All Episodes

Farmers markets create a strong sense of community, making residents and prospective homebuyers feel part of something bigger — but are they the right fit for every community? In this episode, hosts Monaca Onstead and Callie Freidman break down the appeal, challenges, and key considerations of farmers markets.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on when and where farmers markets work best and what it takes to make them thrive.

In the first installment of our Q&A series, ‘Creating Community’, hosts Monaca and Callie tackle pressing questions from their LinkedIn network. Callie leads the conversation, prompting Monaca to share insights on the evolving real estate development and lifestyle landscapes.

Join us for an insightful Q&A discussion on creating places where people can put down roots and connect meaningfully.

In this special episode of Smith Lane, we explore the impacts of technology on the world of placemaking, featuring insights from four industry leaders who are shaping the way we design, develop, and engage with communities. From streamlining architectural control, to leveraging data for real estate marketing, integrating AI in landscape architecture, and enhancing community engagement through mobile apps, these conversations highlight the transformative role of technology in the built environment.

Welcome to this episode of Smith Lane, where we’re joined by the influential Vaike O’Grady — a strategist and placemaker who has transitioned from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. Vaike now leads Residential Marketing Resources, serving her clients through strategic planning and market research.

In this episode of Smith Lane, we sit down with Stephanie Darden Bennett, President and Chief Creative Officer of Prismatic.

Stephanie describes Prismatic’s mission as "place whispering"— a unique approach to uncovering the hidden potential of spaces. Her team helps developers and owners craft strategic branding, marketing, and user experience concepts to transform ordinary land into places with magnetic appeal.

In this episode, we sit down with Rhett Crocker, President at LandDesign, to explore his personal placemaking philosophy.

Rhett shares how his balanced approach — focusing equally on landscape architecture and civil engineering — brings projects to life. As a leader who remains passionate about staying hands-on in the workplace, he highlights the importance of collaboration, relationships, and client-centered design.

Join us as we uncover the significance of weaving a community's culture into a place, as Rhett reflects on his evolving philosophies around how people interact with spaces, and the numerous ways technology is shaping the creative side of the industry.

In this episode of Smith Lane, Tom Woliver, founder and co-president of Oxland Group, dives into the importance of authentic placemaking.

He shares his journey from landscape architecture to leading Oxland Group, a full-service capital investment and real estate development firm. Tom offers career insights, including the value of working with a trusted network, and adhering to a strict “no assholes” policy.

Jessica shares how the idea of the Bike Bus was born out of her own need for a community-driven way to bike her kids to school, and how it has grown into a powerful tool for building connections and changing the way we think about active transportation.

In this episode of Smith Lane, we welcome David Hoppes, Vice President, Senior Principal, Studio Leader, and Professional Landscape Architect at Dix.Hite + Partners. Join us as we explore David’s deep-rooted connection to nature, tracing his journey from growing up on a farm to a career in landscape architecture.

Brad introduces the concept of bundled golf communities, where all residents enjoy membership benefits, making golf more accessible and affordable compared to traditional private equity clubs. This model not only provides a top-notch amenity but also fosters a sense of community, with nearly 50,000 rounds of golf played annually at ICON-managed communities.

Mike shares his insights on builder choice, affordability challenges, the significance of welcome centers, and innovative acquisition strategies. We also explore the success of Starwood Land’s MPC project Sunterra — the best-selling master-planned community in Texas and #3 community in the nation – that expertly blends affordability with an exceptional amenity package and lifestyle program.

Deven explains how OA3 harnesses comprehensive data on every adult in the U.S. to bridge the gap between buyers and sellers. Deven explains the innovative use of "digital exhaust" —the digital footprint left by our online activities—to gain insights into individual preferences and match them with ideal real estate opportunities and communities that align with them.

Mood Interior Designs specializes in design projects for multifamily properties, student housing, and homebuilders. Lori's approach is simple yet impactful: "How can we help you achieve your vision?"

In this episode of Smith Lane, we sit down with A’Lisa Ozment to explore her inspiring journey and the evolution of her business, Architectural Plan Review (APR).

A’Lisa started as an architectural control consultant while raising her children. Her early efforts laid the groundwork for the growth of her business, and the development of innovative systems and technologies that assist developers in maintaining the vision of their builds.

Welcome back to Smith Lane! We are thrilled to welcome our first in-studio guest: Matt Koratich, the Director of Community Management for Lennar Homes in Southwest Florida.

Episode 5 of Smith Lane welcomes April LaMon, CEO and Co-Founder of Alosant, to discuss her company’s transformational mobile apps and the role they play in building community.

Welcome to another episode of Smith Lane! We’re thrilled to present a conversation with Deana Vidal, the Director of Brand Strategy at John Burns Research & Consulting (JBREC) and a leader at the New Home Trends Institute (NHTI).

Episode 3 of Smith Lane welcomes Chris McComas, the driving force behind MVP Sports & Social. Chris has turned his passion for bringing people together through athletic competitions and games into a thriving company.

With over 40 years of legal practice under his belt, Dan has been instrumental in empowering local, national, and international non-profits, guiding them to tell their stories by aiding town founders in crafting narratives that enrich their communities. Moreover, he's been a catalyst for entrepreneurs striving to introduce innovative, world-changing products, helping them resonate with environmentally conscious consumers.

With over 25 years of consulting experience within the real estate industry, Lesley brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation.

Lesley delves into the art of placemaking, emphasizing the importance of understanding demographics to create spaces that resonate with diverse communities. Her unique perspective stems from years of investing time in getting to know the residents, providing her with invaluable insights on accommodating varied needs.