Blueprints To Buildings Podcast

Multi-Generational Living: The Mistakes That Break Families With Elke Harder

In this episode of Blueprints to Buildings, Glen Palmer sits down with Elke Harder, a realtor specialising in multi-generational living, to explore why more families are choosing to live under one roof — and where it often goes wrong.
As housing affordability continues to challenge families, multi-generational living is becoming a practical solution. But as Elke explains, the biggest issues don’t come from the property itself… they come from lack of communication, unclear expectations, and poor planning.
From finances and ownership structures to privacy, lifestyle differences, and long-term planning, this episode dives into the conversations families must have before making the move.
They also explore how developers are starting to respond to this shift, the rise of dual-purpose homes, and why designing for how people actually live is more important than ever.
Key topics covered:
Why multi-generational living is on the rise
The biggest mistakes families make before moving in together
Financial planning and ownership considerations
Balancing privacy, independence, and shared spaces
How developers are adapting to changing demand
The role of communication in avoiding conflict
Why AI can’t replace the human side of property decisions
Connect with Elke:
Email: elke@elkeharder.com
Phone: 613-794-0560
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elkeharder/
This episode is supported by Meta-Dology — a visualisation methodology helping developers, investors, and project teams communicate ideas clearly using immersive 3D walkthroughs and digital twins before construction begins.
If you’d like to see how this could apply to your project, connect with Glen directly: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/ 
or go to the website:
https://meta-dology.com/home-en?am_id=glenpalmer2378

How to Control Cost, Quality & Chaos on Big Builds with Chad Kirkegard.

In this episode of Blueprints to Buildings, Glen Palmer sits down with Chad Kirkeguard, Director of Business Development at T Diamond Bar, to unpack how large-scale industrial projects are actually delivered — and why so many go wrong.
Chad shares real-world insight from working across oil & gas, biofuels, manufacturing, and emerging sectors like data centres. The conversation dives into the complexity behind major builds, where multiple contractors, tight timelines, and high financial stakes can quickly turn into chaos without the right structure in place.
They explore why having control across multiple scopes can dramatically reduce risk, how early involvement can save both time and money, and why communication between stakeholders is often the biggest factor in project success.
Chad also breaks down where the industry is heading, including the rapid growth of data centres and the increasing demand for power infrastructure to support AI and digital expansion.
Key topics covered:
How to control cost, quality, and risk on large projects
The importance of self-performing contractors
Why coordination breakdowns cause delays and cost overruns
The role of early-stage involvement in project success
Data centres and the future of industrial construction
Managing complexity across multiple stakeholders
Connect with Chad Kirkeguard:
Website: https://tdiamondbar.com
Enquiries Email: rfq@tdiamondbar.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadkirkegard/
This episode is supported by Meta-Dology — a visualisation methodology helping developers, investors, and project teams communicate ideas clearly using immersive 3D walkthroughs and digital twins before construction begins.
If you’d like to see how this could apply to your project, connect with Glen directly: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/ 
or go to the website:
https://meta-dology.com/home-en?am_id=glenpalmer2378
 

Modular Isn’t Cheaper — And That’s the Point | Steve Dubin

In this episode of Blueprints to Buildings, Glen Palmer sits down with Steve Dubin, Business Development Manager at Rmax (a business unit of Sika Corporation), to uncover the real truth behind modular construction.
With experience visiting over 80 modular factories across North America, Steve shares a rare, ground-level perspective on what actually drives performance, efficiency, and scalability in factory-built construction.
They break down the biggest misconception in the industry — that modular is cheaper — and explain why the real value lies in speed to occupancy, consistency, and long-term ROI.
The conversation also explores the operational challenges holding modular back, including communication breakdowns, regulatory complexity, and slow adoption of digital tools — as well as where the industry is heading next.
Key topics covered:
Why modular construction isn’t cheaper (and why that matters)
Speed vs cost: where the real value lies
Lessons from 80+ modular factories
The importance of communication in factory environments
Code compliance and regulatory challenges
Early design decisions and cost impact
The future of modular and digital adoption
Connect with Steve Dubin:
LinkedIn: Connect directly https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-dubin-00200a8/
 
This episode is supported by Meta-Dology — a visualisation methodology helping developers, investors, and project teams communicate ideas clearly using immersive 3D walkthroughs and digital twins before construction begins.
If you’d like to see how this could apply to your project, connect with Glen directly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/ 
or go to the website: https://meta-dology.com/home-en?am_id=glenpalmer2378
 
 

Why Housing Is Broken (And What Comes Next) with Ethan DeSota

In this episode of Blueprints to Buildings, Glen Palmer sits down with Ethan DeSota — contractor, developer, and founder of Exponent Construction Group — to unpack one of the biggest challenges of our time: why housing has become so unaffordable, and what needs to change.
Ethan shares a powerful perspective on how we’ve shifted from viewing homes as productive assets to consumer liabilities, and how zoning laws, regulations, and outdated thinking have quietly reshaped the housing market.
The conversation explores the future of housing — from modular construction and smaller, smarter homes to sustainable living and community-focused design. Ethan also explains why the next generation is prioritising lifestyle over square footage, and how that shift could redefine how we build and live.
This episode is a must-listen for developers, investors, and anyone trying to understand where the housing market is heading next.
Key topics covered:
Why housing affordability is broken
Producer vs consumer mindset in property
The hidden impact of zoning laws
Modular homes and the future of construction
Smaller, smarter, more sustainable housing
Designing for humans, not ego
The shift in mindset among younger generations
Connect with Ethan DeSota:
Website: https://exponenthomes.com 
Email: edesota@exponenthomes.com 
Learn more (Freedom Foundation): https://the-freedom-fix-2a5aad6a.base44.app & https://the-freedom-foundation-3fcfd6a7.base44.app/
This episode is supported by Meta-Dology — a visualisation methodology helping developers, investors, and project teams communicate ideas clearly using immersive 3D walkthroughs and digital twins before construction begins.
If you’d like to see how this could apply to your project, connect with Glen directly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/ or go to the website: https://meta-dology.com/home-en?am_id=glenpalmer2378
 
 

From 2D to Digital Twins The Future of Digital Engineering is here With Sameer Ramgoolam

In this episode of the Blueprints to Buildings podcast, host Glen Palmer is joined by Sameer Ramgoolam, Director of Smart Build Engineering, to explore how digital engineering, Open BIM collaboration, and AI-driven design are transforming the construction industry.
Sameer shares insights into Construction 4.0, the shift from traditional 2D documentation to intelligent 3D models, and how digital twins, prefab construction, and AI are reshaping how projects are designed, coordinated, and delivered. The conversation also dives into paperless construction, early engineering involvement, and why BIM models are becoming powerful commercial tools for developers and contractors alike.
Whether you’re a developer, engineer, investor, or property professional, this episode offers a clear look at where construction is heading over the next decade.
Topics covered:
Construction 4.0 and AI-driven engineering
Open BIM and single source of truth modelling
Digital twins and interactive walkthroughs
Prefabrication and modular construction trends
Paperless construction and cloud collaboration
Using BIM as a commercial and sales tool
Connect with Sameer Ramgoolam
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sameerramgoolam/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sameerramgoolam/
This episode is supported by Meta-Dology — a visualisation methodology helping developers, investors, and project teams communicate ideas clearly using immersive 3D walkthroughs and digital twins before construction begins.
If you’d like to see how this could apply to your project, connect with Glen directly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/
 

Timing the Vancouver Market with Rhiannon A. Foster

In this episode of Blueprints to Buildings, Glen Palmer is joined by Vancouver-based real estate professional Rhiannon A. Foster to discuss market trends, buyer behaviour, and how regional dynamics shape property investment decisions.
Rhiannon shares insights into the Vancouver market, including the impact of pent-up demand, seasonal shifts, and cultural influences such as Chinese New Year on transaction activity. The conversation also explores what’s driving early spring momentum, how buyers and sellers are navigating uncertainty, and what opportunities investors should be watching.
They also dive into the human side of real estate — negotiation, local knowledge, and relationship-building — and why these factors remain critical even as technology and AI tools continue to evolve.
Key topics covered:
Vancouver real estate market trends
Pent-up demand and seasonal shifts
Cultural influences on property transactions
Early spring market momentum
Opportunities for buyers and investors
Human skills vs AI in real estate
Local insights that drive decisions
You can get in contact with Rhiannon here: https://www.reobsessed.com.
If you want to lean more about how 3D Visualisation is helping developers sell faster, save money and communicate effectively with all shareholders, you can contact me on: Https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/

Cleaner Handoffs, Faster Builds: Leadership lessons with Amy Brooke

Cleaner handoffs. Faster builds. Stronger leadership. 🏗️
In this episode of the Blueprints to Buildings Podcast, Glen Palmer sits down with Amy Brooke, CPA-turned-Lean Leadership & Communication Partner, to unpack why communication — not skill — is often the real bottleneck in property development projects.
Amy shares practical insights on:
Why projects stall due to misalignment
Overcoming imposter syndrome in development
Creating psychological safety within project teams
Cleaner handoffs between leadership, site teams & stakeholders
How clarity accelerates execution and decision-making
Building a culture of ownership in just 60 days
The conversation also touches on how clearer communication combined with modern visualisation tools — like those used by Meta-Dology — can help developers align stakeholders, reduce ambiguity, and sell off-plan faster.
 
Connect with Amy Brooke:
Website: https://leadershipinlifecoaching.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amybrooklive
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-brooke-a6bb6822/
 
Learn more about Meta-Dology:
Meta-Dology helps developers communicate projects with immersive 3D visualisation to secure funding, align stakeholders, and sell off-plan faster.
Message Glen Palmer on LinkedIn to learn more.
 

From Homeowner to Property Investor: Alina Griva’s Journey

In this episode of Blueprints to Buildings, Glen Palmer sits down with Nova Scotia real estate agent and investor Alina Griva, who has built a portfolio of 11+ properties after purchasing her first home at just 23.
Alina shares practical insights into today’s Nova Scotia property market, including opportunities for first-time buyers, investors, and renovators. She discusses the mindset shifts required to move from homeowner to investor, renovation strategies that actually drive ROI, and the biggest myths holding people back from entering the market.
The conversation also explores how AI is impacting real estate, why human skills like negotiation and emotional intelligence still matter, and where technology can help agents and investors work more efficiently.
Key topics covered:
Buying your first home at a young age
Scaling to 11+ properties in under six years
Nova Scotia market opportunities
Renovation strategies that drive ROI
First-time buyer mindset shifts
Moving cities to unlock affordability
AI vs human touch in real estate
Skills agents must keep to stay competitive
Connect with Glen Palmer:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/
Connect with Alina Griva
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alina-griva-8b232331/ 

Robotics, AI & Modular Homes: The Future of Affordable Housing with David Johnson

In this episode of the Blueprints to Buildings podcast, host Glen Palmer speaks with David Johnson, Founder and CEO of Gingerbread Homes, who is pioneering the use of robotics, AI, and modular construction to tackle the global affordable housing crisis.
David shares how his upbringing working with underserved communities shaped his mission to deliver durable, scalable housing solutions, and explains how cooperative building models, robot-assisted factories, and AI-driven design can dramatically reduce costs while improving quality.
The conversation explores:
How robotics improves safety and consistency in construction
Using AI and 3D CAD to design smarter, space-efficient homes
Modular housing that can be relocated and adapted over time
The role of visualisation and digital walkthroughs in aligning stakeholders
Why customer-first design is reshaping the future of homebuilding
David also discusses how automation, sustainable materials, and off-grid capabilities could redefine what affordable housing looks like globally. 
And to find out more about our industry-changing visualisation technology, send me a direct message on LinkedIn here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/

Urban Design, Architecture, and Building Safety with Oriana Fernandez

In this episode of the Blueprints to Buildings podcast, host Glen Palmer speaks with architectural and urban designer Oriana Fernandez, who works with DB3 Group and has over 16 years of international experience across London and India. Oriana shares insights on designing at both building and neighborhood scale, the cultural differences that shape architecture, and how regulation, safety, and accountability are transforming the profession after the Building Safety Act. The conversation also explores the future of architecture from mentoring the next generation to navigating AI, visualisation technology, and the evolving role architects play in shaping resilient and inclusive cities.
 
And to find out more about our industry changing metaverse technology, send me a direct message on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/