fuzzybuilds podcast

Reza Fazel
  • 5.0 (6)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

FuzzyBuilds is where the real story of building gets told. Hosted by Reza Fazel, an Owner's Representative and Construction & Real Estate Project Manager with over 30 years of experience in design, architecture, and development, this podcast breaks down the complex world of real estate and construction in Los Angeles, one of the most regulated and demanding building environments in the country. Building is not just drawings and permits. It is people. It is pressure. It is money. It is risk. It is coordination across dozens of players who are all experts in their lane, but not always aligned with each other. We talk about projects the way they actually unfold. From early vision and lease negotiations, to approvals, bidding strategy, consultant coordination, construction execution, and all the moving parts like furniture and technology that somehow get left for the end. But more importantly, we talk about the disconnect. Consultants work within defined scopes. Those scopes often stop right where responsibility starts to blur. Architects and designers are frequently squeezed by competitive fee structures that leave little room for deep coordination, yet they are expected to carry enormous responsibility. Clients, on the other hand, see construction numbers that feel unpredictable, and it can create the perception that something is wrong or that someone is taking advantage of them. Most of the time, it is not about bad intentions. It is about misalignment, unclear expectations, and a system that was never fully explained. FuzzyBuilds exists to bring clarity to that system. To explain how the pieces actually fit together. To expose the gray areas before they become expensive problems. To help clients, students, brokers, architects, contractors, and developers navigate projects with more intelligence and less intimidation. If you want to understand why projects succeed, why they struggle, and how to think strategically about design and construction, this is where you start.

  1. E016- You Don't Have a Fee Problem. You Have a Design Problem.

    6D AGO

    E016- You Don't Have a Fee Problem. You Have a Design Problem.

    In this episode, I challenge one of the most common complaints in the architectural industry: "Fees are too low." I argue that the real issue is not the market, but internal discipline. When designers fail to align early, allow reactive redesigns, and give their ideas away for free, project margins erode long before construction begins. Drawing from my experience on both the design side and as an Owner's Representative, I break down how process, communication, and design leadership directly impact profitability,  and why most firms don't have a fee problem, they have a design problem.

    8 min

  2. FEB 16

    E015– Furniture Procurement – A 12 Step Process That Actually Works

    In this Episode we cover the most commonly practiced process for procuring furniture for a commercial Tenant Improvement project.  There is a reason why this is the most commonly practiced process, because it just works.   I have broken down the process into 12 simple steps:   Step 1: Establish Furniture Intent Early in Design Step 2: Develop a Complete Furniture Bid Package Step 3: Conduct an Internal Review for Scope, Budget, and Schedule Coordination Step 4: Issue the Bid to Prequalified Furniture Dealers Step 5: Dealer Review and Clarification Period Step 6: Dealer Pricing and Bid Development Step 7: Bid Submission Step 8: Bid Leveling and Comparison Step 9: Dealer Interviews and Final Clarifications Step 10: Award and Contract Execution Step 11: Procurement, Delivery, and Installation Step 12: Punch, Closeout, and Warranty Documentation

    12 min

  3. FEB 9

    E014- A Client's Guide: 7 Steps to Choosing the Right Architect

    In this episode, we are going to talk about why picking the right architect for your project actually matters, and how you should think about making that decision.  At the end of this episode I'll share 7 Steps you can use to make sure you are selecting the right Architect.   Step 1: Relevant Experience Step 2: Jurisdiction Experience Step 3: Proposed Project Team Step 4: Technical Coverage Step 5: Consultant Management Step 6: Industry Reputation Step 7: Scope & Fees

    9 min

  4. FEB 2

    E013– Tenant Build vs Landlord Build or Turnkey

    In this episode, we break down the differences between a tenant build space and a landlord build space, and clarify how turnkey fits into the picture. We explain what each delivery method actually means, who controls design and construction, how costs and coordination are handled, and the real pros and cons of choosing one path over another. The goal is to help tenants and decision-makers understand the tradeoffs before committing to a lease or a build strategy.

    14 min
  5. E012 - You Told the Architect. So Why Isn't It Built?

    JAN 30

    E012 - You Told the Architect. So Why Isn't It Built?

    In this Episode we are going to discuss why sharing technology requirements with the Architect does not automatically mean those systems are included in the GC's scope, and how building only what is shown on the drawings leads to missing cabling and equipment at move-in.

    5 min
  6. E011-Technology - IT AV Security-Don't wait until the end or it is too late

    02/24/2025

    E011-Technology - IT AV Security-Don't wait until the end or it is too late

    In this episode, we dive into the critical role of technology in design and construction. Discover why IT, AV, and Security need to be addressed from the start of a project, why involving the IT team early is crucial, and the value of hiring a dedicated Technology Consultant. We also explore the differences between design and implementation, and how to ensure seamless integration throughout the construction process. Don't miss this essential guide for anyone involved in commercial projects!

    15 min
  7. E010-Trends the Design Killer

    02/23/2025

    E010-Trends the Design Killer

    In this episode, I break down why trends dominate the industry, why they often lead to regret, and why true design is about more than just aesthetics. If you're in design, construction, or thinking about a new project—this is a must-listen. Don't let style decorators fool you! Tune in now.

    3 min
  8. E009-Apologies for the hiatus

    02/23/2025

    E009-Apologies for the hiatus

    This episode of FuzzyBuilds marks the return of the podcast after a five-year hiatus, with the last episode released in March 2020, just as COVID-19 disrupted the world. The break was due to an intense workload, as the pandemic presented unique opportunities in the commercial real estate sector. With office buildings sitting empty, landlords and property owners in Los Angeles took advantage of the situation to execute large-scale renovations, seismic retrofits, and modernizations—projects that kept the host busy for the past four years. Now that these multi-year, nine-figure projects are wrapping up, the podcast is resuming with fresh insights and experiences to share. The episode previews upcoming topics, including IT/AV/security in construction, selecting the right architect, the importance of client involvement, the furniture procurement process, and building selection considerations, and a discussion on industry trends, promising a controversial take. This episode serves as both a reflection on the past few years and an introduction to the exciting content ahead.

    4 min
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About

FuzzyBuilds is where the real story of building gets told. Hosted by Reza Fazel, an Owner's Representative and Construction & Real Estate Project Manager with over 30 years of experience in design, architecture, and development, this podcast breaks down the complex world of real estate and construction in Los Angeles, one of the most regulated and demanding building environments in the country. Building is not just drawings and permits. It is people. It is pressure. It is money. It is risk. It is coordination across dozens of players who are all experts in their lane, but not always aligned with each other. We talk about projects the way they actually unfold. From early vision and lease negotiations, to approvals, bidding strategy, consultant coordination, construction execution, and all the moving parts like furniture and technology that somehow get left for the end. But more importantly, we talk about the disconnect. Consultants work within defined scopes. Those scopes often stop right where responsibility starts to blur. Architects and designers are frequently squeezed by competitive fee structures that leave little room for deep coordination, yet they are expected to carry enormous responsibility. Clients, on the other hand, see construction numbers that feel unpredictable, and it can create the perception that something is wrong or that someone is taking advantage of them. Most of the time, it is not about bad intentions. It is about misalignment, unclear expectations, and a system that was never fully explained. FuzzyBuilds exists to bring clarity to that system. To explain how the pieces actually fit together. To expose the gray areas before they become expensive problems. To help clients, students, brokers, architects, contractors, and developers navigate projects with more intelligence and less intimidation. If you want to understand why projects succeed, why they struggle, and how to think strategically about design and construction, this is where you start.

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