Spaces Podcast

In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius explains why construction depends on having the right information in place before work begins. He explores how incomplete plans, unresolved decisions, allowances, premature demolition, and pressure to keep crews moving can turn relatively inexpensive design decisions into costly field changes. He also breaks down why smaller projects are particularly difficult...

In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius sits down with Greg Bleier, founding principal and project director of Studio UNLTD, to explore what it takes to design restaurants that are not only memorable, but operationally successful. Greg shares his path from studying studio art and interior design to founding Studio UNLTD and developing a specialty in hospitality design. He discusses how early relation...

In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius breaks down some of the most common mistakes building owners make, including skipping permits, hiring the wrong team, starting construction too early, underestimating total project costs, making changes without understanding their impact, and prioritizing speed over clarity. For a deeper look at these issues, Chapter 5 of Before You Build covers common project...

In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius sits down with Garland Harris Jr., President of Middle Housing Design Co., to discuss how small-scale housing can help address affordability, infill development, and the changing needs of American cities. Garland shares how his experience in residential design, production homebuilding, and development led him to build a business around duplexes, triplexes, four...

This episode of SPACES explores the vital role of interior design in construction projects, emphasizing how early involvement can save time, reduce costs, and enhance the final space. Dimitrius highlights how interior designers add value beyond aesthetics, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces. As discussed: Before You Build is Dimitrius’ strategic pre-design framework for homeo...

In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius speaks with Helen Neal, founder of HN Communications and a sustainability communications specialist working with global corporations and NGOs, about greenwashing, regulation, AI, and the changing business case for sustainability. Helen explains that greenwashing is not always the result of intentional deception. More often, problems emerge when detailed sustain...

In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius breaks down how homeowners and business owners should evaluate contractors before committing to a renovation, ADU, addition, kitchen remodel, or small commercial project. The episode explains why price without context can be dangerous, why vague scope leads to incomparable bids, and how drawings, specifications, communication, qualifications, and transparency a...

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 c...

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, f...

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 histor...

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...

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 environment...

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 que...

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...

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...

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...

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 budg...

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 c...

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 differe...

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...

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 guidan...

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...

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 o...

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. A...

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 financi...