New Episode: (53) Why Better Buildings Start With Structure, Not Finishes Stuart Wilson is a seasoned leader in the real estate development and construction industry, currently serving as President of Alterra Developments and Construction Management. With more than 30 years of international experience, he brings deep expertise in development strategy and financial modelling, as well as full-cycle development and construction execution. Older Episodes: (53) Why Better Buildings Start With...
9 days ago • 1 min read
New Episode: (52) Single-Stair in Canada: What’s Actually Changed and What Still Has to Happen Conrad Speckert is one of the most visible Canadian figures in single-exit-stair reform. His graduate research laid the foundation for the broader code-reform effort recognized by the 2025 RAIC Research & Innovation in Architecture Award, and his work has helped shift the conversation from research to prototypes, technical options, and real-world implementation. Jack Keays Jack, the principal of...
22 days ago • 2 min read
New Episode: (51) Why do some projects fail while others succeed? - The 6 Pillars of Development Readiness (Part Two) Payam Noursalehi This episode is my attempt to create a framework to increase the chances of success for a development project, based on years of industry experience and conversations with more than 50 professionals on this podcast. More to follow. Older Episodes: (53) Why Better Buildings Start With Structure, Not Finishes - Stuart Wilson - Alterra Development (52)...
30 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Last year, our team at Dena was brought in to support the pre-construction phase of a mid-rise project in Toronto. While working through Site Plan Approval, we started doing what we usually do — looking closely at the building systems and asking where we could simplify things and remove unnecessary cost. I hate waste in construction! One of our deliverables was a preliminary budget, but instead of just pricing what was on the drawings, we took it a step further. For the past 20...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
New Episode: (50) Why do some projects fail while others succeed? - The 6 Pillars of Development Readiness Payam Noursalehi This episode is my attempt to create a framework to increase the chances of success for a development project, based on years of industry experience and conversations with more than 50 professionals on this podcast. More to follow. More about this episode... Are You Planning To Start A Multiplex Project In Toronto? Join an exclusive group of new developers mastering the...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
New Episode: (49) As-of-Right Isn’t a Slam Dunk: Insights On The Toronto Multiplexes Janna Levit is a co-founder of LGA Architectural Partners. Her projects include the Laurentian University’s new McEwen School of Architecture, the University of Waterloo School of Architecture, the MabelleArts Park Pavilion, the CMHC National Housing Catalogue and the Ulster Multiplex Condo. The firm has received several Governor General Gold Medals, including Firm of the Year in 2018. From 2011 to 2015, she...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
New Episode: (48) 2026-2028 GTA Market Outlook According to CMHC Jordan Nanowski Jordan Nanowski is CMHC’s lead economist and spokesperson for the Greater Toronto Area housing market. He provides forecasts, analysis, and commentary on developments in the resale, rental, and new home markets. Jordan joined the CMHC back in 2017, bringing his strong analytical and research skills to delve into the complexities of Canada’s largest housing market. He previously worked as an international...
2 months ago • 2 min read
New Episode: (47) Approved vs. Buildable: The Gap Breaking Toronto’s Affordable Housing Pipeline Andrea Adams Executive Director of St. Clare’s, a Toronto charitable organization that develops and operates affordable and supportive housing—working with tenants, staff, and partner agencies to provide high-quality homes and supports for people who have experienced homelessness. Andrea has been directly involved in delivering a range of affordable housing projects, including work connected to 25...
3 months ago • 2 min read
New Episode: (46) Affordable Housing Investment Fund: A Solution to the Housing Gap Mwarigha M.S. Mwarigha M.S. is the Vice President of Housing Growth, Development & Asset Sustainability at WoodGreen Community Services, one of Canada’s leading non-profit affordable housing and human-services organizations. He previously served as General Manager of Peel Housing Corporation (2010 -2017), Ontario’s third-largest municipal housing provider. More about this episode... Are You Ready To Start Your...
3 months ago • 2 min read