The Build
Rick Larkin
The Build is a podcast focused on the challenges of providing housing. Hosted by real estate developer Rick Larkin, the show features interviews with a number of leading personalities working in the housing sector both in Ireland and globally.
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Top 10 The Build Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Build episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Build for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Build episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Money, Money, Money
The Build
06/24/24 • 47 min
Chris Wilson, the chief executive of Fairfield Real Estate Finance, takes us on a remarkable journey through his influential career in our latest episode. From his pivotal role at RBS during the financial crisis to navigating the complexities of the NAMA Project Eagle debacle at Jefferies, Chris brings a wealth of experience that is both insightful and eye-opening. You'll gain a deeper understanding of real estate debt finance and learn how alternative lenders like Fairfield are stepping up where traditional banks have retreated, particularly in the European property finance landscape.
Join us as we unravel some of the more controversial aspects of property finance. Chris shares firsthand accounts of notable transactions, such as the acquisition of Malmaison Hotels from RBS and his intricate work with Jefferies Loan Corps Europe post-Project Eagle. The conversation turns riveting as he details his collaboration with Pat Kearney on a significant resolution in Northern Ireland, shedding light on the intricate and often contentious world of finance, including the political fee funneling allegations that surfaced later.
We also confront the pressing challenges within Ireland's property development scene. From stringent planning regulations to the debilitating delays caused by Irish Water, these systemic issues are contributing to the housing shortage, impacting developers and young professionals alike.
Family (Business) Matters
The Build
10/21/24 • 50 min
Kate Rhatigan, with her brother and sister, runs Winterbrook, a home builder based in Dublin.
In our chat, Kate describes the contribution small builders like Winterbrook make to the supply of housing, describes what it is like working in a male dominated industry and tells a quite incredible story about why her face was on posters around south Dublin (hint: it was to do with planning).
More than anything, the discussion highlights the importance of small, family run construction businesses. They make up more than 60% of the housing market and are therefore a vital part of the solution to the housing supply problem.
Some items from the episode:
- Winterbrook Homes https://www.winterbrook.ie/
- Poor by Dr. Katriona O'Sullivan: https://www.easons.com/poor-katriona-osullivan-9780241996768
- Report of Housing Commission https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/f3551-report-of-the-housing-commission/
The Law
The Build
05/12/23 • 64 min
On today's episode: the contributions waiver is explained and we talk to Fidelma McManus, partner and head of housing at Beauchamps LLP about conveyancing, AHB's and how the law touches every part of your life. And obviously we find a way to mention Taylor Swift.
The System Will Change You
The Build
04/02/23 • 65 min
John Downey, a town planner with 20 years experience, talks to us about how the planning system is meant to work, why it is completely broken, and what could possibly be done about it.
Please note that there is a small bit of colourful language in this episode, just in case you're listening in the presence of younger ears.
You can find more information on John and what he does at https://www.dwny.ie/
Nightmare on NIMBY Street
The Build
03/26/23 • 57 min
Brian Hanlon is the CEO of California YIMBY, a non-profit whose mission is to make California an affordable place to live, work, and raise a family. As well as being every NIMBY's worst nightmare, he is a committed environmentalist with a long history of advocacy and is a genuinely lovely person to chat with.
I highly recommend the report that California YIMBY released on homelessness that Brian mentions: https://cayimby.org/housing-first/
You can read more about California YIMBY on their website: https://cayimby.org. They maintain an excellent catalog of research on Housing policy on their website at: https://cayimby.org/research/
It's Easier in Russia
The Build
03/20/23 • 59 min
A discussion with Brian Moran on how difficult it is for even a well funded, global developer like Hines to develop housing in Ireland.
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The CJEU ruled on the planning application discussed in the episode. Please see links below to more information.
News reports:
How to Build a House
The Build
06/01/23 • 78 min
Architect John Dobbin talks us through how to go about building a house, from the very beginning and why it can be difficult but rewarding. Also, bungalow bliss, high density but low rise housing and converting offices.
Joint Oireachtas recommendatons on Planning: https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/committee/dail/33/joint_committee_on_housing_local_government_and_heritage/reports/2023/2023-05-04_report-on-the-pre-legislative-scrutiny-of-the-draft-planning-and-development-bill-2022_en.pdf
AI image of Kari's House:
https://labs.openai.com/s/GNSJXErw7XDs2AnNWwU0PdQn
On the Origin of Sprawl
The Build
08/17/23 • 75 min
UCD Economist and former member of An Bord Snip (and An Bord Snip Nua!) Colm McCarthy on the mistakes we have made and continue to make. Also, why the ECB was incompetent during the bailout and why the Army are still in Rathmines.
As always, please send any suggestions for the show to [email protected]
Some links on topics from today's episode:
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/just-what-is-an-bord-snip-nua/26551525.html
https://researchrepository.ucd.ie/server/api/core/bitstreams/09ac4db6-415e-4a6e-925b-def46ffb4db8/content
https://www.farmersjournal.ie/is-greek-compromise-possible-174917
The Agent Chronicles
The Build
09/11/23 • 42 min
Ken MacDonald's illustrious career has shaped the Irish real estate landscape across five decades. Starting with a humble leaflet campaign back in 1967, Ken's journey has seen him play a pivotal role in the emergence of apartment living. Brace yourself for an anecdotal tour through time as Ken unravels the evolution of Irish property and its tryst with the new wave economy.
The conversation gets juicier as we dig into the culture of objections to development. We critically examine the political and legal systems and their role in nurturing an 'industry of objection' that has made securing planning consents an uphill battle.
Don't believe everything you hear about institutional investors! Our discussion seeks to debunk common misconceptions and emphasizes the importance of a balanced mix of small and large landlords in the rental sector.
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Build have?
The Build currently has 15 episodes available.
What topics does The Build cover?
The podcast is about Real Estate, Construction, Entrepreneurship, Investing, Housing, Development, Podcasts, Building and Business.
What is the most popular episode on The Build?
The episode title 'The Law' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Build?
The average episode length on The Build is 53 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Build released?
Episodes of The Build are typically released every 18 days, 5 hours.
When was the first episode of The Build?
The first episode of The Build was released on Mar 20, 2023.
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