Architecture 5 10 20 Guy Geier

Architects are involved in the structures and systems that hold the public’s daily routines together. From office space to transportation, the built environment influences the day people have. What really goes into managing these systems?

Welcome to the third season of Architecture 5 10 20! I’m your host, Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York. Guests from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences related to the built environment will come to share their thought leadership. Our conversations will start with understanding how they arrived at what they’re doing now. More importantly, we will focus on discussing their vision for the future, looking out 5, 10, and 20 years.

Today we are joined by Russell Kriegel, Chief Architect at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, who specializes in transportation and infrastructure, universal, sustainable and resilient design and design management. Russ tells us what being a public architect means to him, and how his work has responded to some of the region's most challenging moments, including 9/11 and Superstorm Sandy.

Listen as we discuss the management of innovation and future proofing for spaces essential to the public. Russ shares his insights into the Port Authority's ongoing projects, how the organization is working towards its mission to keep the region moving, and how this mission can be adapted to meet future needs. Each project has a special purpose for supporting society.

Russ is dedicated to creating transportation and infrastructure that prioritizes the user experience, accessibility, sustainability and resilience. It is inspiring to hear how the Port Authority has ingrained these values in its work, and how it will continue to do so in the face of future challenges. So many of us hold personal relationships with the Port Authority’s projects, and we will continue to learn firsthand how good design can impact the public experience.

Time stamps:
[01:17] - Russell Kriegel explains why he started working for the Port Authority.
[04:15] - Russell talks about forward thinking policies within the Port Authority.
[07:10] - Which innovations does Russell like lately?
[09:55] - Russell talks about the relationship between art and architecture.
[12:53] - How is the Port Authority mindful of diverse mobility and accessibility?
[14:38] - Russell recalls the resilience that was needed during disaster recovery. PART 1
[16:08] - Russell recalls the resilience that was needed during disaster recovery. PART 2
[17:50] - How has the Port Authority highlighted the built environment for NY/NJ commuters?
[19:21] - What are the opportunities for future proofing? PART 1
[22:05] - What are the opportunities for future proofing? PART 2
[24:29] - Thank you Russell for reminding us how good design impacts the public’s experience.

Links / Resources:
Guy Geier
Instagram | Twitter
Russell Kriegel
LinkedIn

Architecture is more than buildings; it’s the environment and community. Thinking about design holistically, we can take the pressing issues of the world and work together across our experiences to leverage what each person can contribute to positive solutions. What solutions will the future hold?
Welcome to the third season of Architecture 5 10 20! I’m your host, Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York. Guests from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences related to the built environment will come to share their thought leadership. Our conversations will start with understanding how they arrived at what they’re doing now. More importantly, we will focus on discussing their vision for the future, looking out 5, 10, and 20 years.
Today we are joined by Malo Hutson, Dean and Edward E. Elson. Professor at the University of Virginia School of Architecture. Dean Hutson has expertise spanning community development, climate resilience, environmental justice, and urban health, as well as extensive experience teaching and conducting research at several premier architectural institutions across the United States. He brings a unique perspective to the intersection of architecture and societal challenges.
Listen as we discuss Malo’s pioneering work and the transformative impact of a multi-dimensional architectural education on the professionals of tomorrow. His visionary leadership at the University of Virginia School of Architecture reflects the pivotal role of public institutions in shaping architects, planners, landscape architects, and historians to navigate the unique complexities and challenges of our ever evolving world.
Dean Malo’s view towards preparing the future of architecture invites us to reflect on the power of a multi dimensional perspective and architectural education, from research opportunities with positive real world impact to talent acquisition initiatives that bridge the equity gaps, and bring different viewpoints into the classrooms and studios. Let's continue embracing the diverse and interconnected nature of our built environment and architectural education.
 
Time stamps: [01:33] - Malo Hutson talks about moving often during his childhood and how that influenced the way he sees the built environment.
[04:04] - Malo explains why health equity became such an important part of his work.
[06:54] - Thinking about design holistically.
[10:17] - “When you bring all of those things together, that’s when it’s really impactful.”
[12:32] - Malo talks about recent progress with supporting research and preparedness. PART 1
[15:27] - Malo talks about recent progress with supporting research and preparedness. PART 2
[18:26] - How are educational institutions engaging communities?
[21:07] - How does Malo describe an effective approach to DEI?
[23:34] - Malo talks about the University of Virginia supporting students and families through financial and well-being programs. PART 1
[26:31] - Malo talks about the University of Virginia supporting students and families through financial and well-being programs. PART 2
[29:15] - What role will AI take in educational institutions and careers in the built environment?
[32:12] - What does Malo see for the future of architecture?
[35:15] - Will drawing continue to be important to architecture?
[37:25] - Thank you Malo for reminding us of the significance of a holistic multidisciplinary approach in architectural education.
 
Links / Resources:
Guy Geier
Instagram | Twitter
 
Malo Hutson
LinkedIn

Construction can embrace the transformative power of modular design. With the industry expanding, projects can include building multifamily units apartments, student housing, and affordable housing. What could these projects take on next?
Welcome to the third season of Architecture 5 10 20! I’m your host, Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York. Guests from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences related to the built environment will come to share their thought leadership. Our conversations will start with understanding how they arrived at what they’re doing now. More importantly, we will focus on discussing their vision for the future, looking out 5, 10, and 20 years.
Today we are joined by Roger Krulak, the Founder and President of FullStack Modular. FullStack Modular provides fully integrated design, manufacture, and construction solutions for mid and high rise modular buildings in dense urban areas. In our conversation, we will explore Roger’s wealth of knowledge and the intricate world of high rise multifamily modular design and construction.
Listen as we discuss modularity changes to the approach of construction. Roger is a leader in the modular construction industry with over 25 years of experience in the development and construction side of the real estate business. Roger started to build high rise modular multifamily buildings to decrease the volatility of construction pricing, to make it cost effective, and to find a way to build affordable housing.
Roger’s journey to increase the adoption of full stack modules design, manufacture, and construction solution is very compelling. He reminds us of the importance of sticking to the defined parameters of full stack modulars process systems and dimensions to maximize the project's value proposition and reap the various benefits of modularity. His insights into the future of sustainability cost savings and modular construction methods excite us about what lies ahead.
 
Time stamps: [01:23] - Roger Krulak says he grew up in the world of construction development thanks to his grandfather.
[04:09] - Where is Roger’s team based?
[05:57] - Roger explains the general process of implementing a modular project. PART 1
[08:05] - Roger explains the general process of implementing a modular project. PART 2
[11:05] - Testing what’s going into a unit.
[13:21] - Roger talks about sustainability in modular projects.
[16:10] - How do these processes impact project timelines and costs?
[18:48] - Roger talks about the growing uses of modular projects. PART 1
[21:08] - Roger talks about the growing uses of modular projects. PART 2
[23:20] - What’s next for the modular construction industry?
[26:01] - Embracing new opportunities and new solutions.
[27:41] - Roger talks about expanding the modular industry and tools.
[29:27] - Roger talks about modular projects and affordable housing.
[31:56] - Thank you Roger for reminding us of the importance of sticking to defined parameters that maximize a project's value proposition.
 
Links / Resources:
Guy Geier
Instagram | Twitter
 
Roger Krulak
LinkedIn

Downtown districts are made to be central hubs, but the purpose of these hubs evolved over time. As the world changes socially and professionally, maintaining relevant locations is important for communities to thrive. What choices do we make to revitalize central hubs for cities across America?
Welcome to the second season of Architecture 5 10 20! I’m your host, Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York. Guests from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences related to the built environment will come to share their thought leadership. Our conversations will start with understanding how they arrived at what they’re doing now. More importantly, we will focus on discussing their vision for the future, looking out 5, 10, and 20 years.
Today we are joined by Emily Badger, a distinguished journalist writing about cities and urban policy for The Upshot from the New York Times Washington bureau. Emily is particularly interested in the intricate and dynamic connections between housing, transportation, and inequality within the built environment. In our conversation, we will delve into the impact of hybrid work on serendipitous interactions, and discuss possible opportunities to revitalize central business districts in cities.
Listen as we discuss how we can reimagine cities for the upcoming years. With the rise of hybrid work and vacant office spaces, Emily suggests that central business districts can be revitalized by integrating more affordable housing, public education, health clinics, performance spaces, and community centers to attract people.
Emily's perspective on the need to rethink our cities and downtown's as a call for architects and planners to consider dimensions we may not have explored before. She reminds us that serendipitous encounters, which are essential for fostering creativity, innovation, and a sense of community in an urban environment, do not solely rely on office workers commuting into cities. Cities are interesting because they are vibrant hubs filled with all types of people.
 
Time stamps: [01:09] - Emily Badger talks about why it’s important for coworkers to be near each other.
[03:37] - Asking bigger questions about the meaning and value of cities. PART 1
[05:38] - Asking bigger questions about the meaning and value of cities. PART 2
[07:16] - Emily talks about central business districts and how their purpose evolved.
[10:16] - What uses could appear in downtown districts more frequently?
[12:35] - Emily talks about cities and accessibility.
[15:10] - What are some similarities between strong communities across America?
[17:29] - Reimagining cities for the upcoming years.
[20:19] - Emily encourages everyone to be open minded for creating more alluring environments.
[23:14] - Thank you Emily for reminding us that serendipitous encounters and a sense of community are inspired by diversified locations.
 
Links / Resources:
Guy Geier
Instagram | Twitter
 
Emily Badger
The Upshot
Twitter

Immersive environments pull from art while experimenting with technology. This balancing act brings design to the intersection of innovation and longevity. Staying mindful of all the elements involved lead to design choices that are impactful and integrated into a planet conscious approach.
Welcome to the second season of Architecture 5 10 20! I’m your host, Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York. Guests from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences related to the built environment will come to share their thought leadership. Our conversations will start with understanding how they arrived at what they’re doing now. More importantly, we will focus on discussing their vision for the future, looking out 5, 10, and 20 years.
Today, we are joined by David Schwarz, creative leader and founding partner of HUSH. David integrates content, technology and physical spaces to create compelling experiences that cater to the spectrum of human senses and intuition. I look forward to discussing with David the multidisciplinary realm of immersive experiential design, and its opportunities and challenges, especially those pertaining to sustainability and the constantly changing landscape of technology.
Listen as we discuss the balancing act of creativity, technology, and sustainability in experiential design. David shares how HUSH transforms client ideas into experiential spaces. We talk about developing sustainability storytelling to projects as we pursue thoughtful design.
David's work integrates an artful combination of storytelling, data, visualization, and creative technologies to design experiences that inspire and inform. What sets David apart is not just his design prowess, but also his commitment to innovation and sustainability. David prioritizes low carbon materials and designs within energy budgets for the work he produces at HUSH.
 
Time stamps: [01:09] - David Schwarz explains how he entered the design field.
[03:55] - What’s the original thesis of HUSH?
[05:54] - How does HUSH transform client ideas into experiential spaces?
[08:48] - The balance between innovation and longevity.
[10:35] - How does HUSH work with interior designers? PART 1
[13:20] - How does HUSH work with interior designers? PART 2
[15:13] - David talks about the art direction and the creative direction needed in design challenges.
[17:03] - David explains the goal of adapting to and planning for technology as projects develop. PART 1
[19:38] - David explains the goal of adapting to and planning for technology as projects develop. PART 2
[22:12] - What is David excited about lately?
[24:25] - David talks about tracking energy use in buildings and finding creative solutions for sustainable design.
[26:36] - David recalls the sustainability storytelling added to projects when using thoughtful design.
[29:24] - How does David approach sustainable projects with ESG goals? PART 1
[32:20] - How does David approach sustainable projects with ESG goals? PART 2
[33:50] - There are many roads that lead to the same outcome.
[36:41] - “It does unlock something.”
[38:51] - Thank you David for reminding us of design experiences that inspire and inform.
 
Links / Resources:
Guy Geier
Instagram | Twitter
 
David Schwarz
HUSH

Turnover is the biggest hidden expense in a firm. Most of this hidden expense comes from not understanding your profit margins and people metrics. How can firms start to make a strategic plan for a better sustained financials?
Welcome to the second season of Architecture 5 10 20! I’m your host, Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York. Guests from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences related to the built environment will come to share their thought leadership. Our conversations will start with understanding how they arrived at what they’re doing now. More importantly, we will focus on discussing their vision for the future, looking out 5, 10, and 20 years.
Today, we are joined by Stephen King, an entrepreneurial powerhouse with an unparalleled passion for propelling businesses to new heights. From pioneering internet based accounting services to spearheading growth force, his expertise has played a pivotal role in reshaping financial and growth strategies for architecture, engineering, and other professional services firms. He is also the founder & CEO of GrowthForce.
Listen as we discuss the ways firms can navigate profit margins and people metrics. Stephen understands the unique challenges firms face, providing the tools and insights necessary to navigate those challenges to thrive. We talk about financial concepts, such as Fully Loaded Labor Costs, People Cost, Gross Profit Margin, and Net Labor Multiplier.
As we conclude this conversation with Stephen King, his expertise takes center stage, illuminating a path to financial clarity for architecture and other professional service firms. His insights lay the foundation for firms to decode their data, make informed decisions and increase profits, while also streamlining overhead costs. By embracing his strategic insights, architecture firms can chart a course towards success, avoiding the frustrations of misaligned financials and focusing on achieving design’s full potential.
 
Time stamps: [01:09] - Stephen King recalls how he entered the financial industry.
[04:06] - Stephen talks about navigating profit margins and people metrics.
[05:59] - Do you know your Fully Loaded Labor Costs?
[08:13] - Turnover is the biggest hidden expense in a firm.
[10:01] - Stephen encourages you to look into your profit goals.
[12:45] - How can firms start to make a strategic financial plan?
[15:21] - Stephen explains gross profit and why it’s important to know.
[17:56] - What should firms do after each job?
[20:55] - Stephen shares the common qualities and strategies of financially sustained firms. PART 1
[23:47] - Stephen shares the common qualities and strategies of financially sustained firms. PART 2
[25:29] - Understand the relationship between your people cost and gross profit margin.
[27:09] - Stephen talks about the Net Labor Multiplier. What is it?
[29:06] - Stephen says there are three ways to increase profit. Which is most important for firms?
[31:27] - Thank you Stephen for reminding us that we can chart a course towards success, avoiding the frustrations of misaligned financials.


Links / Resources:
Guy Geier
Instagram | Twitter
 
Stephen King
GrowthForce