Built World Podcast

Design can be a powerful vehicle for societal betterment. In this episode, Bernard Zyscovich takes us through his storied career in architecture, from designing a dentist office focused on the experience of young children, to the El Dorado International Airport in Bogota. Zyscovich explains his client-centered approach to improve people’s lives through architecture.

In this conversation Zyscovich explains the design rationale for his “Plan Z” bike path, a mission to reclaim & transform now moribund space along the Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne, into a transformational vision to deliver Miami’s largest waterfront park; all while enhancing safety for cyclists, drivers & residents. They also dig into how Zyscovich’s background in psychology & political activism grounded his design practice.

As a placemaker, Zyscovich offers us insight into the sobering challenges to create spaces for everyone, but his hopeful outlook is that designers can offer “a little something for everyone.”

Connect with us

Want to dive deeper into Miami’s commercial real estate scene?
It’s our favorite topic—and we’re always up for a good conversation. Whether you're just exploring or already making big moves, feel free to reach out at [email protected] or give us a call at 305.498.9410.

Prefer to connect online? Find us on LinkedIn or Instagram—we’re always open to expanding the conversation.

Ben Hoffman: LinkedIn
Felipe Azenha: LinkedIn We extend our sincere gratitude to Büro coworking space for generously granting us the opportunity to record all our podcasts at any of their 8 convenient locations across South Florida.

In the latest episode, we sit down with the indomitable Arden Karson, Managing Principal of Karson & Co. If there's a corner of commercial real estate Arden hasn't conquered, we haven't found it yet. From developing single-family homes for Lennar to sculpting the skyline with high-rises for Related Group, and steering the ship as Senior Managing Director for CBRE South Florida, Arden's resume reads like a real estate blockbuster.
An entrepreneur at heart and a bona fide badass, Arden is a passionate advocate for community development and sustainability, always striving to create spaces that enhance the quality of life. Not only is she a powerhouse in the field, but she's also a sought-after speaker and thought leader, regularly dishing out pearls of wisdom on industry trends and market strategies.
With a commitment to excellence that has earned her countless accolades, Arden Karson truly stands as a trailblazer in the commercial real estate sector. Tune in and find out if there's anything this wonder woman hasn't done!

Connect with us

Want to dive deeper into Miami’s commercial real estate scene?
It’s our favorite topic—and we’re always up for a good conversation. Whether you're just exploring or already making big moves, feel free to reach out at [email protected] or give us a call at 305.498.9410.

Prefer to connect online? Find us on LinkedIn or Instagram—we’re always open to expanding the conversation.

Ben Hoffman: LinkedIn
Felipe Azenha: LinkedIn We extend our sincere gratitude to Büro coworking space for generously granting us the opportunity to record all our podcasts at any of their 8 convenient locations across South Florida.

In this episode, we sat down over a couple of Old Fashioneds with David Lombardi — a true Miami original, Wynwood pioneer, and lifelong lover of architecture.

David opens up about his journey from humble beginnings — growing up as an only child in a one-bedroom apartment with a single mom — to launching a restaurant, grinding through real estate deals on South Beach, and eventually acquiring small multifamily buildings on Miami Beach.

But it was his passion for design and architecture that led him to see something special in a forgotten pocket of the city. In the early 2000s, he started buying warehouses in what’s now known as Wynwood, partnering with artists, and helping fuel a cultural and real estate movement that changed Miami forever.

This is a raw, unfiltered conversation with one of Miami’s most visionary voices. David doesn’t hold back — and his story is nothing short of inspirational.

Connect with us

Want to dive deeper into Miami’s commercial real estate scene?
It’s our favorite topic—and we’re always up for a good conversation. Whether you're just exploring or already making big moves, feel free to reach out at [email protected] or give us a call at 305.498.9410.

Prefer to connect online? Find us on LinkedIn or Instagram—we’re always open to expanding the conversation.

Ben Hoffman: LinkedIn
Felipe Azenha: LinkedIn We extend our sincere gratitude to Büro coworking space for generously granting us the opportunity to record all our podcasts at any of their 8 convenient locations across South Florida.

Get ready to raise your glass of Pinot Grigio as we dive into the fascinating world of residential real estate with the one and only Lesley Deutch! From crunching numbers to clinking glasses, Lesley spills the beans on her journey from analyzing bonds at Lehman Brothers to becoming the go-to guru for all things housing-related.

In this episode, join us for a delightful chat with Lesley, the ultimate data and demographics nerd in the residential real estate world. Lesley walks us through how John Burns Consulting advises developers on everything from unit sizes to rooftop pet parks to health and wellness amenities.
But it's not all fun and games (though we wish it were). We dive into the serious stuff too, like supply, demand, and demographics—because who knew talking about housing trends could be this entertaining?

And let's not forget the seismic shift in Miami, where companies are flocking to the 305 and the transplants are coming from New York to Chicago to California. So, grab your drink, settle in, and let's dissect some data with a side of humor.

Connect with us

Want to dive deeper into Miami’s commercial real estate scene?
It’s our favorite topic—and we’re always up for a good conversation. Whether you're just exploring or already making big moves, feel free to reach out at [email protected] or give us a call at 305.498.9410.

Prefer to connect online? Find us on LinkedIn or Instagram—we’re always open to expanding the conversation.

Ben Hoffman: LinkedIn
Felipe Azenha: LinkedIn We extend our sincere gratitude to Büro coworking space for generously granting us the opportunity to record all our podcasts at any of their 8 convenient locations across South Florida.

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Steven Wernick, a trailblazing land use attorney, and his pivotal role in the revitalization of Miami's iconic Wynwood neighborhood. Steven's distinctive blend of legal acumen and planning expertise, coupled with his fervor for neighborhood revitalization, positions him as a unique urbanist dedicated to the well-being of local communities and their residents.
Discover Steven's journey from Boston University to earning a Masters in Regional Planning and Real Estate Development at Chapel Hill, followed by his pursuit of a law degree at the University of Florida. Through his collaboration with the Wynwood Business Improvement District (BID) since its establishment in 2013, Steven worked alongside visionaries like Joe Furst, David Polinsky, and David Lombardi to drive impactful zoning changes that played a pivotal role in reshaping Wynwood into one of Miami's most iconic neighborhoods.
The episode provides a comprehensive exploration of Wynwood’s transformation, shedding light on the strategic initiatives proposed by the BID and the collaborative efforts that fueled this urban renewal of Miami’s hottest neighborhood. Additionally, we shift our focus to the inspirational story of Greenville, South Carolina, under the visionary leadership of Mayor Knox White, who has played a key role in reimagining the city over the past twenty-five years.
Situated between Charlotte and Atlanta, Greenville's industrial prowess, boasting a BMW factory and Michelin's North American Headquarters, adds depth to our discussion of urban revitalization. Join us as we analyze these two compelling case studies, drawing valuable insights from Steven Wernick's experiences and expertise in the realm of urban transformation.

Connect with us

Want to dive deeper into Miami’s commercial real estate scene?
It’s our favorite topic—and we’re always up for a good conversation. Whether you're just exploring or already making big moves, feel free to reach out at [email protected] or give us a call at 305.498.9410.

Prefer to connect online? Find us on LinkedIn or Instagram—we’re always open to expanding the conversation.

Ben Hoffman: LinkedIn
Felipe Azenha: LinkedIn We extend our sincere gratitude to Büro coworking space for generously granting us the opportunity to record all our podcasts at any of their 8 convenient locations across South Florida.