The Future Of Buildings with Joe Havey

“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.

#052 Nancy Kohout – Senior Principal and Mechanical Discipline Leader at SmithGroup 07/07/2025

#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: Connect with Nancy Kohout: LinkedIn: If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey on Apple or Spotify. /episode/index/show/thefutureofbuildings/id/37308720

#051 Connie O’Murray – Managing Director of Medical Property Management at JLL 05/14/2025

#050 Kelly Fehr – Business Development Consultant at KELLY FEHR 04/15/2025

#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: Connect with Kelly: LinkedIn: If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify! /episode/index/show/thefutureofbuildings/id/36151280

#049 Mani Farhadi – Senior Facilities Planner at Stanford University 03/18/2025

#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: Connect with Mani Farhadi: Linktr.ee: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify! /episode/index/show/thefutureofbuildings/id/35747490

#048 Doug King – Emeritus Vice President at Project Management Advisors, Inc. 02/18/2025

#048 Doug King – Emeritus Vice President at Project Management Advisors, Inc. What are the latest innovations in urban healthcare design? How can intelligent building design improve sustainability? How did mobile architecture and emergency response planning evolve since 2020? Doug King gives his insights to these and other important topics related to architecture, thought leadership and sustainability. Doug King is Emeritus VP with Project Management Advisors. Doug has served as a healthcare industry consultant, architect, researcher, and academic over the last 45 years. His expertise encompasses high-rise and urban healthcare facilities, community planning, emergency response planning and mobile architecture. He was recognized as the top Healthcare Architect in the U.S. for 2020-21 by Healthcare Design Magazine and has been featured in prominent outlets including The New York Times, Healthcare Design Magazine, and Bisnow. Doug has significantly influenced the healthcare industry on both national and international levels. This includes serving as an appointed member of the Urban Land Institute’s Health Leaders Network. As an educator, he has mentored future architects at institutions including the University of Illinois, Northwestern University and the University of Pennsylvania. Today, as the founder of Douglas King LLC, he advises the healthcare industry, applying his expertise to shape intelligent and sustainable buildings. Listen to Doug King’s insights on The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 03:17 Doug's early inspirations and education 05:45 Journey into healthcare design 12:00 Mobile architecture and emergency response 13:14 COVID-19 response and emergency planning 18:04 Northwestern Memorial Hospital Feinberg and Galter Pavilions: a career-defining project 24:30 Intelligent building design and sustainability 27:20 Advice for aspiring thought leaders 30:48 Key qualities for professional success 35:07 Final thoughts Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: Connect with Doug: LinkedIn: If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify! /episode/index/show/thefutureofbuildings/id/35332825

#047 Chad Johnson – Founder of Conrad Consulting 01/14/2025

#046 Hetal Lee – Global Lead for Engineering Solutions at JLL 12/18/2024

#046 Hetal Lee – Global Lead for Engineering Solutions at JLL What are the biggest challenges in asset management for engineering? How do you grow and manage a global, diverse team? What is reliability-centered maintenance, and how does it improve operational efficiency? Hetal Lee, the Global Lead for Engineering Solutions at JLL, answers these questions and more in this insightful episode about engineering solutions in buildings. Hetal holds a bachelor’s degree from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and an MBA from DePaul University. Before joining JLL, she honed her expertise in engineering sales and specialty product development, bridging the gap between sales and operations. At JLL, Hetal leads a team that develops client-focused engineering strategies by integrating IoT, data, and reliability-centered maintenance to enhance asset management value and efficiency. Her experience includes RFP management, pitch evaluation, and AI applications in asset onboarding. She combines technical proficiency with a holistic approach to team building and fostering diversity. With a career spanning 22 years, Hetal has earned numerous accolades. She is a Certified Reliability Leader, a Board Member of SHE Builds, an active member and mentor in ASHRAE and Women in ASHRAE, IFMA FMP Certified, and a published author of the Price Industries Engineer’s Handbook. Listen to Hetal’s invaluable insights in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 03:00 Career journey and key milestones 05:00 Engineering approach: beyond traditional sales 06:30 Creating a global engineering strategy 09:40 Managing a global and diverse team 12:30 Enhancing onboarding, training, and collaboration 15:45 Reliability-centered maintenance: improving operational efficiency 19:00 Predictive maintenance with IoT and data analytics 23:00 Challenges in asset management and engineering 28:00 Personal insights and career advice 30:23 Conclusion and final thoughts Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: Connect with Hetal: LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/thefutureofbuildings/id/34492480

#045 Tim Harrington – Vice Chairman at Newmark 11/26/2024

#044 Josh Jones – Director of Admissions at Lincoln Tech – Denver 11/07/2024

#043 Larry Blouin – Senior Director of Capital Programs at Northwestern University 10/21/2024

#042 Ryan Bevan – President of Construction at Gardner Group 10/17/2024

#041 Judy Perviance Anderson – RPA, BOMA Fellow 05/28/2024

#040 Janet Pogue McLaurin – Principal and Global Director of Workplace Research at Gensler 04/02/2024

#040 Janet Pogue McLaurin – Principal and Global Director of Workplace Research at Gensler What does designing for families and distributed teams look like? How did COVID-19 pandemic influence work habits, and how can building owners adapt to this shift? What can companies do to ensure that their physical spaces accommodate the diverse needs of their workforce? Janet Pogue – Principal and Global Director of Workplace Research at Gensler – answered these and many other important questions on my podcast. Janet has been instrumental in leading global Workplace Surveys and the Workplace Performance Index® (WPI), measuring how people work, space effectiveness and workplace experience. Janet has developed workplace strategies for clients such as Vanguard, Capital One, Gallup, General Motors McDonald's, The Coca-Cola Company, and more. She is a sought-after spokesperson at industry events, including The Wall Street Journal Future of Everything Festival, CoreNet Global, and IFMA World Workplace. Recently elevated to Fellow in the American Institute of Architects, Janet successfully balances her professional achievements with her role as a proud mother and grandmother. Listen to Janet’s insights on "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 01:36 Reflecting on the 40-year long professional journey 03:16 Public speaking beginnings 05:26 Transformation of workplace design over decades 06:32 Navigating the new normal: workplace design post-COVID-19 18:57 Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion in workplace design 24:32 The future of work: designing for families and distributed teams 28:09 Exploring generative design and its impact 30:29 Final thoughts Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: Connect with Janet: LinkedIn: If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify! /episode/index/show/thefutureofbuildings/id/30645988

#039 Victoria Navarro - System Vice President of Design & Construction Center of Excellence at AdventHealth 03/18/2024

#039 Victoria Navarro - System Vice President of Design & Construction Center of Excellence at AdventHealth What are the challenges of implementing integrated project delivery in healthcare design and construction? How can we promote diversity within the real estate and construction industry? Victoria Navarro shared her experience, on my Podcast, working with renowned architects like Alfred Caldwell and Bertrand Goldberg in Chicago. She also shares her journey as a first-generation Filipino American and a highly influential woman in the industry. Victoria is a healthcare design and construction executive with 25 years of leadership experience. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology and an MBA in Healthcare Management from Loyola University of Chicago. Victoria is currently serving as the System Vice President of the Design & Construction Center of Excellence at AdventHealth. She oversees the planning, aligning, and monitoring of the design and construction functions of the company. Victoria's extensive career includes strategic oversight of healthcare capital projects, totaling over $3 billion in value. She spearheaded the first LEED Healthcare Gold Certified hospital project in the Midwest. Beyond her professional achievements, Victoria is a dedicated advocate, contributing to various boards. She is a recipient of the Lean Construction Institute Chicago Community of Practice’s 3rd Annual Bob Krier Award, and the 2020 Milwaukee Business Journal Women of Influence Award, among others. Listen to Victoria's insights on "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: Introduction (1:40) Transition from civil engineering to architecture (4:40) Experience working for renowned architects in Chicago (7:00) Impact of motherhood on career trajectory (9:30) Pursuing an MBA while working full-time (17:00) Implementing integrated project delivery in healthcare (21:00) Mentoring and promoting diversity in the industry (30:00) Owning one's purpose (32:00) Final thoughts (35:30) Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: Connect with Victoria: LinkedIn: If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify! /episode/index/show/thefutureofbuildings/id/30422913

#038 Mary Ann Piette – Associate Lab Director for Energy Technologies, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory 03/01/2024

#038 Mary Ann Piette – Associate Lab Director for Energy Technologies, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory What are the key strategies for reducing energy usage and decarbonizing buildings? What role do grid-interactive buildings play in the broader energy landscape? How can we use emerging technologies and methodologies, such as digital twins and artificial intelligence, to improve building operations and energy management? Mary Ann Piette, Associate Lab Director for Energy Technologies at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), answered these and many other interesting questions on my podcast. Mary Ann holds a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley and a Licentiate in Building Services Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. Mary Ann oversees research at LBNL focused on decarbonization. She manages 700 staff and affiliates, including 120 principal investigators, working on diverse technology R&D programs spanning energy efficiency, grid integration, hydrogen, storage, and renewables. Mary Ann recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award for energy-efficient and grid-interactive buildings research. She has written over 100 peer-reviewed publications She’s a recipient of two R&D 100 awards for tools evaluating energy efficiency strategies. Mary Ann's global research experience includes work in Australia and Sweden, and she is a founding Board member of the OpenADR Alliance. Listen to Mary Ann’s insights in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: Introduction (01:24) Inspiration behind pursuing mechanical engineering (2:47) Learning and working in Sweden (4:00) Energy information systems & commissioning (5:45) Automating demand response (7:52) Role of facility managers in energy efficiency (10:00) Launch of the Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings Roadmap (12:38) Collaborative effort in buildings (19:30) Fines and penalties (21:30) Materials to learn about reducing carbon footprint (23:23) Best ways to decarbonize buildings (24:10) Advice for aspiring researchers in energy and sustainability (32:35) Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: Connect with Mary Ann Piette: LinkedIn: If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review on Apple and Spotify! /episode/index/show/thefutureofbuildings/id/30122058