Better Buildings For Humans

This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski welcomes construction curator Monika Zasada for a fresh and empowering take on how we build homes—and how we should. With decades of experience as a general contractor turned “curator,” Monika breaks down why the traditional construction process is broken, how competitive bidding fails homeowners, and what it really takes to create a joyful, healthy, and lasting home. From the pitfalls of unrealistic design expectations to the emotional intensity of building projects, she shares her collaborative, client-first method that turns renovation horror stories into well-orchestrated action films. You’ll hear why she says “no” to ego-driven architects, how lighting impacts mental health, and what makes a project truly sustainable. If you’ve ever planned—or dreamed—of building your own home, this episode is essential listening.More About Monika ZasadaAs the world’s only home construction curator, utilizing my 25-year experience, Monika helps homeowners make their renovation and building projects a success (instead of the usual horror story of evaporating money, nervous breakdowns as well as questionable quality and never-ending construction). Contact:https://www.instagram.com/de_mazing_/www.linkedin.com/in/monikazconstructionexpertWhere To Find Us:https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/www.advancedglazings.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcastwww.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625https://twitter.com/bbfhpodhttps://twitter.com/Solera_Daylighthttps://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltdhttps://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski welcomes building science legend Dr. Joseph Lstiburek for an unfiltered and unforgettable conversation. From mold to CO₂ myths, Joseph challenges conventional thinking about ventilation, insulation, humidity control, and what really makes a building “healthy.” With decades of hands-on experience, a sharp wit, and a no-nonsense take on industry dogma, he dives deep into where the U.S. is falling short—and how Canada got it right. You'll hear why "drying potential" matters more than you think, the trouble with high-performance HVAC, and why most over-ventilated buildings are actually failing their occupants. This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about high-performance buildings, durable design, and real-world building science.More About Thierry ParetThierry Paret is an award-winning architect and seasoned leader with extensive international management experience in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. As Vice President of the Architecture and Engineering Department at the New York City School Construction Authority (NYCSCA), he oversees the design of renovations, upgrades, and new construction for approximately 1,500 school buildings. Each year, his team designs or manages external consultants responsible for designing 10-12 new schools for the NYC Department of Education, part of a $20.6 billion capital plan for the nation’s largest unified school system, which serves nearly one million students.Thierry leads a team of 300 architects, engineers, designers, project managers and administrators, ensuring design excellence across all projects. His leadership extends to two studios responsible for managing contracts with external private-sector firms, further supporting the Authority’s ambitious infrastructure goals.Prior to joining NYCSCA in 2023, Thierry led the New York State practice at IBI Group-Arcadis, overseeing operations in New York City and Binghamton. He has held senior design leadership roles at several international architecture firms, served as a Design Advisor to the government of Qatar, and acted as Campus Architect for the prestigious King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia which happened to be the first LEED Platinum campus in the Middle East.A registered architect in multiple U.S. states, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland, Thierry’s portfolio spans university campuses, corporate headquarters, life science facilities, and mixed-use developments, with a focus on sustainability. His commitment to the profession is evident through his service on numerous boards and committees, including the American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Board, where he was a Director-at-Large, founding President of AIA International and AIA Middle East, and member of NCARB's International Competency Workgroup. Thierry was most recently elected to the AIA National’s Strategic Council as a Counselor for the 2025-2027 term.Thierry has been a presenter at architectural and industry conferences in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East during his extensive international career.In 2014, Thierry was inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, an honor held by only 2.5% of AIA members. He is also an AIA Richard Upjohn Fellow.Contact:http://linkedin.com/in/thierry-paret-faia-ncarb-riba-arb-mriai-leed-ap-8859849www.nycsca.org www.thierryparet-architect.comWhere To Find Us:https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/www.advancedglazings.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcastwww.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625https://twitter.com/bbfhpodhttps://twitter.com/Solera_Daylighthttps://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltdhttps://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski welcomes building science legend Dr. Joseph Lstiburek for an unfiltered and unforgettable conversation. From mold to CO₂ myths, Joseph challenges conventional thinking about ventilation, insulation, humidity control, and what really makes a building “healthy.” With decades of hands-on experience, a sharp wit, and a no-nonsense take on industry dogma, he dives deep into where the U.S. is falling short—and how Canada got it right. You'll hear why "drying potential" matters more than you think, the trouble with high-performance HVAC, and why most over-ventilated buildings are actually failing their occupants. This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about high-performance buildings, durable design, and real-world building science.More About Joseph LstiburekJoseph LSTIBUREK, B.A.Sc., M.Eng., Ph.D., P.Eng., is the founding principal of Building Science Corporation and an ASHRAE Fellow.  He is a building scientist who investigates building failures.  Dr. Lstiburek received an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto, a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto and a doctorate in Building Science Engineering from the University of Toronto.   He has been a licensed Professional Engineer since 1982. The Wall Street Journal referred to him as “the dean of North American building science.”  Fast Company magazine called him “the Sherlock Holmes of construction”.  He is internationally recognized and his work has influenced building codes and standards in every climate zone.He is a recipient of the Carl Cash Award from ASTM, a “Becky” from the Ontario Building Envelope Committee (OBEC) and the EEBA Legacy Award all for lifetime contributions to building science.  He has also been inducted into the Building Performance Industry Hall of Fame and has received the NESEA Professional Leadership Award for "changing the way we think about building science and how we perform our work”. Dr. Lstiburek is an acclaimed educator who has taught thousands of professionals over the past four decades and has written countless papers.  He has a joy for telling tall tales to his proteges and audiences.Contact:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-lstiburek-03290029/ https://buildingscience.com/ Where To Find Us:https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/www.advancedglazings.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcastwww.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625https://twitter.com/bbfhpodhttps://twitter.com/Solera_Daylighthttps://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltdhttps://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with Cydian Kauffman, founder of Pure Water Northwest, for an essential conversation on one of the most overlooked aspects of healthy buildings: water quality. From shocking realities about what “legal” versus “healthy” water means, to the growing threat of PFAS and microplastics, Cydian unpacks the hidden complexities of our water systems. With a background in property management and mediation, he brings a unique perspective to the intersection of infrastructure, education, and public health. You'll learn why even clean-looking water can be problematic, how different building types—from homes to hospitals—face distinct challenges, and what technologies are actually effective in protecting our water. This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about making buildings safer, smarter, and more sustainable from the inside out.More About Cydian KauffmanCydian Kauffman is the founder of Pure Water Northwest, where he helps homeowners, families, and communities take control of their water quality using science-backed, practical solutions. With years of hands-on experience in water treatment and a passion for public education, Cydian has guided clients across the Pacific Northwest through challenges like industrial runoff, high iron levels, bacterial contamination, arsenic, iron bacteria, and even mysterious health issues tied to hidden toxins in household water.What sets Cydian apart is his commitment to demystifying water. He believes people shouldn’t be forced to blindly trust experts or marketing claims-they should understand what’s in their water and what really works to make it safe. That’s why he’s unafraid to tackle complex and often controversial topics like fluoride, PFAS (“forever chemicals”), structured water, and hydrogenated water, cutting through the myths and misinformation to deliver clear, actionable insights.Cydian is a passionate educator and problem-solver who believes water clarity should mean more than just how it looks-it should mean transparency about its true contents and impacts. Whether helping families protect their drinking water or working with communities to improve group systems, his mission is to empower people with knowledge so they can make confident, informed decisions for their health and well-being.Contact:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cydian-kauffman/ Where To Find Us:https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/www.advancedglazings.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcastwww.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625https://twitter.com/bbfhpodhttps://twitter.com/Solera_Daylighthttps://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltdhttps://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with Yiselle Santos Rivera—architect, educator, and the incoming president of the AIA—to explore how buildings can become tools for healing, justice, and joy. Yiselle shares her journey from genetics labs in Puerto Rico to the forefront of neuroarchitecture and design leadership. She unpacks how architecture intersects with public health, economic mobility, and climate resilience, and why design excellence is inherently about people. From tropical modernism to the power of culturally responsive spaces, Yiselle reveals why the future of architecture must be collaborative, community-rooted, and deeply human. Whether you're an architect, planner, or policy-maker, this episode will reignite your passion for the built environment as a force for good.More About Yiselle Santos RiveraYiselle Santos Rivera, AIA, NOMA, NCARB, SHRM-SCP, is a healthcare architect, medical planner, educator, and organizational leadership strategist whose work sits at the intersection of architecture, neuroscience, culture, and human well-being. She serves as the 2026 President-Elect of the American Institute of Architects, where she is shaping a national agenda focused on community health, professional joy, and a future-ready architectural workforce.Yiselle is the Founder and CEO of YSR, LLC, a consultancy that blends healthcare design, neuroarchitecture, leadership psychology, and intercultural experience design. Her work centers on creating environments that elevate dignity, belonging, and wellness for diverse communities. She also teaches at Howard University, where she encourages emerging designers to lead with empathy, cultural awareness, and an understanding of how the built environment shapes human potential.Her leadership journey includes service on the AIA Strategic Council, the AIA Board of Directors, and multiple national task forces advancing public health, resilience, and equity. She is the creator of WIELD, a storytelling platform for women in design, and co-founder of LA.IDEA, the first Latinx-focused committee at AIA DC.Yiselle is a published author, national speaker, and advocate for redefining design excellence through the lens of people, purpose, and impact..Contact:https://www.linkedin.com/in/yisellesantosrivera/ https://www.yisellesantosrivera.com/ www.ysrconsultancy.com  Where To Find Us:https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/www.advancedglazings.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcastwww.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625https://twitter.com/bbfhpodhttps://twitter.com/Solera_Daylighthttps://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltdhttps://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd