228. Staying in Control During Construction

In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius explains how building owners can stay engaged and maintain control during construction through three key areas: communication, decisions, and expectations.He discusses the importance of having a clear chain of communication, properly using RFIs, documenting important decisions, understanding when a question is truly urgent, tracking changes against the budget, and staying involved without micromanaging the team.As discussed:Before You Build is Dimitrius’ strategic pre-design framework for homeowners and business owners planning kitchens, ADUs, additions, renovations, and small commercial tenant improvements.It helps you define scope, understand costs, think through soft costs and contingency, assemble the right team, understand timelines, and avoid common mistakes before spending money in the wrong direction.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 architect, project manager, historian, writer, and educator Kate Reggev for a wide-ranging conversation about technology, AI, risk, and the future of the built environment.Originally recorded as part of DATM 2026, Gābl Media’s inaugural virtual summit exploring the ideas, technologies, and people shaping the future of the built world, the conversation examines how architecture, construction, ownership, and education are responding to a period of rapid technological change.Topics include:AI and automation in architectureFear of technological change and job displacementHow owners evaluate new technologyRisk, liability, and project decision-makingLessons from past technological revolutionsCAD, BIM, prefabrication, and 3D printingWhy technological optimism has changedThe growing complexity of building documentationTeaching architecture in the age of AITechnology as a tool rather than a fallbackThe continued importance of hand drawing and physical experienceWhere AI is useful—and where it can become dangerousThe future of construction and the skilled tradesWhy human judgment must remain centralThis conversation originally aired during DATM 2026, Gābl Media’s virtual summit focused on the ideas, technologies, and people shaping the future of the built world.Watch DATM 2026If 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 the pressure for speed that exists throughout design and construction and why compressing a project schedule can lead to rushed decisions, incomplete coordination, rework, and higher costs.He explains why buildings require coordination across multiple systems, how unresolved decisions tend to move downstream into more expensive phases, and why cutting time from a schedule usually requires a tradeoff in scope, cost, quality, or risk.**Slow early can mean fast later.**As discussed:Before You Build is Dimitrius’ strategic pre-design framework for homeowners and business owners planning kitchens, ADUs, additions, renovations, and small commercial tenant improvements.It helps you define scope, understand costs, think through soft costs and contingency, assemble the right team, understand timelines, and avoid common mistakes before spending money in the wrong direction.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 Aurimas Sabulis, founder of Kora Studio, to explore how technology could reshape architectural practice by connecting design more directly to manufacturing, construction, and real-world building constraints.The conversation explores Kora Studio, a Revit-based, facade design and modeling platform developed to help bridge that gap. Aurimas explains how manufacturing data and constructability intelligence can be built into the design process, allowing architects to understand whether facade components can realistically be fabricated, transported, and installed while they are still designing.Throughout the conversation, Dimitrius and Aurimas return to a larger question surrounding technology and architecture: How do we use increasingly powerful tools without sacrificing creativity or turning designers into passive operators?Topics include:Why architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and construction remain siloedGiving architects more time to designBridging design intent and constructabilityParametric facade modeling in RevitBringing manufacturing knowledge into early design decisionsDesigning around fabrication and transportation constraintsReducing redesign and value engineeringAutomating repetitive architectural tasksEnergy and code complianceAI and the future of architectural softwareWhy architects need to retain creative controlMaking architectural technology easier to useThe future of Kora StudioAs Discussed:Kora StudioLYNESIf 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 explains why construction depends on having the right information in place before work begins. He explores how incomplete plans, unresolved decisions, allowances, premature demolition, and pressure to keep crews moving can turn relatively inexpensive design decisions into costly field changes.He also breaks down why smaller projects are particularly difficult to design and build concurrently, how one unresolved decision can impact multiple trades, and why planning should be viewed as progress rather than a delay.As discussed:Before You Build is Dimitrius’ strategic pre-design framework for homeowners and business owners planning kitchens, ADUs, additions, renovations, and small commercial tenant improvements.It helps you define scope, understand costs, think through soft costs and contingency, assemble the right team, understand timelines, and avoid common mistakes before spending money in the wrong direction.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 Greg Bleier, founding principal and project director of Studio UNLTD, to explore what it takes to design restaurants that are not only memorable, but operationally successful.Greg shares his path from studying studio art and interior design to founding Studio UNLTD and developing a specialty in hospitality design. He discusses how early relationships, time spent on construction sites, and a willingness to learn the business of restaurants helped shape the firm’s approach.The conversation explores Studio UNLTD’s design process and the importance of understanding the vision behind a restaurant before developing its aesthetic. Greg describes designers as interpreters—using their expertise to translate the goals, personality, food, and culture of a client into a physical experience.Greg also makes the case that restaurant design cannot be viewed only from the guest’s perspective. Kitchens, service paths, bar operations, durability, maintenance, staffing, and economics all have to work together. A beautiful space that creates operational problems, he argues, is ultimately unsuccessful.Dimitrius and Greg then take a closer look at Bavel in Los Angeles, including the inspiration behind its bright, plant-filled environment, the integration of its open kitchen and outdoor spaces, and the technical challenges required to turn ambitious design ideas into something that can actually be built and maintained.Topics include:Breaking into restaurant and hospitality designDesigning around the client’s visionStorytelling and concept developmentBalancing aesthetics with restaurant operationsDesigning for chefs, servers, bartenders, and guestsThe design and evolution of BavelMaintenance, durability, and client educationMockups and testing ambitious design ideasRestaurant economics and changing service modelsAI, analog experiences, and the future of hospitalityAs Discussed:Studio UNLTD | Instagram | LinkedInLYNESIf 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 breaks down some of the most common mistakes building owners make, including skipping permits, hiring the wrong team, starting construction too early, underestimating total project costs, making changes without understanding their impact, and prioritizing speed over clarity.For a deeper look at these issues, Chapter 5 of Before You Build covers common project mistakes and strategies for reducing risk before construction starts.As discussed:Before You Build is Dimitrius’ strategic pre-design framework for homeowners and business owners planning kitchens, ADUs, additions, renovations, and small commercial tenant improvements.It helps you define scope, understand costs, think through soft costs and contingency, assemble the right team, understand timelines, and avoid common mistakes before spending money in the wrong direction.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 Garland Harris Jr., President of Middle Housing Design Co., to discuss how small-scale housing can help address affordability, infill development, and the changing needs of American cities.Garland shares how his experience in residential design, production homebuilding, and development led him to build a business around duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, and other forms of middle housing. He explains how repeatable plans, construction efficiency, and firsthand development experience allow his team to move projects faster while controlling costs.The conversation also explores how Garland evaluates land, identifies neighborhoods with long-term growth potential, approaches development financing, and navigates regulations often written for projects much larger than the small infill developments he is trying to build.Dimitrius and Garland also look toward the future, discussing how smaller homes, changing transportation habits, delivery services, autonomous vehicles, and reduced dependence on cars could reshape housing, parking, density, and neighborhood design.Topics include:The business model behind Middle Housing Design Co.Duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and missing-middle housingDesigning repeatable, cost-efficient housingSmall-scale infill developmentLand acquisition and neighborhood growth indicatorsFinancing development projectsPermitting and regulations that make small projects harderHousing affordability and the need to build smallerThe relationship between transportation, parking, and housingHow changing mobility could reshape future communitiesAs Discussed:Middle Housing Design Co.Enjoyed this episode? You might want to also listen to the limited series Going Green & Built to DivideLYNESIf 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

This episode of SPACES explores the vital role of interior design in construction projects, emphasizing how early involvement can save time, reduce costs, and enhance the final space. Dimitrius highlights how interior designers add value beyond aesthetics, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces.As discussed:Before You Build is Dimitrius’ strategic pre-design framework for homeowners and business owners planning kitchens, ADUs, additions, renovations, and small commercial tenant improvements.It helps you define scope, understand costs, think through soft costs and contingency, assemble the right team, understand timelines, and avoid common mistakes before spending money in the wrong direction.ACT NOW: the next 25 purchasers get it for a special discount rate of $9!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 Helen Neal, founder of HN Communications and a sustainability communications specialist working with global corporations and NGOs, about greenwashing, regulation, AI, and the changing business case for sustainability.Helen explains that greenwashing is not always the result of intentional deception. More often, problems emerge when detailed sustainability data moves from technical teams into marketing and communications, where complex information can become simplified, polished, or overstated.The conversation also explores a broader shift in how sustainability is being understood inside business. Rather than framing it solely as carbon reduction or an altruistic responsibility, Helen sees sustainability increasingly becoming a conversation about long-term business resilience.Dimitrius and Helen also discuss the role of artificial intelligence in sustainability communications. AI can help organizations analyze increasingly complex regulations and identify potential risks in their messaging—but it can also hallucinate regulations, produce inconsistent answers, and confidently rewrite claims in ways that create even greater exposure.Ultimately, the human expert remains essential.In this episode:What greenwashing actually meansWhy many greenwashing problems are unintentionalHow sustainability data gets distorted through marketing and communicationsWhy environmental claims increasingly require evidence and verificationExamples of companies getting sustainability messaging wrongThe growing regulatory landscape surrounding green claimsWhat “green hushing” means and why companies are doing itWhy staying silent about sustainability can also create riskThe importance of honesty, humility, and transparencyHow sustainability is becoming a boardroom and business-resilience issueSupply chain security, energy security, and resource managementWhy sustainability and profitability do not have to conflictHow AI can help analyze sustainability regulationsThe risks of relying on large language models for factual or regulatory guidanceWhy human expertise becomes even more important as AI adoption growsThe continued importance of human stories in sustainability communicationsWhy Helen is optimistic about the next generation of business leadersAs Discussed:Helen NealHN CommunicationsWebinar: Getting Ready for ECGT: What the New Rules Mean for Sustainability CommunicationsEnjoyed this episode? You might want to also listen to the limited series Going GreenLYNESIf 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