A keen sense of curiosity. A historian’s lens. A passion for stories that dig into the heart of real estate’s most complex challenges. That’s what Rick Lawson brings to The Builder’s Daily as our newest contributing team member. We’re thrilled to welcome him!

Rick’s arrival marks a big step forward in our ongoing mission: to bring solutions-focused insight into housing’s chronic challenges—affordability, sustainability, resiliency, and attracting next-generation leaders and front-liners to the homebuilding ecosystem.

With a career that has included real estate journalism, historical research, and local news, Rick has developed a unique ability to combine data, policy, and people stories into compelling narratives that matter to business leaders.

I’ve always believed that every piece of land has a story to tell,” Rick shared during a recent TBD Huddle session. “And those stories often reveal the decisions, priorities, and sometimes the mistakes that shape how we live today.”

His experience covering Nashville’s transformation—"from a no-apartment zone to a bustling residential center," as he describes it—offers a vivid example. Rick witnessed firsthand how zoning shifts, economic pressures, and local policies can shape the very fabric of a city.

I remember parking in an empty lot on Second Avenue back in the day. Now, that lot is the site of the Four Seasons hotel and condos. Watching that kind of evolution raises questions about what’s gained and what’s lost along the way.”

Rick’s commitment to understanding the root causes of housing issues goes beyond surface-level reporting. His recent master’s degree in history focused on the evolution of planning and zoning laws—areas he explores with both academic rigor and real-world context.

What fascinates me is how some ideas from comprehensive plans in the early 20th century still echo today,” he says. “And it’s crucial to understand that some of those early zoning laws were shaped by racial and economic biases. Recognizing that history helps explain why certain development patterns persist.”

[In fact, see for yourself with his story, 'Missing Middle' Gains Ground As Localities Face Housing Dearth.]

For The Builder’s Daily audience — executives, strategists, and decision-makers in the homebuilding and residential development industry — Rick’s ability to connect past policies with today’s market realities will offer invaluable perspective. His interest in affordable housing, multi-family development, and demographic trends aligns with our commitment to providing analysis that drives thoughtful action.

It’s about making sense of the data and the stories behind the data,” Rick explains. “When you’re writing about affordability or supply constraints, you have to ask: Who benefits? Who’s left out? What’s the long-term impact? That’s where the real insights come from.”

Rick’s approach isn’t just analytical — it’s also deeply human. His earlier work at a small community newspaper in Tennessee honed his skill in capturing local voices, while his background with national outlets has taught him how to frame those local stories within broader market and policy contexts.

As he integrates into The Builder’s Daily team, Rick is eager to leverage key industry data sources to enhance his reporting.

Access to reliable data sharpens the analysis,” he says. “But data only tells part of the story. The real work is in translating numbers into meaningful context for readers making big decisions.”

Rick’s contributions have already begun. His first published pieces explore the complexities of single-family rental markets and the demographic shifts shaping new-home demand. Upcoming stories will delve deeper into topics like zoning reform, land use tensions, and how builders are navigating affordability headwinds in different markets.

What excites me most is Rick’s ability to turn a casual conversation into a dozen story ideas. His combination of curiosity, experience, and tenacity is exactly what we need to push the conversation forward for our readers.

For Rick, joining The Builder’s Daily isn’t just about producing great journalism —it’s about helping industry leaders see both the forest and the trees.

Housing issues are never just about one thing,” he notes. “It’s policy, it’s economics, it’s personal decisions. I want to explore those intersections and help people think differently about the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

We couldn’t be happier to have Rick onboard. His work will challenge, inform, and inspire The Builder’s Daily community to not just understand the housing landscape—but to shape it.

Stay tuned for Rick’s latest stories and follow him as he brings fresh perspectives to housing’s most pressing questions.

You can reach him at richard@thebuildersdaily.com