Peopleverse

In this Peopleverse Podcast episode, Evan Troxel talks with Tim Yeiser of Dricrete about their innovative approach to concrete with integral waterproofing which is often used in underground parking. Dricrete pioneered a chemistry and concrete admixture to go into the concrete during the mix, which enables the building to ultimately be faster, cheaper, safer, less risky, and more sustainable than traditional membrane waterproofing systems. Tim and Evan also discuss the challenges of introducing a new product to the construction industry and the importance of partnerships and knowledge transfer throughout the design and construction process. Episode Links: Tim on LinkedInDricrete websiteDricrete on LinkedIn

In this episode Mehmet Zenginler of Tantimber joins host Evan Troxel on the Peopleverse podcast for an in-person interview in Tect’s booth at the 2023 AIA Conference on Architecture in San Francisco, CA. Today we discuss the benefits of using Tantimber Thermowood as a sustainable and durable building material, the importance of building relationships with architects and providing value early in the project by working to become trusted, reliable sources of the latest information in their product category, and more! Episode Links Tantimber websiteMehmet on LinkedIn

In this podcast episode, Patricia Yulkowski and Candace Kitchen of Total Door Systems join Evan Troxel in the Peopleverse to discuss the importance of building relationships and trust between the design community and the manufacturing community, particularly in the context of life safety and the importance of early engagement to avoid expensive mistakes in the field. Episode Links: Total Door Systems websitePatricia on LinkedInCandace on LinkedIn

In this episode Cherise Lakeside, FSCI, CDT of RDH Building Science joins host Evan Troxel on the Peopleverse podcast for an in-person interview in Tect’s booth at the 2023 AIA Conference on Architecture in San Francisco, CA. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of product reps and their relationship with design professionals, the challenges of product selection, and the changing dynamics of the industry. They also discuss the AIA conference and the value of meeting and networking with other professionals in the field. Episode Links Cherise on TwitterCherise on LinkedInRDH Building Science websitePeopleverse episode 4 featuring Cherise Lakeside

Mike Kunard of Hidden Step Marketing joins the Peopleverse to discuss his experience in the building industry, including the importance of mentors and the value of wisdom over data. We also chat about the need to break down barriers and build relationships between design professionals and product experts to share knowledge and solve problems. About Mike Kunard After succeeding in the building materials industry for 20 years as manufacturer and distributor, Mike broke out on his own in 2020 to help small yet scalable manufacturers and lend his experience to help them come to market. His specialty is outdoor living products including decking and railing manufacturers. He is currently focused on supporting two frameless glass railing manufacturers: one from Australia serving residential markets and from Italy serving commercial and residential markets. Episode Links Hidden Step Marketing websiteMike Kunard on LinkedInHidden Step Marketing on Instagram

David Corle, CSI joins the Peopleverse podcast to talk about the importance of building personal relationships, mentorship, using humor on social media, the dangers of perfectionism, changing the perception of building product manufacturers from product-pushers to trusted advisors, and emphasizes the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and service before sales in building trust and relationships. Watch this episode on YouTube. About David: A third generation glazier, David spent the first fifteen years of his career gaining hands-on experience in the glass industry. Armed with that knowledge, in 2015 he joined one of the nations largest manufacturers of custom shower enclosures as the New England Regional Sales Rep. In 2018 he accepted the position of East Regional Sales Manager following the acquisition of a competitor and in 2020 was promoted to Director of National Hospitality Division, where he guides the development of A+D facing education and outreach initiatives. David carries his passion and experience with glass into every conversation and hopes to educate, inspire and start conversations with his LinkedIn audience and the wider design community around the subjects of design, hospitality and the glass & construction industries. Episode Links: HMI GlassHMI Glass blogDavid on LinkedInHMI on LinkedInHMI on TwitterHMI on InstagramHMI’s digital printing specs and informationHMI's AEC Daily CE courseDavid's previous Peopleverse podcast appearancePeopleverse podcastYouTube

Todd Miller of Isaiah Industries joins the Peopleverse to share his story and kick off season 2 with Tect’s architectural community director and host Evan Troxel. Here's an episode highlight: Hear Todd’s story of how the Metal Roofing Alliance was formed 25 years ago by a group of metal roofing industry competitors. What began with a plan that would sunset the organization in 5 years turned into an alliance of friends that helped transform the market share of steep slope metal roofing from 2% up to 17% and is still going strong after 25 years. About Todd Miller: Todd Miller is President of Isaiah Industries, a manufacturer of specialty residential metal roofing./ He is also one of the hosts of the Construction Disruption podcast. Todd has an educational website for property owners and others at www.asktoddmiller.com. He is also Vice Chair of the Metal Roofing Alliance as well as a current Board Member and Past Chair of Metal Construction Association. Episode Links: Construction Disruption podcastEvan’s appearance on Construction Disruption Letitia Hanke’s episode on Construction Disruption Construction Disruption on YouTubeIsaiah Industries websiteTodd's website Metal Roofing Alliance websiteMetal Construction Association website

Ian Merker, AIA, LEED AP joins the Peopleverse podcast live from the Tect booth in the expo hall at the American Institute of Architects National Conference on Architecture which took place on June 23-25 in Chicago, Illinois. In this episode we talk about what attending the National Conference on Architecture is like from an architect's perspective and we discuss some professional activities architects are involved with—beyond their day job—to serve their communities. This peek into the life of an architect illuminates additional corners of the profession for those who want to know more. About Ian: Ian has close to 20 years of experience in managing the design and construction administration of major projects including developments in civic and education markets. Throughout his career, he has worked toward opportunities to practice high quality regenerative design and historic preservation. He is a strong believer that architecture and research combined with design thinking, strengthens society and in turn contributes to a positive sustainable effect on the world. As an active leader in professional organizations, Ian has engaged in mentorship, industry commitments to climate action and historic preservation, and advocated the value of design and architecture to the community. Episode links: Ian on LinkedInIan on TwitterCannonDesign website

Dena Prastos, AIA of Indigo River joins the podcast to talk about her multidisciplinary background and approach to a career in architecture. The bulk of this conversation is about how architects can and should differentiate their practice using examples from her waterfront-focused work and about the value of architects through specialization during changing times, among many other important topics listed in the notes below. About Dena: As Founder and CEO of Indigo River, Dena Prastos, AIA, is the first "waterfront architect," trailblazing a new category in the industry. Indigo River is a women-owned transdisciplinary design firm focused on progressive waterfront architecture, resiliency, and climate adaptation. A leading authority in New York Harbor and beyond, the firm specializes in climate adaptation through waterfront solutions that seamlessly transcend boundaries - guiding and executing projects from ideation through final construction and operations. Waterfront architect, civil engineer, futurist, climate adaptation expert, entrepreneur, and creative original, Dena is driven to transform the built world at the water's edge. With transdisciplinary and progressive views, she is fueled by the overlapping of design, technology, and nature. Dena is a licensed architect with a graduate degree in civil engineering. Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, she deeply appreciates nature and humankind's ability to design, build, and create infrastructure in some of the world's harshest conditions. Dena is an experienced leader of innovative leading projects around the world, directing infrastructure construction, marine engineering, and the design of waterfront architecture. This experience has given her the tools to navigate the firm's diverse client work with her unique vision and competency in construction, engineering, and waterfront architecture. As a one-stop shop for solutions at the water’s edge, Indigo River works on notable projects around New York Harbor including East Side Coastal Resiliency in Manhattan, Robert De Niro's Wildflower Studios in Astoria, River Ring in Williamsburg, and the Harlem River Greenway in East Harlem. Before starting Indigo River, Dena worked at DCAK MSA Architecture and Engineering as the Director of Project Management and Business Development, McLaren Engineering Group as a senior project manager and The Conti Group. Dena earned her Bachelor of Architecture at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), where she subsequently completed a graduate degree in Civil Engineering. At NJIT, she was a Division 1 soccer player. After gaining valuable experience in the industry, she went to Harvard Business School’s “Leading Professional Service Firms” Executive Education program. She serves on the National Council of Architectural Registration Board’s (NCARB) Future’s Collaborative. In 2021, she joined the AIA Resilience and adaptation Advisory Group, and in 2022 she was asked to join AIA’s YAF Summit 30: Mission 2130; the Summit seeks to respond to critical issues present in the profession, namely, to address challenges the architecture profession will face in the next century, focusing on architecture, society, and our planet. She also serves on her local Planning Board in historic Grand View-on-Hudson, New York. About Indigo River: Indigo River is a women-owned transdisciplinary design firm focused on progressive waterfront architecture, resiliency, and climate adaptation. A leading authority in New York Harbor and beyond, the firm specializes in climate adaptation through waterfront solutions that seamlessly transcend boundaries - guiding and executing projects from ideation through final construction and operations. In this episode we discuss: Episode links: Indigo River websiteIndigo River on LinkedInIndigo River on InstagramDena on LinkedInDena on TwitterDena on InstagramThomas Heatherwick article about the "boringness of architecture" on DezeenPeopleverse episode #4 with Cherise...

Kyle Morck of Reynolds+Myers joins the Peopleverse podcast live from the Tect booth in the expo hall at the American Institute of Architects National Conference on Architecture which took place on June 23-25 in Chicago, Illinois. In this episode Kyle shares his insight into modern marketing strategies for building product manufacturers. Key takeaways from this discussion are how product manufacturing marketing and sales teams should be moving beyond design professionals as "lead gen", how marketing and sales should be differentiated for results, the only worthwhile marketing BPM's should be doing, and how these teams can be best prepared to interact with architects and design professionals early in the design process when it matters most in order to build long term relationships. About Kyle: Kyle is VP of Strategy at Reynolds+Myers. R+M works with B2B companies in the food and shelter industries, including Boise Cascade, BASF, Simplot, and Idaho National Lab. Kyle’s work on strategy, research, and consulting enables marketing leaders at these companies to navigate the chaotic world of modern marketing. Kyle began his career in the arts. He's worked with a number of internationally renowned nonprofit dance companies in both an artistic and executive capacity. Most recently he was the managing director of LED, one of Dance magazine's "25 to Watch" in 2020. As a filmmaker, Kyle has directed one feature-length film, a handful of narrative short films, and over fifty short dance films. His work has been featured in publications including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Dance Magazine, and Slate. Episode Links: Reynolds+Myers websiteReynolds+Myers on LinkedInKyle on LinkedIn

Special guest Shannon DeFranza joins the Peopleverse after serving her term as National Vice President of the American Institute of Architecture Students to discuss her perspective of the architectural profession and the larger building industry as a recent graduate and emerging professional. About Shannon: Shannon DeFranza, AIAS, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, has dedicated her life to the service of others and bettering the world. With a background studying international relations, human rights, and climate disasters, Shannon graduated from the Honors Program of Roger Williams University, with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 2021. For the last year Shannon has served as the 2021-2022 National Vice President of The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), Student Director for the ACSA, and previously served as the Northeast Quad Director for AIAS. Through public speaking, mentorship, and advocacy, Shannon works to change design education and the profession, to properly equip and empower the next generation so that we may address widespread climate change through an equity lens, universally use sustainable building practices, and better our mental health protections. Believing that architecture is just one small piece to better our society, outside of architecture, Shannon has worked on behalf the Non-Profit, Scholars at Risk, to advocate for the release of wrongfully imprisoned scholars. In this episode we cover: Episode links The American Institute of Architecture StudentsLeadership by Design: Creating an Architecture of TrustShannon on InstagramShannon on LinkedIn

Michael Chambers, FAIA of MCA Specifications joins the Peopleverse podcast live from the Tect booth in the expo hall at the American Institute of Architects National Conference on Architecture which took place on June 23-25 in Chicago, Illinois. In this episode Michael gives an introductory master class into the specification process on projects. He not only shares useful information for architects and specifiers, but for building product reps and manufacturers as well. About Michael & MCA: MCA consults with construction product manufacturers on guide specifications, continuing education programs, and training on effective marketing to design professionals. MCA enables designers to use specifications and technical analysis processes to perfect and protect their design intent. As an architect and specifier, Michael develops and presents a wide range of continuing education programs for design professionals, especially on the use of specifications in enforcing design intent and using Division 01 to protect design concepts from substitutions and quality assurance failures. As an accessibility surveyor, Michael has extensive experience in reviewing disabled access issues and has developed education programs about his experience with accessibility and universal design. Mr. Chambers is an architectural graduate of the University of Southern California, registered architect in California, and a Certified Construction Specifier (CCS). He is a Fellow of AIA and CSI, member of the national AIA Continuing Education Committee, and past Vice President for Professional Practice for AIA California. Episode Links: Michael on LinkedIn

Special guest William Mandara Jr, AIA of Mancini Duffy joins the Peopleverse to talk about a project that is sure to become an icon. It’s called TSX Broadway and it’s located at Times Square in New York City. Listen in as we go behind the scenes from the very beginning of the feasibility studies all the way through construction with some fantastic stories along the way of this project that’s part historic Broadway theater, part high-rise hotel, part multi-event venue, and part performance backdrop situated at the “Crossroads of the World”. About Bill: William Mandara Jr., AIA, is the chief executive officer and co-owner of Mancini Duffy, a national design firm with a 100+-year-old history and tech-forward approach based in New York City. Bill comes from a family in the business: his father and grandfather were general contractors. He got the most thankless tasks during his teenage summers at his father’s job sites. In retrospect, it was a great way to instill understanding and respect for the profession. It was also a not-so-subtle hint from his father that he should be thinking about architecture school instead. In this episode we discuss: Episode links: Apple MusicSpotifyApple MusicSpotifyMancini DuffyTSX Broadway in Times Square - Mancini DuffyTSX BroadwayTSX Broadway: Historic Palace Theatre raised 30-feet above Times Square

Mohammed Atif Shehzad of Atriade joins the Peopleverse podcast live from the Tect booth in the expo hall at the American Institute of Architects National Conference on Architecture which took place on June 23-25 in Chicago, Illinois. In this episode we discuss the value of leveraging relationships between design professionals and experts early to remove friction from the design process in regards to the complex nature of physical building security. About Mohammed: Mohammed Atif Shehzad is the Founder and Managing Director of Atriade. He has over 25 years of experience in physical security solutions deployment and has worked for clients in a globally diverse market portfolio. Using data analytics and operational benchmarks, he develops user-specific methodologies to establish Security’s proactive role in the organization. Mr. Shehzad is responsible for creating long term strategic plans and vision for security organizations and managing customer relations. Episode Links: Atriade websiteMohammed on LinkedInAtriade on LinkedInPeopleverse podcastTect

Glass aficionado David Corle joins the Peopleverse to talk about the benefits of engaging a product expert early in the life of a project and to share his knowledge and passion for glass. About David: David is a third generation glazier who spent the first fifteen years of his career gaining hands-on experience in the glass industry. Armed with that knowledge, in 2015 he joined HMI Glass (which is one of the nations largest manufacturers of custom shower enclosures) as the New England Regional Sales Rep. In 2018 he accepted the position of East Regional Sales Manager following the acquisition of a competitor and in 2020 was promoted to Director of Architecture and Design (A+D) Relations, guiding HMI's hospitality and multi-family division by developing A+D-facing education and outreach initiatives. David carries his passion and experience with glass into every conversation and hopes to educate, inspire and start conversations with you around the subjects of design, hospitality and the glass and construction industries. In this episode we discuss: Episode Links: HMI GlassHMI Glass blogDavid on LinkedInHMI on LinkedInHMI on TwitterHMI on InstagramHMI’s digital printing specs and informationHMI's AEC Daily CE course

Mike Kunard of Hidden Step Marketing joins the Peopleverse live from the Tect booth in the expo hall at the American Institute of Architects National Conference on Architecture which took place on June 23-25 in Chicago, Illinois. In this episode we discuss Mike's role working with building product manufacturers to help them more effectively bridge the gap and reach design professionals. Building product manufacturers will not want to miss Mike's insight when it comes to getting found, communicating effectively, and getting invited to projects early. For architects and design professionals it's reassuring to learn that people like Mike are out there, understanding what we need to give our design intent the best chances of surviving throughout the design and build process. Learn more about Mike and add him to your Peopleverse. About Mike: Mike Kunard is a building materials expert having spent two decades learning and leading supply chains for top recognized brands in the outdoor living category. Today, as owner of Hidden Step Marketing, Mike shares his passion with early stage manufacturers primarily in the glass railing and PVC decking space helping them be to become category leaders and build national supply chains. Episode Links: Hidden Step MarketingMike on LinkedInMike on Twitter

Gina Almaguer of Ortal Fireplaces joins the Peopleverse live from the Tect booth in the expo hall at the American Institute of Architects National Conference on Architecture which took place on June 23-25 in Chicago, Illinois. In this episode Gina and Evan discuss how the element of fire has evolved in the digital age. They also talk about how fire can be used in new, unexpected ways as a tool in a design professional's toolbox. About Gina: Gina Almaguer has been an experienced marketing professional in the interiors and home design space for over a decade. She started as a CAD designer in the custom cushion and umbrella industry for some of the leading, high-end furniture designers in the industry. Shifting her focus to marketing over the years has allowed her to channel her roots in art and music to implement creative, out-of-the-box strategies to design professionals, retailers and luxury homeowners. Before joining Ortal for luxury fireplaces, Gina was working closely with designers and landscape architects in hardscape materials, aiding in design, product recommendations and assisting with technical support. Episode Links: Gina Almaguer on LinkedInOrtal websiteOrtal on LinkedIn

Alex Housten of dormakaba Americas joins the Peopleverse from the Tect booth in the expo hall at the American Institute of Architects National Conference on Architecture which took place on June 23-25 in Chicago, Illinois. We discuss how the team at dormakaba is engaging to better serve architects during design with all-things building access. After listening to this episode you'll likely think of door hardware, access control, safety, and security differently than before. About Alex: With nearly 20 years of experience in the building technologies industry, Alex Housten is the President of dormakaba Americas, a leading provider of access control, access hardware, and access automation solutions that enable today's safe, secure, and sustainable spaces. Episode Links: Alex on LinkedIndormakaba Americas websitedormakaba Americas on LinkedIn

Michele Hottel and Djana Venolia join the Peopleverse to talk about the tangible benefits of trusted relationships between supply and demand professionals in the building industry. While for many these kinds of relationships are elusive, Michele and Djana prove that not only are they possible, but that both sides find success when done right. Michele Hottel has been practicing architecture with her own firm, Michele Grace Hottel, Architect since 1994 after working as a consultant with other architecture and engineering firms in the Los Angeles and San Diego area. She attended Cal Poly, Pomona and the University of Copenhagen (DIS) for Architecture. Michele is on the AIA CRAN National Advisory Group, the Chair of her local CRAN chapter, a Commissioner and Subject Matter Expert for the California Architects Board. and a past City of La Mesa Planning Commissioner. She's also the host of the "I've Never Met a Woman Architect Before" podcast. Djana Venolia is a licensed architect and urban designer in Brazil who also has a certificate in interior design for, the new school of architecture in San Diego. She has worked with architectural services, interior and landscape design, and media services for residential, commercial and hospitality projects in Africa, Europe, U.S., and Brazil for over 20 years. After moving to the United States, Djana has engaged in various projects supporting her community. She volunteers at her church, local YMCA and she has collaborated with other non-profits teaching art, architecture, and robotics to name a few. Djana joined the Western Lighting and Energy Controls family in 2019 and has dove into the LED world through the lens of a designer as well as the sustainability aspect of energy savings. In this episode we discuss: Episode links: I've Never Met a Woman Architect BeforeMichele on LinkedInDjana on LinkedInWestern Lighting and Energy Controls

Lynda Thompson joins from the United Kingdom to talk about her role as an independent research and customer insight consultant in the building industry. We discuss her work and how it is helping to bridge the gap between building product manufacturers and the product specifiers on the design team. About Lynda: Lynda’s worked in the areas of customer liaison, software training and development, and qualitative market and social research over the last 30 years. Understanding customers motivations and their needs is at the forefront of what she does. She’s driven by the desire to facilitate communication and collaboration across the many disciplines in construction, and to improve understanding of the jargon and acronyms used in the industry. She’s worn many customer engagement hats over the years, mostly working in the built environment, architecture and construction sectors (much of that time for NBS, the UK National Building Specification). Previous roles included software training, customer support, user experience research, market research and a very long time ago box office manager roles at the London Philharmonic and Aberdeen Box Office. Now Lynda works as an independent research and customer insight consultant and works for clients like product manufacturers, industry membership bodies (like Constructing Excellence and the RIBA - Royal Institute of British Architects) and more recently in the UK energy sector with the Fuel Bank Foundation. She likes nothing better than using various research techniques to find meaning in qualitative data and provide independent and actionable findings to decision-makers. She identifies research questions and decides on the best methods (focus groups and interviews are her favorites) to use to help organizations that yearn for a better understanding of their markets and customers. In this episode we discuss: Episode links: Lynda Thompson ResearchLynda on LinkedInLynda on Twitter Watch this episode on YouTube. Join the Peopleverse at https://peopleverse.fm