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design, teaching, publishing, nonprofit work, and firm leadership—and why he believes architects can no longer rely on outdated definitions of the profession.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• How architects can define their own path instead of inheriting an outdated one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

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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

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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

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Mentioned in this episode:

To Build is Human

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

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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

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Mentioned in this episode:

To Build is Human

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

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Mentioned in this episode:

To Build is Human

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.

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Mentioned in this episode:

To Build is Human

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

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Mentioned in this episode:

To Build is Human

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

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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

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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'

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