Dirt NC
Conversations about all thing built environment in the Tar Heel State. We will be discussing places and spaces and the people who make them awesome!
Dirt NC
Interview with Topher Thomas of Coram Houses in Durham, NC
Summary: Topher and I talk all about Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and belonging.
Big Take Aways:
- The power of curiosity and how things fit.
- Topher’s journey from teacher to developer.
- How the built environment shapes our imagination.
- The importance of an abundance mindset.
________________________________________________________
About Topher:
Topher Thomas is a Haitian-American born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He started his career as a high school chemistry teacher there, and taught for 3 years, before moving to Wake Forest, NC to earn a Master's in Education and Counseling from Southeastern Seminary.
While in seminary, he continued his teaching career at the middle school level and was teaching English to Chinese students online. After completing his master's degree, he began teaching Theology and Servant Leadership at Trinity School of Durham.
While teaching there he founded an equitable housing company called Coram Houses, committed to creative housing solutions for vulnerable peoples, and creating capital access for underinvested groups.
He has a wife named Abbi, and 2 daughters, Violet and Margot.
He’s motivated by breaking cycles of injustice and continues to teach high school and advocates for restorative affordable housing development.
Connect with Topher: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter
Mentioned in the show:
[Book] Poverty, by America
[Book] Brave New Home
[Book] Race for Profit
[Book] The Color of Law
[Book] Evicted
________________________________________________________
Show Notes:
Welcome to Dirt NC where we talk all about the places and spaces of North Carolina and the people who make them awesome, I am your host Jed Byrne.
Throughout my career in engineering, construction, finance, and development, I have covered just about all sides of the land use ecosystem. This show creates an opportunity for me to share what I have learned with you as well as introduce you to some of my friends, both new and old who are doing transformative work.
With each episode of Dirt NC my goal is to make sure you walk away learning something new about land use. I promise to keep it simple and straight to the point.
As always, I am grateful that you have chosen to share this time with me! If you have comments/questions/suggestions about Dirt NC or anything land use related you can find me on twitter at @OakCityCRE and if you want a simple and to the point update on Raleigh commercial development you can subscribe to The Top Five, my free weekly newsletter at www.oakcitycre.com
Until next time, Thank you!