Welcome back to the Forward One Podcast, hosted by Paul Mark Morris and Josh Spitzen of Forward One Real Estate. In this episode, we sit down with architect John Umbanhowar to uncover what most realtors and developers get wrong about design—and why that’s costing them real money. We talk about how great architecture isn't just aesthetic; it’s strategic, and it can significantly increase property value when done right. John shares how to vet design professionals, what to look for during due diligence, and how to navigate tricky permitting challenges that can derail a deal. We also dig into the misunderstood dynamics between realtors, clients, and architects—plus how to position yourself as the connector who adds real value. Whether you're flipping, representing, or developing, this conversation will give you sharper tools to make smarter, more profitable decisions.
Follow John on Instagram!
https://www.instagram.com/huumarchitects/
More of John's work:
https://huum.com/fire-resilient-architecture-for-california-homeowners/
https://huum.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/250401_huumfireresilience.pdf
Timestamps
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:44 Path to Design
00:04:22 Clients & Realtors
00:07:07 Scope of Work
00:08:31 Permit Hurdles
00:12:53 Realtor Value
00:16:16 Due Diligence
00:20:24 Picking Architects
00:26:17 Design Ethos
00:29:27 Space & Feel
00:33:42 Vetting Pros
00:36:46 Fees & Value
00:44:05 ROI on Design
00:51:34 Climate Ready
00:57:34 F1RE Round
