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 Contractin...

In this episode, Christian sits down with Rick Fourie, Founder of Fourie Consultants in Tampa, for a practical conversation about architecture, construction costs, and project delivery. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience across the trades, subcontracting, general contracting, cost consulting, and owner’s representation, Rick shares how his unconventional path has given him a unique perspe...

In this episode, Christian sits down with Jeff Lusin, Principal and Co-Owner at 45 Architecture in Bozeman, Montana, for a conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, and the human side of architectural practice. Jeff shares his personal path into architecture - rooted in family craft and a deep connection to community - and how those influences shape the way he leads his firm and works with...

In this episode, Christian has a conversation with Kara Kopach, Executive Director of the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA). Kara has been leading the transformation of the former Fort Monmouth military base into a thriving mixed-use community, including residential, retail, a Robert Wood Johnson healthcare campus, and the 300-acre Netflix Fort Monmouth Movie Studio. Christia...

In this episode, Christian sits down with Eric Edelson, CEO of Fireclay Tile, to explore how a small artisan studio transformed into one of the most innovative, mission-driven tile manufacturers in the country. Eric shares the company’s evolution from a 19-person operation to a 280-employee, vertically integrated business with factories in California and Washington - all while staying true to Fire...

In this episode, Christian is joined by John Anthal, Principal and Aviation Practice Director at Mancini. Over the past 12 years, John has built Mancini's aviation practice from the ground up, leading over a million square feet of work across major airports - JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Boston, and Philadelphia. His portfolio includes standout spaces like the American Airlines Flagship Lounge at JFK,...

Listen as Christian reflects on starting Season 5 of The Anti-Architect Podcast - listeners can expect the same honesty, same curiosity, and conversations on the future of this profession. Season 5 launches on March 11, 2026!   

In this episode, Christian sits down with Francesca Bucci, President and Founder of BG Studio, the architecture and design firm redefining hospitality on land and at sea around the world. Christian and Francesca explore how Bucci’s distinctive approach to hospitality design - spanning superyachts, luxury hotels, residential, and beyond - has been shaped by her global perspective. She shares the st...

In this episode, Christian is joined by Peter Bronsnick, Executive Regional Director at Cushman & Wakefield, overseeing operations across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Peter's career story of evolution from hands-on developer and deal maker at SJP Properties to leading one of the most powerful real estate advisory platforms in the country of Cushman & Wakefield. Over his two plus...

In this episode, Christian sits down with Antonio Scalise, Principal Architect and Founder of Parallel Architectural Group. Growing up in a multi-generational family of masons from Italy, Antonio's path took him from swinging a sledgehammer in New York to leading a full-service architecture firm in New Jersey. Antonio and Christian dive into why every architect should spend at least a year in the...

In this episode, Eric Gatti, President and Managing Partner of G William Group, shares how he rose from college intern to leading a full buyout of the firm and how that journey shaped his views on leadership, culture, and trust. Eric and Christian discuss why true leadership means being at the "back of the pack" making sure no one gets left behind. Eric reveals how betting on friends with zero AEC...

In this episode, Christian sits down with Leah, Kate, and Sarah - the team behind Architects FORA, a 100% women-owned, fully virtual practice redefining what an architecture firm can be. Their path to creating FORA grew out of a shared desire for a healthier, more transparent way of working as the foundation of the firm. They dive into how they built a practice centered on equity and trust, why af...

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...

In this episode, Christian is joined by David Hart, President & CEO of Steinberg Hart to discuss how architecture is evolving: from work culture to technology to firm leadership. David shares why he welcomes the new generation’s pushback on 60-hour workweeks, how the industry’s “seller-doer” model complicates ownership transitions, and why thoughtful decision-making is essential in an era of i...

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 r...

In this episode, Christian is joined by materials expert, educator, and design changemaker Robin Reigi . As the founder of Robin Reigi Inc., Robin has spent over two decades introducing innovative materials to the architecture and design world. From collaborating on landmark projects like TSX Broadway to serving as a presenter on America ByDesign , she brings a unique blend of creativity, pragmati...

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 this episode, Christian sits down with Sean DeDeyn, co-founder of The Axel Group, a full-service staffing and recruiting firm for the AEC industry. Christian and Sean discuss his “Anything but Typical” approach to finding the right talent for the job. He shares how he built a business rooted in asking the right questions, culture-first placements, and speed. Sean also unpacks his theory that co...

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 significan...

In this episode, Christian sits down with Denise Young, a 22-year veteran in strategic partnerships and business development. As Business Development Manager at Turner Construction–an international construction services company that completes $17 billion in construction across 1,500 projects annually–Denise plays a key role in mentoring staff on best practices for business and professional develop...

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 i...

In this episode, Christian sits down with Brian Tolman, Co-founder of Origin. Brian is an award-winning architect and designer of industry-defining places for work and play. Before co-founding Origin in 2021, Brian founded the award-winning Convene Design Group, where he led a team of over 40 designers, strategists, and architects. He spent the first 18 years of his career as a firm leader and man...

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 adver...

In this episode, Christian sits down with Ryan Anderson, Vice President of Global Research and Planning at MillerKnoll. His team leads MillerKnoll’s research, shares insights publicly across the world, and provides workplace strategy and application design services to the company’s customers. With 30 years of industry experience, Ryan’s work has centered on how the places we inhabit can be better...

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...