Sustainability Milestones: A Journalistic Perspective

Welcome back to Architecture 5 10 20! I’m your host, Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York. My guests for this podcast are pioneers and visionaries shaping the future of the built environment across various disciplines. Join me in exploring their remarkable journeys, discovering how they reach their current heights, and envisioning what lies ahead in the next 5, 10, and 20 years.

I am excited to be joined today by Patrick Sisson! Patrick is a journalist whose work I really respect for cutting through the clutter around urbanism, housing, and architecture, and his journey from arts and media writing to focusing on how design and policy shape our cities truly gives him a unique perspective. We get into some fascinating things including his deep dive into the early projects of famous architects, revealing how their early works offered some hints toward the giants that they would become.

Patrick shares some insights from the front lines of rebuilding after the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, where the challenges actually go far beyond just construction. We discuss the emotional, financial, and political factors that complicate rebuilding efforts, especially with budget shortfalls, insurance hurdles, and citywide pressures such as the upcoming Olympics - a true testament of how policy, community priorities, and infrastructure all collide in urgent moments.

We also discuss the balance between sustainability and new development, with Patrick explaining how the tools to build greener, more resilient cities actually already exist but that what is missing is political will and commitment. Although he humbly stresses that he cannot offer a true Parisian perspective, his take on urban transformations in Paris and how lessons from abroad might inform LA’s rebuilding is truly eye-opening.

Towards the end of our conversation, Patrick and I also cover building codes and regulations that actually have huge implications for affordability, such as the push for “single stair” reforms that can change the shape of apartment buildings and open new possibilities for urban housing design, so if you care about the future of cities (how they grow, adapt, and recover from crisis such as wildfires), then you are sure to get a lot out of this episode!

Time stamps:
[01:28] - Learn how Patrick Sisson transitioned from arts journalism to urban design, exploring how cities evolve through architecture.

[04:37] - Patrick explains how rebuilding homes post-disaster in Los Angeles faces severe planning challenges.

[07:46] - Despite support, rebuilding in Los Angeles is overwhelming due to high costs and bureaucratic obstacles.

[10:31] - We already have sustainable building tools, but progress depends on political will and prioritization.

[13:38] - I bring up Paris's integrated design and wonder if Los Angeles will embrace more mixed-use zoning.

[14:42] - Patrick points out how community members are rethinking development and climate resilience while debating equity.

[17:52] - Building resilient environments requires creative planning despite unpredictable climate changes.

[19:15] - Hear how allowing single-stair designs unlocks more flexible, livable, and affordable housing opportunities in cities.

[22:35] - Patrick argues that sustainable building practices offer long-term cost savings as well as environmental benefits.

[25:54] - Patrick explains how independent journalism and architects are impacting conversations around zoning and sustainability.

[28:36] - Architects and journalists need to collaborate in order to push policies enabling smarter, more sustainable buildings.

Links / Resources:
Guy Geier
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Patrick Sisson
LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter
Patrick Sisson - “Climate change is killing buildings in slow motion”