In this episode of Breaking Ground, Ryan sits down with Mitch Rosen, Development Manager for Papago Park Center, a subsidiary of Salt River Project. With more than 40 years in commercial real estate, Mitch has been involved in landmark projects across Southern California and Arizona, from Tempe Town Lake’s State Farm campus to Rio West Business Park. Today, he oversees the 350-acre Papago Park Center, guiding entitlements, infrastructure, and strategy for one of Tempe’s most significant mixed-use destinations. The conversation explores Mitch’s career path from brokerage to large-scale development, lessons from navigating recessions and cultural shifts in the office market, and the long-term vision behind the Grand at Papago Park Center. Mitch also shares insights on public-private collaboration, the importance of structuring fair development agreements, and how projects like Papago’s iconic Roosevelt Dam water feature connect community, history, and economic growth.

In this episode of Breaking Ground, Ryan sits down with Max Sommacampagna, Construction Director and Managing Principal at Bolzano Construction. A second-generation general contractor, Max blends the craftsmanship of his Italian roots with the grit and precision of the Southwest, delivering high-quality residential and commercial infill projects across Phoenix. He shares his path from brokerage and fix-and-flip projects to leading 24-unit townhome developments, and how attention to detail and accountability to investors have shaped his philosophy. The conversation also explores the challenges of rising construction costs, the role of technology and innovation on job sites, and why thoughtful development and community engagement are key to Arizona’s future.

In this episode of Breaking Ground, Ryan sits down with architect Taz Khatri, founder of Taz Khatri Studio. With more than 20 years of experience across Arizona, California, and Oregon, Taz is known for her people-first approach to design and her commitment to equity, inclusion, and community. She shares what sparked her interest in architecture, how her philosophy evolved from aesthetics to human-centered design, and the lessons she’s learned from both successes and setbacks. The conversation explores the importance of public spaces and shade in Phoenix, the role of murals and public art in placemaking, and why preserving historic buildings matters for culture and community.