Building for Tomorrow with Riley Carter Riley Carter Architecture

For years, I’ve had a growing urge to step beyond the page and into something more immediate—something that feels like a real-time conversation with the people I care most about in this field: builders, architects, policy thinkers, homeowners, and the next generation of problem-solvers. That’s why I’ve launched Building for Tomorrow, my new podcast exploring the intersections of design, regulation, economics, and sustainability in the built environment.

🎧 You can listen to the first episode here on Spotify

This idea had been simmering for a while. I’d be on a job site talking through a mechanical integration issue, or in a planning meeting about zoning incentives, and I’d think—this needs to be part of a larger conversation. There’s so much nuance to building codes, passive house standards, affordability models, and ecological design that doesn’t get communicated well in most forums. I wanted a format where we could slow down, dig in, and really explore what’s working, what’s failing, and what’s possible.

So that’s what this podcast is: a platform for serious but accessible conversations about how we build—and why we need to build better. It’s informed by my two decades in architectural practice, code consulting, and research, but it’s also grounded in everyday realities: families trying to afford healthy homes, builders trying to meet new codes with tight margins, policymakers struggling to align long-term goals with short-term constraints.

Why I Created the Building for Tomorrow Podcast

The idea for this podcast has been with me for years. I kept having the same experience over and over again—on-site with builders, in policy meetings, or mentoring young architects—and I’d realize that the knowledge we were sharing was either siloed or inaccessible to the people who needed it most.

I’ve spent my career navigating the complex relationships between architecture, building codes, sustainability, and economics. And I know how isolating it can feel to try and make sense of this system on your own. Building for Tomorrow is my answer to that. A way to share what works, what doesn’t, and what the future could look like if we connect the dots differently.

The Core Focus: Passive House, Building Codes, and Housing Economics

Passive house has been a cornerstone of my work for years, and it’s one of the foundations of this podcast. But I don’t treat it as a niche ideal—I treat it as a practical baseline. We’ll break down how to implement passive strategies within real-world budget constraints, how code updates can actually support better outcomes, and how we can rethink housing to be both more efficient and more accessible.

Expect episodes on airtightness and thermal bridging, but also on permit processes, housing equity, and the ROI of sustainable upgrades.

Breaking Down Building Regulations for Everyone

Let’s be honest: codes are intimidating. But they don’t have to be. Part of my mission with Building for Tomorrow is to translate the often-confusing language of building codes into something clear, understandable, and actionable. Whether you’re a builder, a planner, or a homeowner, I want you to feel empowered—not paralyzed—by regulation.

We’ll walk through key changes in the 2021 IRC, look at what’s coming down the pipeline, and talk about how policy can evolve to support innovation without sacrificing safety.

Real-World Conversations with Builders, Policymakers, and Homeowners

This podcast is more than just me on the mic. I’ll be joined by builders who are trying to meet performance goals in tough climates. Policymakers working on housing legislation. Engineers designing net-zero schools. And homeowners navigating renovations on a budget.

These are the voices that matter—the people at the heart of the building industry who are already shaping the future, often against the odds.

From Single Homes to Net-Zero Communities

Sustainability doesn’t stop at the front door. One of the most exciting things happening in our field right now is the expansion of passive principles into full-scale communities. From prefabricated housing systems to BIM-integrated neighborhoods, I’ll explore how we scale these practices beyond the individual home.

We’ll look at mixed-use projects, affordable housing pilots, and regulatory experiments that are pushing boundaries—and getting results.

Building the Future of Housing, Together

I truly believe that housing is one of the most powerful tools we have for climate action, public health, and economic resilience. But only if we’re willing to challenge outdated assumptions and build something better. This podcast is my way of helping us do that—together.

We’ll get into the details, but we’ll also zoom out to see the whole system. We’ll look at incentives, disincentives, case studies, and failures. And through it all, I’ll keep coming back to one question: how can we build smarter, safer, and more sustainably—for everyone?

Listen to Building for Tomorrow: Join the Movement Today

If you’re ready to go beyond buzzwords and get into the real work of building for the future, I’d love to have you with me. Building for Tomorrow is available on Spotify and other major platforms, with new episodes dropping regularly.

🎧 Click here to listen now and don’t forget to subscribe.

Let’s build something that lasts.

Riley Carter