Spaces Podcast
About
Discover the powerful forces—environmental, political, cultural, and economic—that shape our built environment and, in turn, our lives. Hosted by award winning architect Dimitrius Lynch, each episode brings you insightful conversations with top industry professionals who reveal how our spaces evolve and impact society. From historical shifts to future trends, SPACES Podcast uncovers the stories behind the places we inhabit and explores how these transformations will continue to influence us all. Tune in to this leading architecture + design podcast to understand the connections between the spaces around us and the lives we lead.
Episodes
- 204. Why California Housing is So Expensive, What 2026 Governor Candidates Got Wrong (and Right)
Dimitrius examines the reasons behind California's high housing costs and evaluates the housing platforms of the 2026 California Governor candidates. He also shares guidance for homeowners and builders from his new guidebook.
- 203. Off-Grid, the Hot Rod of Buildings, with David Sellers
David Sellers, Principal Architect and co-founder of Hawaii Off-Grid, discusses the evolution and importance of net-zero buildings and sustainable architecture. He highlights innovative materials and technologies transforming the industry,…
- 202. Most Problems Start Before Construction
This episode of Spaces Podcast features Dimitrius, who discusses preventing common problems in construction projects. He highlights the importance of clear scope, accurate budgeting, and proactive planning to avoid issues during constructi…
- 201. Revolutionizing Lease Arbitrage with Alex Passler
This episode features Alex Passler, founder of Vallist, discussing how his company is revolutionizing office design and creating high-quality shared spaces. The conversation covers the future of office design and the reshaping of the share…
- 12: We're Not Done - LYNES Presents: Built to Divide
Dimitrius Lynch explores the American housing crisis in this episode, analyzing its historical and economic roots, and discussing how housing became a vehicle for wealth extraction. He suggests solutions such as legalizing more housing and…
- 11: The Tea Leaves of Feudalism 2.0 - LYNES Presents: Built to Divide
This episode of Spaces Podcast, titled "The Tea Leaves of Feudalism 2.0 - LYNES Presents: Built to Divide", discusses how historical "other-ism" and current trends in finance and technology could lead to a modern form of feudalism. It expl…
- 10: Divide & Conquer - LYNES Presents: Built to Divide
Dimitrius Lynch discusses how crises lead to wealth transfers and reshape ownership. The episode explores the impact of instability on housing, connecting past practices like redlining to modern financial instruments and policy narratives.
- 09: Under Pressure - LYNES Presents: Built to Divide
This episode of Built to Divide dissects the collision of NIMBY politics, Proposition 13 in California, environmental law, rising construction costs, and cultural status signaling that defined housing in the 2010s. It also connects Thorste…
- 08: From Ownership to Access - LYNES Presents: Built to Divide
This episode of Built to Divide explores the shift from ownership to access, examining how the subscription economy has influenced the built environment. It discusses privatization, the role of modern power brokers, and the rise of rentier…
- 07: Eat the Middle Class - LYNES Presents: Built to Divide
This episode discusses the 2008 financial crisis bailout and its effects on the housing market and the middle class. It covers the shift of homes from shelter to financial assets and the role of various financial and political mechanisms i…
- 06: The Fog of Identity - LYNES Presents: Built to Divide
This episode of Built to Divide examines the 2008 housing crisis, connecting it to social identity theory and the formation of "us vs. them" groups. It explores how these dynamics contributed to the rise of subprime mortgages and the event…
- 05: Shock & Awe - LYNES Presents: Built to Divide
This episode of Spaces Podcast, titled "Shock & Awe - LYNES Presents: Built to Divide," examines the 1971 Nixon Shock and its impact on the global financial system. It traces how the end of the gold standard, combined with shifts in housin…
- 04: The Pivot - LYNES Presents: Built to Divide
This episode of Spaces Podcast, titled "The Pivot - LYNES Presents: Built to Divide," discusses the impact of the Civil Rights Movement on urban planning and housing. It explores how various policies and events, from the Civil Rights Act t…
- 03: The Great Reset - LYNES Presents: Built to Divide
Dimitrius Lynch traces how the end of World War II and federal housing policy contributed to the expansion of the middle class while also deepening racial and economic divisions. The episode examines the impact of FHA and VA loans, the ris…
- 02: Territorial Imperative - LYNES Presents: Built to Divide
This episode of Built to Divide examines the historical development of American finance, from the Panic of 1907 and the creation of the Federal Reserve to the impact of central banking and policy choices on wealth distribution and housing…
- 01: Proxemics & Personal Space - LYNES Presents: Built to Divide
This episode of Spaces Podcast, titled "Proxemics & Personal Space - Built to Divide," explores the historical development of housing in America, examining how primal instincts and various societal structures have influenced the current ho…
- Introducing Built to Divide - LYNES Presents: Built to Divide
This episode introduces Built to Divide, a cinematic audio documentary that explores how American homes became central to inequality. It unearths the forces that shaped where people live and who belongs, from historical narratives to moder…
- RECHECK: Prisons
This episode discusses criminal justice reform and the evolution of prison design, including potential improvements for the future. It revisits a standout episode from the archive.
- RECHECK: Cannabis Facilities
This episode of Spaces Podcast discusses the cannabis industry, including different facility types and historical context. Anthony Winston III of Winston Engineering shares his expertise.
- RECHECK: Graffiti/Street Art
This episode revisits the topic of graffiti and street art. Danni Simpson, a commercial and street artist, shares insights into her work and the changing perception of graffiti in urban environments.
- RECHECK: Transportation
This episode of Spaces Podcast discusses urban transportation. Brandon Reyes P.E., Project Manager at Michael Baker International, joins the show to discuss upcoming changes in transportation.
- RECHECK: Movie Theaters
This episode revisits a discussion on movie theaters, exploring challenges and design evolution. Robert McCall of JKRP Architects discusses various aspects of movie theaters, including design, construction, and operations.
- RECHECK: Stadiums | Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Erleen Hatfield and Francisco Gonzalez Pulido discuss the structural engineering and design of stadiums, including the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Diablos Stadium.
- SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
The "Going Green" podcast has been announced as a finalist in the Signal Awards. Listener's Choice voting is open through October 9th.
- RECHECK: Dealing with Feeling Overwhelmed
This episode of Spaces Podcast features Jason and Dimitrius discussing industry pressures and strategies for dealing with feeling overwhelmed.
- RECHECK: Working Through Crises
This episode of Spaces Podcast, "RECHECK: Working Through Crises," features Jason and Dimitrius discussing personal and internet tips for coping with challenges. The discussion focuses on navigating mental and emotional experiences during…
- RECHECK: Schools
This episode of Spaces Podcast, "Recheck: Schools," features architect Todd Ferking discussing school design and the creation of safe and effective educational environments. The discussion focuses on balancing design with promoting a posit…
- RECHECK: Net Zero Community
This episode revisits a discussion about Veridian at County Farm, a net-zero energy community in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Matthew Grocoff, Esq., LEED-GA, LFA, founder of THRIVE Collaborative, provides insights into this project.
- RECHECK: Net Zero
This episode of Spaces Podcast revisits a discussion on Net Zero, featuring insights from Kelly Lieu of Ei Companies on code milestones and rating systems, and Amir Rezaei from Cannon Design on high-performance building analytics.
- RECHECK: Water Treatment
This episode re-examines water treatment processes and challenges. It covers global water scarcity, treatment technologies with Rory Harnisch, and experiences during the Flint water crisis with Kurt Neiswender, offering potential solutions.
- RECHECK: Shipping Container Construction
This episode revisits discussions on shipping container construction. Guests include architect Mark Oberholzer, who talks about the Hope on Alvarado transitional housing project, and Amanda Gattenby from CRATE Modular, who shares insights…
- RECHECK: Accessory Dwelling Units
This episode of Spaces Podcast revisits a discussion on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) with architect Travis Mahoney, who shares his experiences designing, building, and living in an ADU. Nathaniel Muhler also provides insights into desig…
- RECHECK: Amusement Parks
This episode of Spaces Podcast revisits a past discussion on amusement parks. It covers their history, development, and current trends, mentioning popular parks and features like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- RECHECK: Home Renovation
This episode from Spaces Podcast revisits a previous discussion on home renovation. It features landscape designer Sara Bendrick, who shares insights on the renovation process, including the choice between DIY and hiring professionals.
- RECHECK: Off-Grid Homes
This episode revisits off-grid homes. Guests discuss their experiences designing, building, and living in off-grid homes, as well as innovations in sustainable home building including battery backup and solar panels.
- RECHECK: The Slow Space Movement
This episode revisits a discussion with Mette Aamodt, co-founder of Aamodt/Plumb and the Slow Space Movement. Topics include the movement's inspiration from the Slow Food Movement, costs, process, application to large-scale home builders,…
- Celebrating 200 Episodes of SPACES
In this 200th episode, host Dimitrius Lynch reflects on the journey of Spaces Podcast, its impact on the built environment, and past episodes. He expresses gratitude to listeners and collaborators, and previews future series.
- How Regulations, Rates, and Rentals Hijacked Homeownership with Zachary Foust
In this episode, Zachary Foust discusses the complexities of the housing market and affordability, focusing on the influence of private equity and the challenges faced by homeowners. He proposes solutions such as building smaller homes, a…
- How Architects Can Write, Speak & Sell Their Worth with Sean Joyner
This episode features Sean Joyner, who discusses how design professionals can shape narratives to defend fees, attract clients, and build resilient studios. The conversation covers the public perception of architecture, the value of design…
- 70/30: Flipping the Construction Cost Equation with Benjamin Urban
Benjamin Urban, CEO of DIRTT, discusses industrialized construction. He covers software, scheduling, costs, and sustainability in the context of interior spaces.
- Navigating Trump 2.0’s AEC Shake‑Up
This episode of Spaces Podcast discusses the significant policy changes impacting the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry during Trump's second administration. It explores the uncertainty surrounding these changes, p…
- Shared Screens, Shared Worlds: Inside the Chrono Craft
Jeff Smith and Steve Petersen discuss the Chrono Craft, a mobile theater that combines augmented reality with immersive storytelling to recreate historical experiences. They cover their backgrounds, design challenges, and the importance of…
- Venice Architecture Biennale (2025)
This episode explores the Venice Architecture Biennale (2025), its themes, and its impact on the architectural landscape. The host discusses the relevance and accessibility of the event and suggests future directions.
- Accelerating Innovation with German Aparicio Jr.
This episode of Spaces Podcast features German Aparicio Jr. discussing Trimble's 0-60 Challenge, an accelerator program for the AEC industry. Topics include the program's evolution, insights from startup collaborations, the impact of AI on…
- How Ecological Design is Transforming Cities with Nina-Marie Lister
Professor Nina-Marie Lister discusses the intersection of ecology and design, emphasizing the importance of creating urban environments that foster connections between people and nature. She highlights the role of ecological design in arch…
- The Revolutionary Power of Biobased Materials with Jacob Waddell
Jacob Waddell from the Hemp Building Institute explores the use of hemp and other biobased materials in construction. He discusses challenges, policy changes, and the future vision for integrating hemp into sustainable building practices a…
- Redefining Campus Design with Leon Rost
Dimitrius and Leon Rost discuss higher education architecture, exploring the evolution of university buildings, the design process, and specific case studies. They examine creating spaces that foster community and learning, integrating mod…
- How Footsteps Are Powering the Future of Cities with Laurence Kemball-Cook
Laurence Kemball-Cook, founder and CEO of Pavegen, discusses generating energy from human footsteps. He explains the technology, its urban applications, and how it promotes sustainable cities.
- The Role of Data in Clean Construction with Dorian Bailey
Dorian A. Bailey, from Locus Technologies, discusses the use of data and technology to manage environmental impacts in the construction sector. The episode explores how Locus Technologies assists clients in navigating regulations and integ…
- How Hemp is Changing Construction Amid Rising Costs with Cameron McIntosh
This episode features Cameron McIntosh, owner of Americhanvre, discussing the use of hemp in construction. The discussion covers hemp-based building materials, their sustainability, and economic potential.