Design Development

Samira Ahmadi is the founding principal of enviENERGY Studio, a firm dedicated to making energy efficiency and sustainability accessible to all. With a background in architecture and a specialized master's degree in Building Performance and Diagnostics from Carnegie Mellon University, Samira has positioned her company at the forefront of the energy and sustainability sectors. She i

Michael Fabiano is a partner at Highpoint Engineering, a dedicated civil engineering firm in the Greater Boston area, which he co-founded in 2010. With a robust background in commercial real estate land development, Mike has played a pivotal role in growing Highpoint Engineering over the past 15 years. His career began at Roger Williams University, where he was an avid golfer and b

Tim Metzner is the founder and CEO of Fireroad, a new kind of holding company, borrowing the best from venture studio and private equity models. Tim has a rich history as a serial entrepreneur, having founded five companies, including Differential, a firm who incubated Astronomer, Cincinnati’s first $1B+ unicorn. With deep roots in the tech world and venture-backed enterprises, T

In this episode of Design Development, hosted by Rens Hayes of H+O Structural Engineering, we dive deep into the intricacies of marketing within the architecture and engineering sector, featuring Sarah Keane, Marketing Principal at HOK. HOK is a world-renowned architecture, engineering, and planning firm. Established in 1955, HOK distinguishes itself with a workforce of over 1700 a

Sean Kelly-Rand is the Managing Partner of RD Advisors, a private lender specializing in flexible financing solutions for residential and commercial real estate developers. With a rich career spanning roles at Lehman Brothers, where he underwrote several billion dollars worth of loans, and Madison International, where he launched the London office, Sean brings a wealth of financial

Rens Hayes is the co-founder of H+O Structural Engineering and the host of the "Design Development" podcast. With a deep passion for creating high-powered organizations, Rens leverages his expertise in structural engineering to facilitate insightful conversations with top industry performers. He is a lifelong learner dedicated to improving the real estate development, design, and c

Rens Hayes is the passionate and insightful host of "Design Development." With a wealth of experience in architecture and engineering, Rens has dedicated his career to advancing professional growth within the industry. He leverages his podcast platform to share invaluable lessons, engaging discussions, and expert advice to help individuals overcome career plateaus and achieve their

Eric Garrett is the CEO and founder of The Garrett Companies, a multi-faceted holding company focusing on national multifamily development, construction, and asset management. Over the span of a decade, Eric has engineered The Garrett Companies into a $500 million annual revenue business, achieving notable growth with a unique approach in site evaluation and development. Eric's bac

Joe Walker is President and Principal-in-Charge at Walker Architects. Joe draws on 25 years of design experience to create engaging, sustainable, innovative spaces. As a leader, Joe prioritizes communication and clarity. Responsible for coordinating decisions and achieving consensus across large, diverse groups, he ensures that everyone is on the same page and speaking the same lan

Evelyn Lee is the founder of Practice of Architecture, a consultancy, and resource for small to medium-sized architecture and design firms. With a career that spans across various sectors, Evelyn has established herself as a forward-thinker in the realms of real estate development, architectural practice, and technology. After starting her career in architecture, she pursued an MBA