The Building Culture Podcast

Austin Tunnell
The Building Culture Podcast

Fusing the liberal arts with architecture, construction and real estate to build a more beautiful, resilient, and thriving world for PEOPLE. I believe a more thriving world is possible through restoring our built environment. But today's hyper-segregated, financialized building industry is not conducive to solving complex problems or creating dynamic places for human flourishing. I interview a wide range of guests involved with crafting the built world: developers, architects, urban designers, builders, investors, inventors & officials, exploring holistic solutions to a better human habitat.

  1. #28 Jen Griffin: Fast-Tracking Affordable Housing: How Pre-Approved Building Plans Are Enabling Infill & Changing Communities

    NOV 14

    #28 Jen Griffin: Fast-Tracking Affordable Housing: How Pre-Approved Building Plans Are Enabling Infill & Changing Communities

    In this episode, I sat down with architect and advocate Jennifer Griffin to delve into real-life examples of missing-middle, pre-approved plan programs and their potential to transform local development. While fixing zoning laws is essential, it’s not enough to significantly increase missing middle and infill housing—a reality I understand firsthand as a small developer and builder. Pre-approved plan programs aim to fast-track infill projects by providing community-vetted, permit-ready plans with associated budget estimates, giving small developers a clearer idea of construction costs. While these estimates may vary over time and with specific project details, having a ballpark figure helps developers make informed decisions quickly. This approach is a significant win for communities struggling with housing shortages. We discussed case studies from South Bend and Kalamazoo, where these initiatives have been tested, and highlighted the real challenges and successes associated with implementing them. A key takeaway from our conversation was the importance of community involvement. Successful programs require more than just plan approval; cities must also invest in infrastructure to support these developments, making it easier for local developers to participate. Financing the first project is often the hardest step, but pre-approved plans can mitigate some of the risk for builders. We also explored how city collaboration with lending institutions can further enhance these programs' success. Combining pre-approved plans with incremental zoning changes can lead to long-term benefits for both the community and developers. For cities looking to adopt these programs and for architects, developers, and advocates seeking to get their local governments on board, Jennifer provided valuable resources and insights to help kickstart the process. TAKEAWAYS Pre-approved building programs speed up infill development, tackling housing challenges head-on. Local developers benefit by reducing risks and securing easier project financing. Community involvement and city investment in infrastructure are essential for success. Incremental zoning changes can make a big impact on housing diversity and neighborhood character. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Pre-Approved Plans 02:54 Understanding Pre-Approved Building Programs 05:58 Benefits of Pre-Approved Plans for Communities 08:49 Empowering Local Developers and Builders 11:58 Case Studies: South Bend and Kalamazoo 15:03 Challenges in Infill Development 18:04 Resources and Next Steps for Cities 20:55 Conclusion and Future Outlook CONTACT JENNIFER & MENTIONED RESOURCES: Jen’s Email:  jennifer@jgriffindesignllc.com Liberty House Plans: https://libertyhouseplans.com/ South Bend Pre Approved Plans: https://southbendin.gov/bsb/preapprovedplans/ Kalamazoo Pre Approved Plans: https://issuu.com/kalamazoocity/docs/preapproved_plans_comp CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ SPONSORS Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast! Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

    56 min
  2. OCT 31

    #27 Steve Mouzon: Catching Up with an OG in the New Urbanist Movement

    In this episode, I sit down with OG Steve Mouzon, a well-known architect, designer and instigator of the New Urbanist movement, to explore the art of building places that truly matter. Steve shares compelling stories from his journey in urbanism, including projects like Mahogany Bay Village and Providence in Huntsville, Alabama, where he brought local materials and craftsmanship to life in unique, resilient ways. Steve makes a bold case for why "impossible" projects bring out the best in urban design, inspiring us to rethink what’s achievable. We discuss how generalist thinking, leadership, and a willingness to challenge outdated regulations are essential to creating sustainable, beautiful spaces. This conversation goes beyond theory, offering real insights on creativity, humility, and the power of community involvement in transforming our cities. TAKEAWAYS: Preserve Land Character Through Simplicity and Local Craftsmanship: Beautiful, sustainable spaces are achieved by honoring the land’s character and using regional materials and crafts. Embrace a Generalist Approach for Holistic Solutions: Urbanists should adopt a broad, adaptable mindset, enabling them to see connections and address complex urban challenges creatively. Challenge the Status Quo to Drive Innovation: Innovative urban solutions emerge when architects and planners push beyond conventional practices and embrace fresh perspectives. Community Involvement and Intergenerational Exchange Lead to Thriving Spaces: Engaging with the community and drawing on insights across generations helps foster urban environments that truly serve their residents. Simplicity Over Complexity in Sustainable Design: Simple, resilient designs often outperform complex systems, enhancing sustainability and adaptability in a way that prioritizes human flourishing. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Preserving Land Character and Urbanism 02:48 Steve's Journey in Architecture 08:00 Innovative Projects and Community Building 24:06 Barriers to Building Better Places 41:15 Leadership and Overcoming Challenges 45:12 Exploring Local Patterns and Historical Insights 51:01 Building Codes and Egress Regulations 57:31 The Complexity of Urban Planning and Building Standards 01:03:27 The Importance of Generalist Thinking in Urbanism 01:10:54 The Fragility of Modern Construction Methods 01:19:21 Simplicity vs. Complexity in Sustainable Building Practices 01:30:05 The Vision of Adaptability and Simplicity 01:31:30 Competing Visions in Sustainability 01:33:54 Foundations of Sustainable Places 01:37:48 Intergenerational Exchange in Urbanism 01:40:29 Innovative Developments in Urban Design 01:47:31 Common Threads of Successful Projects 01:52:11 The Importance of Generosity and Humility 01:57:26 Lessons from Pain and Innovation STEVE’S RECOMMENDED PLACES TO VISIT ​Providence​Mahogany Bay​Carlon Landing​Wheeler​South Main, CO​Seaside, FL​Rosemary, FL​I'on​Habersham​NW ArkansasCONTACT STEVE: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemouzon/ X: https://x.com/stevemouzon?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.originalgreen?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Book: The Original Green Websites:  newurbanguild.com (New Urban Guild) originalgreen.org (Original Green) katrinacottages.com (Katrina Cottages) CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ SPONSORS Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast! Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

    2h 13m
  3. OCT 10

    #26 Daniel Herriges: The Strong Towns Approach to the Housing Crisis

    In this episode I sit down with Daniel Herriges, the new Policy Director for Parking Reform, and co-author of The Housing Trap, a book he wrote alongside Strong Towns' Chuck Marohn. We delve into the complex issue of housing affordability, discussing how it goes far beyond the usual culprits of capitalism or zoning. Daniel provides great insights into the financial, legal, and cultural forces that have shaped our current housing crisis. We discuss how housing has become a financial product intertwined with national economic stability, and explore how the suburban experiment, government mortgage programs, and zoning laws have locked many communities into unsustainable patterns of development. Daniel also shared a compelling vision for moving forward, advocating for more incremental and local solutions that empower individuals to take small steps towards improving their communities. TAKEAWAYS 1. Housing Affordability is Complex: The housing crisis can't be blamed solely on capitalism or zoning—it's the result of a mix of financial, legal, and cultural factors that have developed over decades. 2. Housing as a Financial Product: Housing in the U.S. has evolved into a financial asset tied to the national economy, creating a system where prices must remain high to avoid financial collapse, even if that means homes are unaffordable. 3. The Suburban Experiment's Impact: Post-WWII suburban development, backed by government mortgage policies, has locked us into a system where housing is separated by strict zoning laws, limiting organic neighborhood growth and adaptability. 4. Zoning Laws as a Barrier: Outdated zoning regulations make it nearly impossible to build affordable housing in many desirable areas, restricting supply and pushing up prices. 5. The Need for Incremental Development: Instead of massive top-down solutions, Daniel advocates for smaller, local infill projects like backyard cottages or duplexes that can quickly and affordably add housing in existing neighborhoods. 6. Cultural Shift is Key: Beyond policy changes, there must be a cultural shift where communities accept neighborhood evolution and recognize the value in incremental, human-scale development over rigid, large-scale planning. CHAPTERS 00:00 Understanding the Housing Crisis 04:10 Historical Context of Housing Affordability 09:14 The Complexity of Housing Affordability 11:07 The Suburban Experiment and Its Impact 17:50 The Financialization of Housing 33:30 Legal and Regulatory Challenges in Housing 34:00 Cultural Shifts in Housing Perception 44:26 Planning for Permanence in Neighborhoods 45:55 The Impact of Zoning and Redlining 49:41 The Decline of Affordable Housing Strategies 51:34 Understanding the Role of Capitalism in Housing 52:53 The Future of Suburban Developments 56:05 The Importance of Incremental Development 01:00:20 Building Culture and Community Engagement 01:06:12 Escaping the Housing Trap: A Cultural Shift 01:17:03 The Future of Housing Policy and Community Development CONTACT DANIEL housingtrap.org Email: herrigas@gmail.com Book: Escaping the Housing Trap Parking Reform: https://parkingreform.org/2024/04/03/meet-our-new-policy-director/ https://x.com/dpherriges https://www.linkedin.com/in/dherriges/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ SPONSORS Thank you so much to the sponsors of The Building Culture Podcast! Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

    1h 28m
  4. SEP 26

    #25 Jaime Izurieta: Reviving Main Street - Designing Authentic Experiences with “The Storefront Guy”

    I sit down with Jaime Izurieta, founder of Storefront Mastery, to explore the transformation of local businesses into powerful engines for community engagement and downtown revitalization. Drawing on his diverse background in architecture, urban planning, and retail design, Jaime shares how he helps small businesses reinvent themselves by focusing on experience and authenticity. We dive into the importance of local businesses as cultural stakeholders, how Main Streets can compete in today’s convenience-driven world, and the role of design in shaping customer experiences. Jaime also discusses the evolution of Main Streets into destinations, not just transactional spaces, while providing insights from his book Main Street Mavericks. TAKEAWAYS The Experience Economy Shift: Jaime highlights the importance of local businesses evolving from transactional models to creating rich, memorable experiences that attract foot traffic and build community loyalty.   Small Businesses as Cultural Anchors: Local businesses have a critical role in shaping the identity and resilience of a downtown area by contributing to economic, social, and civic value. Designing for Feelings: Successful design is not just about aesthetics, but about how it makes people feel. Jaime shares his approach to designing customer interactions and creating meaningful experiences within spaces. Unreasonable Hospitality: Inspired by Will Guidara’s concept of unreasonable hospitality, Jaime encourages businesses to go above and beyond to make customers feel valued and special, turning ordinary transactions into transformative moments. Downtowns as Destinations: Austin and Jaime discuss how downtowns should be reimagined as events—places people go to for an experience, rather than a collection of shops for convenience. Downtowns need to embrace walkability and human-scale design to thrive. Decentralization and Community Building: Jaime offers a hopeful vision for the future, where decentralized communities and individuals create localized impact, fostering stronger, more vibrant neighborhoods. CHAPTERS 00:00 The Essence of Hospitality in Business 02:20 Jamie Izurieta: A Journey Through Design and Community 08:04 The Experience Economy: Redefining Local Business Success 12:25 Local Businesses as Community Stakeholders 17:08 Transforming Downtowns: The Role of Local Businesses 21:56 Creating Memorable Experiences: The Power of Hospitality 28:14 Lessons from Bookstore Design: User Experience Matters 34:05 Redefining the Closing Process: A Journey of Experience 39:15 Unreasonable Hospitality: Going Above and Beyond 43:05 Building Community Through Local Businesses 49:14 The Importance of Place in Urban Design 55:16 Decentralization: A Hopeful Future for Communities CONNECT WITH JAIME Recommended Books: The Experience Economy Unreasonable Hospitality The Network State Contact www.storefrontmastery.com https://x.com/izurietavarea https://www.linkedin.com/in/izurietavarea/ https://www.instagram.com/storefrontmastery/ https://www.facebook.com/public/Jaime-Izurieta/ Book: Mainstreet Mavericks Storefront Renaissance League Great Urban Places to Visit Savannah, GA South Beach, Miami Laguna Beach, CA Seattle, WA NYC Istanbul CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell SPONSORS Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

    1h 20m
  5. SEP 5

    #24 Thomas Dougherty: Designing a One Acre Infill Townhome Neighborhood & Good Suburban Development

    I invited Thomas Dougherty, or lead urban designer, back on the Podcast to discuss real life lessons behind several of our current projects at Building Culture.  We discuss Townsend, a 1+ acre infill site with 19 townhomes, a couple live/works and 10,000 SF of boutique commercial, that we are nearing approvals on.  We get into some really practical stuff we’ve learned, such as how we are parking it, dealing with trash, utilities, and balancing privacy with connection. We also discuss an 80-acre master plan we are working on and how we are taking a slightly different approach than many current TNDs. And of course, we bring it back to the human experience, and how we can serve people through building and architecture! If you are reading this, I'd greatly appreciate it if you took a moment to leave us a 5 star review! Enjoy. TAKEAWAYS Innerblock development creates human-scale spaces within blocks, allowing for the creation of vibrant and intimate urban environments. Centers and courtyards are essential elements of innerblock development, providing identifiable and delineated spaces for human interaction. Utilities and fire safety are important considerations in innerblock development, and creative solutions such as geothermal HVAC systems and land condos can address these challenges. Balancing public and private spaces is crucial in creating a cohesive and livable urban environment. Thoughtful design and attention to detail, such as trash management and parking solutions, can enhance the overall experience of innerblock development. Public spaces play a crucial role in fostering community and building relationships. Missing middle building types and diverse housing options are essential for creating inclusive and attainable communities. The design of a community should be responsive to the topography and natural surroundings. The layout of streets and the integration of nature can enhance the pedestrian experience and create a sense of place. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Overview 02:51 Creating Human-Scale Spaces: The Concept of Interblock Development 12:53 The Value of Centers and Courtyards in Urban Design 25:02 Addressing Utilities and Fire Safety in Innerblock Development 35:02 Innovative Solutions: Geothermal HVAC and Land Condos 38:45 Balancing Public and Private Spaces in Urban Environments 45:07 Enhancing the Urban Experience: Attention to Detail in Innerblock Development 52:46 The Importance of Missing Middle Building Types 58:06 Designing with Topography and Nature in Mind 01:05:16 Enhancing the Pedestrian Experience through Street Design CONNECT WITH TOM https://x.com/NestedUrbanism https://www.instagram.com/innerblock/ CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell SPONSORS Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

    1h 20m
  6. AUG 22

    #23 Sara Bega: Las Catalinas - Building a Stunning Car-Free, Kid-Friendly, Multi-Generational Town

    Las Catalinas might be the most beautiful town built in the 21st century.  And my guest today, Sara Bega, has stewarded its evolution as Town Architect for a decade.  Las Catalinas is a car-free, kid-friendly, multi-generational community in Costa Rica. Their goal is to create a pedestrian-first environment that maximizes kid freedom and allows for independent exploration and discovery. The town is built on 20% of the 1200-acre site, with a mix of houses, flats, hotels, and shops.  We discuss Sara’s professional journey, and the principles and practices behind developing such a stunningly beautiful and human neighborhood that serves as an inspiration and example for what is possible today.   If you do anything today, just click on this link so you can see the town.  It stands as a testament to the beauty humans can cultivate when they set their mind to it: Beach Town in Guanacaste, Costa Rica | Las Catalinas (lascatalinascr.com) TAKEAWAYS Creating a car-free, kid-friendly community allows for independent exploration and fosters curiosity and connection with nature. A pedestrian-first environment benefits not only children but also adults and families, creating a sense of community and connection. Las Catalinas is a successful example of a car-free community, with a mix of houses, flats, hotels, and shops built on a 1200-acre site. The community achieves car-free living through walkability, valet services, and emergency vehicle access. The town architect's role is to oversee the design and planning of the community, ensuring a balance between privacy, walkability, and optimized views. Creating a sustainable and adaptable community requires prioritizing human experience and connection. Designing a walkable town with a mix of residential and commercial spaces fosters a sense of community. The legal structure of a town should allow for flexibility and adaptability over time. Trust in human intelligence and the ability to solve problems is crucial for the success of a community. Creating a sense of place involves considering the local climate, using natural materials, and designing for the long term. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Las Catalinas 09:46 Creating a Kid-Friendly Community 27:56 Shifting Conversations and Culture 39:48 Solving for Walkability, Privacy, and Optimized Views 42:16 Reversing and Backing into Codes and Legal Structure 45:17 Creating a Clear Legal Structure for Ownership and Responsibility 50:10 Treating a Town as a Town 55:38 Balancing Prevention and Allowing the Best to Happen 01:00:37 Guiding a Town's Growth and Adaptation 01:06:21 Allowing a Town to Grow and Change 01:10:56 Creating Timeless and Sustainable Architecture 01:19:19 Approaching Life with Courage CONNECT WITH SARA & SHOW RESOURCES Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/begadesignstudio/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarabega/ Las Catalinas: https://www.lascatalinascr.com/ Notre Dame School of Architecture: https://architecture.nd.edu/ CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell SPONSORS Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

    1h 23m
  7. AUG 8

    #22 Alan Pullman: Creating Meaningful, Mixed-Use Infill Projects that Make Our Cities Better.

    Today I get to speak with Alan Pullman, founder of Studio One Eleven, an architecture, urban design and landscape architecture practice focused on human scaled, mixed-use infill projects.  They have a truly impressive portfolio of work.  I love their “practice themes” which I think will resonate with many of you: housing for all, building community + place, renewing the public realm, 21st century mobility, and equitable practice. I was truly inspired by this conversation with Alan, particularly around the community integration and engagement they cultivate in their office.  He intentionally moved the practice out of their “ivory tower” and down into the heart of the community, sharing their office space with artists and facilitating all kinds of community-wide events and workshops.  It’s given me vision for how I want Building Culture to evolve. Alan and his team work closely with developers around the country looking to do difficult and messy – but meaningful – infill projects.  They relish the mess.  And, between running a sizeable practice and doing some of their own development projects, I was extremely impressed with Alan’s practical approach (you know, understanding that the economics have to work to do the project!).  They strike the right balance between idealism + pragmatism to actually pull off incredible projects, and keep people at the center of what they do and why they do it. I hope you find this episode as inspiring as I did!   TAKEAWAYS Reinvesting in cities and putting people at the center of architecture and urban design is crucial for creating meaningful and impactful spaces. Studio One Eleven specializes in infill development, mixed-use projects, and adaptive reuse, focusing on creating places for people and collaborating with developers and public-private partnerships. Affordable housing development is complex and requires specialized knowledge and collaboration with various funding sources, such as state, city, and federal programs. Collaboration and agility are essential in the design process, allowing for co-creation with clients and the ability to adapt to changing needs and circumstances. Studio One Eleven focuses on incremental development and creating human-scale cities. The firm has transformed their own office into a community space, hosting events, workshops, and an artist-in-residence program. They are passionate about creating places for people and breaking away from the traditional, car-centric approach to city planning CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:57 Studio One Eleven: Focusing on Infill Development and Community Impact 06:04 The Evolution of Studio Eleven: From Large Retail Projects to Community Impact 19:14 Challenges and Opportunities in Affordable Housing Development 32:41 Collaboration and Agility: Keys to Successful Design and Development 37:29 Incremental Development and Human-Scale Cities 38:56 The Financialization of Architecture and Cities 39:23 Curating the Right Mix of Tenants 43:10 Transforming Their Office into a Community Space 48:36 Building Connections and Social Capital 53:28 Creating Places for People 01:05:33 Optimism for the Future and Opportunities for Progress CONTACT ALAN & STUDIO ONE ELEVEN Website: https://studio-111.com/ https://www.instagram.com/studiooneeleven/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-pullman-06197159 https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-one-eleven https://www.facebook.com/studioneleven/ CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell PODCAST SPONSORS Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com

    1h 14m
5
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Fusing the liberal arts with architecture, construction and real estate to build a more beautiful, resilient, and thriving world for PEOPLE. I believe a more thriving world is possible through restoring our built environment. But today's hyper-segregated, financialized building industry is not conducive to solving complex problems or creating dynamic places for human flourishing. I interview a wide range of guests involved with crafting the built world: developers, architects, urban designers, builders, investors, inventors & officials, exploring holistic solutions to a better human habitat.

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