E020- Questions and Answers
fuzzybuilds podcast
Episode 020 – Questions and Answers – some of the most common questions I’ve been asked on a TI project. I have an Architect, why do we need other consultants and Engineers? Aren’t architects trained to do everything? Why do Landlords want or need to review and approve the Space Plans? Why do some landlords have a restriction on which Subs you can use? What is the difference between a Construction Document and an IFC? Why do I need a furniture dealer? I can get the furniture myself. What is a Lease? What's the difference between Leasing and Renting? Why do we need...
info_outline
E019- The Decision Maker
fuzzybuilds podcast
Episode 19 discusses one of the most important but often overlooked roles in a Tenant Improvement project: the decision maker. Projects require constant decisions on layout, budget, materials, and construction, and without someone who has the authority to approve direction, progress slows quickly. In this episode, I explain why identifying the decision maker early is critical, and how experienced teams manage projects by structuring the decision process so the project can continue moving forward even when approvals take time.
info_outline
E018- Tenants you are the reason your TI Project is Delayed
fuzzybuilds podcast
In this episode, I challenge tenants with a hard truth about commercial Tenant Improvement projects: most delays are self-inflicted. While cities and contractors often get blamed, the majority of schedule overruns stem from late decisions, mid-stream changes, internal misalignment, and misunderstood consequences. I break down exactly how the TI process works, why “small” changes are never small, and how the system reacts when decisions are missed. If you are a tenant planning a project, this episode will make you uncomfortable... and it should.
info_outline
E017- The Tariff Excuse – What’s Really Driving Construction Costs?
fuzzybuilds podcast
In this episode, I break down the claim that tariffs are the primary reason construction costs are rising. Using my own project data I created a cost structure analysis, where I walk through where money actually goes on a Tenant Improvement project. From materials and labor to transportation and jurisdictional delays. The numbers may surprise you. While tariffs do impact certain materials, they represent only a portion of total cost. If you want to understand what truly drives construction pricing, this episode separates assumption from reality. LinkedIn Article:...
info_outline
E016- You Don’t Have a Fee Problem. You Have a Design Problem.
fuzzybuilds podcast
In this episode, I challenge one of the most common complaints in the architectural industry: “Fees are too low.” I argue that the real issue is not the market, but internal discipline. When designers fail to align early, allow reactive redesigns, and give their ideas away for free, project margins erode long before construction begins. Drawing from my experience on both the design side and as an Owner’s Representative, I break down how process, communication, and design leadership directly impact profitability, and why most firms don’t have a fee problem, they have a design...
info_outline
E015– Furniture Procurement – A 12 Step Process That Actually Works
fuzzybuilds podcast
In this Episode we cover the most commonly practiced process for procuring furniture for a commercial Tenant Improvement project. There is a reason why this is the most commonly practiced process, because it just works. I have broken down the process into 12 simple steps: Step 1: Establish Furniture Intent Early in Design Step 2: Develop a Complete Furniture Bid Package Step 3: Conduct an Internal Review for Scope, Budget, and Schedule Coordination Step 4: Issue the Bid to Prequalified Furniture Dealers Step 5: Dealer Review and Clarification Period Step 6: Dealer...
info_outline
E014- A Client’s Guide: 7 Steps to Choosing the Right Architect
fuzzybuilds podcast
In this episode, we are going to talk about why picking the right architect for your project actually matters, and how you should think about making that decision. At the end of this episode I’ll share 7 Steps you can use to make sure you are selecting the right Architect. Step 1: Relevant Experience Step 2: Jurisdiction Experience Step 3: Proposed Project Team Step 4: Technical Coverage Step 5: Consultant Management Step 6: Industry Reputation Step 7: Scope & Fees
info_outline
E013– Tenant Build vs Landlord Build or Turnkey
fuzzybuilds podcast
In this episode, we break down the differences between a tenant build space and a landlord build space, and clarify how turnkey fits into the picture. We explain what each delivery method actually means, who controls design and construction, how costs and coordination are handled, and the real pros and cons of choosing one path over another. The goal is to help tenants and decision-makers understand the tradeoffs before committing to a lease or a build strategy.
info_outline
E012 - You Told the Architect. So Why Isn’t It Built?
fuzzybuilds podcast
In this Episode we are going to discuss why sharing technology requirements with the Architect does not automatically mean those systems are included in the GC’s scope, and how building only what is shown on the drawings leads to missing cabling and equipment at move-in.
info_outline
E011-Technology - IT AV Security-Don’t wait until the end or it is too late
fuzzybuilds podcast
In this episode, we dive into the critical role of technology in design and construction. Discover why IT, AV, and Security need to be addressed from the start of a project, why involving the IT team early is crucial, and the value of hiring a dedicated Technology Consultant. We also explore the differences between design and implementation, and how to ensure seamless integration throughout the construction process. Don't miss this essential guide for anyone involved in commercial projects!
info_outlineThis episode of FuzzyBuilds marks the return of the podcast after a five-year hiatus, with the last episode released in March 2020, just as COVID-19 disrupted the world. The break was due to an intense workload, as the pandemic presented unique opportunities in the commercial real estate sector. With office buildings sitting empty, landlords and property owners in Los Angeles took advantage of the situation to execute large-scale renovations, seismic retrofits, and modernizations—projects that kept the host busy for the past four years. Now that these multi-year, nine-figure projects are wrapping up, the podcast is resuming with fresh insights and experiences to share.
The episode previews upcoming topics, including IT/AV/security in construction, selecting the right architect, the importance of client involvement, the furniture procurement process, and building selection considerations, and a discussion on industry trends, promising a controversial take. This episode serves as both a reflection on the past few years and an introduction to the exciting content ahead.