Spaces Podcast

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design, teaching, publishing, nonprofit work, and firm leadership—and why he believes architects can no longer rely on outdated definitions of the profession.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 servicesHow AI may reshape architectural education and early-career practiceWhat students should understand about entrepreneurship and businessHow storytelling and communication help clients understand designWhy purpose, innovation, and social impact are central to AGD’s workHow architects can define their own path instead of inheriting an outdated oneAs discussed:AGD Architecture + DesignDisrupted: The Architecture ProfessionMetamorphosis of the Future ArchitectIf you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media.Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast websiteLYNES // Gābl MediaAll rights reserved

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 budgetWhat soft costs are and why they matterWhy architecture is more than “drawing plans”When engineering becomes necessaryWhy permits and plan check fees vary so widelyHow Title 24 energy compliance affects California projectsWhen surveys, soils reports, and specialty consultants may be requiredWhy contingency should be included and tracked separatelyHow better planning reduces risk before construction beginsIf 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 DownloadLYNESIf you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media.Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast websiteLYNES // Gābl MediaAll rights reserved

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 GranaryConvergence CommunitiesBuilt to Divide Podcast SeriesLYNESIf you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media.Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast websiteLYNES // Gābl MediaAll rights reservedMentioned 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 inaccurateThe importance of scope clarity in budgetingUnderstanding the layers of construction costsThe role of soft costs and contingencyHow to define your project scope effectivelyIf 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 DownloadLYNESIf you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media.Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast websiteLYNES // Gābl MediaAll rights reserved

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 ElevenLYNESIf you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media.Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast websiteLYNES // Gābl MediaAll rights reservedMentioned in this episode:To Build is Human