Urban Development and Architectural Innovation with Brian Cassidy of CCBG Architects

Building Scale

We interview successful Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) business leaders to learn how they use people, processes, and technology to scale their businesses.

Urban Development and Architectural Innovation with Brian Cassidy of CCBG Architects

E132 • Aug 26, 2025 • 51 mins

Brian Cassidy shares insights into his early career and his role at CCBG Architects, delving into the company's culture and its impact on Downtown Phoenix's transformation. He discusses lean operations, management strategies, and the evolution of Roosevelt Row, alongside investment strategies for downtown revitalization. The conversation touches on marketing, hiring, and the Phoenix Community Alliance's influence. Brian addresses urban development challenges, affordable housing, and community advocacy, highlighting historical renovations and infrastructure issues. He explores remote work's effect on work-life balance, future city planning, and technology's role in architecture, including AI, automation, and the significance of CAD and 3D modeling.

Key Points

Investing in the renovation and development of downtown areas can not only revive underdeveloped urban cores but also serve as a recruitment tool for attracting talent and clients.
Collaborative, in-person work environments are crucial for fostering creativity and mentorship within architecture firms, even in an era where remote work has become more common.
The use of AI and advanced technologies in architecture can significantly enhance productivity and idea generation, but the human touch remains irreplaceable for incorporating contextual and historical insights into designs.

Connect with Brian Cassidy - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briancassidyccbg/ Website: https://www.ccbgarchitects.com/ Phone: 602-258-2211 Connect with Justin & Will - Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration - Website: https://www.spotmigration.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help

Speakers

Brian Cassidy

Guest • 78%

Will Foret

Host • 2%

Justin Neagle

Host • 15%

Will Foret

Host • 5%

Chapters

0:00	Introduction and Brian Cassidy's early career
1:51	Brian Cassidy's background and CCBG Architects
4:14	CCBG's company culture and Downtown Phoenix transformation
7:42	CCBG's lean operations and management approach
10:37	Roosevelt Row's evolution and downtown investment strategies
16:29	Marketing, hiring, and Phoenix Community Alliance's role
20:37	Addressing affordable housing and community advocacy
23:05	Urban development challenges and Warehouse District revitalization
25:08	Historical renovations and infrastructure challenges in urban areas
30:44	Remote work's impact and promoting work-life balance
35:42	Future city planning and leveraging technology in architecture
41:28	AI, automation, and modernization in the AEC industry
46:13	Prefabrication and the importance of CAD and 3D modeling skills
48:06	Contact information and Phoenix growth potential
49:02	Closing remarks and call to action
50:09	Sponsor: IT cybersecurity strategy
50:27	Final sign-off

Transcript

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