The Building Culture Podcast

Austin Tunnell
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  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
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. #39 Alli Thurmond Quinlan - The Field-Tested Guide to Terraforming Your City

    5D AGO

    #39 Alli Thurmond Quinlan - The Field-Tested Guide to Terraforming Your City

    You’re not supposed to be good at everything. But somehow, Alli is. Architect, landscape architect, developer, GC, policy reformer, zoning translator, builder of teams, builder of trust, builder of actual buildings-it’s no wonder we spent the first five minutes of this episode just trying to list all the roles she plays. In this conversation, Alli joins me to talk about what it means to be a true generalist in an era obsessed with specialization. We cover her journey from flipping houses as a teenager to running a growing team at Flintlock Lab, directing the Incremental Development Alliance, and quietly (or not so quietly) reshaping how development works across the country-starting in her hometown of Fayetteville, Arkansas. We dig into building science, incremental housing, the limits of Revit, and why being a builder makes you a better architect (and vice versa). But we also get into the harder stuff-like learning to lead, facing city bureaucracy, and what to do when the guy reviewing your permit might genuinely want to run you over with his truck. This one’s as practical as it is philosophical, and it left me feeling more hopeful-and a little more fired up-about what’s still possible if we’re willing to roll up our sleeves and terraform our own backyards. CHAPTERS 00:00 Community Engagement and Local Impact 02:51 The Multifaceted Career of Ali 05:51 Navigating Development and Housing Challenges 09:09 The Unique Economy of Fayetteville 11:56 Balancing Growth and Community Needs 14:57 Career Trajectory and Intentionality 18:06 Building Science and Sustainable Practices 20:49 Design-Build Workflow and Efficiency 24:07 Entrepreneurial Spirit in Development 31:57 The Design-Build Approach: Learning Through Doing 34:51 Scaling Up: The Challenges of Growth 39:10 Understanding the Market: Design Meets Demand 41:55 Terraforming Communities: The Role of Local Investment 44:11 Building a Culture of Collaboration: The Fayetteville Experience 49:50 Changing the Narrative: Zoning and Community Engagement 57:04 Navigating Conflict: Building Relationships with City Staff 01:08:20 Building Relationships in Local Governance 01:15:06 Navigating Conflict with City Staff 01:20:01 Growing a Business: Challenges and Changes 01:26:09 Tools and Software for Efficiency 01:34:00 Learning from Failures and Growth CONNECT WITH Alli Flintlock Lab: flintlocklab.com Incremental Development Alliance: incrementaldevelopment.org Instagram: @flintlocklab LinkedIn: Alli’s Profile 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 41m
  2. #38 Jeral Poskey: Urban Transportation of the Future? Retrofitting Suburbia with Swyft Cities.

    APR 3

    #38 Jeral Poskey: Urban Transportation of the Future? Retrofitting Suburbia with Swyft Cities.

    In this episode, I talk with Jeral Poskey, former project executive at Google, and current Founder and CEO of Swyft Cities, about a radically different approach to urban transportation that’s fast, flexible, and surprisingly affordable. Spoiler: it's not autonomous or flying cars. When I first heard about Swyft’s solution, I was skeptical.  But I’m increasingly excited about the possibilities, and how it could unlock walkable districts and neighborhoods within the suburban sprawl context (so basically everywhere).   We get into how Jeral’s experience inside Google’s real estate division led to the birth of Project Swyft, why traditional mass-transit infrastructure isn’t feasible (at least on its own), and how Swyft’s solution solves for the last few miles, weaves between buildings, and adapts to cities as they grow. If you're into urbanism, real estate, autonomous vehicles, or just want to understand what could actually make our cities function better (without waiting 20 years and wasting billions of dollars for a new train–looking at you, California), this one’s worth your time.  And excitingly, Swyft has numerous projects underway around the world beginning in 2026. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Project Switch and Urban Transportation 01:48 The Origins of Swyft Cities 05:08 Innovative Transportation Solutions 10:31 Skepticism to Curiosity 14:09 The Last Mile Connection and Urban Challenges 17:34 Economic Models and Urban Growth 19:23 Modularity and Network Effects in Urban Transit 21:16 AI and Efficiency in Transportation Systems 23:40 Cost Comparisons and Infrastructure Decisions 24:15 Understanding the Station Design and Functionality 26:22 Infrastructure Flexibility and Cost Efficiency 29:09 The Competition: Self-Driving Cars and Urban Mobility 32:52 Private vs. Public Sector Transportation Solutions 35:16 Real-World Applications and Case Studies 40:01 Overcoming Skepticism and Educating Stakeholders 43:45 Induced Demand: A Positive Perspective on Urban Transportation 48:13 Future Vision: Scaling and Real Estate Integration Website: https://swyftcities.com/ Newsletter: https://swyftcities.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=04dae35275c37b51b049b89c9&id=349fe9a899 Twitter: https://x.com/jeralpo  Twitter: https://x.com/swyftcities LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jposkey/ 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 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/

    53 min
  3. #37 Ryan Johnson: Culdesac - Building America’s First Car-Free Neighborhood From Scratch

    MAR 20

    #37 Ryan Johnson: Culdesac - Building America’s First Car-Free Neighborhood From Scratch

    In this episode, I talk with Ryan Johnson, co-founder and CEO of Culdesac, about building the United States’ first car-free neighborhood from scratch. We discuss everything from winning over the fire department with foldable ladders to building hundreds of units without building a single parking garage. Ryan also opens up about how designing for people—rather than cars—has paid off big time for both residents and local retailers, and why he believes autonomous vehicles, ride-sharing, and a passion for walkability will reshape cities nationwide. TAKEAWAYS Walkability Isn’t a Niche Luxury—It’s a Mass Market Demand. The majority of Americans would pay more to live in a walkable neighborhood, and 92% of Gen Z is on board. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a tidal wave. Car-Free Living Works—Even in Phoenix. If a walkable neighborhood can thrive in a sprawling, car-centric city like Phoenix, it can work anywhere. The key? Thoughtful design, mixed-use spaces, and actual community-building. Parking Garages Are the Next Real Estate Mistake. Developers still pouring millions into structured parking are setting themselves up for regret. AV ride-hailing, changing transportation habits, and shifting zoning laws are making them obsolete faster than people realize. Retail Thrives When It’s a Destination, Not an Afterthought. Culdesac started with six planned retail spaces—now they have 21, and local businesses are thriving. Why? Because people actually want to be there. Building for Humans, Not Traffic Engineers, Changes Everything. The way we build cities has quietly been making us more isolated, unhealthy, and unhappy. Culdesac’s design flips that script—prioritizing gathering spaces, green areas, and human-scale density. CHAPTERS 00:00 The Need for Change in Urban Design 02:57 Introducing Cul-de-Sac: A New Vision for Neighborhoods 06:12 Designing Walkable Communities: The Cul-de-Sac Approach 08:54 Innovative Infrastructure: Rethinking Parking and Access 11:50 Financing the Future: Capital Strategies for New Developments 15:04 Community and Belonging: The Heart of Urban Living 18:07 Navigating Challenges: Working with City Regulations 21:07 Phased Development: Learning and Adapting in Real Time 24:00 The Impact of COVID-19 on Construction and Costs 26:58 Market Dynamics: Setting Rents in a Changing Landscape 29:43 The Evolution of Walkable Neighborhoods 32:03 Creating Community Through Intentional Design 34:48 Retail and Community Engagement 37:59 The Role of Local Businesses in Urban Development 40:50 Innovative Urban Design and Architecture 43:54 Challenges and Surprises in Development 45:41 The Future of Walkable Communities 50:18 Leadership and Vision in Development 55:41 Advice for Aspiring Developers CONNECT WITH RYAN Culdesac: https://culdesac.com LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanjohnsonaz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liveculdesac/ Twitter: https://x.com/ryanmjohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor 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/

    1 hr
  4. #36 Stephen Smith: Safety vs. Sanity: The Surprising Cost of Over-Regulating Our Built World

    MAR 6

    #36 Stephen Smith: Safety vs. Sanity: The Surprising Cost of Over-Regulating Our Built World

    In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Smith, founder of the Center for Building, to uncover the labyrinthine world of building codes—how they’re made, who really influences them, and why they end up stifling the very innovation and affordability we need. From the peculiarities of elevator requirements to the often overlooked role of local politics and special interests, we unpack how these complex rules shape our homes, buildings, and cities more than we might realize. TAKEAWAYS Why Building Codes Matter: Even if you’re not a builder or developer, codes dictate your home’s layout, the price of housing, and whether your favorite small condo project can even get off the ground. The ICC (International Code Council) Isn’t Really “International”: You’ll learn how this non-governmental body, which writes most U.S. building codes, can be both extremely influential and surprisingly insular. Over-Regulation’s Real-World Costs: We break down how elevator mandates, fire codes, and accessibility requirements—though well-intended—sometimes create perverse incentives that drive up costs or discourage better solutions. Local Politics & Hidden Interests: Discover how “government members” and private manufacturers shape these codes, and why your mayor or city council may have little say in regulations that affect everyone. A Path Forward: Stephen shares practical ways policymakers and citizens can get involved in reforming the system, focusing on a more human-centered approach that balances safety, cost, and beauty CHAPTERS 00:00 The Challenge of Building Codes in the U.S. 03:06 The Role of Building Codes in Urban Development 05:46 Understanding the American Way of Building 09:09 The Impact of Building Codes on Housing Costs 12:09 Elevator Regulations and Their Consequences 14:52 Harmonization of Codes and Standards 18:11 Over-Dimensioning in American Construction 21:05 Labor Issues in the Construction Industry 23:57 The Need for Code Review and Justification 26:49 The Tyranny of Bureaucracy in Building Codes 38:49 The Grenfell Fire and Its Aftermath 45:05 Design Innovations in Building Codes 48:25 Understanding the ICC and Code Writing 58:09 The Revolving Door: Industry and Regulation 01:07:26 The Role of Government in Building Codes 01:15:20 Getting Involved: Supporting Change in Building Codes CONNECT WITH STEPHEN Center for Building https://www.centerforbuilding.org/ BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenjacobsmith.com  Email: stephen@centerforbuilding.org MENTIONED RESOURCES Elevator research: https://admin.centerforbuilding.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Elevators.pdf  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 18m
  5. #35 Moses Kagan: Building Generational Wealth with Generational Assets - "Indefinite Holds" in Real Estate

    FEB 20

    #35 Moses Kagan: Building Generational Wealth with Generational Assets - "Indefinite Holds" in Real Estate

    Moses Kagan has a unique take on real estate development and investing – and he’s influenced my thinking substantially over the past couple of years. He is a highly successful syndicator, investor and developer with over $200 million in assets under management. He runs Adaptive Realty, having renovated over 100 multi-family buildings in Los Angeles, managing them in-house while specializing in the "indefinite hold” strategy for long-term wealth building. He is the Co-Founder of ReSeed, a platform offering long-term GP and LP capital, along with mentorship for emerging real estate operators nationwide.  He also hosts Reconvene, a highly regarded annual “unconference” for real estate operators and passive investors to connect and share knowledge. I attended last year, and it was awesome! And lastly, he is a Twitter personality and avid blogger, sharing valuable insights on real estate and business. I highly recommend you follow him. This is an excellent conversation about practical investment and real estate development philosophy, and I hope this conversation has as big of an impact on you as meeting Moses has on me! TAKEAWAYS Holding real estate indefinitely often leads to better investment outcomes than IRR-driven flipping. Traditional real estate models incentivize risky short-term decisions, while sustainable strategies benefit both investors and communities. Investors should focus on post-tax returns rather than pre-tax IRR, as tax considerations play a crucial role in long-term profitability. Wealthy families and patient capital partners are more aligned with indefinite hold strategies than institutional investors. Unlevered yield on cost and all-in price per square foot are key financial indicators for long-term real estate success. Building direct relationships and trust at scale is essential for securing capital, especially for indefinite hold investments. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Development Philosophy 06:06 Understanding IRR and Its Implications 11:55 The Importance of Long-Term Thinking in Real Estate 17:59 Finding the Right Investors for Long-Term Strategies 25:50 Investing with Wealthy Families and Professional Money Managers 40:20 Understanding Capitalization and Investor Liquidity 46:11 Building Trust and Relationships in Real Estate Investment 55:41 Building Trust at Scale in Real Estate 58:01 The Democratization of Capital Raising 01:04:29 New Urbanism and Walkable Neighborhoods 01:06:00 Challenges of Ground-Up Development 01:09:03 Zoning and Building Code Challenges 01:11:57 The Impact of Bureaucracy on Development 01:14:07 Introducing ReSeed: Supporting Emerging Operators 01:17:08 The Importance of Community in Real Estate CONNECT WITH MOSES X:https://x.com/moseskagan?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moses-kagan-2638ab2/ Adaptive Realty: https://www.adaptiverealty.com/  ReSeed: https://reseedpartners.com/ Moses Newsletter: https://kagansblog.com/blog/ MENTIONED RESOURCES The Fort Podcast Interview on ReSeed: https://www.thefortpod.com/videos/moses-kagan-rhett-bennett-co-founders-of-reseed-partners-the-y-combinator-for-re-operators/ 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 19m
  6. #34 Coby Lefkowitz: Building Optimism - Rethinking Cities, Architecture, and the Future of Urban Design

    FEB 6

    #34 Coby Lefkowitz: Building Optimism - Rethinking Cities, Architecture, and the Future of Urban Design

    What if our cities weren’t just places we lived, but places that made us feel alive? In this episode, we welcome back Coby, an urban planner, developer, and author of Building Optimism, to talk about how we can move beyond pessimism and reclaim the built environment. We dive into the philosophy of traditional urbanism versus traditional architecture, how to balance art and economics in development, and why optimism in city building isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s already happening. Coby shares how his latest project integrates affordability, beauty, and human-scale design, and why zoning reform is beginning to shift the landscape of American cities. We discuss why preservation alone isn't enough, how small developers can create lasting impact, and why the best cities aren’t built overnight—they evolve, adapt, and improve over time. If you’ve ever wondered why some places feel right and others don’t, or how we can design spaces that actually serve human beings, this episode is for you. TAKEAWAYS Great places aren’t about height or style but about how spaces are formed. Streets, plazas, and courtyards dictate how we experience a city more than the aesthetics of individual buildings. Traditional architecture isn’t about copying the past; it’s about principles that create beauty, durability, and livability across cultures and time periods. Keeping historic buildings is important, but we should also be building new ones that are worthy of being preserved in the future. Fear of losing the past shouldn’t stop us from creating great new places. The best cities have a mix of housing that allows people of different income levels to live side by side. Segregating wealth or poverty harms economic mobility and community vitality. The hardest part of building great places isn’t the architecture—it’s getting the financing. Small-scale, human-centered development struggles to compete with big box projects, but that can change with the right approach. Building better cities isn’t a fantasy—it’s already happening in pockets across North America. The real challenge is scaling those successes and proving that beautiful, walkable, thriving communities can be the norm, not the exception. CHAPTERS 00:00 Exploring Urban Beauty: A Vision for Cities 01:32 The Intersection of Urban Planning and Development 03:58 The Journey to Writing 'Building Optimism' 10:02 The Current State of Urbanism: A Turning Point 18:41 Traditional Urbanism vs. Architecture: Finding Balance 22:59 The Role of Preservation in Modern Urbanism 38:20 Creating a Living Tradition in Architecture 44:06 Exploring Kingston's Urban Fabric 51:04 Innovative Infill Housing Solutions 58:13 The Importance of Diverse Housing Options 01:06:56 Creating Integrated Communities 01:12:12 The Role of Capital in Urban Development CONNECT WITH COBY X: https://x.com/Cobylefko?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor  Website: ⁠https://cobylefkowitz.com Substack: https://ourbuiltenvironment.substack.com/p/a-call-to-build-a-better-world MENTIONED RESOURCES Coby’s  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Building-Optimism-World-Looks-Better/dp/B0DJV2WLXR/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=Q3 Patrick Sharkey’s Trapped in Place: https://www.amazon.com/Stuck-Place-Neighborhoods-Progress-Equality/dp/0226924254  Samuel Hughes’ Article: Making Architecture Easy: https://worksinprogress.co/issue/making-architecture-easy/ 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
  7. #33 Matthew Plechan: How to Paint Masonry. The Durable, Breathable Beauty of Mineral Stains.

    JAN 23

    #33 Matthew Plechan: How to Paint Masonry. The Durable, Breathable Beauty of Mineral Stains.

    Most Americans think painting brick is as simple as grabbing a bucket of latex or oil-based paint, but this common approach can wreak havoc on your home–and is uglier to boot. In this episode, I sit down with Matt Plechan, the founder of Mineral Stains.  We dive deep into the art and science of finishing brick with mineral stains like limewash, potassium silicate and sol silicate.  These centuries-old techniques are not only more durable and beautiful but also allow your brick to breathe, preventing costly damage.  I talk to many people who go to Europe, see a beautiful color, and try to color match it at home on stucco or masonry. It doesn’t turn out the same.  Why? It’s not the same paint! But it can be.  If you are thinking about painting masonry, listen to this episode! And while there are other US based suppliers, Matt at Mineral Stains is an excellent source who manufactures in the US and will help you find the right product for your project! TAKEAWAYS Latex acrylic paints are unsuitable for masonry, while mineral stains bond with masonry for enhanced durability and a natural aesthetic. Potassium silicate offers better longevity than lime wash, while sole silicate works effectively on previously painted or coated surfaces. Mineral stains are eco-friendly, made from natural pigments, and provide vibrant, non-toxic finishes with a timeless, breathable quality. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Masonry Painting Challenges 02:49 Understanding Mineral Stains vs. Traditional Paints 06:30 Exploring Types of Mineral Stains 10:56 Comparing Lime Wash and Potassium Silicate 18:30 Application Techniques for Mineral Stains 32:28 Best Practices for Exterior Application 35:37 The Importance of Primer in Painting 40:49 Cleaning and Preparing Surfaces for Painting 45:33 Best Practices for New Construction Painting 52:35 Application Techniques: Spraying vs. Rolling 57:49 Interior Painting: Natural Finishes and Techniques CONTACT MATTHEW PLECHAN AND MINERAL STAINS Website: https://mineralstains.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattplechan/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mineralstains1  Matt’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-plechan-94a18172  MENTIONED RESOURCES https://masonrymagazine.com/Default?pageID=2362 https://voyagejacksonville.com/?post_type=interview&p=91151 https://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/global-home-of-the-pga-tour https://youtu.be/OIWKKjPj5PI https://youtu.be/cojGgH-79u4 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 11m
  8. #32 Citymakers Collective: Empowering the Next Generation of Architects, Developers and Builders

    JAN 9

    #32 Citymakers Collective: Empowering the Next Generation of Architects, Developers and Builders

    I’m excited to share this conversation with Will McCollum and Matthew Marshall, the passionate minds behind Citymakers Collective. This summer, they’re hosting a transformative two-week program in Charleston, featuring some of the top practitioners in the New Urbanism and human-centered design movements.  Their approach is holistic, hands-on, and experiential, with a mission to equip the next generation of city makers to design and build places that are resilient, beautiful, and centered on people. In this episode, we delve into the challenges of traditional education, what’s missing, and why they felt compelled to create this innovative summer program. If you’re a young professional or student working in the built environment—whether you’re an architect, planner, builder, developer, engineer or something else—I highly encourage you to check it out and consider applying. Learn more at: citymakerscollective.org TAKEAWAYS The City Makers Collective program teaches principles that make cities more livable, sustainable, and people-focused. Participants engage with Charleston’s urban fabric through walking tours, real-world case studies, and collaborative studio projects. The program blends timeless design principles with modern needs to create places that work for today’s challenges. Architects, planners, developers, and more come together to foster holistic learning and solutions. Students learn how to navigate market realities, collaborate effectively, and implement sustainable practices in urban design. Instructors include top practitioners like Lou Oliver and Maria Sanchez (Estudio Urbano), offering a wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives. The program addresses the lack of foundational training in urbanism and traditional design in most architecture schools. Participants gain access to a powerful network of professionals, creating lasting connections for their careers. The program offers scholarships and affordable housing options to ensure a wide range of students can participate. The City Makers Collective aims to grow beyond this summer, offering ongoing programs to shape the future of urbanism and architecture. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Designing Cities for People 08:10 Bridging the Education Gap in Urbanism 14:00 The Importance of Tradition in Architecture 20:42 Integrating Disciplines for Holistic City Building 27:59 Understanding Market Realities in Education 29:50 Creating a Shared Vision for Communities 30:47 Building the Human Habitat 32:11 The Dual Nature of Humanity: Creation and Destruction 33:38 The Responsibility of Architects 34:41 Learning from Past Mistakes in Architecture 36:35 Integrating Tradition with Modernity 37:34 Hands-On Learning in Architecture Education 40:26 The Importance of Networking in Architecture 41:5 Introducing the Fellowship Program 43:24 Funding and Support for Citymakers Collective 45:06 Future Programs and Workshops 46:30 Cognitive Architecture and Human Experience 49:22 Backgrounds and Inspirations of the Founders 52:20 The Journey of Citymakers Collective 53:16 Application Process and Accessibility CONTACT MATT, WILL & CITYMAKERS COLLECTIVE Summer Studio Website: https://citymakerscollective.org/summer-2025 Will's email: will@citymakerscollective.org Matthew's email: matthew@citymakerscollective.org Citymakers Collective Website: https://citymakerscollective.org/  Newstory Website: https://www.newstoryhomes.org/  Matthew’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/Matth3wMarshall/  Matthew’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmatthewmarshall/  Will’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-mccollum-6965a066  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
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Austin Tunnell
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Austin Tunnell
  • Show Website
    The Building Culture Podcast

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