Place Shapers

In this episode of Place Shapers our host, Todd Fidelman, sits down with Noel Carson, VP of Marketing and Creative Director at Bozzuto, to explore how genuine connection and thoughtful design shape every experience — from brand storytelling to the feeling of home.They discuss balancing creativity and consistency, building emotional resonance in multifamily spaces, and how art, design, and even scent can define a brand. Noel also shares his perspective on the evolving role of creativity in real

This week on Place Shapers, producer-turned-guest-host Ryan Strohl sits down with friend and former colleague, Joanne King—a legend behind the scenes whose agency career spanned decades, disciplines, and more than a few unforgettable moments. From fax machines and paste-up boards to brand launches and operational wizardry, Joanne shares the evolution of agency life through her sharp wit and sharper instincts. She opens up about the long-term client who followed her across five jobs, the high-...

In this episode of Place Shapers, host Todd Fidelman welcomes Neil Kumar, seasoned real estate developer and strategic mind behind some of the most thoughtfully designed communities in the D.C. region. Together, they unpack the virtues that drive long-term development—courage, patience, and intelligence—and which truly deserves the captain’s seat when building for the future. From navigating decade-long entitlement processes to redefining suburban spaces with bold yet grounded design, Neil sh...

From metro-topping towers to campus-cool student digs, John Clarkson has seen (and steered) residential developments of every size and shape. As Senior Managing Director for Greystar Development Services, he leads innovative, landscape-shifting projects across the Mid-Atlantic—and still finds time to geek out over site plans and Spanish poetry. Join us as John shares inspirational wisdom gained over years of dedication to his craft.In this episode of Place Shapers, John pulls back the construction

In this special conversation, host Todd Fidelman welcomes advertising veteran Harry Merrick for a compelling conversation about the evolution of marketing, leadership, and legacy. As the co-founder of Merrick Towle—now Merrick Creative—Harry helped shape one of the real estate industry’s most influential creative agencies. Though recently retired after 40 years at the helm, Harry continues to support the firm in an advisory capacity. Harry reflects on four decades of creative innovation, the ...

Place Shapers, hosted by Todd Fidelman, dives into the often radical origin stories of real estate’s most prized residential and mixed-use communities—many of which have become thriving hubs, cultural landmarks and rejuvenators of entire geographies. The Place Shapers podcast is made for ambitious professionals who love bold ideas and fresh perspectives, and is part of the Merrick Studios family, alongside Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture and Pitch Lab: Where Branding Meets It’s Insp...