How Can Open-Source Solutions in Architecture and Planning Change the World?

In episode 006 of the Kiln.RoadTrip, created and produced by The Swell Pod, hosts Spencer McKeown and Josh Taylor interview Megan Recher and Haley Nelke from Place Collaborative, a firm dedicated to open-source, sustainable architecture and planning. They discuss their commitment to sharing knowledge and creating regenerative solutions, aiming to make the industry more resilient. They emphasize the importance of collaboration over competition, offering consultancy to other firms for sustainable projects. Both guests share personal backgrounds and their drive to integrate purpose into their work, despite the challenges they face. The episode highlights their vision for a more sustainable future and their efforts to build a community around shared, actionable knowledge for environmental betterment.

About Megan Recher:

Megan Recher, Principal at Place Collaborative, AIA, LEED BD+C, LFA, SEED AP

Megan is recognized for urban planning, architecture and policy projects which are adaptable to regional climate challenges. She conducts project charrettes connecting social, economic and environmental factors to advance resilience principles in the design and communities. Her strong focus on resilient and regenerative design strategies influences projects in a way that creates quality space while simultaneously increasing projects adaptability while reducing energy, water, waste, and cost.

Follow Megan Recher at:

• Linkedin
• Instagram @meganrecher

 

About Haley Nelke:

Hayley Nelke, Designer at Place Collaborative, LFA, SEED AP

Hayley has a strong background in Public Interest Design and Design Build through completing the certificate program with the Center for Public Interest Design alongside her architectural education. She spent time in eastern Montana, participating in rebuilding programs after wildfire events, and has hands on experience with material reuse design builds in Oregon.  Hayley’s experience on projects from the tenant improvement scale to the urban planning scale as well as experience facilitating community engagement in design helps her adapt to any of the various project types at Place Collaborative.

Follow Haley Nelke at:

• Linkedin
• Instagram @highdeserthayley

About Place Collab:

Based in Park City, Utah, we’re focused on creating and sharing open-source solutions in all places. We consult with design teams, building owners and operators, planners, and policymakers. We are a majority woman-owned and operated company and benefit corporation that provides regenerative solutions. We are engaged in projects at the regional, community, and building scales.

placecollab.com

Bullets:

• Mission to share knowledge and create regenerative and resilient solutions in architecture and planning
• Challenges faced and strategies for overcoming them
• Introduction to the Kiln Road Trip and its purpose
• Discussion about the Kiln Road Trip and its journey across five states
• Place Collaborative's focus on creating and sharing open-source solutions
• Consultation with design teams, building owners, planners, and policymakers
• Emphasis on regenerative solutions at regional, community, and building scales
• Vision to make a better planet for everyone through resilient and regenerative strategies
• Building a community and serving as consultants for other firms.

TimeStamps:

The Kiln Road Trip (00:00:02) Introduction to the podcast episode and the Kiln Road Trip, a 10-day journey across five states.

 

Introduction to Place Collaborative (00:00:53) Introduction to Megan Ricker and Haley from Place Collaborative, a place-based architecture and planning company.

 

Personal Backgrounds (00:02:17) Megan and Haley discuss their personal backgrounds and interests, including their childhood and hobbies.

 

Mission and Vision of Place Collaborative (00:04:17) Discussion about the mission of Place Collaborative to share knowledge and create regenerative and resilient solutions in the architecture and planning industry.

 

Challenges Faced and Strategies to Overcome (00:07:33) Discussion about the obstacles faced by Place Collaborative, including knowledge safeguarding and regulatory issues, and their strategies to overcome these challenges.

 

Educational and Sharing Strategies (00:11:04) Strategies employed by Place Collaborative to overcome challenges, including engaging city officials early in projects and sharing tools and resources for sustainable building practices.

 

Community Building and Future Vision (00:17:59) Discussion about the vision for the future, aiming for widespread implementation of resilient and regenerative strategies and the aspiration to build a community around sharing knowledge.

 

Big Conference Plans (00:18:54) Discussion about creating a future conference and sharing knowledge with other firms.

 

Kiln's Impact (00:19:23) The invaluable role of Kiln in providing flexible workspaces and fostering collaboration and inspiration.

 

Community Engagement (00:20:27) The positive community atmosphere at Kiln, including its dog-friendly environment and sense of belonging.

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