Better Buildings For Humans

BBFH is hosted by Joe Menchefski and powered by Advanced Glazings, Ltd.
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the BBFH podcast. More often than not, when we think about health and wellness, our thoughts turn to diet and exercise. However, most of us spend two-thirds or more of our day inside buildings. The quality of the environment in those buildings has been proven to have a dramatic impact on our well being and our productivity, both at work and at home. There is little discussion about this in the mainstream media. It’s time to start a public dialogue about how we are affected by the buildings where we live, work and play. Thanks for listening! https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/

  1. 4d ago

    Your Building Isn't Making You Sick by Accident — Why Comfort, Air Quality & Building Science Are Designed, Not Discovered – Episode 147 with Sarah Gudeman

    This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with Sarah Gudeman, mechanical engineer at BranchPattern, for a thought-provoking conversation about building science, indoor environmental quality, and why truly great buildings are designed around human outcomes—not just mechanical systems. Drawing on her expertise in sustainability, healthy buildings, and building performance, Sarah explains how air quality, thermal comfort, moisture management, daylight, acoustics, and resilience must work together to create spaces where people can genuinely thrive. The discussion explores everything from health-based and value-based sustainability to high-performance building envelopes, HVAC design, Passive House principles, glazing strategies, occupant comfort, and the evolving relationship between architecture and engineering. Sarah also shares why collaboration early in the design process is essential, how resilient buildings provide long-term business value, the hidden impact of bird-friendly design, and why the best engineering solutions often become invisible when they're working exactly as intended. It's an inspiring conversation about rethinking building performance through a human-centered lens—and a reminder that the world's greatest buildings aren't simply energy efficient or technologically advanced. They're the ones that quietly disappear into the background, creating healthy, comfortable, resilient environments that allow people to focus less on the building itself and more on living, learning, and doing their best work every day. More About Sarah Gudeman Sarah Gudeman is a Mechanical Engineer, Principal, and Practice Lead at BranchPattern, where she focuses on improving building performance through the lens of human health, indoor air quality, and value-driven sustainability. She’s nationally recognized for translating complex engineering challenges into practical solutions that measurably improve how people feel, function, and thrive in buildings. A frequent speaker and industry volunteer, Sarah plays an active role in shaping the future of sustainable design. As a LEED Fellow and WELL Faculty member, her work connects carbon, energy, materials, and human well-being to create healthier, more resilient spaces.  Based in Omaha, Sarah is guided by a lifelong commitment to stewardship and a shared  mission with BranchPattern: Improving Life through Better Built Environments®. CONTACT: https://www.sarah-gudeman.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahgudeman/  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TEI5p8H06gRVGEA7AOeTg  https://www.instagram.com/sarahgudeman  Where To Find Us: https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/ www.advancedglazings.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcast www.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625 https://twitter.com/bbfhpod https://twitter.com/Solera_Daylight https://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/ https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltd https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

    Your Building Isn't Making You Sick by Accident — Why Comfort, Air Quality & Building Science Are Designed, Not Discovered – Episode 147 with Sarah Gudeman

  2. Jul 22

    Your Building Isn't Too Airtight — It's Breathing the Wrong Way: The Hidden Science of Healthy Buildings, Ventilation & Passive House – Episode 146 with Denise Martin

    This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with Denise Martin, founder of BEO Science, for an engaging conversation about building science, Passive House design, and why healthier buildings begin with understanding the invisible forces that shape them. Drawing on her experience in Germany and New Zealand, Denise explains how air tightness, ventilation, moisture control, and energy modeling work together to create buildings that are not only more efficient, but significantly healthier and more comfortable for the people inside them. The discussion explores everything from blower door testing and thermal bridge analysis to condensation modeling, indoor air quality, overheating, and the growing importance of ventilation in modern buildings. Denise also shares why airtight buildings are often misunderstood, how poor moisture management contributes to mold and respiratory illness, and why occupant comfort can—and should—be measured just as rigorously as energy performance. It's a fascinating look at the science behind truly high-performing buildings and a reminder that the healthiest spaces aren't defined by the materials we can see—they're defined by the invisible systems that allow people to breathe easier, live more comfortably, and thrive every day. More About Denise Martin Denise Martin is a consulting Building Analyst in the residential and commercial building sectors of New Zealand and Australia and the founder of BEO Ltd. Her work spans energy efficiency and building performance modelling, hygrothermal detail analysis using WUFI, isothermal detail analysis (Flixo), and building envelope permeability testing (blower door). Denise is an Accredited Passive House Certifier, an ATTMA tester and training provider (blowerdoor). Notable projects  NZ’s first Passive House (Glendowie, Auckland): blower door testing support through certification. South Island’s first Passive House (Wānaka): airtightness verification and performance support. Bader Ventura (Kāinga Ora): Passive House multi-residential housing support (airtightness/performance verification as required). Wellington City Library (renovation): large-scale airtightness testing, including New Zealand’s first multi-fan test on a major public building. …and many projects in between: residential and commercial buildings across New Zealand and Australia, focused on comfort, moisture safety, and verified performance. CONTACT: beoscience.com  https://www.youtube.com/@beo_buildingscience  https://www.linkedin.com/company/beo-building-envelope-optimisation  https://www.instagram.com/beo_buildingscience/  https://www.facebook.com/BEObuildingscience  Where To Find Us: https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/ www.advancedglazings.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcast www.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625 https://twitter.com/bbfhpod https://twitter.com/Solera_Daylight https://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/ https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltd https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

    Your Building Isn't Too Airtight — It's Breathing the Wrong Way: The Hidden Science of Healthy Buildings, Ventilation & Passive House – Episode 146 with Denise Martin

  3. Jul 15

    The Biggest Threat to Student Success Isn't in the Classroom — It's the School Building We Keep Ignoring – Episode 145 with Alana Pinckley

    This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski welcomes Alana Pinckley, Chief Engagement Officer of the American Coalition for Educational Environments (ACE) and host of the Empowered K-12 Podcast, for an insightful conversation about the critical connection between school facilities, student wellbeing, and the future of educational environments. Drawing on her unique journey from information technology into K-12 advocacy, Alana shares how her passion for healthier schools has led her to connect educators, facility leaders, researchers, and industry partners around a common mission: creating learning environments where every student and educator can thrive. The discussion explores everything from indoor air quality, natural daylight, school safety, and trauma-informed design to deferred maintenance, carbon reduction, and the growing importance of designing schools around both human health and long-term sustainability. Alana explains why healthy buildings should never require a tradeoff between environmental performance and student wellbeing, how research can be translated into practical decisions for school districts, and why collaboration across educators, architects, facility managers, and industry partners is essential for meaningful progress. The conversation also examines emerging trends shaping the next generation of schools, including community-centered campuses, biophilic design, neurodiversity, mental wellness, and the evolving role schools play as neighborhood hubs. Along the way, Alana shares the inspiration behind the Empowered K-12 Podcast, reflects on the remarkable stories of resilience she has heard from education leaders across the country, and explains why giving a voice to the people responsible for our learning environments may be one of the most important steps toward building healthier, safer, and more resilient schools for future generations. More About Alana Pinckley  Alana Pinckley is the National Growth and PreK–12 Partnerships Officer at the American Coalition for Educational Environments and the creator of EmpoweredK12, a podcast centered around mental health and school safety. She spent years producing conferences for public school districts across the country and comes from a family of educators, which gives her a personal connection to the work. Alana is passionate about building meaningful connections  Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanapinckley/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/empoweredk12pod/  Where To Find Us: https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/ www.advancedglazings.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcast www.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625 https://twitter.com/bbfhpod https://twitter.com/Solera_Daylight https://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/ https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltd https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

    The Biggest Threat to Student Success Isn't in the Classroom — It's the School Building We Keep Ignoring – Episode 145 with Alana Pinckley

  4. Jul 8

    Architecture Is More Political Than Politics — The Hidden Power Buildings Have to Shape Society, Identity & Human Behavior – Episode 144 with Isun Kazerani

    This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with architect, researcher, educator, and design leader Isun Kazerani for a fascinating conversation that explores architecture far beyond buildings themselves. Drawing on her international experience across Australia and the United States, Isun shares how architecture intersects with fashion, culture, politics, mindfulness, and human identity—and why architects have a far greater influence on society than many realize. The discussion explores everything from the surprising parallels between fashion and architecture to regenerative design, adaptive reuse, sensory experience, and the responsibility architects have to shape healthier, more equitable communities. Isun explains why timeless design matters, how architecture can encourage mindfulness through movement and materiality, and why slowing down the design process often produces more meaningful and enduring buildings. She also reflects on the lessons she has learned leading her own practice, conducting doctoral research on human experience in architecture, and working across multiple countries and design cultures. The conversation also dives into the political power of architecture, examining how the built environment can either create barriers or foster inclusion through thoughtful urban planning and design. Along the way, Isun shares her perspective on preserving cultural identity, designing for human emotion, the future of regenerative architecture, and why great buildings should function as living systems that evolve alongside the people who inhabit them. It's a wide-ranging and inspiring discussion about the profound ways architecture influences not only our cities, but our everyday lives, our relationships, and the future of our communities. More About Isun Kazerani Isun Kazerani is the founder and director of M00-Tion Studio, which she established in Melbourne, Australia, in 2019. Since beginning her architecture career in 2005, she has worked on a wide range of boutique residential, commercial, and public projects, with a strong focus on design quality, attention to detail, and the importance of the user's lived experience. With a foundation in larger-scale projects, including residential and commercial towers and public spaces, supported by her background in architectural engineering, she has also collaborated on numerous creative concept projects, particularly at the intersection of fashion and architecture, including runway stage design. She earned her PhD in 2017, focusing on design strategy and techniques of design representation through collaboration with four award-winning international architectural practices. In addition to professional practice, she taught architecture for approximately eight years as a part-time lecturer and studio lead and has been invited to serve as both a keynote speaker and design critic at architectural events. In 2023, she relocated to New York City following the impacts of Australia's COVID-19 lockdowns and the country's political and economic climate. Since then, she has practiced in leadership roles and as a consultant, primarily in New York, as well as in Massachusetts and California. Contact: https://m00-tion-studio.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-isun-a-kazerani-481628107/  https://www.instagram.com/m00tion_studio/  https://www.youtube.com/@isunakazerani5306  Where To Find Us: https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/ www.advancedglazings.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcast www.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625 https://twitter.com/bbfhpod https://twitter.com/Solera_Daylight https://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/ https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltd https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

    Architecture Is More Political Than Politics — The Hidden Power Buildings Have to Shape Society, Identity & Human Behavior – Episode 144 with Isun Kazerani

  5. Jul 1

    Most Building Projects Are Set Up to Fail Before Design Even Begins — The Costly Disconnect Between Real Estate, Architecture & Construction – Episode 144 with Jonathan Wolk

    This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski welcomes architect, builder, real estate broker, and entrepreneur Jonathan Wolk, founder and CEO of WOLK360, for a thought-provoking conversation about reimagining the way buildings are designed, purchased, and constructed. Drawing on decades of experience across architecture, construction, and real estate, Jonathan explains why the traditional separation of these disciplines often creates unnecessary friction, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities—and how a more integrated approach can lead to better outcomes for clients, communities, and the built environment. The discussion explores everything from design-build delivery and client relationships to housing renovations, sustainable construction, daylighting, waste reduction, and the growing complexity of modern building projects. Jonathan shares how involving design, construction, and real estate expertise from the earliest stages of a project can help avoid costly mistakes, preserve design intent, improve project execution, and create buildings that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the people who use them. The conversation also dives into broader questions about sustainability, building performance, modular construction, material selection, and what makes architecture meaningful beyond simple cost calculations. Along the way, Jonathan offers insights into the emotional side of building projects, the importance of natural light, and why great buildings should do more than provide shelter—they should enhance the lives of the people who experience them every day. It's an engaging look at how a holistic, human-centered approach to design and construction can create buildings that are not only more efficient and sustainable, but also more inspiring, functional, and deeply connected to the people they serve. More About Jonathan Wolk Jonathan Wolk, AIA is a licensed architect, real estate broker, and unlimited licensed general contractor in North Carolina. He works closely with clients to achieve outstanding project outcomes, leading multidisciplinary teams through both design and construction. Jonathan specializes in building programming and a wide range of project types, delivering high-performance facilities that respond to their context while exceeding client expectations. He believes the best projects are created through collaboration and active stakeholder involvement. His work has earned numerous honors, including the Triangle Business Journal 40 Under 40 Leadership Award, Sir Walter Raleigh Award for Best Community Project, USGBC LEED Platinum and Silver certifications, Business Leader Top 100 Small Businesses recognition, the NCAIA Award for the Coty Control Center, and features in the Duke University Museum of Art and NC Architecture Magazine. Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanw2  https://www.instagram.com/wolk360db/  https://share.google/Ryjobkje8H7XnnsQF  Where To Find Us: https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/ www.advancedglazings.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcast www.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625 https://twitter.com/bbfhpod https://twitter.com/Solera_Daylight https://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/ https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltd https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

    Most Building Projects Are Set Up to Fail Before Design Even Begins — The Costly Disconnect Between Real Estate, Architecture & Construction – Episode 144 with Jonathan Wolk

  6. Jun 17

    Canada Spent 20 Years Building More Housing — So Why Do Our Cities Feel Less Inspiring Than Ever? – Episode 142 with Alexander Josephson

    This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski welcomes architect, entrepreneur, and provocateur Alexander Josephson for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of architecture, city-building, sustainability, and the role of design in shaping culture. Drawing on his journey from rebellious young designer to co-founder of the internationally recognized architecture firm Partisans, Alexander challenges conventional thinking about how we create buildings, neighborhoods, and cities. The discussion explores everything from Toronto’s rapid growth and the unintended consequences of modern planning policies to the importance of beauty, identity, and emotional connection in the built environment. Alexander shares his views on why architecture is inherently political, why cities should reward innovation and design excellence, and how Canada can unlock its potential by investing in local talent, manufacturing, and visionary thinking. The conversation also ventures beyond traditional architecture into emerging ideas like digital memorialization, immersive virtual environments, and what Alexander calls “post-physical architecture.” It’s a thought-provoking episode about the responsibility architects have to leave the world better than they found it—and why the buildings and cities we create should inspire something more than indifference. More About Alexander Josephson Born in Toronto, Canada. Alex Josephson studied architecture at the University of Waterloo and in Rome. He co-founded PARTISANS in 2012 after dropping out of the Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA). Alex is the only Canadian to have received the New York Prize Fellowship at the Van Alen Institute, he was named 2015 Best Emerging Designer by Canada’s Design Exchange. He currently lectures at the University of Toronto’s Daniels Faculty of Architecture. Alex is a registered architect in Ontario. CONTACT: https://partisans.com/  https://www.instagram.com/alexanderjosephson/?hl=en  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-josephson-946b4425/  Where To Find Us: https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/ www.advancedglazings.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcast www.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625 https://twitter.com/bbfhpod https://twitter.com/Solera_Daylight https://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/ https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltd https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

    Canada Spent 20 Years Building More Housing — So Why Do Our Cities Feel Less Inspiring Than Ever? – Episode 142 with Alexander Josephson

  7. Jun 10

    Most Restaurants Are Designed Backwards — The Hidden Operational Mistakes Hurting Staff, Customers & Profits – Episode 141 with Ryan Mikita

    This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with Ryan Mikita of Ricca Design Studios for a fascinating conversation about the hidden world of foodservice design and the critical role it plays in shaping the restaurants, hotels, schools, arenas, and hospitality spaces we experience every day. Drawing on his unique journey from restaurant operations to leading large-scale foodservice design projects, Ryan shares how thoughtful planning can improve efficiency, employee well-being, sustainability, and the overall guest experience. The discussion explores everything from kitchen ergonomics and ventilation to workflow optimization, allergen-safe design, sustainability initiatives, and the growing shift toward all-electric commercial kitchens. Ryan also dives into the science and art behind restaurant operations, explaining how foodservice designers balance mathematical planning with human-centered design to create spaces that support both staff performance and memorable customer experiences. From university dining halls and hospitality venues to major public assembly projects and international developments, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the systems that power great food experiences. It’s an insightful conversation about how exceptional buildings aren’t just beautiful on the surface—they’re thoughtfully designed from the inside out to serve the people who use them every day. More About Ryan Mikita Ryan is a Pittsburgh-based Partner at Ricca Design Studios, where he leads a design studio focused on commercial kitchen and restaurant design across a wide range of project types. While based in Pittsburgh, his portfolio spans the globe, encompassing diverse and emerging markets, operational models, and project archetypes. His experience includes hospitality, healthcare, higher education, stadiums and arenas, government facilities, and corporate headquarters. Although each project presents its own unique challenges—often large-scale and highly complex—Ryan’s approach remains consistent: designing foodservice environments that are efficient, reliable, and aligned with the broader goals of the project. Ryan works closely with ownership teams, architects, developers, and operators to bring concepts to life in ways that are both practical and well-executed. His perspective is firmly grounded in operations, with a strong emphasis on workflow, staffing, and day-to-day functionality, supported by extensive technical experience in the field. Much of his work involves complex projects requiring coordination across multiple disciplines. From feasibility studies and conceptual design through construction, Ryan helps teams align with financial constraints, navigate challenging existing conditions, and develop clear, realistic paths to execution. He focuses on delivering solutions that are buildable, thoughtful, and positioned for long-term success. At the core of Ryan’s work is a passion for translating ambitious ideas into spaces that perform—balancing form and function in ways that hold up both on paper and in practice. CONTACT: www.ricca.com  www.linkedin.com/in/rmikita  www.instagram.com/mister_mikita  Where To Find Us: https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/ www.advancedglazings.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcast www.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625 https://twitter.com/bbfhpod https://twitter.com/Solera_Daylight https://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/ https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltd https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

    Most Restaurants Are Designed Backwards — The Hidden Operational Mistakes Hurting Staff, Customers & Profits – Episode 141 with Ryan Mikita

  8. Jun 3

    Retail Is Broken, Employees Are Miserable & Your Store Design Might Be Driving Customers Away — How Better Buildings Can Fix the Experience Crisis – Episode 140 with Brian Bucher

    This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with Brian Bucher of WD Partners for a fascinating conversation about the intersection of architecture, branding, operations, and human experience in retail design. Drawing from decades of experience creating immersive spaces for some of the world’s most recognizable brands, Brian shares how thoughtful design can shape customer behavior, improve employee well-being, and strengthen emotional connections between people and places. The discussion explores everything from daylighting and glare control to adaptive retail strategies, operational efficiency, workplace comfort, and the evolving role of physical spaces in an increasingly digital world. Brian also dives into scalable design systems, hospitality-driven retail, sustainable reuse, and why great buildings must serve both the people inside them and the communities around them. It’s an insightful look at how truly exceptional spaces don’t just support business goals — they create memorable, human-centered experiences that people genuinely want to return to. More About Brian Bucher SENIOR DIRECTOR Brian is skilled at leading creative programs, using his keen understanding of marketing and business strategies. He not only values a project’s outcome, but the integrity of the design process and interactions between the client and design teams. He has a high regard for the balance of innovative design and practical real-world solutions that connect with consumers in a meaningful way. As creative director, Brian spends significant time collaborating with client stakeholders, architects and engineers, and marketers to bring solutions to market.  His experience encompasses strategy and innovation, concept development, fixtures and merchandising, materials specifications, process development and execution. In addition, Brian’s work for Laguna Beach Drugstore, Safeway, Citrine, and EchoPark have been honored with industry awards from NASFM, ISP/VM+SD Magazine, Chain Store Age, and CoreNet Global. Brian has worked with many retail, restaurant and consumer brands, including Hard Rock Café, Yum! Brands, Dell, Mazda, John Deere, McKesson and SEI Investments. His clients at WD include Standard Market, Safeway, Rubios, Kraft, Giant Eagle, Wawa, Krispy Kreme, Buca di Beppo, Sonic Automotive, Cooper’s Hawk, Amazon, Target, Stop & Shop and Chartwells. CONTACT: https://www.wdpartners.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-bucher-leed-ap-187b356  https://www.facebook.com/brian.bucher.773  Where To Find Us: https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/ www.advancedglazings.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcast www.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625 https://twitter.com/bbfhpod https://twitter.com/Solera_Daylight https://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/ https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltd https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

    Retail Is Broken, Employees Are Miserable & Your Store Design Might Be Driving Customers Away — How Better Buildings Can Fix the Experience Crisis – Episode 140 with Brian Bucher
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to the BBFH podcast. More often than not, when we think about health and wellness, our thoughts turn to diet and exercise. However, most of us spend two-thirds or more of our day inside buildings. The quality of the environment in those buildings has been proven to have a dramatic impact on our well being and our productivity, both at work and at home. There is little discussion about this in the mainstream media. It’s time to start a public dialogue about how we are affected by the buildings where we live, work and play. Thanks for listening! https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/

Information

  • Creator
    BBFH is hosted by Joe Menchefski and powered by Advanced Glazings, Ltd.
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    148
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © BBFH is hosted by Joe Menchefski and powered by Advanced Glazings, Ltd.
  • Show Website
    Better Buildings For Humans

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