From Architect to Multiplex Developer: Lessons from the Site
Noam Hazan
is an OAA-licensed architect, multiplex developer and founder of NHDS, a Toronto practice focused on multiplexes, missing-middle housing and custom residential projects.
Alongside designing multiplexes for clients, Noam is developing a fourplex and garden suite of his own, taking on the roles of architect, co-owner and general contractor. That hands-on experience brings an owner’s perspective to his architectural work, connecting design decisions with construction costs, trade coordination and the practical demands of getting housing built.
Noam Hazan has designed multiplexes for clients. Building one for himself brought a different set of decisions.
In this episode, Noam joins Payam Noursalehi to discuss his experience as architect, developer and general contractor on a four-unit project with an additional suite. They explore why he chose to manage construction himself, how he selected the property, what went wrong with the foundation contractor, and what he would change on his next development.
The conversation covers:
- Why controlling trade prices still demands substantial owner time.
- Site-selection considerations beyond the floor plan.
- How an attractive foundation price became a scheduling problem.
- What construction experience changes about architectural drawings.
- Why Noam chose to spend more on acoustics.
- His concerns about development charges and inconsistent alternative-solution reviews.
At the time of recording, the project was approaching completion; stabilized operating results were not yet available.
Planning a multiplex or small mid-rise project in the GTA? Contact Solnik Construction Group to discuss your preconstruction and construction-management needs.
Construction Innovation Checklist
This document is a supplementary resource to
episode #24 of the Real Estate Development
Insights Podcast in which Payam Noursalehi shares a practical framework for evaluating and selecting the most suitable innovative systems for your next project.
