Why Join Building Small?
Building Small is the only built environment organization with the ethos, attitude and collegiality that defines the entrepreneur’s approach to development. Focused on high-design, transformative outcomes, Building Small stands out in a world dominated by institutional mind sets and corporate cultures.
Small Developer Forum Pechakucha
Fayetteville, AR 2025
What Kind of Small Developer Are You?
For experienced Small developers and supporting industry professionals actively making Small big. As a PRO you get access to PRO-only workshops, curated field trips, Early Invitation rates for all Forums, an opportunity to be part of our Small Coach team, and preferred access to the Small Fund. Requires a sponsor and application approval. $1,000 per year.
Small BUILDER is for aspiring and emerging Small developers, as well as supporters of our effort. Gain access to unique content on the HUB, participate in Small Steps and Small LAB coaching series, and get advance notice and pricing for the Small Developer Forum. $25 per month or $250 per year.
Small Builder memberships open 7/1/26
| SMALL BUILDER | SMALL PRO | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | Individual | Catalyst - Legacy | |
| Who is this for? | Curious, early-stage students, developers and supporters | Actively engaged developers seeking peer support and inspiration | Long-term builders & leaders |
| Annual fee | $250 or $25/mo | $1,000/yr | $10,000/yr (3-yr commitment) |
| Membership cap | Open | 200 | 10 |
| Hub Access | |||
| Member Search | |||
| Post and Chat | |||
| Tools and Resources | |||
| Monthly Learning Themes | |||
| Forum Files | |||
| Case Study Access | |||
| Small LAB | |||
| Events | |||
| Small Scale Forum | |||
| Small PRO Unplugged | |||
| Annual Catalyst Convening | |||
| Giving Back | |||
| Small Talks | |||
| Small Coach* | |||
| Small LAB Panelist | |||
| Media & Brand Package | |||
“I’ve been a believer in the Building Small from the beginning. Joining as a Catalyst was a no-brainer for me as a way to help grow both my commitment to Small and this important organization’s impact.”
—RYAN YOUNG, FOUNDER Interstruct Design + Build
What is Small PRO?
A Small PRO membership puts you in a unique group of experienced developers focused on Building Small. You get access to curated events, special pricing for the Small Forum, and unique opportunities to give back to the industry. With your one year membership you recieve:
- Exclusive invitation to Small PRO Workshops. One day, mastermind groups of 20 experienced Small developers, exchanging ideas, trading challenges and providing ongoing personal support. Each workshop is held the day before every SDF.
- Participation in Small PRO Unplugged. 36-hour field trips to unique locations with just 15-20 PROs. Highly curated, deep dives into project types, innovative design solutions, and freeform networking with your peers.
- The Small Forum Early Invitation Rate. Two-week advance notice before opening to broader membership, plus discounted registration rate and our unique ‘small payment plan’.
- Opportunity to Speak and Coach. Speaker or peer-reviewer of member projects in our Small LAB series.
- Preferred access to our capital partners. Reduced application fees and no fee to attend Small Pitch, a new annual project funding event.
To maintain a high level of experience and productive collaboration between our PROs, membership is limited to 200 individuals and requires a sponsor or application. Building Small reserves the right to waitlist or suggest a different level for some applicants if more experience would be beneficial.
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Building Small Early Adopters
Small PRO – Founder
Jim Heid, FASLA
Building Small, LLC
Healdsburg, CA
LEGACY CatalystS
Catalysts are our foundation, making a three-year financial commitment to fund the start-up and growth of Building Small. We are forever grateful for their commitment, generosity, and vision.
Clayton Garrett
Meristem Communities
Houston, TX
Hal Shapiro
REAL Property Group
Kansas City, KS
Michael Lander,
Lander Group
Minneapolis, MN
Ryan Andrews
Hiatus Homes
Bend, OR
Jeff Johnston
Cathartes
Boston, MA
Jesse Russell
Hiatus Homes
Bend, OR
Ryan Young
Interstruct Design and Construction
Orlando, FL
Martin Ditto
Ditto Residential
Washington, DC
Otto Beatty
Beatty Group
Columbus, OH
SEED Catalysts
Seed Catalysts are aligned individuals and organizations that believe in the importance of our mission and support us with their contribution of dollars and expertise
Housing Innovation Alliance
Pittsburgh, PA
• Dennis Steigerwalt
Small PRO – Corporate
Corporate PROs bring the gravitas of their organizations to support Building Small, earning benefits and recognition for their commitment to our mission.
Pivot Development
Oklahoma City, OK
• Jonathan Dodson
• Ashley Terry
Small PARTNERS
Small Partners are mission aligned organizations who believe in the power of Building Small. Through their partnership the reach and impact of Building Small is expanded.
Downtown Colorado, Inc
Colorado Regional Partner
• Katherine Correll, Executive Director
Third Ward Realty Council
Houston Local Partner
• Jason Hyman, Executive Director
Small PRO – Charter
Charter PROs stepped up early to support and help launch Building Small’s portfolio of programs and operations.
• Bert Gregory
• Brandon Blakeman
• Christopher Callot
• Colin Brice
• David Wanzer
• Darwin Harrison
• Douglas Moss
• Edie Weintraub
• Eric Hamm
• Hector Jimenez
• Jeremy Hudson
• Katie Neason
• Liz Dunn
• Lorenzo Perez
• Miles Kamimura
• Steph Bica
• Teri Slavik-Tsukyuki
Building Small CatalystS
Building Small Partners
Your membership in Building Small affords you unique access to special events, small curated project tours and programming and connection to a national network of developers who believe in doing real estate development differently.
Small Developer Forum #22
Kansas City, MO