The Placemakers Journal

#7 - Benjamin Hall - Benjamin Hall Design

Today’s guest is Benjamin Hall, he is the founder and principal of Benjamin Hall Design, a boutique architecture and design firm based in Phoenix. Known for his hands-on approach and “master builder” philosophy, Ben blends architecture and construction to deliver innovative, regionally inspired projects. His work emphasizes minimalism, material honesty, and sustainability—often tackling complex infill sites to create award-winning housing that reflects the desert environment. From adaptive reuse to missing middle housing, Ben’s projects have been featured in ArchDaily and Architectural Record and are helping shape a distinct architectural identity for the Southwest.

#6 - Mark Stapp - Executive Director ASU MRED (Master of Real Estate Development)

Our guest is Mark Stapp, the Fred E. Taylor Endowed Professor of Real Estate at ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business. Mark brings over four decades of experience in real estate development, investment, and education. He serves as Executive Director of ASU’s Master of Real Estate Development program and leads several university initiatives that bridge classroom learning with real-world impact. A frequent voice in national media and a longtime advocate for socially responsible development, Mark has shaped major projects across the Valley and continues to influence the next generation of real estate leaders through his work in academia and the industry.

#5 - Gonzalo Barroilhet - Intersection Development

Gonzalo Barroilhet is a two-time Olympian turned real estate development professional, currently serving as Senior Development Manager at Intersection Development in Phoenix. A former NCAA champion and South American record-holder in the decathlon and heptathlon, Gonzalo brings the same drive and discipline that defined his athletic career into the world of commercial development. With experience spanning the U.S. and Latin America, his work blends financial strategy with a deep appreciation for design, community impact, and execution. Gonzalo also serves as Strategic Partnerships Director at räkkhaus studio, where he helps lead transformative architectural projects. His story is one of reinvention, global perspective, and the power of high performance—on and off the track.

#4 - Jay Hicks - Dig Studio, Inc

Jay Hicks is a world renown landscape architect based in Phoenix, AZ. A few projects of his include Verrado in Buckeye, Scottsdale Kierland, & Scottsdale Civic Center. Grateful to have his expertise in landscape design and his perspective on development trends specifically working with municipalities moving forward.

#3 - Lorenzo Perez - Venue Projects

Lorenzo Perez is a leading voice in Phoenix’s adaptive reuse movement. As co-founder and managing partner of Venue Projects, he has played a pivotal role in transforming overlooked and historic buildings into vibrant, community-driven spaces across the Valley. Since founding Venue Projects with Jon Kitchell in 2008, Perez has focused on revitalizing mid-century and historic architecture, blending preservation with thoughtful, creative, modern design. His work is rooted in a deep appreciation for place, character, and connection—and that passion comes through in this episode, where he shares how these reimagined spaces have reshaped neighborhoods and inspired community response.