I'll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey. This week, I’m joined by Jason Paget, Southeast Asia Manager at Gutmann and a true global veteran of the facade world.Jason’s journey spans over 35 years and four continents—starting as an apprentice in the UK before building a dynamic international career across Hong Kong, Dubai, China, and Southeast Asia. From consultant roles at Arup, Meinhardt, and Inhabit to now spearheading Gutmann’s expansion in Asia, his experience runs deep.What’s fascinating is Jason’s unique perspective—he’s seen the industry from every angle: design, engineering, manufacturing, and supply. Today, he’s on a mission to drive higher-performing facade systems across Asia, bringing thermally broken solutions into a region where they’ve long been overlooked.We talk about how improving face system performance isn’t just a sustainability goal, it’s a practical business opportunity for developers, architects, and asset owners.We also explore:- The overlooked retrofit opportunity across Southeast Asia- What international standards can teach emerging markets- Why thermal performance matters more in hot climates than we think- And what it really takes to change an industry mindsetWhether you're working in Southeast Asia or just interested in how facade standards evolve globally, there's a lot to take away from this conversation.

    41 min

  7. 05/06/2025

    Ilja Aljoskin on Early Collaboration, Design-Assist & Building Better Partnerships | Episode #7

    Sponsors:Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)Website: https://aga-ca.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/agaengineered Guest:Ilja Aljoskin of LUHA – Façade Solutions:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilja-aljoskin-pmp-leed-ap-bd-c-a471a252/LUHA – Façade Solutions: https://www.linkedin.com/company/luha-facadesolutions/Host:Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity SearchWebsite: www.unitysearchltd.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/tom-unitysearchChapters00:00 Introduction to Ilya Alyoshkin03:07 Ilya's Journey into the Facade Industry05:58 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship08:54 Understanding the Facade Ecosystem12:05 Identifying Problems in Construction Communication15:08 Challenges in Bid Preparation18:01 The Need for Improved Communication Tools20:49 The Role of Technology in Construction24:03 The Importance of Accurate Information26:54 Architects and the Need for 3D Models30:00 Benefits of Collaboration in Construction34:44 Quality Data and Project Outcomes36:21 The Importance of Design Assist39:10 Building Relationships with Architects41:35 Productivity Tools and Focus45:40 Open Communication in Construction51:40 Innovative Solutions for Project Management53:07 Quickfire Questions with Ilja AljoskinHey guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus podcast, where I aim to connect the global facade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from. Over the coming weeks, I'll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey. This week I’m joined by Ilja Aljoskin - founder of Luha Build and a true connector in the North American facade world.With over 12 years of experience across terracotta, stone, and metal systems, Ilja’s journey spans project management, regional leadership and now, growing a facade business built on trust, speed, and collaboration.At Luha Build, he’s rethinking what it means to support installers, delivering not just materials, but full systems, drawings, and a partner mindset from design through delivery.In this conversation, Ilja shines a light on how better communication across architects, GCs, and suppliers can unlock smarter bids, reduce risk, and keep premium facade design intact.He shares practical ways teams can work together earlier, communicate more clearly, and ultimately deliver better buildings, without adding complexity.If you’re passionate about great design, smoother procurement, and elevating how our industry collaborates, this one's for you.Ilja is very active on LinkedIn and produces some really educational and valuable content so go and give him a follow.Now, quick shout out to our sponsors of the podcast, which is Architectural Glass and Aluminum, otherwise known as AGA. They're a leader in custom curtain wall systems and have been providing tailored glazing solutions for over 55 years. More impressively, they are one of the largest employee-owned businesses in the glazing industry across the US and have a phenomenal team that buys into their ethos of collaboration and craftmanship. I’m delighted to have them as a partner of the Pod, So a big shout out to the team over there. In the meantime, let's get into this week’s episode of the Façade Focus podcast with Ilja Aljoskin.

    1h 7m

  8. 04/21/2025

    Andrea Zani on Embodied Carbon, Lifecycle Assessments, and Designing Low-Carbon Facades | Episode #6

    Sponsors: Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA) Website: https://aga-ca.com LinkedIn:   / agaengineered   Guest: Andrea Zani of Bologna Business School: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-zani-84511674/ Host: Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity Search Website: www.unitysearchltd.com LinkedIn:   / tom-unitysearch   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sustainability in Facades 02:59 The Transition from Consulting to Contracting 06:02 Decarbonization and Client Demands 08:58 The Value of Sustainability for Contractors 11:48 Regulatory Landscape and Compliance 15:07 Understanding Carbon Types: Embodied vs Operational 18:00 Life Cycle Assessment and EPDs 21:03 Optimizing Material Selection and Supply Chain 23:56 Driving Change Through Transparency 26:48 The Future of the Facade Industry 30:07 Circular Economy and Waste Reduction 33:17 The Role of Circularity in Decarbonization 36:10 Misconceptions About Embodied Carbon 38:14 Tracking Carbon Impact 40:33 Life Cycle Assessment as a Tool 42:06 Identifying Sustainability Champions 44:00 Impact on Different Project Sizes 45:31 Innovations in Facade Sustainability 46:39 Quickfire Questions: Personal Insights Hey guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus podcast, where I aim to connect the global facade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from.  Over the coming weeks, I'll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey.  This week, I’m joined by Andrea Zani, R&D Innovation Manager and Sustainability Lead at Permasteelisa North America. Now, Andrea has a unique lens on the facade industry. With a background in building engineering and a PhD from Milan, he’s worked with top consultancies like Arup, before moving into the contractor side at Permasteelisa. And today, he’s leading their efforts to decarbonize facade systems developing high-performance, low-carbon designs that can actually be built and scaled. In this episode, we explore: What embodied carbon really means (without the jargon) Why lifecycle assessments are becoming essential tools not just for compliance, but for better business And how circular economy practices are starting to shape facade design across global markets Andrea also shares how he's helping project teams make smarter material and supply chain choices—without sacrificing cost or performance. So, if you're trying to figure out what sustainability really means for your business or how to get ahead of upcoming regulations this episode is packed with practical insights.

    59 min
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About

I'm connecting the Global Facade Industry by interviewing leaders in each continent to discuss industry problems, explore solutions and help create a positive outcome for the global industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Tom Caldicott
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Tom Caldicott
  • Show Website
    Facade Focus