In this episode, Christian sits down with Jay Stasi, Vice President of Development at The Hampshire Companies, to unpack what really matters when he’s choosing architects and partners: from technical expertise in structural systems to the all-important “grab a beer test.” Jay breaks down the enduring demand for self-storage and multifamily housing, the challenges of rising construction costs, and why “checking the bagel”- his signature phrase for creative due diligence - is essential for successful projects. He also reflects on lessons learned from his family’s tile business, his path through construction and development, and why, no matter how demanding the industry gets, family always comes first.
https://www.hampshirere.com/
https://theantiarchitect.com/
0:05 - Christian introduces Jay Stasi and sets the stage for the conversation
1:01 - Jay explains what matters most when selecting architects and partners
3:46 - The biggest frustrations developers have with architects
5:09 - Why architects often miss the mark on budgeting and communication
6:52 - Coordination challenges and the importance of complete drawing sets
8:11 - A candid story about deadline pressure and the value of honest conversations
10:00 - Why direct communication beats email in fast-moving projects
11:07 - How architects can be more helpful beyond RFPs
12:28 - Early-stage massing and feasibility feedback as a differentiator
13:36 - The architect as a potential source of real estate opportunities
14:21 - What Jay looks for when hiring an architect and why price is not the priority
16:09 - The “grab a beer” test and why personality fit matters
17:39 - Innovation in industrial and self-storage projects and what architects should bring to the table
19:02 - How to work with communities and navigate NIMBY resistance
21:22 - Overview of The Hampshire Companies and what sets them apart
23:02 - Jay shares why self-storage continues to thrive across the U.S.
25:45 - Trends in multifamily housing and how Hampshire finds new opportunities
27:04 - Evolving amenities in residential buildings and how architects can lead the way
29:45 - Thoughts on low-income housing integration and design equity
31:31 - Navigating rising construction costs and market uncertainty
34:00 - What Jay’s day-to-day role as VP of Development looks like
36:50 - Jay’s background in construction, teaching, and learning from mistakes
41:12 - The “check the bagel” rule and why small details matter
42:06 - How Jay balances career growth with being present for family
44:22 - The role of technology and AI in the future of development
46:01 - Final thoughts on why real estate development is a constantly evolving career
47:06 - A personal reflection on family and what really comes first for Jay
In this episode, Christian is joined by David Hart, President & CEO of Steinberg Hart to discuss how architecture is evolving: from work culture to technology to firm leadership. David shares why he welcomes the new generation’s pushback on 60-hour workweeks, how the industry’s “seller-doer” model complicates ownership transitions, and why thoughtful decision-making is essential in an era of instant answers. David also takes listeners inside Steinberg Hart’s work on Cal Poly’s new modular student housing- the largest modular construction project in the U.S. - and explains how AI is already reshaping the firm’s creative process and client collaboration.
https://www.steinberghart.com/
https://theantiarchitect.com/
0:00 - Intro
2:23 – Christian introduces David Hart and highlights the values-first culture at Steinberg Hart
5:05 – David explains why “values” became the foundation of the firm’s design philosophy
6:50 – Why architecture should focus on inventing the future, not solving the past
7:54 – The common mistake architects make during presentations and how to fix it
9:03 – Why listening and extracting insights are more important than just sharing ideas
10:26 – How David coaches his team in real-time during client meetings
12:20 – A candid take on why the profession is overworked and underpaid
13:09 – The industry’s failure to teach the business of architecture
14:56 – Generational shifts in work-life balance and what technology changed
17:01 – Reflections on burnout, long hours, and what David would do differently
20:03 – How Steinberg Hart embeds values like design, relationships, and change in daily work
22:20 – David shares how long-term relationships and “boomerangs” strengthen culture
24:19 – Why continuous change is essential to a 70-year-old architecture firm
26:06 – How the firm approaches leadership transition with an evolving ownership model
30:59 – The challenge of the seller-doer model and its impact on succession
35:15 – Behind the scenes of Cal Poly’s modular housing project with FullStack Modular
40:14 – Why immediate design-to-fabrication workflows are the future
46:00 – David explains why decision-making, not just design is the modern superpower
57:08 – How mid-sized firms can stay relevant with AI and integrated culture
In this episode, Christian sits down with Christina Magrans, Founder and Managing Director of Studio Lourdes. With her firm, Christina set out to build the kind of environment she never found in the corporate world - one that prioritizes people as much as projects. Together, she and Christian unpack how she’s redefining work/life harmony, balancing client demands with culture, and shaping iconic retail spaces for brands like Bape, Marc Jacobs, Longchamp, Dries Van Noten, and Aesop.
https://www.studiolourdes.com/
https://theantiarchitect.com/
0:05 – Christian introduces Christina Magrans, founder of Studio Lourdes
1:32 – Christina reflects on her early career at TSC Design and how it shaped her
3:10 – How a fast promotion at Tiffany led her to manage global projects
5:01 – Lessons from 9/11 and the 2008 recession that built resilience
6:10 – Christina explains her personal definition of a growth mindset
6:50 – Studio Lourdes uses Ivy Learning to support continuous team development
7:48 – How Christina screens for cultural fit and curiosity during hiring
9:20 – Why values alignment is the first step in taking on new clients
10:39 – How Studio Lourdes balances passion and business when selecting projects
11:36 – The growing overlap between retail, hospitality, and workplace design
12:45 – Christina brings brand discovery practices into workplace projects
13:36 – Why she founded Studio Lourdes to prioritize employee experience
14:30 – Teaching business fundamentals to architects across all levels
16:40 – Transparent goal-setting and revenue discussions as a leadership tool
18:15 – Timesheets as data, not pressure—rethinking accountability in design firms
19:22 – Making client service personal while keeping the team happy
20:40 – What Christina learned at Harvard and IMD executive leadership programs
21:47 – How Studio Lourdes builds culture through values-based retreats and rituals
23:10 – Empowering staff to lead, speak up, and evaluate client relationships
25:00 – Redefining work-life balance through flexibility and communication norms
27:30 – Christina and Christian reflect on happiness, ambition, and evolving goals
30:00 – Why Studio Lourdes pushes back on unpaid design work
32:45 – The case for teaching the business of architecture early in one’s career
34:00 – Christina's top advice for emerging architects and designers
35:00 – The origin of the name “Studio Lourdes” and what it means to her legacy
36:00 – A global design portfolio: Bape, Marc Jacobs, Longchamp, Aesop, and more.
In this episode, Christian is joined by materials expert, educator, and design changemaker Robin Reigi. As the founder of Robin Reigi Inc., Robin has spent over two decades introducing innovative materials to the architecture and design world. From collaborating on landmark projects like TSX Broadway to serving as a presenter on America ByDesign, she brings a unique blend of creativity, pragmatism, and deep industry knowledge.
Robin shares her path from sculptor to business owner, her thoughts on sustainability, and why materials matter more than ever in today’s built environment. She also discusses her recent work in AI education, her leadership with IIDA NY, and what she sees as the future of design innovation. Whether you’re a designer, educator, or just curious about how materials shape space, this episode is full of insight and energy.
0:00 – Christian introduces Robin Reigi and her journey in material innovation.
3:47 – Robin breaks down the TSX Broadway project and its moving theater lift.
6:26 – How Robin brought her network into America by Design.
8:04 – Why the show became a standout in the By Design series.
10:21 – Robin shares how she connected with the owner of Boca Ria.
13:30 – What home projects taught Robin about real-world material use.
16:38 – Robin talks about the shift toward sustainability in design.
18:04 – A quick story about a sample that doubled as a fidget toy.
21:22 – How Robin moved from niche materials to commercial-ready products.
23:01 – Looking back at design trends before 9/11 changed the code.
26:42 – Why LEED isn't top of mind like it used to be.
29:50 – Robin shares how she went from freelancer to business owner.
31:29 – A Gensler story that marked a turning point in her career.
32:56 – The moment Robin knew she’d found her path.
36:13 – What American firms can learn from European design culture.
37:42 – Wood trends and finishes that are gaining popularity.
40:21 – How Robin spots materials that are hard to copy.
42:22 – A podcast idea that started with a casual conversation.
45:58 – How being available helped Robin land major projects.
47:59 – Why prompt designers will be vital in the age of AI.
49:57 – How schools are approaching AI with students.
51:22 – Robin’s view on why AI isn’t going away in education.
53:26 – A shoutout to a colleague who helped reshape IIDA NY.
55:10 – From not knowing the term “dealer” to mastering the process.
57:28 – Robin closes with thoughts on storytelling and impact.
In this episode, Christian sits down with Louis Koehl, AIA, CPHD, Director of Sustainable Design at Handel Architects, for a deep dive into what sustainability really means in today’s built environment. Forget buzzwords and marketing veneers - Louis unpacks sustainability as a design foundation, not a feature. And for the first time on the podcast, Christian and Louis pull up actual project photos in real time - like the world’s largest affordable Passive House building - to explore the strategy, decision-making, and trade-offs behind the scenes. This conversation challenges architects to think beyond LEED plaques and into long-term, community-first impact.
https://handelarchitects.com/
https://theantiarchitect.com/
0:00 – Introduction to the Anti Architect Podcast and guest Louis Koehl
1:00 – Louis’s role at Handel Architects and redefining sustainable design
2:15 – Reflecting on Gary Handel and notable firm projects like the Asbury Ocean Club
3:30 – Early career mentors and the technical foundation of Louis’s work
4:00 – What sustainability actually means today
6:00 – Overcoming the perception that sustainability is an extra cost
9:00 – Why sustainability must be baked into the design process
11:00 – Client mindset, life cycle costs, and assembling the right team early
13:00 – Navigating evolving regulations and city mandates like NYC Local Law 97
16:00 – Architects’ role in shaping public policy and the importance of advocacy
19:30 – From sustainability to circularity: trends shaping the materials economy
22:00 – Understanding EPDs, HPDs, and embodied carbon in materials
25:00 – Regenerative architecture: what it means and how it shows up in communities
28:30 – The ego trap: shifting from architect as auteur to architect as collaborator
31:00 – AI, decision making tools, and reducing design phase inefficiencies
33:00 – What Passive House design really is (and isn’t)
35:00 – Key principles of Passive House: airtightness, thermal envelope, ventilation
37:30 – Myths about Passive House: windows, operability, and aesthetics
39:00 – Case Study 1: Santander Tower proposal in Miami
41:00 – Structural innovation and embodied carbon reductions
43:00 – Case Study 2: Santander Santiago HQ and outdoor workspace design
45:00 – Case Study 3: Sendero Verde, the world’s largest fully affordable Passive House
47:00 – Community of Opportunity: housing, services, and public park design
50:00 – Passive House certification bodies and affordable housing trends in NYC
51:30 – Case Study 4: Harmony Commons, a Passive House dorm at University of Toronto
54:00 – Construction detailing, quality control, and contractor engagement
56:00 – Louis’s journey from Kentucky to Columbia to Handel Architects
58:00 – Why architects must shape the future in the face of global challenges
59:00 – Final thoughts: using architecture to elevate lives and build resilient communities
In this episode, Christian sits down with Sean DeDeyn, co-founder of The Axel Group, a full-service staffing and recruiting firm for the AEC industry. Christian and Sean discuss his “Anything but Typical” approach to finding the right talent for the job. He shares how he built a business rooted in asking the right questions, culture-first placements, and speed. Sean also unpacks his theory that company culture starts in the lobby and some interviews can fail before they even begin. Regardless of your industry, if you're hiring, looking to be hired, or just tired of hearing the same old recruiting advice, this episode is for you.
https://axstaffing.com/
https://theantiarchitect.com/
0:00 – Intro to Sean Dedeyn and the episode.
3:11 – Balancing speed vs. fit in recruiting.
5:37 – What Sean looks for beyond technical skill.
8:28 – Why recruiters need persistence.
10:59 – Hiring entry-level vs. strategic talent.
13:47 – Getting referrals without asking.
16:11 – Creating a smart, scalable interview process.
18:45 – Screening for culture, not just credentials.
21:16 – Why clients need to trust the recruiter’s process.
24:05 – How a poor interview experience kills offers.
26:21 – The ripple effect of delayed interviews.
28:57 – Why architects struggle to tell their own story.
32:08 – Why architects fall behind on compensation.
34:34 – Learning is faster in the office.
37:18 – Who really wants to work from home and why.
39:37 – The story behind “Anything but Typical.”
42:15 – The hidden signals in Sean’s screening process.
44:48 – How Sean fell into recruiting and why it stuck.
46:58 – Cold calling, Excel sheets, and building from scratch.
49:33 – The vision behind Axel Group: business like wrestling.
51:56 – Sean’s upbringing, hard lessons, and resilience.
54:17 – Learning from both his father and father-in-law.
56:58 – Teaching kids through failure and effort.
59:24 – Wrestling opened doors and shaped Sean’s mindset.
62:12 – How AI fits (and doesn’t) into modern recruiting.
In this episode, Christian sits down with Jonathan Schultz, Co-founder and Managing Principal of Onyx Equities and Host of The Jon Schultz Podcast: The Myth of Overnight Success. Christian and Jon discuss his approach to real estate development, his company's pivot from office to life sciences and industrial, and the transformative potential of AI in real estate. Jon dives deep into the significance of responsiveness, creativity, and trust in all business relationships. Whether you're an architect, developer, or entrepreneur, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and long-game thinking.
https://www.jonschultz.com/
https://www.onyxequities.com/
https://theantiarchitect.com/
0:00 – Introduction to The Anti-Architect Podcast and guest Jon Schultz.
2:22 – Christian shares how Jon mentored him early in his career, encouraging delegation and innovation through technology.
4:52 – Jon shares how his mother’s battle with cancer instilled the power of belief and shaped his entrepreneurial mindset.
6:59 – Why Jon stayed committed to New Jersey real estate while others pulled out, and how Onyx shifted toward life sciences and industrial.
9:10 – Reimagining office spaces: how Onyx adds energy, amenities, and curated retail experiences to attract and retain tenants.
11:15 – The importance of food, flexible space, and a hospitality mindset in creating compelling office environments.
13:44 – Reflections on the chaos of COVID and how Jon navigated uncertainty, survival mode, and community support for retail tenants.
15:52 – The challenge of interest rate hikes and how property valuations have shifted in a post-zero-rate world.
17:18 – The strategy behind converting outdated office buildings to industrial or residential use, and how local insight is key.
18:39 – Community resistance to industrial developments and how Onyx evaluates town-by-town receptiveness.
19:47 – Jon’s take on architects: responsiveness, trust, and the importance of focus in delivering creative, timely work.
21:28 – Why delays kill deals, and how Christian's firm emphasizes quick, clear client communication as a core value.
23:04 – Learning to say “no” to protect time and productivity—a lesson Jon passed on that Christian still practices.
24:59 – Jon’s design process: start creatively, then scale back to match the budget instead of stifling innovation early.
26:43 – Leveraging past success: how Onyx references completed projects to inspire and guide future developments.
28:24 – Jon's belief that first impressions—from landscaping to lobby design—set the tone for quality and service.
30:17 – What Jon looks for in an architect’s pitch: skip the firm résumé and dive into relevant, inspiring ideas.
32:19 – Onyx's culture of ownership and trust: why Jon directs collaborators to work with his team instead of through him.
35:28 – Jon’s early career: growing up in real estate, starting in industrial brokerage, and falling in love with how things work.
41:12 – Onyx’s model: transform undervalued buildings, create high-impact environments, then sell to long-term holders.
45:21 – Christian reflects on the entrepreneurial grind, balancing road trips and client meetings, inspired by Jon’s podcast.
47:26 – Jon explains why he launched “The Myth of Overnight Success” and how guests' struggles are more inspiring than their wins.
49:31 – The value of asking for help, being vulnerable, and leaning on your network to overcome challenges.
52:40 – How Jon books high-profile guests through generosity and his give-first approach to building relationships.
58:24 – Jon’s thoughts on AI in real estate, the return of critical thinking, and how technology will reshape design.
1:01:00 – Closing thoughts: embracing change, creating impact, and why now is an exciting time to be in real estate.
In this episode, Christian sits down with Denise Young, a 22-year veteran in strategic partnerships and business development. As Business Development Manager at Turner Construction–an international construction services company that completes $17 billion in construction across 1,500 projects annually–Denise plays a key role in mentoring staff on best practices for business and professional development. Denise is also the President and Owner of Young BD Group (YBDG), which she founded in 2014. YBDG works to energize their clients’ business development activity to ensure a robust pipeline for new projects. Her expertise in relationship-building, networking, and long-term growth strategies makes this a must-listen for anyone in architecture, construction, or business development.
https://www.turnerconstrucTurner Construction Companytion.com
0:09 – Introduction to The Anti-Architect Podcast and guest Denise Young.
1:03 – Overview of Denise Young’s career in business development and her role at Turner Construction.
2:42 – Christian discusses the importance of business development in architecture firms.
3:52 – Denise explains why business development professionals sometimes get a bad reputation.
5:20 – The impact of Mancini Duffy and Turner Construction’s collaboration.
6:46 – Business development as a long-term relationship-building process.
7:19 – The difference between sales and business development.
8:57 – Strategies for developing strong business relationships over time.
10:04 – The importance of community outreach in business development.
12:07 – Key principles for success in business development.
15:47 – Denise shares her three key pillars: pipeline, professional development, and community.
18:39 – How Denise balanced multiple clients as a consultant.
20:43 – The impact of COVID-19 on business development.
23:29 – What Denise finds unique about working with architects.
26:03 – How architects and contractors can work better together.
30:34 – Denise’s career journey from film production to business development.
37:19 – Turner Construction’s rapid growth in the Tampa market.
40:21 – Turner’s strong commitment to charitable giving and community engagement.
42:00 – The irreplaceable value of relationships in business development.
42:50 – Conclusion and closing remarks.
In this episode, Christian sits down with Michael Fox, President of Fox Building Group. Michael began his career at The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company and launched his firm in 2021. Fox Building Group specializes in high-end, detail-driven commercial projects ranging from ground-up interiors to residential multifamily, condos, luxury townhouses, and 3M+ single-family homes. Michael’s team is in Tampa, Nashville, and South Florida. Known for its construction concierge approach, Fox Building Group delivers white-glove service on projects that redefine markets.
In this episode of The Anti-Architect Podcast, Host Christian Giordano sits down with Michael Fox, founder and president of Fox Building Group. Michael shares his transition from a successful career at Whiting-Turner to launching his own firm, bringing corporate-level project management processes to the residential and commercial construction sectors. The conversation covers industry challenges, collaboration between architects and contractors, and the importance of fostering a team-oriented approach in construction.
Key Topics Discussed:
0:09 - Introduction to the Anti-Architect Podcast and welcoming Michael Fox.
1:09 - Michael Fox’s background and the founding of Fox Building Group.
3:07 - Transitioning from Whiting-Turner to entrepreneurship.
5:24 - Challenges of leaving a corporate career to start a business.
6:21 - Common frustrations between architects and contractors.
9:20 - Improving collaboration between architects and contractors.
15:12 - The importance of early contractor involvement in projects.
21:49 - Michael’s early life and experiences that shaped his career.
29:08 - Choosing Tampa as the headquarters for Fox Building Group.
34:53 - Strategies for winning business and scaling a construction firm.
37:44 - Applying corporate construction processes to residential projects.
48:37 - Impact of hurricanes on construction in Tampa and Florida.
53:09 - Christian shares what frustrates him about contractors.
56:02 - Final thoughts, future plans, and closing remarks.
In this episode, Christian sits down with Brian Tolman, Co-founder of Origin. Brian is an award-winning architect and designer of industry-defining places for work and play. Before co-founding Origin in 2021, Brian founded the award-winning Convene Design Group, where he led a team of over 40 designers, strategists, and architects. He spent the first 18 years of his career as a firm leader and managing principal at STUDIOS Architecture’s New York office, where he worked with high-profile brands like Bloomberg, Time, Inc., Coach, Tribune Media, Related, The Harlem Village Academy, and The Collegiate School for Boys.
In this episode, Christian sits down with Kristina Reynolds, Co-founder and Principal Consultant & Facilitator of Collective Social Intelligence (CSI), also known as Fly-CSI. With over 30 years of experience mentoring top global CEOs and partnering with leading brands like PepsiCo, McDonald's, and L’Oréal, Kristina combines her expertise as a behavioral psychologist and her background in advertising, marketing, and decision-making psychology to help organizations and leaders reach their full potential. Accredited in psychometric testing and a recent graduate of the MIT Neuroscience for Leadership program, Kristina is now relocating from Melbourne to New York, ready to bring her unique approach to a dynamic new market.
In this episode, Christian sits down with Ryan Anderson, Vice President of Global Research and Planning at MillerKnoll. His team leads MillerKnoll’s research, shares insights publicly across the world, and provides workplace strategy and application design services to the company’s customers. With 30 years of industry experience, Ryan’s work has centered on how the places we inhabit can be better designed to support healthy, inclusive, and productive communities. Ryan hosts MillerKnoll’s About Place Podcast on the future of the workplace and regularly speaks at public events about the company’s historical and current research. Ryan is a contributor to Forbes, and has been featured in a wide variety of additional publications, including The Wall Street Journal, NPR, the BBC, Fortune, and Bloomberg.
In this episode, Christian sits down with Michael Leondi, Vice President of Design & Construction at Rockefeller Group. With more than 25 years of experience in commercial real estate and construction, Mike is based in the company’s Morristown, New Jersey, office overseeing the development of projects in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Since 1928, Rockefeller Group has evolved from developing the iconic Rockefeller Center to creating innovative office, residential, industrial, and mixed-used projects nationwide. Currently, Mike manages design and construction teams working on approximately 8,000,000 square feet of active projects. His portfolio showcases diverse project types in many asset classes, including commercial and medical office, multi-family residential, hotel and hospitality, logistics centers, industrial warehousing and data centers. Mike was recently elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS).
In this episode, Christian sits down with Tom Shen, President and CEO of Shen Milsom & Wilke (SM&W), a leading global consulting firm specializing in IT, Audiovisual Systems, Security, Acoustics, and Medical Equipment Planning. With a career spanning over 30 years, Tom has shaped SM&W into one of the world's most respected and highly acclaimed consultancies. Tom’s leadership has guided the firm’s growth across diverse sectors, ensuring the firm remains adaptable to the evolving technological landscape and the volatility of the global economy.
In this episode, Christian sits down with Mark Benhar, Founder and President of Benhar Office Interiors, one of New York's largest dealerships for furniture and architectural products and a MillerKnoll Platinum Certified Office Furniture Dealer. Mark plays a key role in overseeing leadership and management across the company, engaging in sales, marketing, recruitment, and driving growth. Under his leadership, the management team has cultivated a strong organizational culture emphasizing employee well-being and core values. Benhar Office Interiors assists organizations in curating, procuring, and managing their office furniture and architectural solutions, with access to over 300 manufacturers' product lines.
In this episode, Christian sits down with David Brown, Head of Brand Experience at DIRTT, a global leader in industrialized construction. After decades of crisscrossing North America, David understands operations, manufacturing, and construction trends and has seen firsthand the importance the built environment plays in our lives. Using technology to streamline the process, David understands the benefits of multi-trade and prefab construction, including the ability to partner in preconstruction design, provide cost certainty, shrink construction schedules, and support future adaptability.
In this episode, Christian sits down with Robert Otani, CTO of Thornton Tomasetti, a multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm. Robert has extensive structural design and project management experience involving commercial, infrastructure, institutional, cultural, and residential structures on projects totaling over $2 billion in construction. Robert established and oversees the CORE studio. His professional and academic interests focus on informed architecture relating to optimized structural typologies, high-performance structures, and structural sustainability. He served as President of the Structural Engineers Association of New York and has been an Adjunct Professor at Pratt Institute School of Architecture and Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation.
In this episode, Christian sits down with Cyrus Izzo, President and CEO of Syska Hennessy Group, a leading global engineering firm specializing in full-service MEP, information and communication technology, architectural lighting, vertical transportation, and commissioning. Cyrus joined Syska in 1993 as an electrical engineer and, in 2023, became the firm's President and CEO. He has overseen a geographic expansion into Dubai and Shanghai, codified best practices, and established a collaborative and diverse management team to lead the firm's future growth. In 2005, Cyrus founded Syska's first global practice, Critical Facilities, which led to the firm's ranking by Engineering News-Record as one of the top three mission-critical engineering firms in the world. He also launched the subsidiary Syska Innovations, LLC, and facilitated the founding of AEC Angels, a venture fund covering seed through Series B+ investments. Cyrus serves on the boards of New York Building Congress and 7×24 Exchange International.
In this episode, Christian sits down with Julie Engh, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, Project Manager at Watershed Partners, an employee-owned and managed project management firm specializing in retail, hospitality, institutional, healthcare, and residential projects. After almost 20 years leading design and construction through all project phases, Julie's expertise bridges architectural history, construction management, and architectural design. She is passionate about adaptively reusing historic buildings. Six years ago, she began providing owner’s representative services, leading projects for mission-driven organizations in the Hudson Valley and New York City. As a founding member and then co-chair of the AIANY Architecture Tour Committee, Julie co-developed the AIANY boat and walking tour programs and guided a variety of tours across both platforms. She served on the New York State Board of Directors representing Associate Members and was honored with the AIA National and AIA New York State Associate Awards, and the AIANY Harry B. Rutkins Award.
In this episode, Christian sits down with Joseph Dennis, Principal/General Counsel and Ethics Officer of Arup Americas. Arup Americas is part of Arup Group, one of the world’s largest engineering firms with over 18,000 employees worldwide and a multi-disciplinary practice. He oversees an eleven-person legal team with a portfolio of responsibilities that includes the firm’s contracts, disputes, intellectual property, corporate affairs, and risk management. Joseph negotiates contracts for significant projects and deals, but his primary focus is developing strategies for large and complex disputes. He is an active committee member and former chairman of the legal counsel forum to the American Counsel of Engineering Companies, as well as a Board Member to both the NY AIA/ACEC Contracts Committee and the NY AIA/ACEC Risk Management Committee, and has served probono General Counsel to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. Before joining Arup Americas, he served as the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary to Syska Hennessy Group. Joseph graduated from Emory University and Hofstra School of Law.