Podcast

Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing with Jonathan Greene

301: Award-Winning Design for Commercial Real Estate with Marcy Sagel

In this episode, interior designer Marcy Sagel breaks down how renter expectations have evolved—and what developers and investors must prioritize to keep their properties competitive. She begins by revisiting the pandemic’s impact on apartment living and why outdoor access quickly became one of the most valuable features in multifamily spaces. The need for comfort, safety, and a breath of fresh air shaped design trends in ways no one could have predicted. Marcy also explains why thoughtful design is about long-term success rather than recognition. By getting involved early in the planning process, she helps developers avoid expensive construction changes and ensures every detail supports tenant satisfaction. Her approach focuses on creating spaces that lease fast, retain tenants, and continue performing well year after year. Finally, Marcy highlights the design essentials renters now consider non-negotiable—from spacious closets to more modern bathrooms to in-unit washer/dryers. These features not only improve the resident experience but also drive stronger returns for investors willing to prioritize them.

In this episode, you will hear:

How COVID permanently changed expectations for apartment layouts
Why early design planning protects your budget
What long-term design success looks like in multifamily
The modern features renters value most
How small upgrades lead to meaningful ROI gains

Follow and Review

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.