The Anti-Architect

On this episode of The Anti-Architect Podcast, Christian Giordano sits down with Daniel Monteiro, Managing Partner of Reidy Contracting Group, to discuss a career built from the ground up. Christian and Daniel explore the lessons learned from growing alongside a company, the value of understanding every facet of the business, and how leadership evolves over time. They also discuss Reidy Contracting Group's recent recognition on ENR's Top 600 Contractors list and the firm's work on high-profile projects, including the Warner Bros. Discovery Global Headquarters, the National Urban League Headquarters in Harlem, and the American Express Centurion Lounge. This conversation offers valuable insights on growth, accountability, and what it means to earn your way to the top.https://reidygroup.com/Episode highlights:(2:18) What frustrates contractors about architects(6:32) Compressed project schedules and early bidding(12:50) What architects may find frustrating about contractors(14:01) How architects can add more value during construction(15:57) Why cost knowledge should start earlier(19:04) The value of field experience for architects(22:31) Learning from RFIs and repeated project issues(24:35) Daniel’s background and path into construction(29:29) The early days of Reedy Contracting Group(34:19) American Express Centurion Lounge project(36:42) Discovery and Food Network project work(38:19) New York and New Jersey construction market outlook(44:14) AI, scanning, robots, and the future of construction

In this episode, Christian sits down with Jay Stasi, Vice President of Development at The Hampshire Companies, to unpack what really matters when he’s choosing architects and partners: from technical expertise in structural systems to the all-important “grab a beer test.” Jay breaks down the enduring demand for self-storage and multifamily housing, the challenges of rising construction costs, and why “checking the bagel”- his signature phrase for creative due diligence - is essential for successful projects. He also reflects on lessons learned from his family’s tile business, his path through construction and development, and why, no matter how demanding the industry gets, family always comes first.https://www.hampshirere.com/https://theantiarchitect.com/ 0:05 - Christian introduces Jay Stasi and sets the stage for the conversation 1:01 - Jay explains what matters most when selecting architects and partners 3:46 - The biggest frustrations developers have with architects 5:09 - Why architects often miss the mark on budgeting and communication 6:52 - Coordination challenges and the importance of complete drawing sets 8:11 - A candid story about deadline pressure and the value of honest conversations 10:00 - Why direct communication beats email in fast-moving projects 11:07 - How architects can be more helpful beyond RFPs 12:28 - Early-stage massing and feasibility feedback as a differentiator 13:36 - The architect as a potential source of real estate opportunities 14:21 - What Jay looks for when hiring an architect and why price is not the priority 16:09 - The “grab a beer” test and why personality fit matters 17:39 - Innovation in industrial and self-storage projects and what architects should bring to the table 19:02 - How to work with communities and navigate NIMBY resistance 21:22 - Overview of The Hampshire Companies and what sets them apart 23:02 - Jay shares why self-storage continues to thrive across the U.S. 25:45 - Trends in multifamily housing and how Hampshire finds new opportunities 27:04 - Evolving amenities in residential buildings and how architects can lead the way 29:45 - Thoughts on low-income housing integration and design equity 31:31 - Navigating rising construction costs and market uncertainty 34:00 - What Jay’s day-to-day role as VP of Development looks like 36:50 - Jay’s background in construction, teaching, and learning from mistakes 41:12 - The “check the bagel” rule and why small details matter 42:06 - How Jay balances career growth with being present for family 44:22 - The role of technology and AI in the future of development 46:01 - Final thoughts on why real estate development is a constantly evolving career 47:06 - A personal reflection on family and what really comes first for Jay

In this episode, Christian sits down with Christina Magrans, Founder and Managing Director of Studio Lourdes. With her firm, Christina set out to build the kind of environment she never found in the corporate world - one that prioritizes people as much as projects. Together, she and Christian unpack how she’s redefining work/life harmony, balancing client demands with culture, and shaping iconic retail spaces for brands like Bape, Marc Jacobs, Longchamp, Dries Van Noten, and Aesop.https://www.studiolourdes.com/https://theantiarchitect.com/0:05 – Christian introduces Christina Magrans, founder of Studio Lourdes1:32 – Christina reflects on her early career at TSC Design and how it shaped her3:10 – How a fast promotion at Tiffany led her to manage global projects5:01 – Lessons from 9/11 and the 2008 recession that built resilience6:10 – Christina explains her personal definition of a growth mindset6:50 – Studio Lourdes uses Ivy Learning to support continuous team development7:48 – How Christina screens for cultural fit and curiosity during hiring9:20 – Why values alignment is the first step in taking on new clients10:39 – How Studio Lourdes balances passion and business when selecting projects11:36 – The growing overlap between retail, hospitality, and workplace design12:45 – Christina brings brand discovery practices into workplace projects13:36 – Why she founded Studio Lourdes to prioritize employee experience14:30 – Teaching business fundamentals to architects across all levels16:40 – Transparent goal-setting and revenue discussions as a leadership tool18:15 – Timesheets as data, not pressure—rethinking accountability in design firms19:22 – Making client service personal while keeping the team happy20:40 – What Christina learned at Harvard and IMD executive leadership programs21:47 – How Studio Lourdes builds culture through values-based retreats and rituals23:10 – Empowering staff to lead, speak up, and evaluate client relationships25:00 – Redefining work-life balance through flexibility and communication norms27:30 – Christina and Christian reflect on happiness, ambition, and evolving goals30:00 – Why Studio Lourdes pushes back on unpaid design work32:45 – The case for teaching the business of architecture early in one’s career34:00 – Christina's top advice for emerging architects and designers35:00 – The origin of the name “Studio Lourdes” and what it means to her legacy36:00 – A global design portfolio: Bape, Marc Jacobs, Longchamp, Aesop, and more.

In this episode, Christian sits down with Louis Koehl, AIA, CPHD, Director of Sustainable Design at Handel Architects, for a deep dive into what sustainability really means in today’s built environment. Forget buzzwords and marketing veneers - Louis unpacks sustainability as a design foundation, not a feature. And for the first time on the podcast, Christian and Louis pull up actual project photos in real time - like the world’s largest affordable Passive House building - to explore the strategy, decision-making, and trade-offs behind the scenes. This conversation challenges architects to think beyond LEED plaques and into long-term, community-first impact.https://handelarchitects.com/ https://theantiarchitect.com/0:00 – Introduction to the Anti Architect Podcast and guest Louis Koehl 1:00 – Louis’s role at Handel Architects and redefining sustainable design 2:15 – Reflecting on Gary Handel and notable firm projects like the Asbury Ocean Club 3:30 – Early career mentors and the technical foundation of Louis’s work 4:00 – What sustainability actually means today 6:00 – Overcoming the perception that sustainability is an extra cost 9:00 – Why sustainability must be baked into the design process 11:00 – Client mindset, life cycle costs, and assembling the right team early 13:00 – Navigating evolving regulations and city mandates like NYC Local Law 97 16:00 – Architects’ role in shaping public policy and the importance of advocacy 19:30 – From sustainability to circularity: trends shaping the materials economy 22:00 – Understanding EPDs, HPDs, and embodied carbon in materials 25:00 – Regenerative architecture: what it means and how it shows up in communities 28:30 – The ego trap: shifting from architect as auteur to architect as collaborator 31:00 – AI, decision making tools, and reducing design phase inefficiencies 33:00 – What Passive House design really is (and isn’t) 35:00 – Key principles of Passive House: airtightness, thermal envelope, ventilation 37:30 – Myths about Passive House: windows, operability, and aesthetics 39:00 – Case Study 1: Santander Tower proposal in Miami 41:00 – Structural innovation and embodied carbon reductions 43:00 – Case Study 2: Santander Santiago HQ and outdoor workspace design 45:00 – Case Study 3: Sendero Verde, the world’s largest fully affordable Passive House 47:00 – Community of Opportunity: housing, services, and public park design 50:00 – Passive House certification bodies and affordable housing trends in NYC 51:30 – Case Study 4: Harmony Commons, a Passive House dorm at University of Toronto 54:00 – Construction detailing, quality control, and contractor engagement 56:00 – Louis’s journey from Kentucky to Columbia to Handel Architects 58:00 – Why architects must shape the future in the face of global challenges 59:00 – Final thoughts: using architecture to elevate lives and build resilient communities

In this episode, Christian sits down with Jonathan Schultz, Co-founder and Managing Principal of Onyx Equities and Host of The Jon Schultz Podcast: The Myth of Overnight Success. Christian and Jon discuss his approach to real estate development, his company's pivot from office to life sciences and industrial, and the transformative potential of AI in real estate. Jon dives deep into the significance of responsiveness, creativity, and trust in all business relationships. Whether you're an architect, developer, or entrepreneur, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and long-game thinking.https://www.jonschultz.com/ https://www.onyxequities.com/https://theantiarchitect.com/0:00 – Introduction to The Anti-Architect Podcast and guest Jon Schultz.2:22 – Christian shares how Jon mentored him early in his career, encouraging delegation and innovation through technology.4:52 – Jon shares how his mother’s battle with cancer instilled the power of belief and shaped his entrepreneurial mindset.6:59 – Why Jon stayed committed to New Jersey real estate while others pulled out, and how Onyx shifted toward life sciences and industrial.9:10 – Reimagining office spaces: how Onyx adds energy, amenities, and curated retail experiences to attract and retain tenants.11:15 – The importance of food, flexible space, and a hospitality mindset in creating compelling office environments.13:44 – Reflections on the chaos of COVID and how Jon navigated uncertainty, survival mode, and community support for retail tenants.15:52 – The challenge of interest rate hikes and how property valuations have shifted in a post-zero-rate world.17:18 – The strategy behind converting outdated office buildings to industrial or residential use, and how local insight is key.18:39 – Community resistance to industrial developments and how Onyx evaluates town-by-town receptiveness.19:47 – Jon’s take on architects: responsiveness, trust, and the importance of focus in delivering creative, timely work.21:28 – Why delays kill deals, and how Christian's firm emphasizes quick, clear client communication as a core value.23:04 – Learning to say “no” to protect time and productivity—a lesson Jon passed on that Christian still practices.24:59 – Jon’s design process: start creatively, then scale back to match the budget instead of stifling innovation early.26:43 – Leveraging past success: how Onyx references completed projects to inspire and guide future developments.28:24 – Jon's belief that first impressions—from landscaping to lobby design—set the tone for quality and service.30:17 – What Jon looks for in an architect’s pitch: skip the firm résumé and dive into relevant, inspiring ideas.32:19 – Onyx's culture of ownership and trust: why Jon directs collaborators to work with his team instead of through him.35:28 – Jon’s early career: growing up in real estate, starting in industrial brokerage, and falling in love with how things work.41:12 – Onyx’s model: transform undervalued buildings, create high-impact environments, then sell to long-term holders.45:21 – Christian reflects on the entrepreneurial grind, balancing road trips and client meetings, inspired by Jon’s podcast.47:26 – Jon explains why he launched “The Myth of Overnight Success” and how guests' struggles are more inspiring than their wins.49:31 – The value of asking for help, being vulnerable, and leaning on your network to overcome challenges.52:40 – How Jon books high-profile guests through generosity and his give-first approach to building relationships.58:24 – Jon’s thoughts on AI in real estate, the return of critical thinking, and how technology will reshape design.1:01:00 – Closing thoughts: embracing change, creating impact, and why now is an exciting time to be in real estate.

In this episode, Christian sits down with Michael Fox, President of Fox Building Group. Michael began his career at The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company and launched his firm in 2021. Fox Building Group specializes in high-end, detail-driven commercial projects ranging from ground-up interiors to residential multifamily, condos, luxury townhouses, and 3M+ single-family homes. Michael’s team is in Tampa, Nashville, and South Florida. Known for its construction concierge approach, Fox Building Group delivers white-glove service on projects that redefine markets.https://www.foxbuilds.io/https://theantiarchitect.com/In this episode of The Anti-Architect Podcast, Host Christian Giordano sits down with Michael Fox, founder and president of Fox Building Group. Michael shares his transition from a successful career at Whiting-Turner to launching his own firm, bringing corporate-level project management processes to the residential and commercial construction sectors. The conversation covers industry challenges, collaboration between architects and contractors, and the importance of fostering a team-oriented approach in construction.Key Topics Discussed:0:09 - Introduction to the Anti-Architect Podcast and welcoming Michael Fox.1:09 - Michael Fox’s background and the founding of Fox Building Group.3:07 - Transitioning from Whiting-Turner to entrepreneurship.5:24 - Challenges of leaving a corporate career to start a business.6:21 - Common frustrations between architects and contractors.9:20 - Improving collaboration between architects and contractors.15:12 - The importance of early contractor involvement in projects.21:49 - Michael’s early life and experiences that shaped his career.29:08 - Choosing Tampa as the headquarters for Fox Building Group.34:53 - Strategies for winning business and scaling a construction firm.37:44 - Applying corporate construction processes to residential projects.48:37 - Impact of hurricanes on construction in Tampa and Florida.53:09 - Christian shares what frustrates him about contractors.56:02 - Final thoughts, future plans, and closing remarks.

In this episode, Christian sits down with Kristina Reynolds, Co-founder and Principal Consultant & Facilitator of Collective Social Intelligence (CSI), also known as Fly-CSI. With over 30 years of experience mentoring top global CEOs and partnering with leading brands like PepsiCo, McDonald's, and L’Oréal, Kristina combines her expertise as a behavioral psychologist and her background in advertising, marketing, and decision-making psychology to help organizations and leaders reach their full potential. Accredited in psychometric testing and a recent graduate of the MIT Neuroscience for Leadership program, Kristina is now relocating from Melbourne to New York, ready to bring her unique approach to a dynamic new market.https://fly-csi.com/https://theantiarchitect.com/

In this episode, Christian sits down with Michael Leondi, Vice President of Design & Construction at Rockefeller Group. With more than 25 years of experience in commercial real estate and construction, Mike is based in the company’s Morristown, New Jersey, office overseeing the development of projects in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Since 1928, Rockefeller Group has evolved from developing the iconic Rockefeller Center to creating innovative office, residential, industrial, and mixed-used projects nationwide. Currently, Mike manages design and construction teams working on approximately 8,000,000 square feet of active projects. His portfolio showcases diverse project types in many asset classes, including commercial and medical office, multi-family residential, hotel and hospitality, logistics centers, industrial warehousing and data centers. Mike was recently elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS). RockefellerGroup.com https://theantiarchitect.com/