City Builders cover art

City Builders

City Builders

Written by: Mark Nickita FAIA Dorian Moore FAIA
Listen for free

About this listen

CityBuilders is a podcast that celebrates the study, analysis, and documentation of cities. We’ve envisioned this channel as a method to connect with many like-minded, urban-oriented people in a more engaging manner.

We bring to each discussion our unique perspective based on our experiences as urbanists, architects, entrepreneurs, educators and civic leaders. Our goal is to share our passion and expertise of the built environment.

We encourage you to also follow us on social media at the links below. Thank you for watching and please spread the word about our love for cities and about our many ventures! Walk the streets!

hosts: Mark Nickita, FAIA and Dorian Moore, FAIA

© 2026 City Builders
Economics
Episodes
  • Lyon - Many Overlook This City, But Should Not
    May 5 2026

    While in the city of Lyon, France, the City Builders, Mark and Dorian, provide an in-depth view of the amazing assets of the city - Rivers and mountains, streets and parks, churches and public spaces.

    They conclude that this city is exceptional - an amazing urban experience!

    Question: why do so many people miss touring Lyon? Travelers have numerous reasons. Paris gets a great deal of emphasis, and it is popular to go to Provence or the French Riviera, but why not Lyon?

    In this episode, Mark and Dorian discuss a host of reasons why Lyon is a terrific place to tour, study and enjoy! The urbanism has a great scale and the architecture is notably diverse and exquisite.

    Walk the streets virtually with Mark and Dorian, as they converse about the incredible elements that make Lyon a special place.
    _______________________________________________________________
    NOTE: All photos and videos shown in the video were taken by Mark Nickita, FAIA and Dorian Moore, FAIA except as noted.
    Sketches by Dorian Moore, FAIA

    Please join the City Builders, LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the channel

    @CityBuildersLog
    ________________________________________________________________
    City Builders hosts:

    Mark Nickita, FAIA
    President of Archive DS, Detroit + Toronto.
    Architects, Urban Designers, City Builders

    Dorian Moore, FAIA
    Vice President of Archive DS, Detroit + Toronto.
    Architects, Urban Designers, City Builders

    Mark Nickita, FAIA and Dorian Moore, FAIA lead Archive DS, a distinctly unique urban design, architectural, planning and development consulting practice. Archive DS travels the globe studying and documenting urban development for use in practice in cities around North America.
    They are City Builders.

    Archive DS [Design Studio] is an award-winning team of urban specialists focused on re-establishing post-industrial cities and urban sites, with a primary emphasis on the Lake Belt Region of North America. Through architecture, urban design, civic leadership, entrepreneurial activity, lecturing and global urban research, Archive DS has established a reputation as experts regarding the enhancement of the built environment and their various challenges.

    The firm’s partners also serve as a resource on urban issues, as civic and professional leaders for local and national media outlets. Their professional experience has encompassed many aspects of city-making. These include major civic projects, adaptive reuse buildings, innovative mixed-use developments and historic renovations as well as the creation of design and economic strategies, urban visioning, and Placemaking, in addition to working as developers and the branding of projects and urban districts.

    Mark Nickita, FAIA and Dorian Moore, FAIA are available to assist in the develop of building and urban design projects. They often team up with other firms and consult with development groups and municipalities. They have also presented and lectured for numerous groups on a variety of urban issues and topics throughout North America.

    contact info:
    www. ArchiveDS.com
    info@ArchiveDS.com
    313.963.6687
    ________________________________________________________
    Music for video Intro and Outro:
    "Changers"
    written and performed by Curtainwall

    Curtainwall is:
    Dave Baker - Guitars
    Mike Gusway - Bass
    Mark Nickita - Drums+Vocals
    ________________________________________________________
    Fair Use Disclaimer
    The content shared on this channel may include copyrighted material used for commentary, criticism, news reporting, teaching, research, or education purposes. All such use falls under the guidelines of Fair Use under Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. § 107). We do not claim ownership of any third-party images, video clips, or audio featur

    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Public Space Missteps - Working or Not?
    May 5 2026

    The City Builders discuss Public Space and what NOT to do when creating it! And then lend insight into what works best for great public spaces.

    We love public space, right? These are places like squares, parks, open spaces that we enjoy when we are in an urban district. Whats makes them good...or even great? And what places make us shake our head and walk away?

    In this episode, Mark and Dorian discuss the good and not so good elements that make a public space worth caring about....or even visiting.

    Take in the conversation between Mark and Dorian, discussing and defining the elements that makes public spaces work.
    _______________________________________________________________
    NOTE: All photos and videos shown in the video were taken by Mark Nickita, FAIA and Dorian Moore, FAIA except as noted.

    Please join the City Builders, LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the channel

    @CityBuildersLog
    ________________________________________________________________
    City Builders hosts:

    Mark Nickita, FAIA
    President of Archive DS, Detroit + Toronto.
    Architects, Urban Designers, City Builders

    Dorian Moore, FAIA
    Vice President of Archive DS, Detroit + Toronto.
    Architects, Urban Designers, City Builders

    Mark Nickita, FAIA and Dorian Moore, FAIA lead Archive DS, a distinctly unique urban design, architectural, planning and development consulting practice. Archive DS travels the globe studying and documenting urban development for use in practice in cities around North America.
    They are City Builders.

    Archive DS [Design Studio] is an award-winning team of urban specialists focused on re-establishing post-industrial cities and urban sites, with a primary emphasis on the Lake Belt Region of North America. Through architecture, urban design, civic leadership, entrepreneurial activity, lecturing and global urban research, Archive DS has established a reputation as experts regarding the enhancement of the built environment and their various challenges.

    The firm’s partners also serve as a resource on urban issues, as civic and professional leaders for local and national media outlets. Their professional experience has encompassed many aspects of city-making. These include major civic projects, adaptive reuse buildings, innovative mixed-use developments and historic renovations as well as the creation of design and economic strategies, urban visioning, and Placemaking, in addition to working as developers and the branding of projects and urban districts.

    Mark Nickita, FAIA and Dorian Moore, FAIA are available to assist in the develop of building and urban design projects. They often team up with other firms and consult with development groups and municipalities. They have also presented and lectured for numerous groups on a variety of urban issues and topics throughout North America.

    contact info:
    www. ArchiveDS.com
    info@ArchiveDS.com
    313.963.6687
    ________________________________________________________
    Music for video Intro and Outro:
    "Changers"
    written and performed by Curtainwall

    Curtainwall is:
    Dave Baker - Guitars
    Mike Gusway - Bass
    Mark Nickita - Drums+Vocals
    ________________________________________________________
    Fair Use Disclaimer
    The content shared on this channel may include copyrighted material used for commentary, criticism, news reporting, teaching, research, or education purposes. All such use falls under the guidelines of Fair Use under Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. § 107). We do not claim ownership of any third-party images, video clips, or audio featured in this channel’s content. All rights remain with their respective owners.

    Copyright ©︎ 2026 City Builders, Mark Nickita, Dorian Moore. All Rights Reserved.

    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • French Cities That Few Talk About
    May 5 2026

    Here is another City Builders episode

    The focus of this episode is an initial overview of the recent Archive DS Global Urban Study in the Burgundy Region of France.

    In this episode, Mark and Dorian discuss the first couple of days of the Burgundy region Global Urban Study (GUS)

    Take in the conversation between Mark and Dorian, highlighting many important aspects, ideas and plans for this urban immersion.
    _______________________________________________________________
    NOTE: All photos and videos shown in the video were taken by Mark Nickita, FAIA and Dorian Moore, FAIA except as noted. Sketches by Dorian Moore, FAIA.

    Please join the City Builders, LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the channel

    @CityBuildersLog
    ________________________________________________________________
    City Builders hosts:

    Mark Nickita, FAIA
    President of Archive DS, Detroit + Toronto.
    Architects, Urban Designers, City Builders

    Dorian Moore, FAIA
    Vice President of Archive DS, Detroit + Toronto.
    Architects, Urban Designers, City Builders

    Mark Nickita, FAIA and Dorian Moore, FAIA lead Archive DS, a distinctly unique urban design, architectural, planning and development consulting practice. Archive DS travels the globe studying and documenting urban development for use in practice in cities around North America.
    They are City Builders.

    Archive DS [Design Studio] is an award-winning team of urban specialists focused on re-establishing post-industrial cities and urban sites, with a primary emphasis on the Lake Belt Region of North America. Through architecture, urban design, civic leadership, entrepreneurial activity, lecturing and global urban research, Archive DS has established a reputation as experts regarding the enhancement of the built environment and their various challenges.

    The firm’s partners also serve as a resource on urban issues, as civic and professional leaders for local and national media outlets. Their professional experience has encompassed many aspects of city-making. These include major civic projects, adaptive reuse buildings, innovative mixed-use developments and historic renovations as well as the creation of design and economic strategies, urban visioning, and Placemaking, in addition to working as developers and the branding of projects and urban districts.

    Mark Nickita, FAIA and Dorian Moore, FAIA are available to assist in the develop of building and urban design projects. They often team up with other firms and consult with development groups and municipalities. They have also presented and lectured for numerous groups on a variety of urban issues and topics throughout North America.

    contact info:
    www. ArchiveDS.com
    info@ArchiveDS.com
    313.963.6687
    ________________________________________________________
    Music for video Intro and Outro:
    "Changers"
    written and performed by Curtainwall

    Curtainwall is:
    Dave Baker - Guitars
    Mike Gusway - Bass
    Mark Nickita - Drums+Vocals
    ________________________________________________________
    Fair Use Disclaimer
    The content shared on this channel may include copyrighted material used for commentary, criticism, news reporting, teaching, research, or education purposes. All such use falls under the guidelines of Fair Use under Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. § 107). We do not claim ownership of any third-party images, video clips, or audio featured in this channel’s content. All rights remain with their respective owners.

    Copyright ©︎ 2026 City Builders, Mark Nickita, Dorian Moore. All Rights Reserved.

    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_c
No reviews yet