Spaces Podcast

217. Small Developers Are Gonna Close the Gap with Desmond Dunn

In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius speaks with Raleigh-based developer, consultant, and writer Desmond Dunn, founder of The Emerging Developer, about why density alone is not a sufficient measure of successful community development. The conversation was inspired by Desmond’s article, “Density Without Infrastructure Is a Recipe for Disaster,” and his argument that density tends to multiply the conditions already present in a neighborhood. If a community lacks walkability, schools, transportation, recreation, grocery stores, economic opportunity, or basic infrastructure, simply adding more residents can intensify those deficiencies rather than solve them. Desmond and Dimitrius also examine how concentrating affordable housing in historically disinvested communities can reinforce existing inequities, why the built environment influences behavior and opportunity, and how development can become disconnected from human outcomes when projects are optimized primarily around financial performance. They discuss the role of small, community-based developers and why people who actually understand a neighborhood may be better positioned to identify what it needs—whether that is housing, mixed-use development, local businesses, public space, or something else entirely. Desmond also explains why meaningful community engagement should happen before a project is designed, not after the major decisions have already been made. Ultimately, the conversation asks developers, architects, planners, and policymakers to think beyond unit counts and consider a larger question: Does what we are building actually make the community better? In this episode: Why density without supporting infrastructure can create new problems Why housing unit count is an incomplete measure of success How density can amplify existing neighborhood conditions The consequences of concentrating affordable housing The relationship between the built environment, psychology, and behavior How historic disinvestment continues to shape communities today Why many developments are optimized for capital rather than people The importance of neighborhood services, schools, transportation, and economic opportunity Why small developers matter to the housing ecosystem Community-based development versus standardized development models Why community engagement needs to happen before design begins The “hardware and software” of healthy communities Creating places that encourage human connection Why responsible development should create more value for a community than it extracts As Discussed: Density Without Infrastructure Is a Recipe for Disaster Enjoyed this episode? You might want to also listen to the limited series Going Green & Built to Divide LYNES If you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media. Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast website LYNES // Gābl Media All rights reserved

216. Is Design-Build Right for You?

In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius breaks down design-build — where it works well, where it can create risk, and what homeowners and business owners need to understand before choosing it as their project delivery method. In This Episode: What design-build actually means Why one team and one contract can be appealing When design-build can work well Why design-build is not automatically cheaper, faster, or less risky The importance of scope clarity and transparent pricing How design-build can reduce independent checks and balances Why design depth and client advocacy matter Questions to ask before hiring a design-build firm When an independent architect may be the better starting point As discussed: Before You Build is Dimitrius’ strategic pre-design framework for homeowners and business owners planning kitchens, ADUs, additions, renovations, and small commercial tenant improvements. It helps you define scope, understand costs, think through soft costs and contingency, assemble the right team, understand timelines, and avoid common mistakes before spending money in the wrong direction. ACT NOW: the next 25 purchasers get it for a special discount rate of $9! Before You Build Guidebook Download LYNES If you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media. Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast website LYNES // Gābl Media All rights reserved

215. Data Centers: The New Oil Plant with Drew Small

In this episode, Dimitrius speaks with Drew Small, founder of No New Data Centers, a grassroots platform challenging a proposed data center near his Nashville home and the Nashville Zoo. They examine the enormous energy, water, land, and infrastructure demands of modern data centers, along with concerns about pollution, heat, noise, flooding, and development in working-class, immigrant, and historically Black communities. Drew also explains how tax incentives, utility interests, and weak local regulations are accelerating construction—often before communities fully understand what is being proposed. But this is also a conversation about people power. Drew shares how concerned residents turned a local development fight into a growing movement and why zoning, public participation, and collective attention may be the strongest tools communities have to demand more responsible development. A timely conversation about technology, environmental justice, corporate influence, and the power of ordinary people to shape the places they call home. No New Data Centers Find Data Centers Near You Enjoyed this episode? You might want to also listen to the limited series Going Green & Built to Divide LYNES If you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media. Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast website LYNES // Gābl Media All rights reserved Mentioned in this episode: Unstruct

214. When & Why You Actually Need an Architect

In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius explains that while not every project requires an architect, the right time to bring one in is often much earlier than most people think. He explores why architecture can be difficult to value upfront, why drawings are often misunderstood as a simple commodity, and how the real value of an architect is revealed through clarity, coordination, risk reduction, and a more guided process. Through examples involving wall removals, additions, ADUs, commercial spaces, and unpermitted work, this episode highlights the hidden complexity behind projects that may seem simple on the surface. In this episode: Why “I just need plans” can be a costly assumption When cosmetic work becomes architectural complexity How removing a wall can create structural and financial risk Why additions and ADUs require more planning than many owners expect How architects help make the process feel easier and less stressful Why clients often appreciate the value of architectural services most after the project is complete As discussed: Before You Build Guidebook Download LYNES If you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media. Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast website LYNES // Gābl Media All rights reserved Mentioned in this episode: Unstruct

213. The Future of Learning Environments with Todd Ferking

In this episode of SPACES, architect Todd Ferking returns to the show to discuss the future of learning environments. He shares his decision to leave a national leadership role at DLR Group and launch Arcis Studio, a consultancy focused on helping school districts and design teams establish the vision, educational strategy, and planning foundations that lead to more meaningful learning environments. We revisit his work on Compton High School and Centennial High School, including the challenge of creating innovative educational facilities within California’s exceptionally high construction costs. Todd also explains how program visibility, interdisciplinary connections, smaller learning communities, and stronger relationships between students and adults can influence learning and school safety. We also look ahead to the impact of artificial intelligence on education and the built environment. If students can increasingly receive personalized instruction through digital tools, should schools continue dedicating most of their space to traditional classrooms? Or could the schools of the future become application hubs—places where students gather to experiment, build, collaborate, socialize, and put knowledge into practice? In this episode: Why Todd launched Arcis Studio after 25 years with DLR Group The importance of establishing educational vision before design begins Lessons from the planning and design of Compton and Centennial High Schools Designing flexible, visible, and interdisciplinary learning environments Why California schools must accomplish more with less space Creating stronger connections between career technical education and core academics Approaching school safety through relationships, scale, and layered security How AI could transform teaching, learning, and educational facilities Reimagining schools as hubs for application, creation, and collaboration As discussed: ARCIS Studio Todd Ferking on LinkedIn SPACES episode 12: Schools LYNES If you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media. Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast website LYNES // Gābl Media All rights reserved Mentioned in this episode: Unstruct

212. Architect vs. Designer vs. Drafter

In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius breaks down the important differences between architects, designers, and drafters — and why choosing the right type of help early can have a major impact on your budget, permitting, construction process, and overall project success. While each role can bring value, they are not interchangeable. The key question is not simply, “Who can draw this?” The better question is: What does this project actually require? In this episode: The difference between architects, designers, and drafters Where designers can add significant value What drafters typically provide Why removing a wall can trigger structural, electrical, permitting, and budget considerations How project complexity should determine your team Why the cheapest path upfront is not always the least expensive path overall What questions to ask before hiring someone to prepare drawings Once you understand the scope, risks, systems, and approvals involved, it becomes much easier to assemble the right team. As discussed: Before You Build Guidebook Download LYNES If you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media. Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast website LYNES // Gābl Media All rights reserved Mentioned in this episode: Unstruct

211. State of Architecture with Andrew Goodwin

In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius speaks with Andrew Goodwin, AIA, founder of AGD, about the evolving role of the architect in a profession being reshaped by technology, entrepreneurship, education, and social responsibility. Andrew shares how his career has moved between traditional practice, public interest design, teaching, publishing, nonprofit work, and firm leadership—and why he believes architects can no longer rely on outdated definitions of the profession. Instead of returning to the old idea of the “master builder,” Andrew makes the case for the architect as a master entrepreneur, advocate, communicator, educator, and citizen leader. The conversation explores how liability narrowed the role of architects, how design-build and integrated delivery may be shifting it again, and how AI is forcing schools and firms to rethink what future architects actually need to learn. Andrew also discusses building AGD around purpose, innovation, remote flexibility, community engagement, and a commitment to doing good first. It’s a conversation about architecture as a practice, but also as a platform—for storytelling, leadership, service, advocacy, and impact. In this episode: Why the architect’s role needs to expand beyond traditional services How AI may reshape architectural education and early-career practice What students should understand about entrepreneurship and business How storytelling and communication help clients understand design Why purpose, innovation, and social impact are central to AGD’s work How architects can define their own path instead of inheriting an outdated one As discussed: AGD Architecture + Design Disrupted: The Architecture Profession Metamorphosis of the Future Architect LYNES If you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media. Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast website LYNES // Gābl Media All rights reserved Mentioned in this episode: Unstruct

210. The Hidden Costs No One Talks About

In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius examines one of the most overlooked parts of any construction project: soft costs. He highlights what the total project budget should include and explores why soft costs are not “extras” — they are the services and approvals that make a project buildable, coordinated, and legally permitted. For owners, understanding these costs early can help prevent financial stress, delays, and costly surprises later. In this episode: Why construction cost is only one part of your total project budget What soft costs are and why they matter Why architecture is more than “drawing plans” When engineering becomes necessary Why permits and plan check fees vary so widely How Title 24 energy compliance affects California projects When surveys, soils reports, and specialty consultants may be required Why contingency should be included and tracked separately How better planning reduces risk before construction begins If your budget only includes construction, it is not your real project budget. A realistic project budget should account for construction, soft costs, and contingency. Before You Build Guidebook Download LYNES If you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media. Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast website LYNES // Gābl Media All rights reserved Mentioned in this episode: Unstruct

209. Building Communities that Combat Loneliness with Colby Cox

In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius sits down with Colby Cox, founder and CEO of Convergence Communities, to explore how the built environment can either isolate us or help bring us back together. Colby has spent more than two decades developing mixed-use, master-planned communities rooted in human connection, wellbeing, and intentional living. For him, development is not just about what pencils out on a pro forma. It is about legacy: how a place feels 50 or 100 years from now, how it supports the people who live there, and whether it helps create a true sense of belonging. Through projects like The Granary in Milton, Delaware, Colby is challenging the conventional suburban model by rethinking porches, lot sizes, shared green space, public amenities, programming, and community gathering places. His goal is not simply to build houses, but to create places that gently pull people out of isolation and into relationship with their neighbors, their town, nature, and themselves. The conversation explores why many modern neighborhoods fail to foster connection, how fear and liability often shape development decisions, and why the return on investment in real estate should include more than dollars and cents. Colby also shares how his team is experimenting with ideas like a brewery incubator, meditation gardens, shared living models, and community-serving amenities designed to invite the surrounding town in—not wall residents off from it. This is a conversation about development, loneliness, legacy, and the role of design in rebuilding social connection. As discussed: The Granary Convergence Communities Built to Divide Podcast Series LYNES If you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media. Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast website LYNES // Gābl Media All rights reserved Mentioned in this episode: Unstruct

208. Why Your Budget Is Probably Wrong

In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius explores why most project budgets are inaccurate and how to create realistic estimates for construction projects, especially in Southern California. He emphasizes the importance of scope clarity, understanding cost layers, and early planning to avoid costly mistakes. He breaks down: Why most project budgets are inaccurate The importance of scope clarity in budgeting Understanding the layers of construction costs The role of soft costs and contingency How to define your project scope effectively If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, addition, ADU, or small commercial tenant improvement in Southern California, this episode provides foundational insight to help you develop your project budget. Before You Build Guidebook Download LYNES If you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media. Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast website LYNES // Gābl Media All rights reserved Mentioned in this episode: Unstruct

207. Office to Housing Conversion with Michael Bohn

In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius speaks with Michael Bohn, AIA, Partner at Studio One Eleven, about the growing opportunity to convert underused office buildings into housing. As office vacancy rates remain elevated in many cities and communities continue to face severe housing shortages, adaptive reuse offers a powerful path forward—one that can reduce waste, lower embodied carbon, preserve community character, and bring new life to struggling urban districts. Michael brings more than 35 years of architectural experience and leads Studio One Eleven’s affordable, modular, and adaptive reuse work. His projects span transit-oriented development, urban infill, mixed-use communities, and office-to-housing conversions across Southern California. Together, Dimitrius and Michael discuss why office-to-housing conversion is about more than filling empty buildings. They explore the practical challenges of changing a building’s use, including floor plate depth, natural light, plumbing, structural upgrades, leases, façades, mechanical systems, and construction surprises. Michael also explains why adaptive reuse ordinances are essential for cities that want to make these projects viable. Studio One Eleven LYNES If you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media. Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast website LYNES // Gābl Media All rights reserved Mentioned in this episode: Unstruct

206. Understanding Project Scope

In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius highlights how one of the biggest mistakes owners make happens before they hire a contractor, define a budget, or submit plans: they don’t fully understand what kind of project they’re actually taking on. And that misunderstanding can dramatically impact cost, timeline, permitting, engineering, and overall project complexity. He breaks down the critical differences between: Renovations Remodels Additions ADUs Rebuilds …and explains why these categories are not interchangeable. Drawing from more than 20 years of experience, Dimitrius walks through the hidden structural, seismic, permitting, and systems implications that owners often overlook—especially when projects move beyond cosmetic updates into layout changes, structural modifications, or additions. If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, addition, ADU, or small commercial tenant improvement in Southern California, this episode provides foundational clarity before you begin spending money or hiring a team. Before You Build Guidebook Download LYNES If you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media. Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast website LYNES // Gābl Media All rights reserved Mentioned in this episode: Unstruct

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205. The Critical Role of Daylight with Joe Menchefski

In this episode of SPACES, Joe Menchefski shares his journey from chemical engineering to sustainable design and highlights the importance of daylighting in architecture. He discusses the challenges of glare and thermal discomfort in buildings, and explains innovative solutions like diffused glazing that enhances natural light while minimizing discomfort. Joe identifies the health implications of natural versus artificial light, the importance of design considerations, and the future trends in daylighting and sustainability. He also touches on the Better Buildings for Humans podcast, where he explores the trade-offs in building design and the importance of connecting with the natural world. Better Buildings for Humans podcast Advanced Glazings Ltd. LYNES If you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media. Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast website LYNES // Gābl Media All rights reserved Mentioned in this episode: Unstruct

204. Why California Housing is So Expensive, What 2026 Governor Candidates Got Wrong (and Right)

In this episode, Dimitrius breaks down why California housing costs are so high, exploring systemic drivers beyond just impact fees, contractor fees, and material prices. He reflects of the 2026 California Governor candidates housing platforms, dives into policy and structural factors influencing housing costs, and shares insights from his new guidebook, Before You Build, offering valuable guidance for homeowners and builders alike. Before You Build Guidebook Download Built to Divide Podcast Series LYNES If you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media. Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast website LYNES // Gābl Media All rights reserved Mentioned in this episode: Unstruct

203. Off-Grid, the Hot Rod of Buildings, with David Sellers

This episode of SPACES features David Sellers, Principal Architect and co-founder of Hawaii Off-Grid, a pioneering firm committed to designing only net-zero new buildings. David shares his journey from Texas to Hawaii, detailing the experiences that shaped his commitment to sustainable architecture. He discusses the evolution of off-grid architecture, the importance of net-zero buildings, and the innovative materials and technologies that are transforming the industry. Sellers emphasizes the need for adaptability in design to address climate change and the significance of financial incentives in promoting sustainable practices. He also highlights the role of community collaboration in achieving these goals and expresses his excitement for the future of architecture. Hawaii Off Grid Surf Block Maui LYNES If you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media. Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast website LYNES // Gābl Media All rights reserved

202. Most Problems Start Before Construction

In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius shares practical insights on avoiding common pitfalls in construction projects, emphasizing the importance of clear scope, accurate budgeting, strategic team assembly, and proactive planning to prevent costly reactive problem solving during construction. Before You Build Guidebook Download LYNES If you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media. Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast website LYNES // Gābl Media All rights reserved

201. Revolutionizing Lease Arbitrage with Alex Passler

In this episode of SPACES, I learn how Vallist is revolutionizing office design by creating high-quality shared spaces that cater to modern work needs. Discover insights from expert Alex Passler. In today’s rapidly evolving work environment, the design of office spaces is more crucial than ever. With the rise of hybrid work strategies, companies are reevaluating how their office spaces function. Alex Passler, founder of Vallist, offers a fresh perspective on this transformation, drawing from his extensive experience in the co-working sector. We explore key insights about the future of office design and how Vallist aims to reshape the shared workspace landscape. Alex Passler has been a significant player in the real estate and co-working industries for over three decades. His journey began at IWG, where he contributed to the evolution of smaller office spaces into community-oriented environments. His experience includes a pivotal role at WeWork, where he helped expand the brand in Asia. Today, with Vallist, Alex is focused on creating a management platform that prioritizes quality and community in shared spaces. As discussed in the show: Vallist [EXPRESS] 'Noise & Mental Wellness' LYNES If you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media. Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast website LYNES // Gābl Media All rights reserved

12: We're Not Done - LYNES Presents: Built to Divide

In this powerful season finale of Built to Divide, Dimitrius Lynch dismantles the myths that have kept America’s housing crisis misunderstood for decades. Drawing from personal experience, economic history, and policy analysis, the episode reveals how housing transformed from shelter into one of the most powerful vehicles for wealth extraction in modern society. From restrictive zoning and financial deregulation to labor shifts, political incentives, and the collapse of social infrastructure, Lynch exposes the deeper machinery driving unaffordability — and why tidy explanations often distract from systemic truths. But this is not an episode about despair. It is about agency. Listeners are guided toward a practical path forward: legalizing more housing where opportunity exists, redesigning communities for connection rather than isolation, stabilizing vulnerable households, and reshaping financial incentives so that housing builds security instead of fragility. At its core, the episode asks a defining question for the next generation: Will we continue treating housing as a competitive asset — or reclaim it as the foundation of human stability? Because the future of our cities isn’t predetermined. It is designed. And as Lynch reminds us — we’re not done building. Episode Extras - Photos, videos, sources and links to additional content found during research. Episode Credits: Production in collaboration with Gābl Media Written & Executive Produced by Dimitrius Lynch Audio Engineering and Sound Design by Jeff Alvarez

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11: The Tea Leaves of Feudalism 2.0 - LYNES Presents: Built to Divide

What if the future of America doesn’t resemble a democracy — but a modern form of feudalism? In this gripping episode of Built to Divide, Dimitrius Lynch traces a chilling throughline from 19th-century “other-ism” to the emerging architecture of concentrated power shaping today’s housing markets, financial systems, and governance models. Beginning with the displacement of Chinese and Japanese laborers and the weaponization of fear for economic gain, the episode reveals how crisis has repeatedly been used to reorganize ownership — transferring land, wealth, and opportunity upward. Then the lens shifts to the present. Faith merges with policy. Technology challenges democracy. Capital consolidates control. From Project 2025 and the modern Religious Right… to technocratic visions backed by Silicon Valley billionaires… to privately governed cities, crypto-finance ecosystems, and institutional ownership of housing — a new hierarchy begins to take shape. This isn’t about conspiracy. It’s about alignment. As financial power grows increasingly intertwined with political influence, the episode asks a sobering question: Are we witnessing the quiet construction of Feudalism 2.0 — a system where stability is privatized and dependence becomes structural? If housing is the operating system of economic security, what happens when ownership concentrates and access becomes subscription-based? Listen now to understand the forces redrawing the boundaries of belonging — and why the future of housing may depend on whether we recognize the machine before it fully locks into place. Episode Extras - Photos, videos, sources and links to additional content found during research. Episode Credits: Production in collaboration with Gābl Media Written & Executive Produced by Dimitrius Lynch Audio Engineering and Sound Design by Jeff Alvarez

10: Divide & Conquer - LYNES Presents: Built to Divide

In this episode of Built to Divide, Dimitrius Lynch traces how crisis becomes opportunity — not for everyone, but for those positioned to acquire when others are forced to let go. From psychological influence campaigns and the weaponization of belief to pandemic-era wealth acceleration, this episode reveals how instability reshapes ownership itself. Lynch connects redlining to modern rent burdens, shows how algorithmic pricing may be rewriting competition, and examines how disasters — from COVID-19 to California wildfires — can trigger generational wealth transfers. You’ll hear how institutional investors, lobbying power, and financialization collide with housing supply constraints, why innovation alone cannot solve affordability, and how narratives shape public policy long before laws are written. This is not simply a story about housing. It is a story about power. About who gets to own the future — and who keeps paying for it. If you want to understand why the wealth gap widens after every crisis, why housing increasingly behaves like a financial instrument, and how division itself becomes strategy, this is an episode you cannot afford to miss. Additional Content: 'Changing the Conversation with NIMBYs' with Chris Adams The Revolutionary Power of Biobased Materials with Jacob Waddell Net Zero Community: Veridian at County Farm Pod Hotels: Stay Open Hyperframe Episode Extras - Photos, videos, sources and links to additional content found during research. Episode Credits: Production in collaboration with Gābl Media Written & Executive Produced by Dimitrius Lynch Audio Engineering and Sound Design by Jeff Alvarez

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