In this episode of ThriveCAST, Shannon Singler sits down with Daniel Durham, founding partner and head of construction at Daniel Durham Construction based out of Portland, Oregon to talk about building more than just beautiful spaces. Daniel shares how a hammer, some early lessons from his dad, and a deep respect for design-first thinking led him to launch one of Portland's standout construction firms.

From forging strong relationships with clients and trade partners to bringing a much-needed sense of calm to job sites (yes, it's possible), Daniel breaks down what it really takes to run a modern construction business — without losing your soul in the process.

Plus, he shares how a trip to Japan reshaped his design perspective, why personal growth isn't just self-help fluff, and the daily habits that keep him (and his business) thriving.

Key takeaways:

• Great craftsmanship starts with great relationships - and a calming job site presence clients actually appreciate
  
  
• Inspiration doesn’t happen by accident: travel, design exploration, and Japanese techniques fuel Daniel’s creativity
  
  
• Business success is tied directly to personal growth, smart financial decisions, and keeping your learning game strong

If you’re building a trade business, or just looking for a better way to work, Daniel’s approach will make you rethink what’s possible. Tune in for a fresh take on craftsmanship, mindset, and modern construction done right.

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What happens when a building starts leaking, cracking, or needs to be evacuated? Forensic architect Michael Fiebig of Fiebig Architecture knows the answer, and it’s usually not pretty. In this episode of ThriveCAST, we dig into the world of forensic architecture, where construction defects turn into legal disputes and the blueprints becomes evidence.

Michael breaks down how and why buildings fail - from water intrusion nightmares to structural oversights - and how his work connects architecture, building codes, fire safety, and the courtroom. Whether he’s flying drones to uncover hidden damage, decoding outdated regulations, or squaring off with opposing counsel, forensic architecture isn’t just technical, it’s a full-blown construction Crime Scene Investigation.

Here’s what we cover:

• Why water damage is a top offender in construction defect claims, and how to spot the warning signs
• How regulatory gaps and outdated building codes can set the stage for disaster
• What it's really like to serve as an expert witness in a high-stake legal battle
• The role of tech tools like drones and thermal cameras in modern forensic investigations

Whether you're in construction, architecture design, or just fascinated by what happens after the ribbon cutting, this episode gives a rare look into the high-pressure world of forensic architecture, where the smallest design flaws can lead to million-dollar consequences.

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We’re going underground—in the best way possible. In this episode of ThriveCAST, we dig deep with Roberto Zolante and Thomas Egan from Phoenix Boring, a company making underground infrastructure smarter, faster, and less disruptive through trenchless technology. (Yes, it’s as cool as it sounds.)

We get into the good, the gritty, and the innovative world of trenchless technology, and why this method of installation should be the norm, not the niche for policy makers, city planners, and civil engineers.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why critical conversion depth is the not-so-secret key to trenchless adoption
  
  
• How trenchless solutions slash long-term costs for cities and municipalities
  
  
• What’s holding back adoption (hint: outdated data and lowest-bid mentalities)
  
  
• How Phoenix Boring plans to scale smarter and dig cleaner in the years ahead

If you've ever wondered if there's a way to improve underground infrastructure, there is! And it starts underground.

🚧 No trenches were dug in the making of this episode.

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In this episode of ThriveCAST, Shannon welcomes Daniel Woodroffe, founder and president of .dwg - an award-winning landscape architecture firm with a transatlantic footprint and a bold vision for shaping the future of cities.

From Austin to London, Daniel and his team are redefining how we think about public space, sustainability, and the role of landscape in urban life. With a deep respect for place and a strong design ethos, .dwg is proving that good design isn't just aesthetic; it's transformational.

Tune in for insights on:

• How landscape architecture can connect people, place, and purpose; and why it’s foundational to building more resilient cities.
• The impact of adaptive reuse and urban infill projects and how honoring a site’s past can lead to more meaningful, community-driven spaces.
• What it takes to stand out in a crowded AEC industry, from investing in talent to embracing innovation and building trust-driven client relationships.

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If you think landscape architecture is just grass and benches, bless your heart, but you haven’t met Brandon Reed, PLA, Founder of Loft Six Four. His firm is redefining rooftop real estate with bold, modern outdoor spaces that do more than look pretty - they create experiences, foster community, and give shared living a whole new purpose.

We dig into why rooftop spaces are the unsung heroes of multifamily developments, how Chicago became the rooftop capital of the world, and why “just slap a grill up there” is not a design strategy.

From hospitality-inspired vibes to the ROI of innovative outdoor design, Brandon spills the dirt (yep, pun intended) on how branding, user experience, and sustainability elevate urban living.

Whether you’re a developer chasing higher rents, an architect itching for creative freedom, or someone who loves a rooftop with a view and a vibe, this episode covers you.

What you’ll walk away with:

• Real talk on how rooftop amenities drive lease-ups, retention, and long-term ROI
• The secret sauce behind outdoor spaces that create real community and not just curb appeal
• Why branding matters as much as plants when it comes to landscape architecture

Expect bold insights, a few laughs, and a fresh perspective on why the future of multifamily living is headed skyward.

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What if you could sell a condo before the foundation’s even poured? In this episode of ThriveCAST, Shannon Singler sits down with Nate Robert-Eze, founder of VSN Group, to talk all things virtual reality, 3D rendering, and the future of architectural storytelling. VSN (aka "Vision") isn’t just building tech - they’re reshaping how we experience the unbuilt world.

From drone-powered VR walkthroughs to AI-driven design, this convo dives into how immersive tech is flipping real estate and development on its head in the best way possible. Whether you're in AEC, real estate development, marketing, or just future-curious, this episode delivers insights, aha moments, and a few mic-drop success stories (spoiler: one involves raising $900K in a single day).

What You’ll Learn:

• How VSN Group turns architectural plans into jaw-dropping immersive experiences
• Why buyers are more willing than ever to purchase property sight unseen
• The most prominent myths about 3D renderings and why they’re dead wrong
• How AI and spatial computing are shaping the next frontier of real estate, architecture, design, and engineering

Ready to see the unseeable? Let’s walk through the future - headset not required.

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In this episode of ThriveCAST, Shannon Singler sits down with David Renard, the mastermind behind RPM Team, to discuss what it takes to manage high-stakes construction projects - especially when the clock is ticking and the budget is tight.

David shares how his team keeps projects moving at warp speed without cutting corners, from game-changing modular and prefab construction to the wild world of government contracts.

Expect insights, a few laughs, and a deep dive into why construction isn’t just about bricks and blueprints - it’s about problem-solving, people, and making a lasting impact.

Key Takeaways:

• Program management = the secret sauce: Forget traditional project management. RPM Team takes it up a notch, orchestrating projects from napkin sketch to final walkthrough.
  
  
• Prefab & modular: the future is now – Love it or hate it, prefab and modular design are changing the game, making high-quality construction faster and more cost-effective.
  
  
• Communication is king: Managing government projects? Stakeholders? Tight deadlines? It’s all about speaking the right language with city officials, contractors, or the community.

Plus, hear how RPM Team’s tiny home village project is literally changing lives and why injecting a little joy (and a whole lot of efficiency) into the industry makes all the difference.

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On this episode of ThriveCAST, Shannon sits down with Trent Raines, co-owner of Collected Living & Design, to talk about what it really takes to build a business beyond the Pinterest-worthy aesthetics.

From leaving behind “stable” paychecks to navigating the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, Trent shares the highs, the lows, and the unexpected lessons of growing a company from the ground up. Spoiler alert: there’s no magic formula - just grit, strategy, and a whole lot of trial and error.

What You’ll Take Away (besides a newfound respect for small business owners):

• The paycheck myth: Why “job security” is often an illusion and how to embrace the risk.
• Scaling smart, not just hard: How relationships, pricing, and strategic growth can make or break your business.
• Why process is everything: The hard-earned lesson that flying by the seat of your pants only works for so long.

If you’re an entrepreneur, a business owner, or just someone who enjoys hearing what really happens behind the scenes of a growing company, this episode is for you.

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