Leo Marmol: Rebuilding beyond bureaucracy

Written By Jan Brzeski

Leo Marmol, FAIA, is the Founder of the architect-led design-build practice Marmol Radziner, established in 1989 with Ron Radziner, FAIA. With a guiding hand in every project from concept to completion, Leo works closely with studio directors and construction teams to ensure seamless design execution. A passionate advocate for architectural preservation, he frequently lectures on architecture and historic restoration and has led tours showcasing Southern California’s mid-century Modernist treasures. A graduate of California Polytechnic State University with a degree in Architecture and a minor in Philosophy, Leo was named a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 2007 and inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame in 2009.

In this episode, Jan and Leo discuss:

  • How Marmol Radziner evolved from a small partnership to one of Los Angeles’s most respected architecture firms

  • The challenges of rebuilding homes in fire zones and the complexities of California’s approval process

  • The impact of bureaucracy, CEQA, and NIMBYism on California’s housing crisis

  • How leadership, legislation, and community action can drive more attainable and sustainable housing development

Key Takeaways: 

  • Bureaucratic inefficiency and overregulation severely delay construction and drive up housing costs.

  • Community support for density and sustainability is essential to solving California’s housing crisis.

  • The expedited permitting process for fire rebuilds proves that faster, more efficient systems are possible.

  • Real change requires political diversity, professional expertise, and the courage to streamline housing policy.

“Housing is a fundamental need. I think it is a human right. We are failing to provide our children the opportunity to have economic growth and afford housing.” - Leo Marmol

Connect with Leo Marmol:

Website: https://www.marmol-radziner.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-marmol/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leonardo_e_marmol/ 

Connect with Jan Brzeski:

Website: https://scipfinance.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbrzeski/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebuildingLAafterthefires

Email: pr@scipfinance.com 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Jan Brzeski
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