Better Buildings For Humans

Designing With All The Senses: Rethinking Science, Sustainability & Soul – Ep 123 with Scott Gustafson

This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with award-winning architect Scott Gustafson of Harley Ellis Devereaux for a fascinating look at the intersection of science, sustainability, and beautiful design. As a leader in the Science and Advanced Manufacturing sector, Scott shares how labs and factories—often overlooked in architectural discourse—can become inspiring, human-centered spaces.From incorporating skylights into precision manufacturing plants to leveraging mass timber for rapid construction and biophilic impact, Scott reveals how even the most technical buildings can promote wellness, retention, and resilience. He also opens up about his love for Scandinavian modernism, his teaching role at Lawrence Technological University, and why architecture should be built to last, not follow trends.This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes that great design belongs everywhere—even on the factory floor.More About Scott GustafsonScott Gustafson is an architect living and working in the Detroit metro area. He works for HED, an integrated architecture and engineering firm founded in Detroit in the early 1900s.Originally from outside Chicago, Scott studied architecture at Kansas State University from 1994 to 1999. It was his uncle—also an architect and a KSU alumnus—who inspired him to pursue the same path.After earning his degree, Scott gained diverse professional experience by working in Arizona, Colorado, and California. His time with small and medium-sized firms in those states exposed him to a wide range of project types and professional practice styles.Since relocating to Michigan in 2017, Scott has contributed significantly to the architectural community. He has served on the Michigan Board of Architects, taught part-time at Lawrence Technological University, and held leadership roles—including vice-president, president, and past president—in the Huron Valley chapter of the American Institute of Architects. He also served on his local planning commission. Each of these roles has allowed him to apply his architectural skills in meaningful ways that benefit the community.Scott’s passion lies in creating buildings and spaces that engage all of the human senses. He believes that since people spend so much of their lives in designed environments, both indoors and out, those spaces should uplift rather than diminish the human experience. Poor lighting, jarring sounds, uncomfortable furniture, unattractive signage, and cheap materials can all erode a person’s sense of well-being and dignity. Scott strives to design environments that make people feel comfortable, welcomed, cared for, and loved—spaces where they can do their best work, build meaningful relationships, and feel at peace.He is a registered architect in the states of Arizona, California, and Michigan, as well as in the countries of Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden.Contact:https://hed.co/https://www.instagram.com/hedadvances/https://www.instagram.com/scottmbgustafson/https://www.threads.com/@scottmbgustafsonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmbgustafson/Where To Find Us:https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/www.advancedglazings.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcastwww.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625https://twitter.com/bbfhpodhttps://twitter.com/Solera_Daylighthttps://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltdhttps://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

Insisting on Beauty in a Code-Obsessed World – Ep 122 with Internationally Acclaimed Architect, Alison Brooks

This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski welcomes a true visionary—renowned architect Alison Brooks—for another unforgettable conversation. From her early inspirations in Ontario to leading one of the UK’s most acclaimed practices, Alison continues to redefine contemporary architecture with generosity, light, and deep-rooted humanism.In this episode, she expands on her award-winning housing innovations, the cultural power of home, and why beauty and craftsmanship still matter in a world obsessed with energy codes. Alison unpacks how deeper windows, thoughtful proportions, and sculptural forms can reconnect us to light, sky, and one another.Whether she’s revitalizing historic social housing or shaping Oxford’s iconic Cohen Quad, Alison insists that every space tells a story—and that great architecture should always elevate the human experience. This visit is rich with insight you won’t want to miss.More About Alison BrooksAlison Brooks is one of the UK’s most highly awarded and internationally acclaimed architects. Since founding her practice in 1996 she has emerged as one of the UK's most inventive architects with works encompassing urban design and housing, higher education buildings, private houses and public buildings for the arts. She is the only UK architect to have received all the RIBA’s most prestigious architectural awards: the Stirling Prize, the Manser Medal (twice) and the Stephen Lawrence Prize. Alison Brooks has contributed to architectural education for over fifteen years as External Examiner for University of Central London, University of Bath, University of Lincoln and the Architectural Association. In 2018 Alison was appointed as the John T. Dunlop Design Critic in Architecture at Harvard GSD. Alison is currently the Gensler Visiting Critic at Cornell’s AAP School and was awarded the Bethune Award by the University at Buffalo.Contact:https://www.instagram.com/alisonbrooksarchitects/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/alison-brooks-architects-ltd/ https://x.com/alisonbrooksarchttps://www.facebook.com/AlisonBrooksArc Where To Find Us:https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/www.advancedglazings.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcastwww.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625https://twitter.com/bbfhpodhttps://twitter.com/Solera_Daylighthttps://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltdhttps://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

Modern Design is Ruining the Tropics: Reclaiming the Soul of Caribbean Architecture – Ep 121 with Peter Sandiford

This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski heads to the tropics for a vibrant conversation with architect Peter Sandiford of Habitat Designs in Barbados. From a young age, Peter knew he was destined to design spaces—and today, he's doing just that, blending tropical vernacular traditions with modern functionality. In this episode, Peter shares how Caribbean architecture prioritizes airflow, light, and outdoor living, while also contending with climate change and hurricane resilience. He dives into the tensions between modernist trends and the rich, textured legacy of Barbadian design, why so many homes are “missing the mark,” and how better building choices can make all the difference for comfort and health. You’ll also hear about Peter’s award-winning work revitalizing historic structures and his philosophy of architecture as energy in motion. If you're passionate about design with soul, you won’t want to miss this one.More About Peter SandifordPeter Sandiford was born in Barbados and was educated at the Christ Church Foundation School and the Barbados Community College where he received his Associate Degree in Science. He continued his studies at St. Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, where he received his Diploma in Engineering. He further went on to the Technical University of Nova Scotia (now known as Dalhousie University) where he gained his Bachelor of Environmental Designs Studies degree and his Master of Architecture degree. He joined the practice of architect Ian Morrison in 1997 prior to forming his own architectural practice, Habitats Architectural Designs, which was incorporated in the year 2000.Mr. Sandiford is a registered Architect in Barbados and a full member of the Barbados Institute of Architects (BIA) who has worked on numerous projects on the island and in the region including high-end residential homes, luxury villas, commercial buildings and hotels. His personal approach to design blends the principals of the eastern philosophy of Feng Shui, the architectural vernacular of the Caribbean and a high level of attention to detail.In 2012 Mr. Sandiford won the Barbados National Trust award for the “Historical Restoration to a pre WWII Residence”. This is where his affection for historic restoration was conceived. As a result of this new drive for heritage preservation, Mr. Sandiford gladly took on another mid 19th Century restoration project, this time along the famous Hastings Main Road, which was completed in 2014. This building won the 5 Star Award at the International Property Awards, in 2015, for best “Commercial Renovation/Redevelopment” in the Americas.When asked about the key to his success after 15 years Mr. Sandiford responds by saying “I hope to be able to continue providing my clients a professional service with a personal touch which results in project that is of a high quality.”Contact:https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-sandiford-m-arch-b-e-d-s-bia-arb-47197619/?originalSubdomain=bbhttps://www.habitatsdesigns.com/ Where To Find Us:https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/www.advancedglazings.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcastwww.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625https://twitter.com/bbfhpodhttps://twitter.com/Solera_Daylighthttps://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltdhttps://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

Rethinking Homebuilding: Why Competitive Bidding is Killing Your Dream Home – Ep 120 with Monika Zasada

This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski welcomes construction curator Monika Zasada for a fresh and empowering take on how we build homes—and how we should. With decades of experience as a general contractor turned “curator,” Monika breaks down why the traditional construction process is broken, how competitive bidding fails homeowners, and what it really takes to create a joyful, healthy, and lasting home. From the pitfalls of unrealistic design expectations to the emotional intensity of building projects, she shares her collaborative, client-first method that turns renovation horror stories into well-orchestrated action films. You’ll hear why she says “no” to ego-driven architects, how lighting impacts mental health, and what makes a project truly sustainable. If you’ve ever planned—or dreamed—of building your own home, this episode is essential listening.More About Monika ZasadaAs the world’s only home construction curator, utilizing my 25-year experience, Monika helps homeowners make their renovation and building projects a success (instead of the usual horror story of evaporating money, nervous breakdowns as well as questionable quality and never-ending construction). Contact:https://www.instagram.com/de_mazing_/www.linkedin.com/in/monikazconstructionexpertWhere To Find Us:https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/www.advancedglazings.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcastwww.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625https://twitter.com/bbfhpodhttps://twitter.com/Solera_Daylighthttps://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltdhttps://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

How Does One of the Largest School Systems in the World Design for Success? - Ep 119 with Thierry Paret

This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski welcomes building science legend Dr. Joseph Lstiburek for an unfiltered and unforgettable conversation. From mold to CO₂ myths, Joseph challenges conventional thinking about ventilation, insulation, humidity control, and what really makes a building “healthy.” With decades of hands-on experience, a sharp wit, and a no-nonsense take on industry dogma, he dives deep into where the U.S. is falling short—and how Canada got it right. You'll hear why "drying potential" matters more than you think, the trouble with high-performance HVAC, and why most over-ventilated buildings are actually failing their occupants. This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about high-performance buildings, durable design, and real-world building science.More About Thierry ParetThierry Paret is an award-winning architect and seasoned leader with extensive international management experience in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. As Vice President of the Architecture and Engineering Department at the New York City School Construction Authority (NYCSCA), he oversees the design of renovations, upgrades, and new construction for approximately 1,500 school buildings. Each year, his team designs or manages external consultants responsible for designing 10-12 new schools for the NYC Department of Education, part of a $20.6 billion capital plan for the nation’s largest unified school system, which serves nearly one million students.Thierry leads a team of 300 architects, engineers, designers, project managers and administrators, ensuring design excellence across all projects. His leadership extends to two studios responsible for managing contracts with external private-sector firms, further supporting the Authority’s ambitious infrastructure goals.Prior to joining NYCSCA in 2023, Thierry led the New York State practice at IBI Group-Arcadis, overseeing operations in New York City and Binghamton. He has held senior design leadership roles at several international architecture firms, served as a Design Advisor to the government of Qatar, and acted as Campus Architect for the prestigious King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia which happened to be the first LEED Platinum campus in the Middle East.A registered architect in multiple U.S. states, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland, Thierry’s portfolio spans university campuses, corporate headquarters, life science facilities, and mixed-use developments, with a focus on sustainability. His commitment to the profession is evident through his service on numerous boards and committees, including the American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Board, where he was a Director-at-Large, founding President of AIA International and AIA Middle East, and member of NCARB's International Competency Workgroup. Thierry was most recently elected to the AIA National’s Strategic Council as a Counselor for the 2025-2027 term.Thierry has been a presenter at architectural and industry conferences in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East during his extensive international career.In 2014, Thierry was inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, an honor held by only 2.5% of AIA members. He is also an AIA Richard Upjohn Fellow.Contact:http://linkedin.com/in/thierry-paret-faia-ncarb-riba-arb-mriai-leed-ap-8859849www.nycsca.org www.thierryparet-architect.comWhere To Find Us:https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/www.advancedglazings.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcastwww.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625https://twitter.com/bbfhpodhttps://twitter.com/Solera_Daylighthttps://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltdhttps://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd