fuzzybuilds's podcast

This Episode covers the very basics of a Lease in the Commercial Real Estate Tenant Improvement world. What is it?   Why Lease?   Who is involved, and what are some of the challenges we see after a Lease is signed. This discussion is really for those who are either relatively new to the industry, or just never got into the details of a Lease Negotiation, and want to have some General Knowledge abo...

Episode 020 – Questions and Answers – some of the most common questions I've been asked on a TI project. I have an Architect, why do we need other consultants and Engineers?   Aren't architects trained to do everything? Why do Landlords want or need to review and approve the Space Plans? Why do some landlords have a restriction on which Subs you can use? What is the difference between a Constructi...

Episode 19 discusses one of the most important but often overlooked roles in a Tenant Improvement project: the decision maker. Projects require constant decisions on layout, budget, materials, and construction, and without someone who has the authority to approve direction, progress slows quickly. In this episode, I explain why identifying the decision maker early is critical, and how experienced...

In this episode, I challenge tenants with a hard truth about commercial Tenant Improvement projects: most delays are self-inflicted. While cities and contractors often get blamed, the majority of schedule overruns stem from late decisions, mid-stream changes, internal misalignment, and misunderstood consequences. I break down exactly how the TI process works, why "small" changes are never small, a...

In this episode, I break down the claim that tariffs are the primary reason construction costs are rising.   Using my own project data I created a cost structure analysis, where I walk through where money actually goes on a Tenant Improvement project. From materials and labor to transportation and jurisdictional delays.   The numbers may surprise you.   While tariffs do impact certain materials, t...

In this episode, I challenge one of the most common complaints in the architectural industry: "Fees are too low." I argue that the real issue is not the market, but internal discipline. When designers fail to align early, allow reactive redesigns, and give their ideas away for free, project margins erode long before construction begins. Drawing from my experience on both the design side and as an...

In this Episode we cover the most commonly practiced process for procuring furniture for a commercial Tenant Improvement project.   There is a reason why this is the most commonly practiced process, because it just works.    I have broken down the process into 12 simple steps:   Step 1: Establish Furniture Intent Early in Design Step 2: Develop a Complete Furniture Bid Package Step 3: Conduct an I...

In this episode, we are going to talk about why picking the right architect for your project actually matters, and how you should think about making that decision.   At the end of this episode I'll share 7 Steps you can use to make sure you are selecting the right Architect.   Step 1: Relevant Experience Step 2: Jurisdiction Experience Step 3: Proposed Project Team Step 4: Technical Coverage Step...

In this episode, we break down the differences between a tenant build space and a landlord build space, and clarify how turnkey fits into the picture. We explain what each delivery method actually means, who controls design and construction, how costs and coordination are handled, and the real pros and cons of choosing one path over another. The goal is to help tenants and decision-makers understa...

In this Episode we are going to discuss why sharing technology requirements with the Architect does not automatically mean those systems are included in the GC's scope, and how building only what is shown on the drawings leads to missing cabling and equipment at move-in.

In this episode, we dive into the critical role of technology in design and construction. Discover why IT, AV, and Security need to be addressed from the start of a project, why involving the IT team early is crucial, and the value of hiring a dedicated Technology Consultant. We also explore the differences between design and implementation, and how to ensure seamless integration throughout the co...

 In this episode, I break down why trends dominate the industry, why they often lead to regret, and why true design is about more than just aesthetics. If you're in design, construction, or thinking about a new project—this is a must-listen. Don't let style decorators fool you! Tune in now.

This episode of FuzzyBuilds marks the return of the podcast after a five-year hiatus, with the last episode released in March 2020, just as COVID-19 disrupted the world. The break was due to an intense workload, as the pandemic presented unique opportunities in the commercial real estate sector. With office buildings sitting empty, landlords and property owners in Los Angeles took advantage of the...

In this Episode we are going to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 or Coronavirus on the Commercial Construction industry. We discuss the current situation, and some of the actions take by various companies. What to expect based on your current project state, and how to handle this positively.

In this Episode we discuss E-mails. How to write a concise, yet effective email.   Identify and establish what type of E-mail you are sending. How to outline and format your emails. How to address your receiver, and how-to follow-up on an email.

In this Episode we cover why it is important for the team to follow the agreed up-on chain of communication within the team, and why not following this hierarchy can impact the cost and schedule and may have legal implications.

In this Episode we discuss what the term Equipment and Appliances refers to. How they are specified, procured or purchased, and installed. We also discuss how to manage the coordination and give examples of some issues when not coordinated properly.

In this Episode we discuss the different between a Furniture Specifications package an Architect provides vs. the services a Furniture Dealer provides – basically what's an Architects role vs. the Furniture Dealers role during the process.

In this Episode we cover what the term Principal Involvement means. We further discuss how companies structure their staff - on the Designer or Architects side.

This is Part 2 of the E001 (Players) Episode, where   we cover the typical sequence or Phasing of a Commercial Tenant Improvement from start to finish.

In this Episode Reza covers the typical Players who may be involved with a Commercial Real Estate Interior Tenant Improvement.