Episodes
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What does the housing crisis actually entail? To wrap up Season 3 of American Building, I’m joined by Keith Rand, Vice President at Mill Creek Residential, to discuss the main housing production issues Americans face today and different solutions to address them. We look at limitations with local and state government policy and unpack the proposed housing supply plan from the White House.
In our conversation, Keith explains the root cause of the supply and demand imbalance in New York City. Between the exorbitant cost of land, insurance, and property taxes, the city that more than 8 million people call home is increasingly unaffordable and unsustainable. Keith breaks down a potential rezoning approach called “Own Your Air,” which promotes diverse housing stock and reinvestment into underserved neighborhoods.
Keith shares his perspective on the most pressing issues we need to tackle when it comes to housing production and affordability, namely starting with local and state government policy. He highlights inefficiencies in large-scale tax credit programs and suggests ways to improve them. We also reflect on inspiring progress we've seen in state legislatures across the country, including California, Colorado, and Texas.
About the Guest:
Keith Rand is Vice President at Mill Creek Residential, the 3rd largest residential rental development company in the country. Previously, he worked in senior roles at Stonehenge and Greystar. He began his career at Silverstein Properties and JP Morgan Chase. Keith is a graduate of Duke University, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and the Kennedy School at Harvard.
Topics Covered:
Shared housing challenges of rural and urban landscapes Highlights from Keith’s time working for the Bloomberg administrationHow the lack of standardization in real estate creates challenges in housing development Thoughtful ways to lower property taxes for rental housing in New York City Ideas for building out the Section 8 voucher program Approaching housing from an empathetic, holistic perspectiveResources Mentioned:
FACT SHEET: President Biden’s Budget Lowers Housing Costs and Expands Access to Affordable Rent and Home Ownership Episode 62 with Melissa Román Burch Progress and Poverty by Henry GeorgeAbout Your Host:
Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other.
Connect with Keith Rand:
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Garden-style apartments offer residents the best of both worlds: green space and lower density living without the upkeep and price tag of a single-family home. In this episode, I trace back to the origins of garden-style apartments and highlight who lives in them now. I also revisit a conversation with developer Matt Giammanco of AvalonBay Communities to discuss Thanet Circle, a new multi-building garden-style apartment complex in Princeton, New Jersey.
Located in a suburban environment that is walkable, bikeable, and in need of rental housing, Matt shares how he and his team chose and developed this project. They saw the opportunity to redevelop a 1980s, vintage office building into a townhome neighborhood with a community clubhouse. Located on 15 acres of land, the four-story buildings are a secluded and quiet place for those looking for rental options in the Princeton area.
We also dive into AvalonBay’s regional approach to development and how they use local, on-the-ground knowledge to ensure the successful completion of their projects. Listen in to learn how this project was financed, redeveloped, and to discuss the technology that is being used today in the development world.
About the Guest:
Matt Giammanco is a Senior Director of Development at AvalonBay Communities. He previously worked at Goldman Sachs Real Estate Investment Group and began his career at Ernst and Young in their transactions real estate group. He is a graduate of Columbia Business School and Penn State.
Topics Covered:
Key characteristics of garden-style apartments The intersection of race, class, and garden-style apartments Examples of how garden-style apartments fill the gap between affordable and luxury housingWhy Princeton is a desirable town for development The benefits of public financing programs Affordable housing laws in New JerseyHow Thanet Circle was financedResources Mentioned:
Instead of a Balcony, How About a Garden Apartment? “The Suburbs” by Arcade Fire and the 2014 cover by Mr. Little Jeans on SpotifyAbout Your Host
Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other.
Connect with Matt Giammanco
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Dorm life is a quintessential part of the American university experience, but that wasn’t always the case. In this episode, I outline the history of dormitories and share an edited version of my conversation with Arthi Krishnamoorthy, Senior Principal at TenBerke, to discuss the firm’s residential college project on the Princeton campus.
After three years of attending Zoom school, college students are setting records for on-campus housing demand. Mixed with the ever-rising rent prices in college towns, many universities are reimagining the traditional dorm model to accommodate the crowds.
Arthi is working closely with the stakeholders at Princeton to ensure the new multi-building dormitory complex enhances student well-being, integrates living environments, and fosters a sense of community and responsibility.
Located strategically on the edge of campus in a woodland area, the two new residential colleges consist of eight new buildings that house approximately 1,000 students. Each building features a transparent base that encourages community involvement through visibility and encompasses a contemporary style to the rest of the campus.
Princeton's ten-year plan aims to significantly increase the undergraduate student population as well as their living and dining hall options on campus. Arthi explains how symbolic and detailed architecture ensures that students will be overcome with a sense of discovery and community through this new endeavor.
Note: New College East has since been renamed Yeh College since this episode was originally recorded.
About the Guest:
Arthi Krishnamoorthy is a Senior Principal at TenBerke, which is the new name of Deborah Berke Partners, the NYC-based design firm. Prior to Deborah Berke Partners, she worked at and started her career at Pelli Clarke & Partners. Arthi is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and the University of Pennsylvania.
Topics Covered:
Historical dormitories associated with colonial collegesHow on-campus student housing has changed since the inception of dormitories The controversial trend of windowless dorm rooms Examples of universities that are exploring unconventional off-campus housing solutions How the undergraduate residential college system worksWayfinding and its importance on a college campusBuilding community and awareness on a campusHow to give students choice through architectureResources Mentioned:
The Dystopian Windowless Dormzilla Trend ContinuesAbout Your Host
Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other.
Connect with Arthi Krishnamoorthy
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Between the global financial crisis, tanking housing production, and rapid inflation, housing affordability for middle income workers has become increasingly out-of-reach. Workforce housing, a type of unregulated affordable housing, addresses the limitations that professionals like teachers, healthcare providers, and retail clerks are facing when it comes to owning a home.
In this episode, I unpack the concept of workforce housing and revisit a conversation with Peter Brosens, founder of Stolar Capital, where we cover the details of Chatham on Main, his firm’s garden-style, multifamily complex in Chatham, New Jersey.
Located in an affluent town 45 minutes from Manhattan, Chatham on Main is a 118-unit property featuring one- and two-bedroom floor plans. The extensive renovations include roofing, shutters, lighting, and landscaping.
Stolar Capital specializes in buying mixed-use or multifamily properties and repositioning them through asset management. Peter shares the challenges he faced starting out, which ultimately led him to specialize in this area. He also walks us through approval processes, why he prefers buying and fixing existing property, and the importance of relationships in real estate.
About the Guest:
Peter Brosens is the founder of Stolar Capital, a real estate investment firm with offices in Hoboken and in Philadelphia. The firm's focus since 2012 has been on developing large mixed-use projects in transit-oriented downtown locations in New Jersey. In addition, he has raised a 10 million specialty financing fund to focus on investment in repositioning multi-family residential assets across the country. Prior to starting at Stolar Capital, Peter worked at the JBG companies in Washington, DC. He is a Columbia University alum.
Topics Covered:
What workforce housing is and who it serves Why the term ‘workforce housing’ is considered controversial Ways that Chatham on Main delivers a best-in-class living experience What goes into the development approval processThe metrics and criteria that Peter uses to determine which communities to invest in Key takeaways from the early days of Stolar CapitalResources Mentioned:
Workforce housing and middle-income housing subsidies: A primerAbout Your Host
Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other.
Connect with Peter Brosens
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You can’t have a conversation about affordable housing without acknowledging the impact of rent regulation. Also known as rent control, rent stabilization or rent limits, these coveted units offer occupants a sense of stability by guaranteeing their monthly rent payment won’t skyrocket year after year. So, why is regulated affordable housing so hard to come by? Developer Andrew Regenstreich has an idea.
Andrew was the former Director of Real Estate and Economic Development of Housing and Neighborhood Development Services (HANDS). In this episode, I’m revisiting a conversation we had to discuss the agency’s affordable housing project at 523 Freeman Street in Orange, New Jersey. The site is a centrally-located mixed-use property with four stories. Perfect for young professionals, the building houses one and two-bedroom units with 1,500 square feet of commercial use on the ground floor, as well as access to public art and a rain garden.
In this episode, Andrew and I discuss what affordability means, the funding involved, and what kind of timeline to expect when developing affordable housing. Andrew shares the team he put together for this project and how he makes sure that his buildings reflect the community around them and the people who live there.
About the Guest:
Andrew Regenstreich is the former Director of Real Estate and Economic Development at Housing and Neighborhood Development Services (HANDS). HANDS is a developer of affordable housing in New Jersey. Andrew previously worked at New Jersey Community Capital. He's a graduate of NYU and Northeastern and while at NYU he had an opportunity to work at the Massachusetts legislature, the US Senate and the US State Department.
Topics Covered:
The difference between unregulated and regulated affordable housingWhy many developers are interested in the unregulated affordable housing marketWhat a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) is and the role it plays in affordable housingChallenges of building in Orange, New JerseyWhy is affordable housing necessary? The difference between federal, state, and local funding for affordable housing Different incentives for developing affordable housingResources Mentioned:
Multifamily Series: How Affordable Housing is ChangingAbout Your Host
Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other.
Connect with Andrew Regenstreich
Connect with Andrew Regenstreich on LinkedInFollow Housing and Neighborhood Development Services on LinkedInLearn more about Housing and Neighborhood Development ServicesFollow Us:
Grab our exclusive guide: How Eight Developers & Designers Are Responding to the Housing CrisisLearn... -
As the old adage goes, a man's home is his castle. That doesn't mean that every home is a castle or a mansion, but in this day and age, it could very well be a McMansion. In this episode, I explore the history of mansions and how the style has been interpreted by millions of suburban homeowners. I also revisit a conversation I had with Kirk Mitchell of AKT Designs about his single-family home renovation in Englewood, New Jersey that exemplifies how to avoid tired McMansion tropes.
In the suburbs of New York City, it’s common for developers to knock down existing properties and replace them with supersized homes. Instead, Kirk found a way to marry the client's desires, budget, and current design trends to create a modern ranch-style home.
By adding a second kitchen, home gym, and billiards room, the house now strikes a balance between the client's request for a modern ski chalet and a bachelor pad. Kirk shares his step-by-step process for renovating this type of property, including coming up with floor plans, construction drawings, and interior design ideas.
We also discuss the importance of having the right development team, using Pinterest to create mood boards and design ideas, and some of Kirk's other multi-family and commercial projects.
About the Guest:
Kirk Mitchell is the Founder and Principal at AKT Designs, an architecture and interior design firm based in Bergen County, New Jersey. He focuses on residential projects across New York and New Jersey. He has particular expertise in combining historic details with modern technology, having completed over 80 townhouse projects at AKT Designs and previously as the Director of Design and Construction for a Dixon Advisory.
Topics Covered:
What is a mansion? Typical design elements of mansions and McMansions How the McMansion trend continues to affect suburban neighborhoods Insight into the community in and around Bergen CountyHow to add value to a property while honoring a client's desiresThe pros and cons of modernizing instead of rebuildingResources Mentioned:
Bad Manors by Kate Wagner Kate Wagner’s blog: McMansion HellAbout Your Host
Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other.
Connect with Kirk Mitchell
Connect with Kirk Mitchell on LinkedInFollow AKT Designs on LinkedInLearn more about AKT DesignsFollow Us:
Grab our exclusive guide: How Eight Developers & Designers Are Responding to the Housing CrisisLearn more on the American Building websiteFollow us on -
The racially-charged NIMBY, or ‘not in my backyard’, phenomenon is at the core of zoning laws, particularly in the greater New York City area. In this episode, I take us back to the early 1900s to look at the nation’s first zoning resolution and examine how it continues to affect communities today. I also revisit a conversation with developer Johanna Anderson, the executive director of Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, to learn more about a mixed-use affordable housing development in upstate New York.
Founders Way is a mixed-use structure that boasts two separate wings with a new addition of studios to four-bedroom homes, as well as office space for rental and for sale. With a project of this size, Johanna discusses how she involved the community to preserve the existing design of the neighborhood and enhance structures, without creating a stark difference in architecture.
We also touch on some barriers to housing such as racial disparity and affordable housing stigma. We define what exactly these concepts are and the impact they’ve had on Ithaca, as well as how climate change has affected housing in the area.
About the Guest:
Johanna Anderson is the executive director of Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services. This nonprofit organization focuses on the development and operations of housing for lower and middle-income people in Central New York State. Prior to working at INHS, she focused on affordable housing development and support services for native people in Maine and in Minnesota. She has also held board member roles in other nonprofit organizations working in this arena.
Topics Covered:
The history of zoning in the greater New York City area as a means of separating usesExamples of mixed-use projects and why they work in combining usesDifferent types of affordable housing Funding options for affordable housing projects Who can live in affordable housing?Constraints when building affordable housingResources Mentioned:
The Birth of Zoning Codes, a History. Or, how Americans learned to legislate our NIMBY impulsesDiverse neighborhoods are made of diverse housingAbout Your Host
Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other.
Connect with Johanna Anderson
Connect with Johanna Anderson on LinkedInFollow Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services on LinkedInLearn more about Ithaca Neighborhood Housing ServicesFollow Us:
Grab our exclusive guide: How Eight Developers & Designers Are Responding to the Housing CrisisLearn more on the -
Whether it’s called a shore house, weekend home or cottage, the concept remains the same: escape from the city. The cultural phenomenon of staying at a non-primary residence during the summer is especially pervasive in New York City. In this episode, I look into the history of vacation homes in the tri-state area and how the current work-from-home culture impacts these communities. I also revisit a conversation with architect Jenny Peysin to discuss the Passive House movement and learn about her unique build in the Catskill region of upstate New York.
Wilderness Drive in East Jewett is located near Hunter Mountain on a 5-acre lot. It’s a single-story, modern bungalow featuring two wings with five bedrooms and three baths. Central to the tenets of Passive Houses, the build has more insulation, minimalized thermal bridging, and an airtight envelope, all of which ensure a comfortable temperature throughout.
In our conversation, Jenny walks us through her initial vision for this build as a client project and how it turned into a personal vacation home instead. We also dive into the history of Passive Houses, LEED vs. Passive House building criteria, and why they make great second homes for families.
About the Guest:
Jenny Peysin is a licensed architect based in Brooklyn. She founded Jenny Peysin Architecture in 2016. She previously worked as a designer at Blaze Makoid Architecture. She became a Certified Passive House Designer right before the pandemic and has been shifting her focus toward this way of designing and building,
Topics Covered:
The history of vacation homes in the greater New York City area How the pandemic affected the economy and housing market in ‘vacation towns’ Examples of venture-backed companies transforming the vacation rental industryThe inspiration behind Wilderness DriveThe fundamentals of modern Passive House designTips for incorporating Passive House standards into your homeResources Mentioned:
Adventures in the Wilderness by William H. H. Murray Where Was the Birthplace of the American Vacation?Hudson Valley Towns Have a New York City ProblemPacasoDen OutdoorsAvantStay International Passive House AssociationAbout Your Host
Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other.
Connect with Jenny Peysin
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With Zoom school largely a thing of the past, college students are back to living on or near campus again. Between dormitories, apartments, and multifamily homes, there are an estimated 8.5 million student housing beds across the US with an projected increase to 9.2 million this decade.
In this episode, I’m unpacking the factors contributing to the boom in student housing and the pros and cons this housing type poses to the surrounding communities. I’m also revisiting a conversation with Nick Falker of Cambridge Realty Partners to discuss The Elm, the firm’s multifamily build in New Haven, Connecticut.
Designed for Yale students and young professionals, The Elm is a six-story building with studios to four-bedroom options. It features bright, modern colors, a robust fitness center, conference rooms equipped with TVs and projectors, and a roof deck overlooking downtown and the Yale campus.
New Haven appeals to many people for its walkability, foodie scene, and relief from overpopulation. Nick dives into who he thought would be the ideal renter for his build versus who currently occupies it, as well as the decisions he made that allow his build to compete with others in the city.
Nick and I also discuss how to raise capital when just starting out, estimating renovation costs, and the effect the pandemic had on major US cities.
About the Guest:
Nick is the managing partner at Cambridge Realty Partners based in New Haven, Connecticut. The firm has been investing and developing in real estate opportunistically since 1978. Over that time, they have focused on office assets in the Northeast US, Texas, Mexico, and most recently, in multifamily in Connecticut. Nick previously worked at Cigna Realty Investors and Bristol Group.
Topics Covered:
The current state of student housingHow student housing differs from traditional multifamily housing The economic and social impacts student housing can have on surrounding areasThe specs and amenities of The Elm How the renter profile of The Elm has changed since the inception of the project The appeal of New Haven, ConnecticutResources Mentioned:
The National Multifamily Housing Council: The Future of U.S. Student Housing DemandAbout Your Host:
Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other.
Connect with Nick Falker:
Connect with Nick on LinkedInFollow Cambridge Realty Partners on LinkedInLearn more about Cambridge Realty PartnersFollow Us:
Grab our exclusive guide: How Eight Developers & Designers Are Responding to the Housing CrisisLearn more on the -
Due to the 1950 Federal Housing Authority and Veterans Administration loan programs, suburbs on Long Island and New Jersey were growing at 10 times the rate of downtown areas in New York City. Levittown in Nassau County is perhaps the most quintessential example of the outcome of those loan programs.
Totaling 17,400 homes built on 4,000 acres of potato fields, Levittown was marketed as a safe, peaceful escape from the city. But, like most things that seem too good to be true, there was something nefarious behind-the-scenes: the loan programs had race-based underwriting guidelines and deed covenants that shut out BIPOC communities. Almost 75 years later, the boom of these cul-de-sac neighborhoods are at the root of many of the pressing urban planning issues we face today, including excessive traffic, housing affordability, racial discrimination, and the persistence of poverty.
In this conversation with Kenneth Namkung, Founder of Monument Office and Senior Associate at Perkins Eastman, we explore the history of single family developments in the New York City area. We also dive into the details of his Suburbanism installation, designed for 32nd Street leading into Herald Square in Manhattan.
The installation focuses on taking up negative space in an urban area and evoking the history and memory of the American suburb for those who previously lived there. Kenneth also discusses his inspiration for the design and reflects on the project as a Korean immigrant who grew up in a suburban area. We also touch on the impact of the American interstate system, redlining, and changes to tax codes in the 1980s, all of which all contributed to the creation of the American suburb we know today.
About the Guest:
Kenneth is the founder and designer at Monument Office, a research and design firm based in Brooklyn, New York. His work focuses on the interplay between architecture, public space, and memory. Currently, he is a Senior Associate at Perkins Eastman. Previously, he was a Senior Project Designer for NBBJ design and worked at Studio Link-Arc, Ennead Architects, and Santiago Calatrava. He began his career at Rafael Viñoly Architects. He is a graduate of the School of Architecture at MIT and the University of Virginia.
Topics Covered:
The rise of single family developments in the New York City areaThe major influence of Levittown on housing Kenneth’s inspiration for the Suburbanism installation in Herald SquareWho lives in the American suburbs? How suburbs have transformed over timeSpecific architecture types found in the American suburb Effects of the pandemic on suburban housingResources Mentioned:
Why Buying a House Today Is So Much Harder Than in 1950 Patrick Sisson Revolutionary Road by Richard YatesAbout Your Host
Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other.
Connect with Kenneth Namkung
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Public housing is the oldest and one of the largest subsidy programs in the country. However, there hasn’t been any significant expansion of public housing spending since 1974 when President Nixon placed a moratorium on that budget. In this episode, I shine a light on the complicated history of government housing and the deep influence it has on segregation and race-related issues in the United States.
I also revisit a conversation with Rachel Loeb, former president and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, an agency that develops housing under the auspices of economic development. We discuss the vision for Bronx Point, a mixed-use development offering housing, community facilities, retail, and outdoor space along the Harlem River waterfront in the South Bronx.
Ensuring a diversity of income levels and housing stock, Bronx Point includes 1,000 units of studios, one, two, and three-bedroom options for families, and units set aside for formerly homeless individuals. The surrounding area provides access to The Children’s Museum, community colleges, and a food hall that not only offers fresh options to residents, but also gives small food vendors an opportunity to conduct business.
In addition to the details of Bronx Point, Rachel and I dive into the importance of diversity and representation, innovation through an equity lens, and the gold standard for waterfront resilience and risk reduction.
About the Guest:
Rachel Loeb is the former President & CEO of the New York City Economic Development Authority. Prior to her work there, she was the Director of Development at the World-Wide Group and a Senior Director at AvalonBay Communities. She is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Northwestern University.
Topics Covered:
The history of government-sponsored housing in New York City How race relates to government-sponsored housingDriving innovation with the help of the government Financing for the Bronx Point project Tangible ways that NYCEDC aims to infuse local culture and history into the Bronx Point projectHow corporations build trust with communitiesResources Mentioned:
A 'Forgotten History' Of How The U.S. Government Segregated AmericaAbout Your Host
Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other.
Connect with Rachel Loeb
Connect with Rachel on LinkedInFollow NYCEDC on LinkedInLearn more about NYCEDCFollow Us:
Grab our exclusive guide: How Eight Developers & Designers Are Responding to the Housing CrisisLearn more on the American Building websiteFollow us on -
In this episode, we’re exploring the history of townhouses in New York City and unpacking how this housing type relates to gentrification, a hot-button issue at the intersection of race, class, and housing. We’re revisiting a conversation that I had with Lea Cloud, co-founder and partner of CDR Studio Architects, where she walks us through a thoughtful, innovative Bushwick townhouse renovation.
Townhouses are single-family, multi-level homes that share walls with other homes on one or both sides and feature an entrance directly to the street. They’re most common in New York City neighborhoods like Harlem, Long Island City, and Park Slope, which also happen to be communities at the epicenter of gentrification.
Gentrification is the process of changing the character of a neighborhood through the influx of more affluent residents. On the surface, the new neighbors boost the local economy with restaurants, businesses, and housing. But, these upgrades are typically at the cost of longtime residents. This shift sparks feelings of resentment, frustration, and anger about who gets to own what and who gets to call a place home.
In our conversation, Lea Cloud and I touch on this issue through the lens of the townhouse renovation her firm designed for a client located in the southeast part of Bushwick. Lea describes how the neighborhood demographics have changed since it was first acquired by the Dutch in the 1600s and has now become a major hub for Central and South American immigrants.
Lea and I also discuss the ethos behind passive homes, what it’s like to work with multiple firms on a single project, and how to manipulate designs to meet the client’s vision while still complying with standard code.
Resources Mentioned:
Gentrification, Displacement, and Neighborhood Revitalization by J. John Palen & Bruce LondonThe NYC TikTok Influencer to Gentrification Pipeline by Lily AlvaradoAbout the Guest:
Lea is a co-founder and partner at CDR studio architects, a full service design firm in New York. Prior to starting the firm, she was at PKSB architects, where she had an opportunity to work on the renovation of the famous Seagram building that was designed by Mies van der Rohe, Philip Johnson, Eli Cohn and Robert Jacobs. Lea serves along with me as a city planning commissioner in Hoboken, New Jersey. She's a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design.
Topics Covered:
The implications of gentrification How the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn has changed throughout the yearsKey features in the townhouse renovation How to incorporate light and connectivity in a designPositioning stairs in a small spacesAbout Your Host
Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other.
Connect with Lea Cloud
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Today I sit down with Camila Crazut, former architect and interior designer for Spivak Architects. Camila and I discuss her Central Park West project located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the benefits and challenges of projects in a cooperative structure, and the good & bad of client and designer relationships.
Located in an upper class residential area, the Central Park West building is a pre-war, 11 storey building in a family-oriented neighborhood. Camila goes into detail about how the scope of the renovation is centered around its relation to Central Park and how they incorporate millwork throughout the design.
This particular project is located inside of a cooperative structure, which brings its own challenges for architects and designers. Camila talks us through the challenges she faced when renovating in this space, as well as the benefits to working with family-owned vs. commercial residences.
Lastly, Camila discusses how a budget affects the outcome of a project and the importance of designers and clients working together to form a relationship of trust and respect in order to accomplish the goals of each project.
Tune in to this episode to learn more about cooperative structures and find out what qualities you should seek in your next designer.
About the Guest:
Camila Crazut is an architect and interior designer and the Director of Interior Design at Linear Scape, a New York City design firm. Previously, she was a Senior Interior Designer at Spivak Architects and an Interior Designer at McKinley Design and TPG Architecture. She is a graduate of the Pratt Institute and Universidad Central de Venezuela.
Topics Covered:
Camila Crazut’s background in architecture and interior designWho makes up the neighborhood of Central Park West An apartment walk through in Central Park West How to renovate inside cooperative structures The qualities of good designers and good clients Renovations on a small budgetAbout Your Host
Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other.
Connect with Camila Crazut
Connect with Camila on LinkedInFollow Spivak Architects on LinkedInLearn more about Spivak ArchitectsFollow Us:
Grab our exclusive guide: How Eight Developers & Designers Are Responding to the Housing CrisisLearn more on the American Building websiteFollow us on InstagramConnect with Atif Qadir on LinkedInLearn more about Michael GravesLearn more about -
On today’s podcast, we sit down with Melissa Román Burch to learn more about her project with Lendlease Development, Claremont Hall. Located in the academic acropolis of New York City, Claremont Hall is a mixed-use building with modern neo-gothic architecture and sweeping views of the Hudson River. We also dive into some of Melissa’s other developments such as the Atlantic Yards (renamed Pacific Park) and 1 Java Street.
Melissa believes that development is about people and to be innovative we have to get curious and question fundamental assumptions. We ask the question of how to expand in a dense urban environment such as New York City and touch on topics of housing access and supply. We also talk about the importance of strategic partnerships with development, equity, and construction firms, as well as technology firms that have a growing interest in housing issues.
Lendlease Development partnered with Union Theological Seminary to begin its work on Claremont Hall in June of 2020, right in the early stages of the pandemic. In an attempt to creatively renew the aging infrastructure on the 100-year old campus, Union sought out a developer to help them tap into their New York City air rights.
Tune in to today’s episode to learn more about unique New York City construction phenomenons and the community-centered partners who are bringing these projects to life.
About the Guest:
Melissa is a leading property executive and developer in New York with two decades of public company real estate experience. Over her career, she has initiated the entitlement and development of over 10 million square feet of commercial and residential mixed use projects. Those are often ones that are distinguished by urban placemaking, environmental leadership and innovative partnerships. Currently, she is the Chief Operating Officer for the NYC Economic Development Corporation and leads the Real Estate Transaction Services and Asset Management divisions.
Topics Covered:
Melissa Román Burch’s background and the Claremont Hall developmentLessons learned from the Atlantic Yards project Curiosity and the importance of thinking differently in development A descriptive walk through of the Claremont Hall project What are air rights? The importance of community involvement Old and new partnershipsAbout Your Host
Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other.
Connect with Melissa Román Burch
Connect with Melissa on LinkedInConnect with Lendlease on LinkedInVisit Lendlease’s websiteFollow Us:
Grab our exclusive guide: How Eight Developers & Designers Are Responding to the Housing CrisisLearn more on the American Building websiteFollow us on InstagramConnect with Atif Qadir on -
Today we are speaking with the insightful MaryAnne Gilmartin, who discusses her experience getting into the real estate business, incorporating sustainability, and embracing wellness as it relates to creating new developments. MaryAnne is the CEO of MAG Partners and in this episode we dive into her project at 281 West 28th Street in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan.
The neighborhood of West Chelsea has changed drastically over the years. An area with architecture as diverse as the community that lives there, MaryAnne’s development on West 28th Street encompasses the history and diversity of the Upper East Side. Residents can experience an abundance of outdoor space, beautifully detailed brick, light-filled corridors, and an outdoor courtyard that delicately separates the two towers.
An increasing desire for biophilic space has led developers such as MaryAnne to incorporate health and wellness into building designs while also considering what it truly takes to build a place that one calls home. Tune in to today’s episode to learn more about how a focus on sustainability and sourcing can result in timeless buildings that are a win-win for developers and our world.
About the Guest:
Maryanne is the founder and CEO of MAG Partners, a real estate development company based in New York City. MAG Partners has one project under construction and was recently announced as the developer for another. She's also actively looking for deals within the metro area and beyond as well. Formerly, she was the board chair and the interim CEO of Mack-Cali Realty Corporation and the President and CEO of Forest City Ratner companies. She is one of the most well known and well respected professionals in the real estate business with 7 million square feet, 2000 housing units, and $4.5 billion of building value created under her leadership.
Topics Covered:
How MaryAnne got into real estateHistory and characteristics of West Chelsea Identifying the site for a new build The resident’s experience of 281 West 28th StreetThe importance of biophilic space in a building Changes in development regarding sustainabilityAbout Your Host
Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other.
Connect with MaryAnne Gilmartin
Connect with MaryAnne on LinkedInConnect with MAG Partners LP on LinkedInLearn more about MAG Partners LPFollow Us:
Grab our exclusive guide: How Eight Developers & Designers Are Responding to the Housing CrisisLearn more on the American Building websiteFollow us on InstagramConnect with Atif Qadir on LinkedInLearn more about Michael GravesLearn more... -
To kick off Season 3 of American Building, I sit down with Sean Pichon of PGN Architects and Omar Karim of Banneker Ventures. We explore the projects they are working on together in D.C., such as 2220 MLK Avenue, while also diving into topics such as the nationwide housing shortage and home ownership for Black Americans.
Sean and Omar go in depth about their project in Historic Anacostia at 2220 MLK Avenue, an update to a local church which adds affordable housing to the neighborhood, and how they are approaching community pushback. We also break down how the residential asset class is defined, housing and lending programs, and how these projects impact communities.
Turning to headline news, The New York Times recently released a statistic that only 5% of developers are not white males. This headline drives our conversation as Omar details how he sees this statistic play out, especially when interacting with lenders.
Listen to this week's episode of American Building to hear more about DC residential projects, defining impact, and how institutions are distributing money for BIPOC developers.
About Sean:
Sean is a founding partner at PGN Architects, which was recently acquired by Michael Graves Architecture and Design. The firm's design work focuses on affordable and market rate residential projects and mixed use projects along with renovation and historic preservation. He is a board member at Eastern Market Main Street, an economic development focused nonprofit. He began his career at Skidmore Owings & Merrill and is a graduate of Howard University.
About Omar:
Omar Karim is the president of Banneker Ventures, a real estate development, construction and property management company. The firm focuses on residential and institutional projects. Omar is a lawyer who began his career at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel and is a graduate of Howard University.
Topics Covered:
Details on Sean and Omar’s shared projects Challenges when converting commercial properties to residential properties How can BIPOC developers access capital for new projects? Defining impact in the development world Sean’s perspective on the lack of housing supply in the DC areaAbout Your Host
Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other.
Connect with Sean Pichon
Connect with Sean on LinkedInLearn more about Michael Graves Architecture & DesignLearn more about PGN ArchitectsConnect with Omar Karim
Connect with Omar on LinkedInConnect with Banneker Ventures on LinkedInLearn more about Banneker... -
All good things either evolve or get left behind, that is why I have renamed REDIST to Commonplace. After speaking with over 250 real estate professionals, I found that developers working on affordable and workforce housing projects that support underserved communities often face the most difficulty in accessing funding.
Operating at the intersection of brokerage, media and technology, Commonplace is a marketplace that connects real estate developers with capital to build more affordable, sustainable, accessible, and inclusive cities. In short, we’re bridging the gap between mission-driven developers and the money they need in order to make an impact.
Join me on this episode as I explore the ethos and mission behind Commonplace and what you can expect from us going forward.
About Your Host
Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other.
Follow Us:
Grab our exclusive guide: How Eight Developers & Designers Are Responding to the Housing CrisisLearn more on the American Building websiteFollow us on InstagramConnect with Atif Qadir on LinkedInLearn more about Michael GravesLearn more about Commonplace.us
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What does home mean to Americans today, particularly after a pandemic that transformed our society's relationship to the built environment? Over the past three years, we have had to redefine our homes, neighborhoods, towns and cities and restructure our lives as shared spaces became cut off.
Now, broad-based issues such as social justice and diversity have come to the forefront of public interest with loud support, and sometimes louder opposition. Housing is where these topics all come together.
Sit down with me, Atif Qadir, a licensed architect turned developer, city planning commissioner, and founder of Commonplace, as we dive into intriguing conversations with housing experts who are stewards of change. Sharing a fresh and unique perspective on the current state of the real estate market, we unpack the latest news and topics related to this evolving industry.
About Your Host
Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other.
Follow Us:
Grab our exclusive guide: How Eight Developers & Designers Are Responding to the Housing CrisisLearn more on the American Building websiteFollow us on InstagramConnect with Atif Qadir on LinkedInLearn more about Michael GravesLearn more about Commonplace.us
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To round out season two, I’m pulling back the curtain and chatting with my producer about the behind-the-scenes of the show. Lauren Popish is the founder of The Wave Podcasting, an agency and recording studio based in Los Angeles that helps people tell their unique stories through podcasting by providing audio editing, educational resources, and a digital community.
Lauren is a total pro when it comes to successfully launching and scaling a podcast, which is no easy feat into today’s market. We discuss what the top podcasts have in common, the importance of building a community around your show, and her advice for how to finally take the leap and follow through on that podcast idea that you’ve been thinking about.
In the second half of the episode, we turn the tables and Lauren asks me some questions about where the idea for American Building came from, how my goals and priorities for the show have changed over time, and what I have planned for season three. I also share a little bit about my family history and the impact that my parents have had on my career and ability to take calculated risks.
About the Guest:
Lauren Popish is the founder of The Wave Podcasting, an agency and recording studio based in Los Angeles that helps people tell their unique stories through podcasting by providing audio editing, educational resources, and a digital community. Previously, she worked as a Product Manager at CBRE, Customer Success Manager at Floored, and a Design Strategist at Gensler. She graduated from Arizona State University.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Topics Covered:
What ‘pod fading’ is and why so many podcasts don’t last long term Tools for building your brand and cultivating a listener community The reality about the initial and ongoing costs of podcasting My favorite part about hosting American Building The process that my team and I have for generating episode ideas, booking guests, and conducting interviewsMy advice for anyone who wants to get into the podcasting spaceAbout Your Host:
“Atif Qadir is the Founder & CEO of REDIST, a technology company making it easy for commercial real estate professionals to find and use the $100B of real estate incentives given out every year in the US.”
Resources and Links:
Lauren Popish’s LinkedInThe Wave Podcasting WebsiteThe Wave Podcasting InstagramGrab our exclusive guide Seven Tips on How to Stand Out in Your FieldLearn more on the -
I’m joined by Ron Schinik, the CEO of New Blueprint Partners, a New York-based company focused on redeveloping manufacturing facilities into mixed-use assets. Ron has a solid foundation in auditing and grew into the role of CFO at three companies centered around operational efficiency. We discuss why he decided to take the leap from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, and how his background in finance complements his current role as CEO.
We get into the details of the Vancouver Innovation Center in Washington State, which is what Ron calls the antithesis of the 1950s and 1960s suburbia movement. Previously owned by Hewlett-Packard, the 180-acre site features 700,000 square feet of ‘Frankensteined’ industrial and office space. Ron describes how the team is reimagining the property as a 20-minute neighborhood, which includes apartments, industrial and mixed-use buildings, retail space, and a downtown area.
Ron lays out major milestones on the project and gives an overview of the ambitious timeline. He highlights the importance of getting buy-in from the local community by having open, transparent conversations with people on the ground level. Ron also shares what kind of opportunities and challenges industrial manufacturing might face in the near future.
About the Guest:
Ron Schinik is the CEO of New Blueprint Partners, a New York-based company focused on redeveloping manufacturing facilities into mixed-use assets. Previously he was the Chief Financial Officer at Reich Brothers, Crown Capital, and Quick International Courier. He began his career in audit at EisnerAmper. He is a Certified Public Accountant by training and a graduate of NYU Stern and Queens College.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Topics Covered:
How the core ability to make a profit is very different than the ability to make revenueThe vision for what the Vancouver, WA will look like in a few years The roles that Rabina and Google Sidewalk Labs play in the Vancouver Innovation Center project Ron’s perspective on how to overcome zoning and community buy-in challenges Trending away from Amazon-like distribution centers and investment in manufacturing sitesAbout Your Host
“Atif Qadir is the Founder & CEO of REDIST, a technology company making it easy for commercial real estate professionals to find and use the $100B of real estate incentives given out every year in the US.”
Resources and Links
Ron Schinik’s LinkedInLearn more about The Vancouver Innovation Center New Blueprint Partners LinkedInNew Blueprint Partners - Show more
