The Blueprint Tour

SummaryKenny Shultz and Carter discuss design from a branding expert’s perspective. They sit down with lead brand strategist Christie Thompson of Campfire & Co. to talk about their experiences in the industry, the importance of brand strategy, and the challenges of integrating the brand into construction. They also touch on the proposal writing process, emotional regulation's value, and the specialization of Campfire & Co.’s businesses. Campfire & Co. is a design agency that focuses on branding, brand identity, interior design, and generally the art of making things awesome and beautiful. They work with clients to create unique and impactful brand identities that reflect their vision and goals. The agency uses a process-driven approach and values strong client communication and collaboration. Campfire hires team members who have a strong creative vision and perspective, and they foster a casual and authentic work environment. They also value the balance between collaboration and individual work time.Keywordsdesign, marketer's perspective, brand strategy, construction, proposal writing, emotional regulation, specialization, design agency, branding, interior design, brand identity, process-driven, communication, collaboration, Squarespace, Shopify, ongoing support, creative vision, work environmentTakeawaysDesign is a crucial aspect of marketing and branding.Brand strategy is essential for creating a cohesive and impactful brand identity.Construction is a messy process, and challenges are to be expected.Emotional regulation and professional demeanor are essential in dealing with demanding clients.Specialization in a specific industry or niche can lead to more focused and successful projects. Campfire & Co. focuses on creating unique and impactful brand identities for its clients.They use a process-driven approach and value strong communication and collaboration.Campfire & Co. are experts in Squarespace and Shopify for website design.They offer ongoing support and maintenance for their clientsThe agency hires team members with a strong creative vision and fosters a casual and authentic work environmentSound Bites"Our specialty is combining branding and interior design.""We always want to start with an understanding of brand."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Appreciation for BizSense01:09 Background and Story of Campfire05:26 Combining Branding and Interior Design06:45 Starting with an Understanding of Brand13:28 The Role of Instagram in Branding19:29 Challenges in the Construction Process25:14 Emotional Regulation and Dealing with Difficult Clients29:20 Specialization and Focus in the Industry35:11 Identity Design and Branding for Multifamily Spaces38:06 The Importance of Brand Identity for Engineers38:30 Growing a Team and Pitching Bigger Projects39:25 Creating a Brand to Sell40:42 Respecting Brands and Presenting with Care41:59 Listening to Clients and Understanding Their Vision43:54 Creating Special and Impactful Proposals46:36 Importance of Communication and Setting Boundaries47:52 Living Outside of Work and Being Present48:44 Helping Clients Remove Personal Opinions49:41 Efficiently Moving Through the Design Process52:01 Combining Interior Design and Graphic Design55:33 Exploring the Potential of AI57:21 Using AI to Improve Efficiency58:16 Using AI to Assist with Writing and Design01:02:02 Constantly Exploring New Ideas and Possibilities01:04:57 Website Design with Squarespace01:06:11 Creating Unique Website Experiences01:10:50 Hiring for Creative Vision and Authenticity01:13:11 Fostering a Casual and Authentic Work Environment01:14:21 Balancing Collaboration and Individual Work TimeWhere to Find Christie Thompson* LinkedIn (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/christie-thompson/Where to Find Campfire & Co.* website: https://campfireandco.com/* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/campfireandco/posts/?feedView=all* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campfireandco/* Dribbble: https://dribbble.com/campfireandco* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMmNhsJIoLfP-91NmX1GLHwWhere to find PermitZIP* website: https://www.permitzip.com* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permitzip* X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/PermitZIPWhere to find The Blueprint Tour* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theblueprinttour* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theblueprinttour* Kenny (Host): https://twitter.com/blueprinttour* Carter (Host): https://twitter.com/bptcarter Get full access to The Blueprint Tour at www.thebptour.com/subscribe

SummaryWe sit down with the Dodson Development Group to discuss beer, proforma, construction, creative deal structures, and how to blend a sports card store with a bar & grill. We explore the idea of streaming live card pack openings while customers can enjoy food and drinks. We also touch on the concept of buying into a card pack break, where customers can purchase a specific team and watch the pack opening live. The hosts also discuss the development process and the importance of creativity in making deals work. We highlight the role of underwriting and the significance of relationships with brokers in the commercial real estate industry. Kenny Shultz and Duke Dodson discuss developing and constructing commercial properties in this conversation. We touch on construction costs, cash flows, yield on cost, investor structures, and the challenges of raising equity. We also discuss the importance of communication and collaboration between developers, contractors, and engineers and the need for early involvement and understanding costs in the design process.Takeaways* The concept of merging a sports card and hobby shop with a sports bar allows customers to enjoy food and drinks while watching live card pack openings.* Buying into a card pack break allows customers to purchase a specific team and watch the pack opening live.* Creativity makes real estate development deals work, especially in a challenging market.* Underwriting is essential to the development process, and a deep understanding of financial analysis and math is necessary.* Building relationships with brokers is valuable in finding and securing deals in the commercial real estate industry. Developers must consider construction costs, cash flows, and yield on cost when evaluating a project.* Raising equity can be challenging and requires constant communication with lenders and investors.* Early involvement and collaboration between developers, contractors, and engineers are crucial for successful project execution.* Understanding costs and making informed decisions can help optimize the design and construction process.* Effective communication and a proactive approach can help mitigate challenges and ensure project success.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Warm-up00:57 The Concept of Merging a Sports Card Shop with a Sports Bar02:25 Card Pack Breaks and Live Streaming08:26 The Importance of Creativity in Real Estate Development17:11 Overcoming Challenges and Building Relationships24:03 The Role of Underwriting in the Development Process28:46 Building Relationships with Brokers in Commercial Real Estate32:20 Navigating Construction Costs and Cash Flows37:03 The Art and Science of Raising Equity44:04 Understanding Costs and Optimizing Design52:28 Effective Communication and CollaborationSound BitesQuotes"Real estate developers are creative in different ways, but in commercial real estate, anything's negotiable. It's like the Wild West."Keywordssports cards, sports bar, streaming, card pack break, development, underwriting, creativity, commercial real estate, brokers, commercial development, construction costs, cash flows, yield on cost, investor structures, raising equity, communication, collaboration, early involvement, understanding costsWhere to find Duke Dodson* website: https://www.dodsondev.com/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duke_dodson* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dodsonpropertymanagement2081Where to find PermitZIP* website: https://www.permitzip.com* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permitzip* X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/PermitZIPWhere to find The Blueprint Tour* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theblueprinttour* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theblueprinttour* Kenny (Host): https://twitter.com/blueprinttour* Carter (Host): https://twitter.com/bptcarter Get full access to The Blueprint Tour at www.thebptour.com/subscribe

SummaryIn this conversation, Kenny and Carter sit with Austin and Sean, both life safety and fire protection professionals. They discuss the intricacies of fire protection engineering and the design of sprinkler systems. They explore the challenges of coordinating sprinkler pipes with other building systems and the importance of early involvement of fire protection engineers in the design process. The conversation also delves into the concept of performance-based design, which focuses on setting objectives and using technical analysis to meet those objectives rather than following prescriptive code requirements. The guests highlight the need for collaboration among stakeholders, including fire marshals, to ensure the safety and functionality of buildings. In this conversation, Kenny Shultz, a fire protection engineer, discusses the importance of including a fire protection engineer in the early stages of building design. He emphasizes the need for proactive planning and collaboration between different disciplines to ensure the safety of occupants and compliance with fire codes. Kenny also highlights the role of performance-based design and the challenges and controversies in the fire protection industry. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the value of fire protection engineering in protecting human lives and preventing costly mistakes.Takeaways* Fire protection engineering involves more than just designing sprinkler systems and requires expertise in various areas, such as smoke control systems and fire and egress modeling.* Performance-based design focuses on setting objectives and using technical analysis to meet those objectives rather than following prescriptive code requirements.* Collaboration among stakeholders, including fire marshals, is crucial to ensure the safety and functionality of buildings.* Early involvement of fire protection engineers in the design process can help avoid coordination issues with other building systems.* Considerations beyond life safety, such as protecting valuable assets or maintaining business operations, may influence the design of fire protection systems.* Fire modeling and performance-based design can help optimize the design of systems such as smoke control and HVAC, resulting in cost savings and improved functionality. Including a fire protection engineer in the early stages of building design is crucial for ensuring the safety of occupants and compliance with fire codes.* Proactive planning and collaboration between different disciplines is necessary to address fire protection requirements effectively.* Performance-based design allows for more flexibility in building design but requires technical expertise and collaboration with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs).* Challenges and controversies in the fire protection industry include debates over using newer technologies, overdesigning for safety, and adopting performance-based design.* Fire protection engineers play a critical role in identifying potential hazards, designing fire protection systems, and conducting special inspections to properly implement fire safety measures.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview06:09 Integration of Fire Protection Engineering in Design13:44 Coordination Challenges and Budget Constraints25:02 Performance-Based Design Approach29:52 Decision-Making and Risk Acceptance35:29 Smoke Control Design and Modeling38:19 Similarities with HVAC Modeling39:13 Considering Worst-Case Scenarios in Building Design48:13 Challenges of Performance-Based Design55:23 The Role of Guesswork in HVAC Load Calculations01:01:28 The Value of Fire Protection Engineering in Protecting Human Lives01:08:45 The Importance of Including a Fire Protection Engineer in Building DesignKeywordsfire protection engineering, sprinkler systems, coordination, performance-based design, code requirements, stakeholders, fire protection engineering, building design, collaboration, performance-based design, fire codes, safety, occupant load, smoke control, special inspection, implementation, experienceWhere to find Austin Grant, PE* LinkedIn (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/austingrantpeWhere to find PBFPE, PLLC* website: https://pbfpe.com* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pbfpe Where to Find Sean Vizgirda, CFPS, MIFireE, MSFPE, EIT* LinkedIn (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-vizgirda/Where to find PermitZIP* website: https://www.permitzip.com* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permitzip* X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/PermitZIPWhere to find The Blueprint Tour* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theblueprinttour* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theblueprinttour* Kenny (Host): https://twitter.com/blueprinttour* Carter (Host): https://twitter.com/bptcarter Get full access to The Blueprint Tour at www.thebptour.com/subscribe

SummaryMax shares his journey from a soccer player and skier to a managing director of LevCon Analytics, discussing the construction industry's evolution, technology's impact, and the ConvergeIt product's development. He emphasizes the importance of user engagement and the industry's cultural shift. We cover various architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) technology topics, including software tools, project management, AI, machine learning, and data management. Max shares insights on the challenges and opportunities in the AEC industry and the impact of technology on project efficiency and decision-making.Takeaways* The impact of technology and data consulting on the construction industry is a critical step all AEC businesses should be making.* LevCon Analytics developed ConvergeIt, a data integration platform for building owners to manage asset information, aggregating building information into a single source of truth.* User engagement and the adoption of new technology are critical factors in the success of software development within the construction industry. * Machine learning and AI are transforming the AEC industry, offering automation and data-driven insights opportunities.* Data management and access to historical project data are essential for leveraging technology to improve project outcomes.* Be careful using LLM’s from third parties like OpenAI due to indemnification language.Sound Bites"Humans using AI are going to replace humans." —Max Nevermann"We trained it on all of our RFIs and our submittals. And so that was 40 years worth of data that we just fed it." —Max Neverman (on creating in-house LLMs)Chapters00:00 The Journey from Soccer to Software: A Diverse Career Path03:37 The Impact of Technology and Data Consulting in Construction50:31 The Impact of AEC Technology on Project Efficiency and Decision-Making57:26 Automation and Efficiency with Group Inserter01:19:34 COBE: Construction Operations, Building Information Exchange01:25:11 Training AI on RFIs and Submittals01:35:11 On-Premise AI and Closed-Loop SystemsKeywordsconstruction industry, technology, data consulting, software development, user engagement, cultural shift, AEC technology, architecture, engineering, construction, software tools, project management, AI, machine learning, data managementWhere to find Max Nevermann* LinkedIn (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-nevermann-a2996566/Where to find Levcon Analytics* website: https://levconanalytics.com/* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@levconanalytics3905* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/levcon-analytics/Where to find PermitZIP* website: https://www.permitzip.com* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permitzip* X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/PermitZIPWhere to find The Blueprint Tour* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theblueprinttour* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theblueprinttour* Kenny (Host): https://twitter.com/blueprinttour* Carter (Host): https://twitter.com/bptcarterThe Blueprint Tour is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Blueprint Tour at www.thebptour.com/subscribe

SummaryIn this conversation, Kenny, Carter, and Matt discuss the challenges and frustrations in the engineering and design industry, particularly in the light commercial market. We touch on unrealistic client expectations, the importance of collaboration between engineers and contractors, the need for design-assist or design-build approaches, and the significance of understanding project budgets and proformas. They also emphasize the importance of clear communication, trust, and the ability to adapt and make informed decisions throughout the design and construction process. We cover other topics related to the construction industry, including estimating costs, design considerations, coordination of trades, and the role of the general contractor (GC). Kenny emphasized the importance of experience and relationships in the industry and the need for transparency and clear communication. Matt discussed logistics challenges, such as getting materials on site and coordinating crane operations. Matt also highlighted the role of the GC in making deals happen and ensuring the success of a project. Kenny expressed his concerns about industry practices, such as pay-when-paid clauses and unrealistic contingencies, and called for improvements in the industry.Keywordsengineering, design, light commercial market, client expectations, collaboration, design assist, design-build, project budgets, proforma, communication, trust, construction industry, estimating costs, design considerations, coordination of trades, general contractor, logistics, industry practicesTakeaways* Unrealistic client expectations and a lack of understanding of the engineering and design process can lead to frustration and conflicts in the industry.* Collaboration between engineers and contractors is crucial in ensuring successful project outcomes.* Design assist or design build approaches are often more effective in the light commercial market, allowing for better coordination and problem-solving.* Understanding project budgets and proformas is essential for making informed decisions and avoiding costly mistakes.* Clear communication, trust, and adaptability are critical factors in navigating the engineering and design industry challenges. Experience and relationships are crucial in the construction industry.* Transparency and clear communication are essential for successful projects.* Logistics can be challenging, such as getting materials on site and coordinating crane operations.* The general contractor is critical in making deals happen and ensuring project success.* Industry practices, such as pay-when-paid clauses and unrealistic contingencies, need improvement.Sound Bites"If you're in the light commercial market, there is almost an annoyance that any dollars are having to be paid on an engineer." - Kenneth Shultz"Estimation itself is an art and a design." - Matt Sevinsky"Pay-when-paid is insane. No bank would ever lend money under those terms." - Kenneth Shultz"The GC's role is to make the deal happen." - Matt SevinskyChapters00:00 Introduction and Problem Statement03:01 Navigating Unrealistic Client Expectations09:05 The Importance of Collaboration in Engineering and Design14:18 The Benefits of Design Assist and Design Build Approaches25:30 The Role of Clear Communication and Trust in the Industry39:45 The Importance of Experience and Relationships52:22 Transparency and Clear Communication01:03:33 Challenges of Logistics in Construction01:08:04 The Role of the General Contractor01:14:07 Improving Industry Practices Get full access to The Blueprint Tour at www.thebptour.com/subscribe

SummaryChefSuite is a ghost kitchen facility that provides resources and support to chef tenants. They offer flexible lease terms and a private kitchen space for efficient operations on delivery-only apps. Jarnail and his team worked hard to determine the project's needs based on the business plan and available real estate, particularly in the heart of the Covid crisis. The focus was on creating a comfortable and inviting space for tenants, with attention to ventilation and climate control. We discussed the challenge in coordination between trades, and clear communication was crucial for the project's success. We discuss the challenges and benefits of operating a ghost kitchen and the importance of marketing and digital presence. The conversation covers various topics related to the challenges and complexities of building a restaurant, including the importance of MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) systems, the need for experienced contractors, the value of investing in the right equipment, the importance of trust and communication in the construction process, the role of marketing and social media in the restaurant industry, the significance of underwriting and financing in restaurant projects, and the role of engineers in advocating for their clients and navigating building codes and regulations.Takeaways* Chef Suite provides resources and support to chef tenants in a ghost kitchen facility.* The design process involved determining the project's needs based on the business plan and available real estate.* Coordination between trades and clear communication were vital to the project's success.* Operating a ghost kitchen requires focusing on marketing and digital presence to reach customers on delivery-only apps. MEP systems are crucial in restaurant construction and require a significant portion of the budget.* Investing in the right equipment is essential for the success of a restaurant.* Trust and communication are fundamental in the construction process, and it is essential to have open and honest conversations with contractors and consultants.* Marketing and social media play a significant role in the success of a restaurant.* Underwriting and financing can be challenging for restaurant projects, especially new concepts.* Engineers can provide valuable expertise and advocacy in navigating building codes and regulations.Sound Bites"Creating a comfortable and inviting space for tenants is a key benefit of ChefSuite.""Clear communication and coordination between trades are essential for successful design and construction projects.""It's not just as simple as hooking up a hood."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Chef Suite and the Concept of Ghost Kitchens01:00 Creating a Supportive Environment for Chef Tenants32:00 Marketing and Digital Presence in the Ghost Kitchen Industry40:28 The Challenges of Building a Restaurant47:38 The Importance of Technology and Marketing in the Restaurant Industry55:14 The Role of Underwriting and Financing in Restaurant Projects01:08:29 The Advocacy Role of Engineers in Navigating Building CodesWhere to find Jarnail Tucker* LinkedIn (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarnail-tucker-421675b/Where to find ChefSuite* website: https://www.chefsuite.com* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefsuiterva* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chefsuiteWhere to find PermitZIP* website: https://www.permitzip.com* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permitzip* X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/PermitZIPWhere to find The Blueprint Tour* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theblueprinttour* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theblueprinttour* Kenny (Host): https://twitter.com/blueprinttour* Carter (Host): https://twitter.com/bptcarter Get full access to The Blueprint Tour at www.thebptour.com/subscribe

SummaryThe conversation revolves around the challenges and dynamics of design in the construction industry, particularly in the context of small commercial projects. The transition from a general contractor (GC) role to the tech world is discussed, highlighting the importance of transparency and stakeholder communication. The cost and value of MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) systems are explored, focusing on HVAC. The difficulties of decision-making, coordination, and managing design changes are also addressed. The conversation explores the challenges and complexities of design in the construction industry, particularly from the perspectives of engineers and general contractors. It highlights the importance of collaboration, trust, and communication between stakeholders. The discussion touches on topics such as the role of trades in design, the impact of budget constraints on design decisions, the difficulty of explaining technical concepts to non-technical individuals, the need for contingency planning, and the importance of setting clear expectations in design. In this conversation, Kenny Shultz discusses his transition from being an accountant to working in construction and eventually joining a software company. He highlights the importance of relationships in the construction industry and the challenges of estimating and pricing projects. The conversation also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on the construction industry and the difficulties of dealing with supply chain disruptions. Kenny emphasizes the need for transparency and communication with clients when explaining pricing and variances. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the challenges faced by structural engineers and the potential for collaboration between different professionals in the industry.Takeaways* Transparency and communication are crucial in navigating design challenges in the construction industry.* The cost and value of MEP systems, particularly HVAC, are significant considerations in construction projects.* Decision-making can be difficult, but making informed decisions with the available information is important.* Coordination and managing design changes require proactive and collaborative efforts from all stakeholders.* Understanding the limitations and expectations of different project types can help manage costs and deliver successful outcomes. Collaboration and clear communication between different stakeholders are crucial for successful design in the construction industry.* Trades' role in design is often overlooked, but their input is valuable in ensuring practicality and feasibility.* Budget constraints can significantly impact design decisions, and trade-offs may need to be made to meet financial limitations.* Explaining technical concepts to non-technical individuals can be challenging, and it requires finding the right balance between clarity and condescension.* Contingency planning is essential in design, especially in adaptive reuse projects or situations with unknown variables.* Setting clear expectations and managing them throughout the design process is key to avoiding misunderstandings and conflicts. Relationships are crucial in the construction industry and can help build stakeholder trust and understanding.* Estimating and pricing projects in construction can be challenging, especially when dealing with variables such as supply chain disruptions and changing market conditions.* Transparency and communication with clients are essential when explaining pricing and addressing variances in estimates.* Structural engineers face unique challenges in ensuring the safety and stability of buildings while also considering cost and design constraints.* Collaboration between professionals in the construction industry, such as GCs, engineers, and software developers, can lead to innovative solutions and improved processes.Quotes We Loved"We throw coordination at you guys and there's all these buzzwords that we just start throwing back and forth with each other." - Chris"Working for a general contractor has made me so good at making decisions with less than 100% information." - Chris"HVAC is always the first cost to be cut, but it's also the first thing complained about during the first week of CO." - Kenny"It's always a person, a people problem. Really, ultimately most things that we think are technical as engineers are usually just comes from a relationship thing that can be remedied outside of the technical world." - Kenny"When you make something cheaper, you're removing your ability to handle that variability." - Kenny (on value engineering HVAC systems)Chapters00:00 Introduction and Transition from GC to Tech World07:30 The Art of Decision-Making in Construction30:59 The Importance of Collaboration and Communication in Design41:31 Explaining Technical Concepts to Non-Technical Individuals49:59 Setting Clear Expectations in the Design Process01:01:44 The Importance of Relationships01:11:07 Challenges in Estimating and Pricing01:23:04 The Challenges Faced by Structural Engineers Get full access to The Blueprint Tour at www.thebptour.com/subscribe

SummaryIn this episode, Kenny Shultz, PE, Carter Huddleston, PE, Todd Burdge, PE, and Pete Price discuss the topic of design. They explore the importance of belonging and collaboration within design teams, the challenges of working in silos, and the need for open communication and feedback. They also touch on the concept of easy design versus good design, the role of relationships in the design process, and the importance of considering maintenance and long-term care in landscape architecture and structural design. The conversation highlights the need to balance the art and science of design and the importance of understanding and working within code requirements. The principal themes of the conversation include coordination, constraints, zoning and building codes, understanding different disciplines, the importance of hard work and self-belief, and the value of feedback and communication skills in consulting engineering. They continue to discuss the importance of staying engaged with projects as consultants and the value of soft skills in the industry. They also touch on the power of storytelling in design and the need for humility and bravery in the field. They emphasize the importance of hard work and self-belief in achieving success. They also discuss the challenges of balancing work and personal life and the importance of judgment in making professional decisions.Takeaways* Belonging and collaboration are essential for successful design teams.* Working in silos and lack of communication can hinder the design process.* Good design requires a balance between the art and science of design.* Consideration of maintenance and long-term care is crucial in landscape architecture and structural design.* Understanding and working within code requirements is important in design. Coordination is a key topic in the conversation, highlighting the importance of effective communication and collaboration in design and construction projects.* Constraints, such as building codes and zoning ordinances, significantly shape the design process and require careful consideration and problem-solving.* Understanding different disciplines, such as architecture, civil engineering, and landscape architecture, is crucial for successful collaboration and achieving the desired outcomes.* Hard work and self-belief are essential for personal and professional growth, and they contribute to building confidence and finding purpose in one's work.* Feedback is valuable for continuous improvement and learning, and creating a culture of short accounts can help address conflicts and build trust within teams.* Effective communication skills, including reading the room and understanding social dynamics, are essential in consulting engineering to navigate client meetings and interactions. Staying engaged with projects as consultants is crucial, even after they leave your hands.* Soft skills like communication and improvisation are essential in building client relationships.* Storytelling is a powerful tool in design, allowing for a deeper connection with the meaning behind the project.* Humility and bravery are key traits for success in the industry.* Hard work is essential, even for the most talented individuals.* Balancing work and personal life is important for overall well-being.* Professional judgment is valuable in making decisions and solving problems.* The importance of self-belief and perseverance in overcoming obstacles.* The value of having the right people on your team.Chapters* 00:00 Introduction and Setting* 11:48 Considering Maintenance in Landscape Architecture and Structural Design* 35:20 Navigating Constraints: Building Codes and Zoning* 43:09 The Role of Hard Work and Self-Belief* 51:07 Communication Skills in Consulting Engineering* 01:06:08 Staying Engaged as ConsultantsWhere to find Todd* LinkedIn (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-burdge-pe-500134bb* LinkedIn (EVOLV Engineering): https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolv-engineering/* website: https://www.evolv.engineering* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolv.engineering* Podcast (Creating Evolving Organizations): https://www.creatingevolvingorganizations.comWhere to find Pete* website: https://fall.la* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fall_line_* LinkedIn (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-price-48b3a02a* LinkedIn (Fall Line): https://www.linkedin.com/company/fall-line-llcWhere to find PermitZIP* website: https://www.permitzip.com* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permitzip* X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/PermitZIPWhere to find The Blueprint Tour* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theblueprinttour* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theblueprinttour Get full access to The Blueprint Tour at www.thebptour.com/subscribe

SummaryIn this conversation, Kenny Shultz, PE, Carter Huddleston, PE, and Josh Krider, President of Howell’s Heating and Air discuss the challenges and considerations of HVAC design in commercial and residential buildings, including zoning, comfort expectations, control systems, wireless thermostats, coordination issues, and communication. They highlight the need for engineers and contractors to be on the same page about what is shown and not shown in drawings and the importance of considering construction tolerance. They also discuss the role of design assist (direct consulting between the engineer and trade contractor) in refining designs and catching budget busters early as well as focusing on effective communication and collaboration. They also discuss the impact of different projects on HVAC design and cost, such as commercial kitchens and smoking bars. The conversation concludes with a discussion of using technologies like destratification fans and bipolar ionization to improve indoor air quality and reduce ventilation rates. Takeaways* Coordination is crucial in design-build projects, and good trade contractors understand what is not shown in drawings.* Design assist can help refine designs and catch budget busters early by allowing contractors to provide input and expertise early in the design process.* Effective communication and collaboration between engineers and tradespeople is essential for successful projects.* Projects like commercial kitchens and smoking bars have specific HVAC design challenges and cost implications.* Technologies like destratification fans and bipolar ionization can improve indoor air quality and reduce ventilation rates. Designing HVAC systems for commercial buildings can be more complex than for residential buildings due to zoning and usage differences.* Managing comfort expectations is essential, as many tenants are inexperienced in construction and may have unrealistic expectations.* Zoning systems can be challenging to implement in commercial and residential buildings, and keeping them as simple as possible is essential.* Wireless thermostats can be convenient in specific applications, but their use in commercial buildings is limited due to battery replacement and reliability concerns.* Effective communication and collaboration between engineers and contractors is crucial for successful project coordination and problem-solving.Featured QuoteSometimes, even the fanciest systems don’t achieve the desired results:"Every single user had a sensor on the wall and it still was chaos." - Josh KriderChapters00:00 The Challenges of Coordination in Design-Build Projects07:16 Effective Communication and Collaboration between Engineers and Tradespeople14:52 The Importance of Construction Tolerance in HVAC Design38:54 Challenges in HVAC Design for Commercial and Residential Buildings45:20 The Pros and Cons of Wireless Thermostats in Commercial ApplicationsWhere to find Josh* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-krider-a873284/Where to find Howell’s Heating and Air Conditioning* website: https://www.howellsac.com* Instagram: https://instagram.com/howellsac_* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howellsheatingac* X: https://twitter.com/howellsacWhere to find PermitZIP* website: https://www.permitzip.com* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permitzip Get full access to The Blueprint Tour at www.thebptour.com/subscribe

SummaryIn this conversation, hosts Kenny Shultz and Carter Huddleston, and guest Chris Brown discuss the construction coordination challenges, particularly from the owner's perspective. They touch on trust, payment issues, and the importance of having the right team. They also delve into the complexities of HVAC systems in restaurant construction, including the sizing of hoods and the difficulties of balancing air. The conversation highlights the importance of simplicity and reliability in HVAC design and the challenges of coordinating with landlords and lease agreements. In this conversation, Kenny Shultz discusses the difficulties of coordinating construction projects, particularly in the restaurant industry. He talks about the strict hood rules and unexpected costs that can arise during approval. He also highlights the importance of navigating the politics and jurisdictional issues with permits and coordinating with different trades. Kenny emphasizes the need for trust and communication between engineers, contractors, and tradespeople, as well as the importance of understanding the business needs and budget constraints when designing HVAC systems. He also touches on the difficulties of opening a new restaurant and the coordination required between construction and operations.Takeaways* Coordination is the hardest part of construction, and trust is crucial in building a reliable team.* Payment issues can arise when contractors or partners don't pay their bills, causing problems for the project.* HVAC systems in restaurant construction, particularly hoods, can be complex and expensive, and proper sizing and air balancing are essential.* The coordination of HVAC systems with lease agreements and landlord requirements can present challenges.* Simplicity and reliability are key in HVAC design, and using trusted equipment and suppliers can help ensure success. Coordinating construction projects in the restaurant industry can be challenging due to strict hood rules and unexpected costs during the approval process.* Navigating the politics and jurisdictional issues that come with permits is crucial for a successful project.* Trust and communication between engineers, contractors, and tradespeople are essential for smooth coordination.* Understanding the business needs and budget constraints is important when designing HVAC systems.* Opening a new restaurant requires coordination between construction and operations, and delays can have significant consequences.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview08:11 The Importance of Trust in Building a Reliable Team26:14 The Value of Simplicity and Reliability in HVAC Design33:21 Coordinating Egos and Preferences40:25 Setting Expectations and Building Trust46:50 The Challenges of Opening a New Restaurant53:19 Sourcing Contractors and Working with a National ContractorFeatured Quote"The probability of success of your restaurant is directly proportional to the length of your hood."Keywordscoordination, construction, owner's perspective, trust, payment issues, HVAC, hoods, air balancing, lease agreements, construction coordination, restaurant industry, hood rules, unexpected costs, permits, jurisdictional issues, trust, communication, HVAC design, business needs, budget constraints, opening a restaurant Get full access to The Blueprint Tour at www.thebptour.com/subscribe