Episode 18
Smart Spaces: Reshaping Communities through Tech
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.
Show Summary
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.
Join us as we revisit key moments with guests A’Lisa Ozment of Architectural Plan Review, Deven Spear of OA3 and Overabove, Rhett Crocker of LandDesign, and April Lamon of Alosant.
Listen to Ep 7 with A’Lisa Ozment
About A’Lisa
After years of experience working in the homebuilding and development sectors in the Austin area, A’Lisa began her adventure working as an architectural control consultant on a part-time basis for a large, residential developer in Austin as she also raised her two small children with her husband. As her children grew, so did the opportunity to expand the capabilities of the business. A’Lisa’s preparation during those early years paved the way for the exponential growth that would come, based on the systems and technology that were created.
Connect with A’Lisa
Listen to Ep 9 with Deven Spear
About Deven
Deven Spear is a polymath entrepreneur with 30+ years of experience. He’s founded six startups, excelling in real estate, software, exponential tech, and data-driven marketing. Deven is a master at spotting untapped opportunities and creating groundbreaking solutions that build lasting customer relationships.
His expertise in innovative problem-solving bridges physical and digital realms, making him a sought-after thought leader. Deven's passion for education and metaphysical understanding fuels his drive to shape industries, create captivating user experiences, and guide others through technological change.
Connect with Deven
Listen to Ep 15 with Rhett Crocker
About Rhett
Rhett Crocker is the current President of LandDesign, a nationally recognized firm specializing in master planning, landscape architecture, and civil engineering. As President, he guides the firm’s strategic vision and champions a culture of innovation and collaboration. Rhett has positioned LandDesign at the forefront of the industry, consistently looking to future trends in mobility, technology, infrastructure, and sustainability to evolve the firm’s practice. Under his leadership, LandDesign received the American Society of Landscape Architects’ 2024 Firm Award—the highest honor bestowed by the organization. The Award is a testament to the firm’s commitment to producing distinguished work that positively impacts the profession.
As a recognized leader in master planned communities, Rhett has built an award-winning career with a reputation for transforming complex sites into resilient communities. He has played an instrumental role in growing LandDesign’s national portfolio of master planned communities, working with national developers on top performing communities in high growth markets across the country. Notable legacy projects Rhett has led include Ballantyne Reimagined in Charlotte, NC, Castle Hills in Lewisville, TX, and The River District in Charlotte, NC.
Rhett's design leadership differentiates each client’s project in a competitive market, positioning them for the greatest economic return. His commitment to design excellence and collaboration has earned him recognition as a trusted advisor in the master planned community’s space. He is passionate about designing communities that not only meet today’s needs but also anticipate future growth and challenges.
Rhett earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Clemson University and is a registered landscape architect in North Carolina and Texas. He is a member of the Urban Land Institute and the American Society of Landscape Architects and sits on the Executive Board for the Department of Landscape Architecture at Clemson University.
Connect with Rhett
Listen to Ep 5 with April Lamon
About April:
April LaMon, CEO & Co-Founder of Alosant, is an experienced entrepreneur and technology expert with a penchant for developing innovative digital platforms, software solutions, and operating systems that seamlessly connect real estate developers/homebuilders and their communities with residents, prospective home buyers and local businesses. Alosant has grown significantly and now powers native apps for more than 100 of the fastest growing and most innovative master-planned communities across the country.
April is also the host of the Alosant Innovator Series podcast where she shares one-on-one conversations with the industry's most innovative leaders.
Connect with April:
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Launching Spring '24
A podcast about community, presented by OnPlace
