Designing Ideal Living Communities with Otis Odell, Ep. 674

Otis Odell has spent over 30 years transforming the U.S. real estate market with innovative, people-first development ideas, focusing on high-rise and affordable housing. As the National Housing Sector Leader at HED, a renowned architecture-engineering firm with over a century of excellence, Otis pioneers sustainable, modular, and affordable housing solutions. His passion lies in addressing America’s housing crisis by designing projects that maximize ROI for investors while uplifting communities.  

Starting as a framing carpenter during college and running his own Denver-based practice, O’Dell Architects, for 16 years, Otis brings a wealth of hands-on experience. A speaker and advocate for sustainable design, he champions thoughtful architecture that transforms lives and fosters lasting economic and social impact.

In this episode, we talked to Otis about launching a firm, what he’s working on today, what to pay attention to while investing into a new project, things to look out for while approaching different types of projects, and much more.

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Designing Communities;

02:25 Otis’ background;

04:26 An insight into launching a firm;

07:06 What he’s working on today;

13:37 What to pay attention to while investing into a new project;

19:45 Things to look out for while approaching different types of projects;

28:55 Round of Insights

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Round of Insights

Apparent Failure: Losing a project due to the council changing their mind.

Digital Resource: Business of Architecture Podcast.

Most Recommended Book: Books by Matt Haig and Simon Sinek.

Daily Habit: Regular quiet time in the morning.

#1 Insight for designing communities: Making sure to engage and listen to your community..

Best place to grab a bite in Denver, CO: Tavernetta.

Contact Otis:

Website

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