Architecture and Innovation

Innovating Urban Spaces: The Promise of Mass Timber with Ted Panton This episode of the Architecture and Innovation Podcast features Ted Panton, Principal at GGLO, who discusses the complexities and constraints of housing in the architecture industry, emphasizing the potential of mass timber as a transformative solution. Ted highlights his advocacy for urban livability and his dedication to employing wood technology for its tectonic and carbon positive benefits, sharing insights from his experience and presenting wood as a material that can foster a deeper connection to our built environment. The conversation also touches on the housing crisis, the importance of creating walkable and dense neighborhoods, and the role of architects and developers in shaping the future of urban spaces. Ted's work showcases the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and community-centered design in addressing current and future architectural challenges. 00:00 Exploring the Complexities of Housing in Architecture 00:29 Introducing Ted Panton: A Visionary in Urbanism and Livability 01:48 The Power of Mass Timber in Transforming Housing 02:06 Addressing the Housing Crisis with Innovative Solutions 05:44 The Role of Architecture in Shaping Human-Centric Cities 07:55 Sustainability and the Future of Urban Development 11:51 The Impact of Mass Timber on Urban Projects and Sustainability 14:09 The Importance of Community and Collaboration in Architecture 19:10 Envisioning the Future of Urbanism and Livability 23:19 Concluding Thoughts on Housing, Crisis, and Urban Transformation For more information visit www.gglo.com

Building Trust and Legacy in Construction with Danny Van Acker This episode of the Architecture and Innovation Podcast, hosted by Tom Dioro and brought to you by CERACLAD welcomes Danny Van Acker, General Manager of Van Acker Construction. Today we disucss a broad range of topics relevant to the construction industry, including the importance of trust and communication between contractors, clients, and architects; Van Acker Construction's commitment to sustainability and quality; and the personal journey and philosophies that have shaped Danny's approach to business. Founded by Danny's father, Gary Van Acker, the company prides itself on hard work, integrity, and a culture rooted in the Midwest ethos. Danny shares insights into how the company navigates challenges in the construction process, the importance of direct and personal communication to resolve issues, and the crucial role of trust in building successful projects. The show also delves into how Van Acker Construction maintains its legacy while adapting to changes in the industry and incorporating sustainable materials and practices. Danny highlights how the digital age has impacted client interactions and emphasizes the value of in-person, human elements in the construction process. Finally, the future direction of Van Acker Construction is discussed, focusing on preparing for the next generation while preserving the company's core values and culture. For more information about Van Acker Construction, visit https://vanacker.com/ 00:00 Navigating Construction Challenges: Insights and Solutions 00:35 Introducing Danny Van Acker: A Legacy in Construction 01:55 The Midwest Mentality: Hard Work and Integrity in Construction 03:28 The Importance of Trust and Integrity in Construction Projects 08:49 Building a Legacy: The Future of Van Acker Construction 14:52 The Role of Sustainability in Modern Construction 20:01 Embracing Technology While Valuing Human Connection 22:51 Looking Ahead: The Future of Van Acker Construction and the Industry 24:48 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments

Stan Lew, AIA, Principal and President of RMW, voted the Best Places to Work. Stan was named President in 2020. His humility and vision in assuming this role underscores his leadership approach, which is one of service to the RMW family and the professional architectural and design community. For 50 years, RMW has been recognized as an award-winning workplace for clients in the high-tech, science, healthcare, industrial, academic, and civic sectors. For more information, you can visit: https://rmw.com/

Revital Kaufman-Meron, architect and principal of BEKOM DESIGN. Born, raised, and educated in Israel, Revital received her B.Arch diploma from Tel Aviv University in 2003 Magna Cum Laude. She spent four years in Boston, MA, specializing in residential design, from high-end single-family residences and vacation homes to high-rise and mixed-use projects. Complimenting her design experience with a strong interest in technology, Revital holds expert knowledge in Revit and is significantly involved in the BIM community. Well-regarded for her contributions to the field, BEKOM DESIGN has received Houzz's Best in Service Award for six consecutive years. For more information, you can visit: https://bekomdesign.com/

Vince DiPofi, PE and CEO of SSOE. Vince joined SSOE in 2000 and has more than 40 years of professional experience. Vince was named Engineer of the Year in 2022. He spearheaded SSOE’s Value Promise program, which has documented more than $1.5 billion in savings for clients initiated by SSOE. Throughout the years, he has been instrumental in developing numerous new accounts for SSOE and starting up the company’s operations in Mexico. For more information, you can visit: https://www.ssoe.com/

Jenna Knudsen is the managing principal of CO Architects. 2023 National AIA Award-Winners. Jenna has led award-winning large-scale academic, laboratory, and healthcare projects nationwide on university and healthcare campuses. Her groundbreaking projects are innovative in design, sustainability, and project delivery. Jenna has been nationally recognized for the early use of BIM and integrated delivery. For more information, you can visit: https://coarchitects.com/

Paul Tang, principal, and partner of the Los Angeles and Shanghai-based architecture firm Verse Design. Formerly Paul Tang Architecture. Paul was selected as one of the millennial New Blood 101 designers of Los Angeles in 2001 and 2002.He's also the recipient of the National A I, a foundation award, and a professor at the University of Southern California, where he has taught the school of architecture for over 19 years and graduated Claud from the University of Southern California School of Architecture and received his master of architecture with a letter of distinction from Harvard University. For more information, you can visit their website at https://www.vdla.co/

Michael Poris, AIA, a founding principal at McIntosh Poris Architects, where he’s led the charge on restoring Detroit’s most iconic neighborhoods and landmark buildings. Since returning to the city in 1995, he has tirelessly worked to preserve the legacy of its beloved 20th-century architecture and historic districts while helping implement change through innovative design. His architectural leadership has transformed Detroit with groundbreaking projects, such as the Foundation Hotel and the East Riverfront Framework Plan, both recognized with numerous awards. The firm has gained over 130 design accolades, including 30 AIA Honor Awards and 70 Detroit Design Awards. For more information, you can visit: https://www.mcintoshporis.com/

Mark Schoeman, Architect and Design Principal at Anderson Brulé Architects, or A-B-A. Mark is a design principal who enjoys creating 21st-century learning and healing environments. His experience includes master planning, programming, and design for higher education, K through 12 education, healthcare, residential, and civic clients. For more information, feel free to visit their website@aba-arch.com.

Steven Song, architect and real estate investor. ● Founder of SCAAA, a strategy consulting, planning, and architecture practice with studios in Los Angeles, Seoul, Osaka, and Dallas; ● Also the CEO of Axle Companies, which invests in real estate and social impact businesses; ● Board member of the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles; and ● Board member of SCI-Arc (Southern California Institute of Architecture) Steven and his team at SCAAA recently brought to market The SCAAA Process™. Combining research, AI technology (through a tool-in-development called AIBE or AI for the Built Environment), and design thinking, The SCAAA Process™ reimagines project delivery and provides a new way forward for real estate investment. For more information, you can visit https://www.scaaa.com/office.

David K. Plotkin, AIA and Principal of WDA. David founded and operated his Tucson, Arizona firm, concentrating on envisioning and implementing commercial and residential projects built with environmentally responsible practices. He has also designed and managed projects for firms in New York, Nashville, Chicago, and Los Angeles, including Frank O. Gehry & Associates and Morphosis Architects. WBA is a people-based practice. That makes our design process fundamentally different than the norm. At WDA, everyone participates in design. WBA engages the expertise of our entire team from the start and believes that when people feel connected to their work, they care more about their contributions, pushing design to greater heights. Their byline is the modern design that lives well. For more information, you can visit: https://wdarch.com/

Adam Kushner is the founding principal of KUSHNER Studios, an architecture and design practice. His design background stems from his formal education at Rensselaer [B ARCH 1986] and Cornell University [M ARCH 1994]. As a Design Studio Instructor at Cornell, his interest in teaching was nourished, and he remains close to academia. Adam is also a founding partner of https://www.inhousegroupinc.com/team/adam-kushner/ For more information, you can visit https://www.kushnerstudios.com/copy-of-home.

For our guest today, we're honored and excited to welcome Hans Baldauf, a fellow of the American Institute of Architects LEED AP and founding Principal at BCV. BCV is an award-winning architecture, interior design, and planning firm with international experience creating beautiful environments. They strive to produce work that is simple, elegant, and timeless.An efficient expression of design that shows a sense of restraint and transcends trends. For more information, feel free to visit their website at bcvarch.com.

Cass Calder Smith, FAIA and founder of Calder Smith Architecture + Interiors, is known for high-profile restaurant designs in San Francisco, California, and New York City. Cass Calder Smith is dedicated to excellence in architecture and design. Since its inception in 1990, CCS has designed various public and private buildings and interiors for LIVING, WORKING, EATING, and MORE. The firm has gained international acclaim for the architectural and commercial success of its restaurant projects, while the uniqueness of residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects has met with an unusual degree of owner satisfaction and media praise. CCS seeks to explore opportunities of maximum potential and express them at a scale appropriate to each project. Their work is firmly based on the modernist idiom, where innovation and creativity are balanced by common sense and experience. The firm is known for creating exceptional spatial and material projects and providing outstanding, professional service. Feel free to visit his site at https://www.casscaldersmith.com/

Jon de la Cruz, Owner/Principal of award-winning de la Cruz Architecture Interior + Design. Jon creates interiors that are truly unique for each project and each client. Over the past 20 years, Jon has worked with the Bay Area's top design firms, successfully leading projects including The Battery SF, The Cavalier, Marlowe Carbone in Las Vegas, Sadelle’s in New York, and private residences nationwide. You can find him on the web at: http://www.dlcid.com/

Eric Naslund, FAIA and principal at Studio E Architects in San Diego, CA.” Studi E Architects is a twenty-six collaborative led by principals, Eric Naslund, John Sheehan, Mathilda Bialk, and Maxine Ward. Based in San Diego, California, the firm works throughout the Southwestern United States and has built a varied body of work ranging from private residences to affordable housing, mixed-use, civic, and urban planning projects. The firm has received numerous design awards, including three National American Institute of Architects Honor Awards. You can find him on the web at: https://www.studioearchitects.com/

The founder of b9 architects, Bradley is passionate about excellence and service. With a Master of Architecture from Harvard University, he focuses on the intersection of education, policy, design innovation, sustainability and real estate development. Bradley develops multifamily infill urban projects to enrich the community through walkable, vibrant density. Over the years, he has served as a member of several AIA Boards and Task Forces, including President of the Board of Directors, advocating for policies that encourage equitable urban policies focused on density and sustainability. Bradley also teaches Architectural Design studios part-time at the University of Washington, College of Built Environments and serves on juries regularly. An avid skier, he enjoys spending his free time hitting the slopes and teaching his children how to ski. For more information feel free to visit http://www.b9architects.com/

Robert Swatt, FAIA and principal of Swatt Miers. Our studio offers architecture, planning, interior design, and facility programming services to individual, corporate, public service, and institutional clients on a wide spectrum of building types. The firm was formed as a merger of two long-established San Francisco Bay Area firms — Swatt Architects and George Miers and Associates — with the goal of creating a practice that consistently creates beautiful, sustainable, and user-responsive buildings while offering our clients the highest level of design, management, and principle-oriented services. https://swattmiers.com/

Today we are honored to have Susan Dwyer. Susan is Co CEO at HENDY. She shares insights on the importance of intentional workplace culture and aligning company and employee values. She discusses the challenges of balancing growth and culture while maintaining brand identity, and the impact of the pandemic on workplace design trends. Dwyer emphasizes the importance of having a growth mindset and staying positive in difficult times. Tune in for valuable tips on creating a positive workplace culture. For more information feel free to visit their website at https://hhendy.com/

Brendan Sanchez, AIA and principal of Access Architecture in Vancouver, WA. Access Architecture believes that connections shape who we are and give life purpose. They are committed to exploring how the built environment can foster these connections, whether it is to one another, our environment, history, or community. Furthermore, their purpose also understands that there is an opportunity in every project to enhance the quality of life through thoughtful architecture. You can find him on the web at: https://www.access-arch.com/