The Anti-Architect

Christian Giordano

Welcome to The Anti-Architect Podcast. I’m your host Christian Giordano. As the president and owner of design firm Mancini Duffy, I’m driven by a quest for learning and radically changing the industry through tech-first innovation. With this podcast, I’m hoping to improve the industry that I’m so passionate about by taking a critical look at how architects work with their clients and, in turn, how our clients view us. It’s my goal to showcase all of these experiences - good and bad. Was it the architect or the client - or somewhere in between? I aim to bring my audience new voices from our industry, interesting people with diverse backgrounds. Through shared experiences, stories, and projects my hope is that we can improve our profession. read less

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Intro: Meet Christian Giordano, The Anti-Architect

Intro: Meet Christian Giordano, The Anti-Architect

In this episode, meet Christian Giordano, The Anti-Architect. Christian is the most innovative person in the architecture field today. A visionary who is radically changing the industry through tech-first innovation, he has been highlighted as one of Building Design + Construction’s “40 Under 40” Class of 2013. Driven by a quest of disruption with 25+ years of experience, Christian – the “Anti-Architect” – is reimagining the building industry with a progressive approach as president and majority owner of Mancini Duffy, an NYC-based architecture and design firm. “Giordano came to the 100-year-old firm with a vision to modernize the company, leaving any idea of a stuffy architecture outpost behind,” noted Real Estate Weekly. To redefine Mancini as a top design firm, Christian has sparked industry‐wide change drawing inspiration from some of the tech-forward companies Mancini works with—like Peloton, Disney, Verizon, and Soho House — focusing on technology that can propel the world of design forward. Christian saw a unique opportunity to recalibrate Mancini’s approach — emphasizing technology to transform the way designers across disciplines work. He launched a research & development incubator – dubbed the Design Lab – which brings together designers, technologists, and clients to leverage technologies like Virtual Reality, 3D Printing, Drones, Generative Design, and Artificial Intelligence to break barriers limiting design capabilities. What began as an internal incubator, it has quickly grown to disrupt the way the design process is facilitated. In 2020, Christian completely revolutionized the design process as the inventor of the patent-pending The Toolbelt, a software suite that allows users to explore and manipulate 3D models collaboratively to explore and make decisions together. In 2021, Christian launched “The Anti-Architect Podcast” to share his futurist approach to design and architecture. A critical look at how architects work with their clients and how our clients see us. Christian is a member and board member of the prestigious Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and also serves on the advisory board of New York Building Congress and Ranney School. He received his Bachelor’s of Architecture from University of Miami and his Masters of Architecture from University of California, Los Angeles where Frank Gehry was his professor. Christian resides in Monmouth County, New Jersey with his family. He owns over 500 bootleg CDs of Bruce Springsteen concerts and is a skilled extreme cake decorator. https://theantiarchitect.com/

Episodes

Episode 58: Michael Abboud of TetherView

Episode 58: Michael Abboud of TetherView

In this episode, Christian sits down with Michael Abboud, CEO of TetherView. With over 20 years of experience in the field of IT, Michael has built a reputation for his deep technical expertise and his unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. TetherView is a leading IT solutions company based in Oceanport, New Jersey, and has become one of the most trusted names in the industry to companies across a wide range of sectors. Michael is passionate about leveraging the latest technologies to help businesses stay ahead of the curve and achieve their goals more efficiently. Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from St. John’s University and is actively involved in mentoring graduate students at Columbia University, as well as a frequent expert speaker at cyber security conferences where he shares his insights on the latest trends and best practices in the industry. Michael is also developing The RiverWalk Center located at the historic Fort Monmouth in Oceanport, NJ - the epicenter of Mancini's expanding work at the Jersey Shore.https://tetherview.comhttps://theantiarchitect.com

Episode 57: Lise Bornstein of KFA Architecture

Episode 57: Lise Bornstein of KFA Architecture

In this episode, Christian sits down with Lise Bornstein, AIA, Partner at KFA Architecture. Lise has devoted her architectural design career to creating spaces and opportunities where people and communities thrive. She is responsible for business development, project conceptualization and design, as well as office operations and culture. She has managed projects and campus master plans with complex entitlement packages, multiple funding sources and significant community outreach while working collaboratively with clients, consultants, contractors, and in-house teams. She was previously President of the Association for Women in Architecture Foundation. She is committed to the advancement of people and the profession.https://kfalosangeles.comhttps://theantiarchitect.com

Episode 56: Robert Adler of Robert W. Adler & Associates

Episode 56: Robert Adler of Robert W. Adler & Associates

In this episode, Christian sits down with Rob Adler, President of Robert W. Adler & Associates. Rob is an architect and design professional, running his architecture firm that focuses on both residential and commercial projects. Over the past three decades, Rob’s practice has expanded from designing single family homes to designing commercial projects and major developments. Today, he boasts a portfolio featuring some of the most prestigious addresses and clientele along the Jersey Shore. Rob is also an active owner in other companies such as his construction company, R W Adler Builders, LLC. His work has been published in Panache Publishing’s “Dream Homes of New Jersey” and he was featured on the cover of Remodeling Magazine when he was named for the prestigious “Big 50” list. Robert received his Degree in Architecture from Cornell University and opened his firm in Long Branch, New Jersey, in 1989. He is also licensed in New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Florida.http://www.rwadlerassociates.com https://theantiarchitect.com

Episode 55: Rion Willard of Business of Architecture

Episode 55: Rion Willard of Business of Architecture

In this episode, Christian sits down with Rion Willard, Director of Consulting at Business of Architecture. Rion is an architect turned architecture business consultant for architectural practice owners around the world; he helps them grow and design their practices. In the early days of running his own practice called TTHS Architects, he was met with many business obstacles that frustrated and confused him. The constant financial anxiety and stress drove him to a point where he decided he had to understand everything he could about running a business. This led him to interview successful business leaders within the AEC industry on a global scale, which is now known as the Business of Architecture UK Podcast. He has now personally consulted with over 100 architecture practice owners to implement the SMART Practice Method™. His ultimate desire is to help other architects create a practice that gives them fulfillment, freedom, and exceptional finances.https://www.businessofarchitecture.comhttps://theantiarchitect.com

Episode 54: Sarah Dirsa of KG+D Architects

Episode 54: Sarah Dirsa of KG+D Architects

In this episode, Christian sits down with Sarah Dirsa, Principal and Partner of KG+D Architects. Sarah is passionate about finding design solutions that address and improve social issues. In 2021, Sarah became the first female Principal in the firm’s nearly 90-year history. She has taken on a leading role in advancing the firm’s Next Generation educational facility design expertise by examining overlaps between curriculum and design. Sarah is on the National Design Team for Reimagine America’s Schools program and the AIA Committee on Architecture for Education Advocacy Subcommittee. https://kgdarchitects.comhttps://theantiarchitect.com/

Episode 53: K.P. Reddy of Shadow Ventures

Episode 53: K.P. Reddy of Shadow Ventures

In this episode, Christian sits down with K.P. Reddy, Founder and CEO of Shadow Ventures. As a prominent figure in the world of technology and innovation, K.P. has become a global authority in AEC environments, AI, robotics, automation, mobile applications, and cloud computing. He is the author of the definitive guide to Building Information Modeling, “BIM for Building Owners and Developers.” K.P.’s extensive experience includes founding and exiting three technology companies to NASDAQ, NYSE, and privately held futures, running Enterprise Transformation at Gehry Technologies, and being the General Manager of ATDC at Georgia Tech, one of the oldest technology incubators in the country. He’s a frequent lecturer at universities, including NYU’s Stern School of Business, Georgia Tech, Columbia University, and Harvard GSD.https://shadow.vc https://theantiarchitect.com/

Episode 52: Special Episode: 31st Annual CANstruction NYC Design and Build Competition

Episode 52: Special Episode: 31st Annual CANstruction NYC Design and Build Competition

In this special episode highlighting the 31st Annual CANstruction New York Design and Build Competition, Christian sits down with four leaders behind the incredible cause, including Jennifer Greene, Director of Marketing at Ronnette Riley Architect, Elysa Marden, Senior Vice President of Arts and Events for Brookfield Properties, Jenna Harris, City Harvest’s Associate Director as well as Jessica Sheridan, Principal at Mancini Duffy. The 2023 CANstruction New York exhibit, located at Brookfield Place in Lower Manhattan, is open to the public November 2-13. In partnership with City Harvest, New York City’s largest food rescue organization, CANstruction is a unique global charity that hosts a Design and Build competition where teams - consisting of architects, engineers, and their vendors - construct structures solely from unopened cans of food, fitting within an 8x8x8 foot square. Originating in Seattle in 1992 as a simple food drive, the Society for Design Administration (SDA) has transformed it into a global initiative. Today, CANstruction events span 150 cities in 8 countries, contributing over 50 million cans of food to combat hunger.https://www.sdanyc.org/canstruction-ny/https://theantiarchitect.com/

Episode 51: Jeff Echols of Shadow Partners

Episode 51: Jeff Echols of Shadow Partners

In this episode, Christian sits down with Jeff Echols, Senior Advisor and the Head of Marketing at Shadow Partners. Jeff is on a mission to change the way AEC firms do business. He leverages 30 years of experience working in, starting, and managing firms to help drive innovation in the business of architecture and AEC adjacent industries. Jeff hosts the Build Your Brand podcast, the live-stream show Context & Clarity LIVE, and the daily short-form podcast Shadow Shorts. A prolific speaker, Jeff has shared his experience and thought leadership. Jeff’s speaking clients have included private companies, local governments, colleges and universities, and industry organizations like, the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), American Institute of Architects (AIA), Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), Professional Services Management Journal (PSMJ), and Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS). https://shadowpartners.co/ https://theantiarchitect.com/

Episode 50: Stephen Perkins of HotelStudio

Episode 50: Stephen Perkins of HotelStudio

In this episode, Christian sits down with Stephen Perkins, Partner at HotelStudio. Stephen is an American Architect and Designer, leading the way in creating story-driven, experiential hospitality and entertainment spaces. His design prowess is exemplified in the hundreds of luxury hotels, resorts, cultural, leisure, and retail destinations that he has designed over the course of his 45-year career. His innovation and leadership in the field has been recognized by Hospitality Design Magazine’s Platinum Circle Award and his elevation to the International Society of Hospitality Consultants, a global society of the world's leading hospitality authorities. https://www.thehotelstudio.com/about-us https://theantiarchitect.com/

Episode 49: Marc Spector of SPECTOR Companies

Episode 49: Marc Spector of SPECTOR Companies

In this episode, Christian sits down with Marc Spector, FAIA, CEO and Owner of SPECTOR Companies. Marc applies his core cultural principles to the business of architecture, creating value for design excellence and the profession. Marc’s influential business model is built on creating impactful life spaces regardless of project constraints and typology, cultivation of client and team relationships into friendships, growth in new markets and services, and continual advancement of design innovation hand-in-hand with profitable business practices. Leading a diverse team of professionals in the various practices in the country and worldwide, Marc advances creative and technical strategies in the various practices over the firm’s 57-year lifespan. Sustainability, carbon neutrality, and passive and net zero design and construction principles are now indigenous in the firm’s cultural DNA. Marc is an Emmy Award Winner for NBC's hit show "George To The Rescue" and has appeared on The Daily Show with John Stewart. https://spectorcompanies.com/ https://theantiarchitect.com/

Episode 48: Bradford Perkins of Perkins Eastman

Episode 48: Bradford Perkins of Perkins Eastman

In this episode, Christian sits down with Bradford Perkins, FAIA, co-founder of Perkins Eastman with Mary-Jean Eastman, FAIA. He has built a career that spans 50 years and includes projects in more than 30 countries. Brad’s grandfather Dwight Heald Perkins, FAIA, who founded Perkins, Fellows and Hamilton in 1894, and Brad’s father, Lawrence Bradford Perkins, FAIA, who co-founded Perkins + Will in 1935, inspired Brad to focus on design that enhances the quality of life. Throughout his career, Brad has directed major projects in all of Perkins Eastman’s key practice areas, serving as Principal in Charge of work around the world ranging from small projects for non-profit organizations and senior living communities to major healthcare facilities, large-scale mixed-use developments, education and research campuses, and even master plans for new cities. Author of nine books and more than 100 articles covering all aspects of architecture and design, Brad has lectured at more than 20 colleges and universities and currently serves on the faculty of Cornell’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning. Brad deeply believes that the built environment can improve people’s lives, wherever they are in the world. https://perkinseastman.com/ https://theantiarchitect.com/

Episode 47: Paul J. Massey of B6 Real Estate Advisors

Episode 47: Paul J. Massey of B6 Real Estate Advisors

In this episode, Christian sits down with Paul J. Massey, CEO of B6 Real Estate Advisors, which provides commercial real estate owners and stakeholders with a next-generation experience to optimize their investments through territory-specific investment sales. You might recognize Paul’s name from the well-known Massey Knakal Realty Services, a company he founded with his colleague Robert Knakal whom he met at CBRE (and previous guest here on The Anti-Architect Podcast – Episode 40). The company became the New York metropolitan area’s dominant commercial investment sales brokerage firm, with over 225 employees serving more than 200,000 property owners. https://b6realestateadvisors.com/ https://theantiarchitect.com/#podcast

Episode 46: Mark Zweig of Zweig Group

Episode 46: Mark Zweig of Zweig Group

In this episode, Christian sits down with Mark Zweig, Chairman and Founder of Zweig Group. Mark is best known as the leading expert in management for the architecture, engineering, planning, and environmental industries for four decades. Zweig Group has been on the Inc 500/5000 list of fastest-growing privately-held companies three times. Mark’s other company, Mark Zweig, Inc., is an award-winning design/build/development firm that was named to the Inc 5000 list in 2014. Since 2005, Mark has been Entrepreneur-in-Residence teaching entrepreneurship at The Sam M. Walton College of Business at The University of Arkansas. https://zweiggroup.com/ https://theantiarchitect.com/

Episode 45: John "Ozzie" Nelson Jr. of Nelson Worldwide

Episode 45: John "Ozzie" Nelson Jr. of Nelson Worldwide

In this episode, Christian sits down with John "Ozzie" Nelson Jr., Chairman and CEO of NELSON Worldwide. In 1987, Ozzie entered his father’s 15-person interior design firm. Over the following years, he expanded the firm’s core design business with emerging technologies and consulting capabilities to create a compelling service delivery platform for large corporate clients. Since Ozzie became CEO in 2003, the firm has executed more than 40 mergers/acquisitions, taking NELSON from #37 in the industry to “Top 10” with growth of more than 500 percent. In 2019 The Zweig Letter identified NELSON as the second “Fastest Growing AE Firm” based on percentage growth. https://www.nelsonworldwide.com/ https://theantiarchitect.com/

Episode 44: Jim Scesa of WRK^LNK Consulting

Episode 44: Jim Scesa of WRK^LNK Consulting

In this episode, Christian sits down with James Scesa, the Founder and Managing Principal of WRK^LNK Consulting. A talent management and recruiting firm, Jim and his team connect top AEC industry talent with the right opportunity and the right companies throughout the U.S. Born out of the pandemic, WRK^LNK has taken a transformative approach to supporting their clients facing modern-day employer and employee relationship challenges. With an out-of-the-box approach to consulting, WRK^LNK goes beyond traditional staffing and recruiting. With nearly 20 years of experience, Jim and his team provide services for the AEC industry surrounding firm efficiencies, outsourcing profitability, strategic business, and expansion growth.

Episode 43: Mark Beal of Rutgers University

Episode 43: Mark Beal of Rutgers University

In this episode, Christian sits down with Mark Beal, a Gen Z expert and full-time professor of practice in public relations in the Rutgers University School of Communication & Information. For more than 25 years, Mark Beal served as a public relations practitioner and marketer for one of the nation’s leading consumer PR agencies for leading companies like the Olympic Games, Super Bowl, World Series, US Open Tennis, and The Rolling Stones. It was Mark’s Rutgers students who inspired him to author his first book in 2017, 101 Lessons They Never Taught You In College. Mark’s ongoing primary research of Gen Z has led to keynote speeches to the American Marketing Association, Association of National Advertisers (ANA), and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). He has written several books about Gen Z which have led to invitations from conferences, corporations, brands, agencies, universities, industry associations, and pro sports leagues and teams for Mark to deliver keynote speeches featuring his Gen Z research and insights. Mark’s new book, ZEO: Introducing Gen Z, The New Generation Of Leaders, is available on Amazon. www.markbealspeaks.com https://theantiarchitect.com/

Episode 42: Eva Hagberg of Loebach Designs

Episode 42: Eva Hagberg of Loebach Designs

In this episode, Christian sits down with Eva Hagberg, author, historian, and educator. In addition to being the Studio Director for Loebach Designs, she is the author of WHEN EERO MET HIS MATCH: ALINE LOUCHHEIM SAARINEN AND THE MAKING OF AN ARCHITECT (Princeton University Press) and the critically acclaimed memoir HOW TO BE LOVED (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt). Eva has published widely on design and architecture in publications like the New York Times, Metropolis, The Architect's Newspaper, and more. She has degrees in architecture from Princeton University and UC Berkeley, and a PhD in Visual and Narrative Culture from UC Berkeley. https://www.evahagberg.com/ https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691206677/when-eero-met-his-match https://theantiarchitect.com/

Episode 41: Special Joint Episode - TSX Broadway: Raising History in Times Square

Episode 41: Special Joint Episode - TSX Broadway: Raising History in Times Square

In this special joint podcast episode with Building Conversations Podcast, “TSX Broadway: Raising History in Times Square,” key TSX Broadway project team members join Christian to reflect on the once-in-a-lifetime project — including lifting the historic Palace Theatre 30 feet in the air. TSX Broadway, located at 1568 Broadway, is being transformed into an unprecedented, entertainment-driven destination that will redefine how people engage with Times Square. Guided by the vision of L&L Holdings, Maefield Development, Fortress Investment Group, and The Nederlander Organization, some of the brightest minds in design, construction, and engineering have been working together. Leading the design and construction of this ambitious project are design firm Mancini Duffy and construction management firm Pavarini McGovern, an STO Building Group company. Christian and Jason Vesuvio, Vice President of Pavarini McGovern and first-time host of the Building Conversations Podcast, teamed up to co-host and discuss this monumental achievement with a handful of the visionaries who made the engineering feat a success. Featuring insights from Bill Mandara Jr., CEO of Mancini, Tony Mazzo, President of Urban Foundation/Engineering, Benjamin Alper, Associate Principal of Severud Associates, and Joe Levi, Project Manager at Pavarini McGovern, and co-hosted by Christian and Jason, this episode covers the who, what, when, and why of TSX Broadway’s iconic theater lift, as well as what’s next for the team as construction continues. https://tsxbroadway.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-conversations/id1467818603

Episode 40: Bob Knakal of JLL Capital Markets

Episode 40: Bob Knakal of JLL Capital Markets

In this episode, Christian sits down with Bob Knakal, Chairman of NY Investment Sales with JLL Capital Markets. Bob started his real estate career in 1984 and is responsible for selling over 2,222 buildings to date (generally considered the highest total ever for a single broker in New York) and over $20.4 billion in sales. Bob was Chairman and Founding Partner of Massey Knakal Realty Services, New York’s #1 building sales firm. In addition, he was ranked the top originating investment sales broker at Cushman & Wakefield globally in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Bob joined JLL Capital Markets in September 2018. Since 2009, Bob has written a weekly column on the New York City Real Estate Market called Concrete Thoughts for the Commercial Observer.

Episode 39: Pascale Sablan of Beyond the Built Environment

Episode 39: Pascale Sablan of Beyond the Built Environment

In this episode, Christian sits down with Pascale Sablan, FAIA, the founder of Beyond the Built Environment and a senior associate at Adjaye Associates. With over 15 years of experience, she has worked on a variety of projects around the world. Pascale is the 315th living African American woman registered architect in the U.S. She is an activist architect who works to advance architecture for the betterment of society, bringing visibility and voice to the issues concerning women and BIPOC designers. Beyond the Built Environment is an organization positioned to address the inequitable disparities in architecture. Sablan was awarded the 2021 AIA Whitney M. Young. Jr. Award for her advocacy efforts and ascended to the AIA College of Fellows, the youngest African American to reach that honor. In 2023, she will be the President-Elect of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), the fifth woman to hold this leadership position. She is also a member of the 2022 AIA National Secretary's Advisory Committee. www.beyondthebuilt.com