In this episode, we sit down with Lalit Chauhary, Design Director at Zed Pods, an award winning modular design studio that’s changing the game in social housing. From studying architecture in India to leading zero carbon projects in the UK, Lalit shares the journey and the lessons learned along the way. We dive into the challenges of modular construction, closing the performance gap, and building a sustainable business that actually works. Plus, how technology and smart thinking are shaping the future of architecture. Whether you’re starting out or already established, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:38 Guest Introduction and Background

01:18 Educational Journey in Architecture

03:38 Early Career and Internship Experience

06:06 Challenges and Lessons in Architecture

10:36 Starting Zed Pods and Initial Struggles

16:55 Breakthrough Projects and Growth

25:51 Navigating the Pandemic and Expansion

46:19 Pricing Mistakes and Lessons Learned

46:38 Balancing Client Expectations and Fees

47:17 Undercutting in the Architecture Industry

47:53 Importance of Timing and Feasibility Studies

48:32 Learning to Charge Appropriately

49:34 Handling Client Conversations and Emotions

51:17 Setting Competitive Fees and Managing Risks

52:34 Growth and Success of Z Pods

53:45 Commitment to Zero Carbon Approach

54:41 Bridging the Gap Between Design and Construction

55:16 Performance Gap and Energy Standards

56:31 Innovative Business Model and Air Rights

01:06:08 Hiring and Empowering Smart People

01:13:58 Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship

01:22:02 Future of Modular Construction and Technology

01:35:12 Conclusion and Contact Information

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• (00:00) - and Setting the Scene
• (00:38) - Introduction and Background
• (01:18) - Journey in Architecture
• (03:38) - Career and Internship Experience
• (06:06) - and Lessons in Architecture
• (10:36) - Zed Pods and Initial Struggles
• (16:55) - Projects and Growth
• (25:51) - the Pandemic and Expansion
• (46:19) - Mistakes and Lessons Learned
• (46:38) - Client Expectations and Fees
• (47:17) - in the Architecture Industry
• (47:53) - of Timing and Feasibility Studies
• (48:32) - to Charge Appropriately
• (49:34) - Client Conversations and Emotions
• (51:17) - Competitive Fees and Managing Risks
• (52:34) - and Success of Z Pods
• (53:45) - to Zero Carbon Approach
• (54:41) - the Gap Between Design and Construction
• (55:16) - Gap and Energy Standards
• (56:31) - Business Model and Air Rights
• (01:06:08) - and Empowering Smart People
• (01:13:58) - and Rewards of Entrepreneurship
• (01:22:02) - of Modular Construction and Technology
• (01:35:12) - and Contact Information