You know good design when you see it, right? In this episode, Peter explores why architects and developers often differ on what constitutes 'good design,' emphasizing that design is subjective and shaped by many perspectives—including those of developers, critics, planners, and investors. Listen to some of the lessons he's learned about who you should probably listen to. (Hint: it's not your gut.)
Essays
Continuing the thread from last week of public project financing, Peter dives further into the world of how cities and special-purpose governments utilize municipal bonds. Using city aquariums as case studies, he illustrates how failing projects often shift financial burdens to taxpayers, creating a "moral hazard."
What are public authorities, and why do they matter so much to how cities actually get things done? The Reflective Urbanist dives into the politics, financing, and quiet influence of these “shadow governments.”
This week, Peter revisits Jane Jacobs’ The Death and Life of Great American Cities—a book he first encountered (and maybe slept through) as a college student. Decades later, he reads it cover to cover and finds Jacobs’ insights on vibrant, mixed-use cities are as sharp and relevant as ever.
This week, Peter stitches together Monty Python, exploding architectural models, and a designer who looks like Fabio. Why? To explore the messy, unpredictable world of architect selection panels—where bias, personality, and power dynamics often overshadow objective decision-making. From comedy sketches to real-life stories, we unpack why choosing the "best team" is rarely as straightforward as it seems.
This week on The Reflective Urbanist, Peter shares the story of his first big procurement challenge in city government: getting three simple flashlights for his staff. What followed was a months-long lesson in bureaucracy, trust, and why you should never underestimate civil servants.
When it comes to development approvals, the rules aren’t always as clear-cut as they seem. This essay dives into a real-life planning commission meeting where two similar projects—just a block apart—got very different treatment. One developer was required to add costly brick to match the neighborhood, while the other was waved through with a sleek, modern design.
A junkyard full of police cars. A brand-new $2 million fire truck. And a crash course in why cities — and households — need two budgets. This episode makes sense of capital vs. operating budgets with stories you won’t forget.
Cornell researchers say eating together makes teams more effective. A Scorsese movie, a Minneapolis planning project, and a few unforgettable dinners prove the point. Tune in for stories and lessons on why breaking bread might be the smartest business strategy of all.
This fall feels like a fresh start—and what better way to kick off the new season than with a “Back-to-School” episode? In this first show of the season, I reflect on what it means to keep learning—long after we’ve left the classroom. From Rodney Dangerfield’s Back to School to real-life lessons about humility, curiosity, and growth, this episode explores why being a “learn-it-all” will always beat being a “know-it-all.”
