Utilizing Modern Construction Methods to Create Memorable Places with Todd Smith – Ep. 52 - a podcast by Matthew Loos, P.E.

placemakingpodcast@gmail.comFacebook-fTwitterLinkedinInstagramUtilizing Modern Construction Methods to Create Memorable Places with Todd Smith – Ep. 52
About the GuestI am extremely excited to share this next conversation with all of you. Today on the show I have Todd Smith of 356 out of Toronto, Ontario. What started as a (surprisingly plausible) model of a passive solar chalet for a Grade 4 science fair, culminated over many years as the creative work of developing places where people flourish. Today, through his development firm 356, Todd creates places where people love to live and are proud to call home. Humanizing, beautiful places in characterful, green neighborhoods that encourage health and wellbeing.
While the role of a developer takes shape in literal built environments, Todd has learned that adeveloper's core value lies in holding a vision for what could be, then gathering, directing, supporting, and challenging talented people to be imaginative, solve problems, and work together to create something exceptional. This is what drew him to modular construction for a purpose-built rental enclave the company is developing which overlooks a 10-acre conservation area in an exurban community near Toronto, Canada. Todd and 356 are making places for people who want something different, something more responsible, something that inspires and enables.  They're doing the same for purpose-driven place makers, aligned developers, and investors who share the vision of renewing people and places, while multiplying their capital resources, stewardship and impact. 356 doesn’t try to mimic the past. It doesn't aim for mass appeal. Instead, the company creates spaces for the many lifestyles that don’t mesh with the majority of homes being built.  Design-forward spaces in architecturally engaging buildings that both respect and strengthen communities.In this episode, we take a look at how modular is being used in this setting, what advantages it affords, some myths surrounding prefabrication, and why it's important to plan for contingencies no matter what the construction method. There is loads of great information in this episode and I greatly appreciated Todd for taking the time out of his extremely busy schedule to discuss this topic of modular construction in development with me.
As always, if you have enjoyed the show, please subscribe to the show and share itwith your friends in the industry. There will be more exciting conversations on the shows to come.Main Take-Away’s From This Show
This was another really fun episode to record. I enjoyed hearing about Todd’s intro into real estate development from his fourth-grade science project all the way up to the interesting work he’s doing now. His insights into the psychology of creating great places were truly eye-opening. As you’ll hear in this discussion, his experience with modular construction could potentially help you avoid pitfalls with your next project. There were so many great talking points that Todd made throughout the discussion, so it is hard to just pick three for my main take-away’s this week. The following main topics of the show come from an understanding of placemaking and modular construction that he possesses.There Can Many Reasons Why Someone Would be Interested in Going Modular
Common Myths for Modular Construction BustedYou Can Learn Things from Everyone No-Matter Where they are in the Process

As always, I will dig into each of these “take-away’s” every week on the blog. So, without further a due, here we go!There Can Many Reasons Why Someone Would be Interested in Going ModularSo, before we really dive deep into this topic, let us define modular construction. Who better to describe modular construction than the Modular Building I...

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