The Anti-Architect

Hosted by Christian Giordano

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

About the show

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. www.theantiarchitect.com

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 25, 2026Episode 921 hr 3 min

EP 92: Timothy Greiner of JLL

In this episode, Christian Giordano is joined by Tim Greiner, Executive Managing Director at JLL, to talk about the evolution of New Jersey’s office market and what tenants really want today. Tim shares his perspective on the shift to hybrid work and the office “amenities arms race". He also gets candid about what architects get right (and wrong) during pitches and why doing the work before you’ve won the work can make all the difference. They also explore how AI is changing commercial real estate, and the opportunity it creates for the next generation of brokers. www.jll.com (2:52) What makes long-term business relationships last (3:52) Is the office really back after COVID? (7:36) What brokers need from architects (18:44) How architects can improve their pitches (23:02) What is happening in the New Jersey office market (30:16) Redevelopment and office-to-residential conversions (33:54) Which office amenities actually matter (40:28) New Jersey incentives and the film industry (51:12) Tim’s career story and major setbacks (57:18) How AI is changing commercial real estate

August 5, 2026Episode 911 hr 0 min

EP 91: Warren Leeds and Jason Leeds of Dartcor Enterprises

In this episode, Christian sits down with Warren and Jason Leeds, the father-son team behind Dartcor Enterprises and Chelsea Hospitality Group. Together, they have built a hospitality-driven business that spans workplace dining, catering, and restaurant operations, with a focus on creating memorable guest experiences. Warren shares how he grew the company from a single gourmet market into a thriving hospitality enterprise, while Jason discusses his decision to leave a career at Goldman Sachs to help lead the next chapter of the family business. Together, they explore how hospitality extends far beyond food, the value of integrating operators early in the design process, and why thoughtful service and community-building are transforming the modern workplace. https://www.dartcorhospitality.com/ https://www.chelseahospitality.com/ https://www.theantiarchitect.com/ Episode highlights: (03:10) Creating spaces where people feel welcomed and valued (07:04) Working together as father and son (11:25) What architects often misunderstand about hospitality (15:41) Why hospitality teams should join projects early (21:36) Warren’s journey from a small café to workplace dining (25:13) Surviving COVID and rebuilding company culture (30:52) Launching Chelsea Hospitality Group (34:54) Morris Proper and General Coffee Co. (38:13) Making the office worth the commute (53:20) Using AI to give hospitality teams more human time (55:55) Robotics, coffee shops, and the future of service

July 15, 2026Episode 901 hr 0 min

EP 90: Corey Hennings of dsm-firmenich

In this episode of The Anti-Architect Podcast, Christian Giordano sits down with Corey Hennings, Project Director for the Americas at dsm-firmenich, for a conversation about leadership, collaboration, and resilience. Together, they discuss what it takes to deliver complex projects, why communication and team fit are just as important as technical expertise, and how collaborative delivery methods can lead to better outcomes. Corey also shares how his journey in long-term recovery has shaped his perspective on building a career with purpose. Episode highlights: (0:45) The project that changed Christian’s career (6:11) Corey’s recovery story and alcohol culture in the industry (15:03) CrossFit, grief, and healthier stress relief (18:09) What frustrates owners about architects (20:30) How owners choose the right architecture team (27:47) Why design-build can improve project delivery (40:58) What makes life science and pharma projects different (43:24) CGMP, clean rooms, validation, and FDA oversight (46:18) AI, robotics, and the future of lab design (56:08) Career growth through peer networking

June 23, 2026Episode 8951 min

EP 89: Daniel Monteiro of Reidy Contracting Group

In this episode of The Anti-Architect Podcast, Christian Giordano sits down with Daniel Monteiro, Managing Partner of Reidy Contracting Group, to discuss a career built from the ground up. Christian and Daniel explore the lessons learned from growing alongside a company, the value of understanding every facet of the business, and how leadership evolves over time. They also discuss Reidy Contracting Group's recent recognition on ENR's Top 600 Contractors list and the firm's work on high-profile projects, including the Warner Bros. Discovery Global Headquarters, the National Urban League Headquarters in Harlem, and the American Express Centurion Lounge. This conversation offers valuable insights on growth, accountability, and what it means to earn your way to the top. https://reidygroup.com/ Episode highlights: (2:18) What frustrates contractors about architects (6:32) Compressed project schedules and early bidding (12:50) What architects may find frustrating about contractors (14:01) How architects can add more value during construction (15:57) Why cost knowledge should start earlier (19:04) The value of field experience for architects (22:31) Learning from RFIs and repeated project issues (24:35) Daniel’s background and path into construction (29:29) The early days of Reedy Contracting Group (34:19) American Express Centurion Lounge project (36:42) Discovery and Food Network project work (38:19) New York and New Jersey construction market outlook (44:14) AI, scanning, robots, and the future of construction

June 2, 2026Episode 881 hr 4 min

EP 88: Rick Fourie of Fourie Consultants

In this episode, Christian sits down with Rick Fourie, Founder of Fourie Consultants in Tampa, for a practical conversation about architecture, construction costs, and project delivery. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience across the trades, subcontracting, general contracting, cost consulting, and owner’s representation, Rick shares how his unconventional path has given him a unique perspective. Together, Christian and Rick explore why accurate estimating remains one of the industry's biggest challenges, the risks of relying on cost-per-square-foot metrics, and how procurement strategies, constructability, and early budget alignment shape project outcomes. The conversation also examines value engineering, contractor pricing, Revit, and AI, while making the case that cost should be viewed not as a constraint on design, but as a powerful tool for making better decisions and delivering more successful projects. www.fcicost.com www.theantiarchitect.com (2:11) Why architects struggle with construction costs (3:00) The problem with cost per square foot (6:22) Rick’s start in the trades and estimating (9:10) Why early budgets are so important (17:17) Rethinking value engineering as cost changes (24:37) Constructability and field experience for architects (29:07) When architects should bring in cost experts (31:05) What quantity surveying means (38:15) The risk of free contractor pricing (55:22) AI, Revit, and the future of estimating

May 13, 2026Episode 871 hr 0 min

EP 87: Jeff Lusin of 45 Architecture & Interiors

In this episode, Christian sits down with Jeff Lusin, Principal and Co-Owner at 45 Architecture in Bozeman, Montana, for a conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, and the human side of architectural practice. Jeff shares his personal path into architecture - rooted in family craft and a deep connection to community - and how those influences shape the way he leads his firm and works with clients today. Together, Christian and Jeff dig into what it takes to maintain optimism in a challenging industry and the importance of intentional growth. The conversation also turns toward the future, exploring how architects can thoughtfully adapt to new technologies and AI without losing the creativity, judgment, and human connection that define meaningful architecture. www.45arch.com www.theantiarchitect.com Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:03) Jeff’s grandfather, shoemaking, craft, and early creativity (3:30) Leadership, optimism, and staying positive through challenges (8:09) Why not every client is the right fit (10:14) Gatekeeping in architecture and the need for more openness (16:20) How Jeff thinks about architecture fees, value, and risk (24:16) The origin and growth of 45 Architecture & Interiors (35:10) The Belgrade Community Library and local accountability (44:04) How an MBA shaped Jeff’s approach to business (49:42) AI, design, data, and the future role of architects (58:58) Final thoughts and where to learn more about 45 Architecture & Interiors

April 21, 2026Episode 8655 min

EP 86: Kara Kopach of FMERA

In this episode, Christian has a conversation with Kara Kopach, Executive Director of the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA). Kara has been leading the transformation of the former Fort Monmouth military base into a thriving mixed-use community, including residential, retail, a Robert Wood Johnson healthcare campus, and the 300-acre Netflix Fort Monmouth Movie Studio. Christian and Kara unpack the complexities of large-scale redevelopment and share how community engagement and intentional planning can create spaces that truly connect with people. https://www.fortmonmouthnj.com/ https://manciniduffy.com/ (0:44) Meet Kara Kopach and Fort Monmouth’s redevelopment story (4:43) Fort Monmouth history and Kara’s personal connection (12:03) FMERA’s mission, land use, and redevelopment process (18:53) How the plan changed over time (22:09) Historic preservation and design challenges (33:52) How Netflix came to Fort Monmouth (45:03) Other major projects, including the new hospital and Riverwalk (50:39) What happens when the redevelopment work nears the finish line

March 31, 2026Episode 8559 min

EP 85: Eric Edelson of Fireclay Tile

In this episode, Christian sits down with Eric Edelson, CEO of Fireclay Tile, to explore how a small artisan studio transformed into one of the most innovative, mission-driven tile manufacturers in the country. Eric shares the company’s evolution from a 19-person operation to a 280-employee, vertically integrated business with factories in California and Washington - all while staying true to Fireclay’s roots in craftsmanship, sustainability, and design. Christian and Eric dive into what it really takes to balance handmade artistry with modern technology, from advanced customization tools to the increasing role of AI in manufacturing. The conversation highlights Fireclay’s status as a certified B Corp and the values that drive the company’s commitment to responsible business and environmental stewardship - proving that growth and integrity can go hand in hand. https://www.fireclaytile.com/ https://theantiarchitect.com/ 0:00 - Introduction to the episode and Eric Edelson 0:48 - What Fireclay Tile is and how it’s different 1:42 - Eric’s background before joining the company 5:28 - Moving from investing into operating a business 8:02 - Why craftsmanship still matters in today’s world 10:36 - Standing out in a commoditized industry 11:52 - The inefficiencies of traditional supply chains 13:10 - Going direct to the customer and why it works 15:44 - Scaling the team from 20 to 300 plus 17:02 - Preserving culture during rapid growth 18:21 - What becoming a B Corp actually requires 19:40 - Using business as a force for good in real ways 21:00 - Transitioning toward employee ownership 23:42 - Sustainability inside the manufacturing process 25:05 - How recycled materials are actually used 27:50 - Working with major commercial clients at scale 29:12 - Balancing customization with operational efficiency 32:00 - Becoming a fully integrated tile company 34:10 - Risks of vertical integration and how they manage them 39:00 - Leadership lessons from scaling a mission-driven brand 42:15 - Advice for entrepreneurs challenging legacy industries 46:10 - The future of manufacturing, design, and sustainability 50:30 - Long-term vision and what success really looks like 55:20 - Final reflections on impact, growth, and legacy 59:30 - Closing thoughts and where to learn more about Fireclay

March 10, 2026Episode 8451 min

EP 84: John Anthal of Mancini

In this episode, Christian is joined by John Anthal, Principal and Aviation Practice Director at Mancini. Over the past 12 years, John has built Mancini's aviation practice from the ground up, leading over a million square feet of work across major airports - JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Boston, and Philadelphia. His portfolio includes standout spaces like the American Airlines Flagship Lounge at JFK, one of the world’s top-ranked airport lounges. John shares the complexities of airport design, the evolving needs of travelers, and how teamwork, trust, and strategic relationships drive success. A must-listen for architects, designers, and anyone curious about shaping the airports of tomorrow. https://manciniduffy.com https://theantiarchitect.com/ (0:46) Meet John Anthal and his role at Mancini Duffy (3:02) The phone call that brought John to the firm (7:34) What annoys John about architects (15:37) Common mistakes in airport design projects (22:00) How the aviation practice at Mancini Duffy began (24:00) Building trust and long-term client relationships (39:03) Inside airport lounges and passenger experience (44:36) John’s early life and path into architecture (48:14) Advice for young architects and future leaders

March 10, 20263 min

Christian Welcomes Season 5

Listen as Christian reflects on starting Season 5 of The Anti-Architect Podcast - listeners can expect the same honesty, same curiosity, and conversations on the future of this profession. Season 5 launches on March 11, 2026!