Behind the Build

• Behind the Build: Andrés Muñoz Alarcón - EStudio AMA

  Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Andrés Muñoz Alarcón is the founder and creative force behind EStudio AMA, a thriving design practice based in Mexico City. A graduate of Universidad Iberoamericana, Andrés built his early foundation with summers spent abroad interning and studying in cities like Los Angeles, New York, Paris, and Chicago—experiences that shaped his global design sensibility and deepened his appreciation for architectural diversity.Before launching EStudio AMA, Andrés spent nearly a decade with renowned Mexican firm Sordo Madaleno, where he rapidly rose through the ranks to lead major hospitality, residential, and commercial projects across Mexico, South America, and Europe. In 2022, he founded EStudio AMA with a vision to merge conceptual clarity with organizational precision—launching with high-profile commissions that speak to that ambition.Today, EStudio AMA is a 25-person multidisciplinary team with projects ranging from private residences and mixed-use towers to large-scale international collaborations. A standout among these is the Legend Tower in Guadalajara—designed in partnership with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)—currently the largest SOM-led project in Latin America. The studio also collaborates on major developments in Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, and South America.Operating with a hybrid team structure, EStudio AMA emphasizes strong conceptual narratives, in-house branding, and coordinated execution. Andrés's vision for growth is rooted in human-centered leadership, offering his team benefits like wellness programs and profit-sharing, while cultivating a collaborative culture that transcends borders. With continued conversations underway with firms in Europe and North America, EStudio AMA is poised to become a global design voice—anchored by Mexican roots and international outlook.Sponsors:Lutron: https://www.lutron.com/us/enCaplan's Appliances: https://caplans.ca/The Doors: https://thedoors4u.com/To connect with our sponsors, email me: [email protected] the Build on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behind_the_build_podcast/

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• Behind the Build: The Making Of... with Bruce Borden & Jonathan Jacobs - Walden Homes

  We celebrate Behind the Build turning one year old with a conversation that goes straight to the heart of where it all began. In this anniversary episode, Jonathan sits down with Bruce Borden — one of the original founders & co-principals of Walden Homes, alongside Danny Morris, & the person with whom the idea for this podcast was first imagined six years ago.A founder, mentor, & process-driven thinker, Bruce shares the early blueprint of the company, how it evolved from speculative builds in the ’90s to a construction management firm focused on delivering architecturally challenging & significant homes — all through a deeply collaborative, process-led model that prizes adaptability, precision, & long-term partnership.Bruce & Jonathan revisit the conversations that sparked the idea for this very podcast & dive into the philosophy that’s shaped Walden’s identity: structure, transparency, continuous iteration, & the real-world tools that power effective site & team coordination. From faxes & spreadsheets to fully integrated cloud systems & recorded jobsite walkthroughs, Bruce’s lens on technology isn’t about flash — it’s about function & clarity.Beyond tech, the episode uncovers Bruce’s foundational inspiration from his father, his early exposure to construction, & his emphasis on giving construction managers the autonomy & tools to lead projects well. The conversation also touches on Walden’s shift away from in-house design, choosing instead to build meaningful partnerships with architects & interior designers, & the consultants who enable us all to execute to the highest level — freeing up creative vision while anchoring execution in strong project delivery systems.Bruce opens up about the human side of running a business: the search for betterment, the value of collaborative critique, & treating a 30-year-old company with the curiosity & nimbleness of a startup. It’s a rare behind-the-scenes look at the thought leadership that quietly fuels the systems, culture, & client experiences Walden Homes delivers every day.Sponsors:Lutron: https://www.lutron.com/us/enCaplan's Appliances: https://caplans.ca/The Doors: https://thedoors4u.com/To connect with our sponsors, email me: [email protected] the Build on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behind_the_build_podcast/

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• Behind the Build: Maggie Bennedson & Amin Ebrahim - KSA

  Maggie Bennedsen and Amin Ebrahim are principals at KSA, a practice known for its diverse and impactful architectural work. Maggie has been with KSA since 1998, and Amin joined the firm in 2013. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the practice, contributing significantly to its success and reputation for designing thoughtful, enduring spaces.Maggie Bennedsen, originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, completed her studies at the University of Waterloo, earning a Bachelor of Environmental Studies (BES) and a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch). After joining KSA in 1998, Maggie worked on high-profile projects such as the Arrendale Student Centre. She has built a career focused on residential design and public buildings, with a particular passion for creating meaningful spaces that reflect the needs of the people who use them. Outside of architecture, Maggie is an avid adventurer and cyclist. She and her husband, Rick Galezowski embarked on an epic "pole-to-pole" bike trip, a journey that became a defining chapter in her life. Her love for exploring the world, combined with her architectural pursuits, shapes her approach to design, always seeking new perspectives and experiences. Maggie’s work is driven by a commitment to design excellence, collaboration, and community involvement.Amin Ebrahim’s path to architecture began with a civil engineering degree from MIT. After discovering his passion for architectural history and design, Amin transitioned into architecture and later completed his professional degree at McGill University. He joined KSA in 2013, where his diverse background in engineering and architecture has been instrumental in tackling complex design challenges. Amin has been involved in projects ranging from public institutions to residential spaces, and his work is defined by a focus on both technical precision and creative problem-solving. When not immersed in design, Amin enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the outdoors. He is particularly active and enjoys travel and hiking with his family. His interest in building relationships extends beyond his professional life, and he strives to foster a balanced life of work, family, and adventure.Together, Maggie and Amin have shaped KSA’s dynamic practice, bringing their years of experience, diverse expertise, and shared commitment to innovative design.Sponsored by Caplan's Appliances: https://caplans.ca/To connect with Caplan's Appliances, email me: [email protected] the Build on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behind_the_build_podcast/

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• Behind the Build: Ben Gaum - Project Studios Architects

  Ben Gaum built his path to architecture from a young age, after a school test in Grade 5 surprisingly and accurately suggested “architect” as the perfect intersection of his creative and analytical strengths. That early insight stayed with him and eventually shaped his formal education and career. He began with an architectural technology degree at Fanshawe College, where he gained deep technical knowledge and became part of the last generation to hand-draft working drawings. He later pursued architecture at Dalhousie for his undergrad and completed his master’s at Ryerson, balancing conceptual thinking with practical execution.Early in his career, Ben worked with several large and mid-sized firms, including KIRKOR Architects and Humphreys Partners, developing a strong foundation in high-density residential and mixed-use work. In 2017, he co-founded a practice and, within a few years, assumed full ownership—leading the studio as sole principal from that point on. The firm launched with major multi-residential projects already underway, giving Ben an unusually fast transition from startup to active construction.His work stands out for its pragmatism, experimentation, and design execution. Whether delivering a fully precast 144-unit condo in Hamilton or exploring advanced fabrication techniques for an educational project, his approach consistently merges design innovation with technical resolution.Ben is also the founder of Block House, a studio focused on container-based laneway and garden suites. What began as a personal project became a scalable initiative to reduce construction costs and time, while addressing housing in dense urban contexts. Block House combines prefabrication, steel construction, and architectural detail in a way that’s both efficient and flexible—often coming in at 30% less than traditional builds.Outside of practice, Ben is a musician, a former photographer, a golfer, and a dad. His work and his studio are driven by curiosity, technical craft, and a love for solving real architectural problems through design.Sponsored by Caplan's Appliances: https://caplans.ca/To connect with Caplan's Appliances, email me: [email protected] the Build on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behind_the_build_podcast/

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• Behind the Build: Frank DiSarra - FrankFranco Architects

  Frank DiSarra, principal of Frank Franco Architects, has dedicated over 25 years to shaping contemporary architecture that seamlessly blends artistry with technical precision. A graduate of Carleton University’s architecture program, Frank’s early education instilled in him a deep appreciation for both design theory and hands-on craftsmanship. His journey in the industry has been anything but linear—beginning with traditional architectural practice before expanding into construction management and even launching a millwork company to refine his understanding of materials and fabrication.Throughout his career, Frank has worked on an array of projects, from high-end custom homes in Ontario to designs for international sites, including residences in Jamaica and New York. His exposure to global architecture has influenced his meticulous approach to detailing and his ability to create spaces that are both functional and striking. Whether designing expansive estates on sprawling properties or navigating the constraints of urban lots, he thrives on the challenge of balancing innovative aesthetics with the realities of construction.Frank's commitment to craftsmanship stems from his early years, where time spent with his grandfather instilled a passion for tinkering, repurposing materials, and problem-solving. Today, this same ethos guides his work, as he remains deeply involved in the construction process—collaborating closely with trades, overseeing site details, and ensuring that every project is executed with the highest level of precision.With a boutique practice that takes on only a select number of projects each year, Frank prioritizes quality over quantity, focusing on bespoke designs that push the boundaries of contemporary architecture. His work is a testament to the power of thoughtful, well-crafted design—where even the simplest details are executed with intention and expertise.Sponsored by Caplan's Appliances: https://caplans.ca/To connect with Caplan's Appliances, email me: [email protected] the Build on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behind_the_build_podcast/

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