The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey

Hosted by Joe Havey

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May 2026

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"The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" features groundbreaking conversations on critical issues in building design, construction, property management, or facilities management. These issues address acute shortages of blue-collar labor, stringent energy efficiency regulations, expanding diverse hiring, and more.

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58 recent

May 21, 202628 min

#058 Ime Ojebuoboh – Associate at Rider Levett Bucknall

How can healthcare buildings be designed to adapt to changing clinical needs? What does future-proofing really mean for healthcare facilities? How can project teams balance patient experience, operational efficiency, and long-term value? Ime Ojebuoboh's is an Associate at Rider Levett Bucknall – a global consultancy shaping the future of the built environment. Originally from Nigeria, Ime moved to Colorado at 19. Since starting his career in healthcare in 2012, he has developed a perspective centered on how facilities can more effectively serve both patients and providers. Ime is focused on guiding complex healthcare projects from concept to completion, helping align vision, strategy, and execution. Known for his thoughtful, grounded approach, Ime brings a strong emphasis on collaboration, adaptability, and long-term value. His work centers on translating the evolving demands of healthcare delivery into resilient, high-performing buildings designed for flexibility, safety, and improved patient outcomes. Listen to Ime's insights on "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 02:58 Move to Colorado From Nigeria 05:10 Starting in Healthcare 06:48 Complex Project Collaboration 12:37 Balancing Patient Experience With Codes 16:57 Future-Proofing Healthcare 19:24 Designing for the Future 23:34 Owner Representative Role 27:10 Final Thoughts Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ Connect with Ime Ojebuoboh: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ime-ojebuoboh If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify!

April 22, 202644 min

#057 Rada Doytcheva – Principal and Head of Design at RADA Architects

How can healthcare design reduce costs while improving patient and staff experience? What does "building better lives by design" look like in real spaces people use every day? Are sustainability certifications missing the bigger question of whether we should build new at all? Rada has been described as a "Messenger of Modernity." She is the Founding Principal and Head of Design at RADA Architects, a Chicago-based firm focused on creating "better lives by design." Rada grew up in Bulgaria. Her father was a pioneer of modernist healthcare design in Eastern Europe. She brings a global perspective shaped by her European roots and decades of experience across three continents. Rada is an expert in healthcare, education, and community-focused projects. She is known for rational, human-centered design and for leading complex projects with clarity and purpose. Rada is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, and her work has earned recognition including Crain's Notable Women in Construction and Design. Listen to Rada Doytcheva's insights on "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 00:00 Early Influences 07:20 Healthcare Design Legacy 11:43 European vs U.S. Design 18:12 Global Practice Insights 21:32 Better Lives by Design 29:06 Sustainability & Certifications 35:13 Innovation in Healthcare Connect with Joe: Website: https://www.ecube.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ Connect with Rada: Website: https://www.rada-arch.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rada-doytcheva-phd-faia-mba-leed-ap-994a6542/ If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify!

December 16, 202531 min

#056 Ryan Bonner – CEO and Co-Founder of Vertix Builders Inc.

How are outpatient surgery centers reshaping healthcare construction? What challenges do hospitals face with evolving codes? How can builders navigate regulatory complexity while retaining top talent? Ryan Bonner answered these key questions, on the future of healthcare buildings, on the recent episode of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey. Ryan is the CEO and co-founder of Vertix Builders Inc., a Denver-based general contractor. His company specializes in healthcare facilities and experiential projects like zoos and museums. Under his leadership, Vertix has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing large companies by the Denver Business Journal. It is also the youngest firm to win General Contractor of the Year from the American Subcontractor Association—an honor they've received three times in just ten years. A serial entrepreneur from childhood, Ryan holds an engineering degree from University of Colorado. He emphasizes company culture, innovation, and sustainable growth, and champions global health initiatives through Vertix Health Charities. Listen to Ryan's insights on "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 01:25 Introduction 02:45 Childhood entrepreneurship 04:15 Roots of Vertix Builders Inc. 08:13 Culture and retention 09:55 Vertix Health Charities global work 15:10 Outpatient surgery center trends 18:00 Hospital tech and code challenges 21:45 Skilled labor recruitment 25:20 Managing the "Authority Having Jurisdiction" (AHJ) complexity 27:55 Longevity trends in healthcare 29:25 Final thoughts Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ Website: https://www.ecube.com/ Connect with Ryan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-bonner-84785922/ Website: www.vertixbuilders.com Charity: www.vertixhealth.org If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify!

November 13, 202537 min

#055 Jay Stein – Co-founder of E Cube, Energy Technology Consultant, and Blogger

How are today's building systems adapting to the transition to new refrigerants, electrification initiatives, and indoor air quality standards? Where are the biggest inefficiencies in how buildings use energy, and how can they be addressed without compromising occupant comfort, reliability or efficiency? Jay Stein explored these urgent questions on a recent episode of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey. Jay has shaped energy technology for more than four decades. He began in the late 1970s as a laborer installing solar water heating panels and quickly moved into design, management, and analysis. In 1990, Jay co-founded E Cube with Jack Wolpert and became its first employee. Under his early leadership, the firm laid the groundwork for innovations that continue to influence energy solutions today. In 1997, Jay joined E Source, a leading organization helping utilities implement energy efficiency programs. He led the research department and played a key role in the company's growth before selling his stake in 2019. Today, Jay continues to shape the field through his blog, Energy Technology Revolution, and through consulting work with nonprofits, government agencies, policymakers, and businesses. Listen to Jay's insights on The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 01:33 Introduction 03:30 Oil Crisis of the 1970s 06:30 Co-founding E Cube in the 1990s 11:57 Work at E Source 14:05 Refrigerant Transition 18:37 Indoor Air Quality 23:50 Electrification 32:50 Future of Building Systems 36:15 Final Thoughts Connect with Joe: Website: https://www.ecube.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ Connect with Jay: Blog: https://energytechnologyrevolution.com If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a review of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

October 8, 202535 min

#054 Brad Carter – Founder and President of LPM Advisors LLC

What is the most critical element that needs to be in place at the very beginning of a construction project? How can you get ahead of the most overlooked risks during the construction phase? What changes in the construction process will determine the next decade of building innovation? Brad Carter, Founder and President of LPM Advisors LLC, answered these and other key questions on a recent episode of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey. Brad has over 26 years of leadership experience in the construction industry. He has guided project teams from concept through completion, making him an expert in all aspects of the building construction process. Most recently, he served as Vice President and Operations Manager for Turner Construction in Chicago. In that role, he led more than 200 staff and oversaw $700 million in annual revenue. Throughout his career, Brad has emphasized safety, culture, and continuous improvement. In 2025, he launched LPM Advisors to help owners and stakeholders achieve project success through innovative construction consulting. Listen to Brad's insights on "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 01:25 Introduction 02:35 Early lessons at Turner Construction 12:25 The beginnings of LPM Advisors 15:45 The critical elements of the construction process 22:57 Getting ahead of the risks 27:15 Future of building innovation 33:35 Final thoughts Connect with Joe: Website: https://www.ecube.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ Connect with Brad: Website: https://lpmadvisorsllc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-carter-81360617/ If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify!

August 4, 202538 min

#053 Grant Stevens – President of Stevens Strategic Alliance

How do real estate markets in Europe and India differ from the U.S.? Why is the construction industry notoriously resistant to change? What are the biggest impediments to design and construction, and how can we overcome them? Grant Stevens, president of Stevens Strategic Alliance, answered these and other intriguing questions on a recent episode of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey. Grant brings over 40 years of experience in real estate, having led more than 365 projects across 55 markets and $9.5 billion in development. His work includes expanding Hines into Europe and India, managing iconic projects like the Frank Gehry-designed New World Symphony in Miami, and advising Stanford's Global Projects Center. Grant's expertise connects innovation, proptech, and real-world challenges—helping the industry overcome barriers to change. His work has been recognized with awards from MagnateView, the Denver Award Program, Construction Tech Review, CIOReview, and others. Listen to Grant's insights on The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 00:44 Meet Grant Stevens 01:56 Challenges and innovations in India 05:50 Real estate landscapes: US, Europe, and India 09:48 One Horizon Center in India 11:29 New World Symphony in Miami 16:45 Shaping innovation with Stanford's Global Project Center 21:41 Real estate's resistance to change 27:18 Future of building spaces: user expectations Connect with Joe: Website: https://www.ecube.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ Connect with Grant: Website: https://stevenssa.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantraymondstevens If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey on Apple and Spotify!

July 7, 202538 min

#052 Nancy Kohout – Senior Principal and Mechanical Discipline Leader at SmithGroup

What is data center heat recovery and why does it matter for decarbonization? How do penalties and fines (from inefficient energy management) reshape building design and operation? Why is storytelling a crucial skill for engineers? Nancy Kohout – senior principal and mechanical discipline leader at SmithGroup – answered these questions on a recent episode of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey. Nancy is a licensed mechanical engineer based in Chicago, with 30 years of experience in decarbonization strategy, mechanical design, and team leadership. She is also a technical account manager for the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Climate Challenge. Her passions lie in driving progress on electrification and heat recovery, and in creating clear pathways to leadership for women in engineering. Nancy currently serves as president of the Illinois chapter of ASHRAE and co-chairs the upcoming 2026 Women in ASHRAE Leadership Symposium. Outside of work, she enjoys road-tripping to national parks in her camper van, exploring new cultures through travel, and spending time with her family. Listen to Nancy's insights on The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 02:07 Nancy's journey into engineering 06:07 The importance of storytelling in engineering 08:14 Working with the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Climate Challenge 13:44 Strategic decarbonization in engineering projects 19:22 The inevitable rise of energy inefficiency penalties and fines 20:11 Challenges and opportunities in electrification of heating systems 22:53 Peak shaving and grid-interactive design 24:46 Data center heat recovery and decarbonization 26:29 The role of policy in waste heat reuse 31:46 Women in ASHRAE Leadership Symposium 35:55 Final thoughts Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ Connect with Nancy Kohout: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-kohout-p-e-leed-ap-151b9822/ If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey on Apple or Spotify.

May 14, 202531 min

#051 Connie O'Murray – Managing Director of Medical Property Management at JLL

What sets medical real estate apart from other asset types? What are the biggest challenges and opportunities in managing these properties today? Which emerging trends are shaping the future of medical buildings? Connie O'Murray addresses these and other key issues in medical real estate. Connie is the Managing Director of Medical Property Management at JLL, where she leads the national strategy for healthcare real estate. She has over 35 years of experience in commercial real estate, including 14 years focused on medical properties. Connie is an expert in medical property management, with a deep understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and emerging trends in medical buildings. She created JLL's national platform and certification program for managing medical buildings, designed to meet the unique needs of healthcare clients. She also plays an active role in the industry and currently serves as Co-Chair of the BOMA International Medical Office Conference (2024–2025), with past and current leadership roles in BOMA chapters in Houston, Denver, and Southern Colorado. Listen to Connie O'Murray's insights on The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 01:26 Introduction 02:42 How BOMA shaped Connie's career 08:15 What makes medical real estate unique 14:50 Leadership lessons from Connie's experience 18:45 Challenges and opportunities in medical real estate 22:20 Trends shaping medical buildings' future 28:58 Why specialization matters in healthcare real estate Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ Connect with Connie O'Murray: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/connie-o-murray-0a42a29/ If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey on Apple and Spotify!

April 15, 202529 min

#050 Kelly Fehr – Business Development Consultant at KELLY FEHR

What are the biggest business development mistakes design professionals make? What are the do's and don'ts for firms looking to expand into new markets? How do you ensure ongoing client satisfaction and engagement after a project is underway? Kelly Fehr—a business development consultant for the design and construction industry—answered these and many other key questions to help futureproof your business. Kelly Fehr is a business development consultant specializing in helping architectural and engineering design firms worldwide. With a background in behavioral science from UC Davis, she took an unconventional path into the design and construction industry. She built her expertise from the ground up, learning how to connect design professionals and contractors with the right opportunities. She has helped design firms land multi-million-dollar projects, including work at Denver International Airport. Her approach combines deep market research with strong relationship-building—what she calls "discovery-driven client development." Kelly has spoken at national and local American Institute of Architects (AIA) conferences. She leads workshops on how to talk to clients about climate change and the built environment. For Kelly, innovation happens when owners and design professionals truly connect, and she believes business development (essentially business relationships) should be both productive and fun. Listen to Kelly's insights on The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 01:30 Meet Kelly Fehr 02:45 Kelly's unconventional career path 03:27 Behavioral science and business development 05:30 Denver International Airport opportunity 07:45 Discovery-driven client development 15:10 Expanding into new markets 18:35 Ensuring ongoing client satisfaction 23:00 Making business development fun 25:50 Futureproofing your business 26:50 Final thoughts Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ Connect with Kelly: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyfehr/ If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify!

March 18, 202539 min

#049 Mani Farhadi – Senior Facilities Planner at Stanford University

How do cultural influences shape modern architecture? What strategies help architects create more inclusive spaces? How can collaboration improve the design process for complex projects? Mani Farhadi answers these and other key questions on the latest episode of The Future of Buildings. Mani Farhadi is a prominent thought leader and Senior Facilities Planner at Stanford University's School of Medicine. She has over 30 years of experience in design and planning, specializing in educational environments. Mani's Iranian roots and American upbringing have shaped her unique approach and viewpoint to life in general, as well as architecture and leadership. She had her rights trampled in Iran decades ago, and carries that experience with her to this day. She is sensitive to how we treat each other as people in the workplace, and making the world a better place. She focuses on human-centered design, emphasizing empathy, collaboration, and making sure all voices are heard in the planning process. As a passionate mentor and guide, Mani has facilitated workshops, Town Halls, and presented at major conferences such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), and San Francisco Design Week. She serves on several nonprofit boards, including the Institute for Traditional Psychoethics and Guidance, Wellesley College Alumnae, and the Niosha International Conservatory of Arts. She's also authored several publications, including blogs on topics like "Design Your Life" and "An Education to Remember" published by Perkins + Will in their annual publication "Current." Listen to Mani Farhadi's insights on "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 02:30 Mani Farhadi's early inspirations 06:02 Educational journey and early career 08:31 Cultural influences on architecture 14:11 Mentorship and advocacy 19:19 Human-centered design principles 22:29 Navigating complex projects at Stanford 31:41 Global trends in architecture 36:36 Final thoughts Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ Connect with Mani Farhadi: Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/manifarhadi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mani-ardalan-farhadi-6294183/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mani2farhadi/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mani.a.farhadi/ If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify!