In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, Ryan Glick talks with Kris Maher, the Senior Vice President of Community Design at Rancho Mission Viejo. Kris discusses her path from a high school student fascinated by mechanical drafting to a key figure in land development. Kris shares her initial attraction to architecture, and how it propelled her into a career that blends art with practical application. Kris dives into her career, highlighting the early days of low pay and high aspirations, the transition from architecture to land development, and the eventual decision to start her own consulting practice.
The conversation shifts to the intricacies of planning and developing large-scale communities. Kris offers an insider’s look at the process of transforming raw land into vibrant, functional communities. From the strategic placement of amenities to the forward-thinking approach to development, she emphasizes the importance of vision and adaptability in creating spaces that resonate with residents.
Kris also shares insights into the future of land development, underscoring the importance of community feedback, the challenges posed by regulatory landscapes, and the evolving needs of residents. Her perspective is both an inspiration and a guide for aspiring developers, architects, and anyone interested in the power of thoughtful land development.
Ryan sits down with Peter Murphy Lewis to talk about how storytelling can help developers and builders attract better talent and build stronger teams. They break down simple, practical ways to use video and real stories to stand out in today’s labor market.
Keith Miller joins the show to talk about his focus on building attainably priced homes at scale in Montana, why he’s using factory-built housing, and what it really takes to bring new supply to fast-growing markets.
Ryan and Charles break down falling homebuyer demand, a heated TikTok debate on millennial housing choices, a proposed property tax hike in New York City, and what a shrinking U.S. population could mean for developers.