Spencer Jackson is the founder of Jackson Envelope Consulting, a building envelope consulting firm specializing in forensic investigation, quality assurance, testing, and design review. With a background in chemical engineering and hands-on construction experience, Spencer brings a problem-solving mindset to one of the most technically demanding aspects of the built environment.

Our conversation explored his unconventional path into building science, the decision to start his own firm, and the importance of protecting buildings from the elements. We also discussed how early collaboration can reduce risk, the challenges of adaptive reuse, and why spending more time in the field can make architects, contractors, and consultants better at what they do.

Branden Piks:

"A lot of our work involves adaptive reuse, and we're constantly balancing the desire to preserve an existing building with the realities of budgets, material performance, and long-term maintenance...

...How do you approach those conversations, especially when value engineering or existing building conditions introduce additional risk?

Spencer Jackson:

"...Whether the owner hires us, the architect hires us, or the contractor hires us, our responsibility is to provide an impartial assessment of what's best for the building.

If something isn't going to perform correctly, we have to be willing to say that, even when it's not what someone wants to hear..."

​Read the Full Conversation Here​

Charlotte and Triangle restaurants win 2026 Michelin honors

"Charlotte and Raleigh-area restaurants earned four new Bib Gourmands Wednesday night, while Charlotte's Counter- retained its Michelin Star as the Michelin Guide unveiled its 2026 American South selections..."

​Read Full Article​

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How does this impact our region?

Charlotte's food and beverage scene feels like it's entering a new chapter. What was once considered an emerging culinary market is gaining national recognition, with the latest Michelin Guide highlighting the growing talent, creativity, and investment shaping our city's hospitality industry. To me, this recognition reflects something much larger than a handful of exceptional restaurants. It's another indication that Charlotte is becoming a destination for experiences once associated primarily with larger metropolitan markets.

Our region's rapid population growth is helping drive that evolution. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Charlotte added 20,731 residents between July 2024 and July 2025, more than any other U.S. city. As people relocate from established markets across the country, they bring different tastes, expectations, and demand for more diverse dining, retail, and hospitality experiences. That growing consumer base is creating opportunities for both local entrepreneurs and national operators looking to expand into the Southeast.

What's particularly interesting is how Charlotte is beginning to compete for attention on a national stage. The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority reports that food and beverage accounts for approximately 25% of visitor spending, reinforcing the economic importance of our hospitality industry. Investments in culinary tourism, national programming like Top Chef, and Michelin recognition are helping introduce Charlotte to audiences who may not have previously considered the city a food destination.

From an architecture and development perspective, I see this as an important shift in how our commercial market continues to mature. As competition increases, thoughtful design, distinctive environments, and memorable experiences become increasingly valuable. Restaurants, hotels, and retail concepts are no longer competing solely on their offerings, but also on the spaces and neighborhoods that bring those experiences to life.

Charlotte has spent years establishing itself as a destination for people and businesses. I believe we're now seeing the next phase of that growth: a city developing the culture, hospitality, and experiences to compete with some of the country's most established markets. Michelin recognition is another meaningful step in that direction.

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Key Takeaways for Charlotte's Built Environment...

• Population growth is driving demand. New residents bring new expectations for dining, retail, and hospitality.
• Charlotte is attracting national attention. Culinary recognition strengthens the city's appeal to visitors, operators, and investors.
• Experience is a competitive advantage. Distinctive spaces and memorable environments help hospitality concepts stand apart.
• Local talent is raising the standard. Independent operators and emerging chefs are helping define Charlotte's culinary identity.
• Design supports destination-making. Great hospitality spaces strengthen neighborhoods and contribute to a more vibrant city.

461 Powerhouse Arts | Herzog & de Meuron | Brooklyn, New York

​120 year old Brooklyn power station now home to the arts.​

This month, we're highlighting our latest restaurant upfit in Charlotte's Myers Park neighborhood— the future home of Radish Kitchen and Little Rad Market. Located on the ground floor of the Tranquil Court building along Selwyn Avenue, the project will bring the Nashville-based brand's first location outside of Tennessee to Charlotte.

The 3,660-square-foot space has already seen several chapters of its own, previously home to Mellow Mushroom and The People's Market. Following the subdivision of the original suite by Childress Klein, we're transforming the larger portion into a new restaurant and market concept. As a third-generation restaurant upfit, much of our early work focused on understanding the existing conditions and adapting the infrastructure to support a new tenant, program, and customer experience.

For the first time, Radish is bringing together its restaurant concept, Radish Kitchen, offering fresh salads, grain bowls, and wraps, with Little Rad's coffee and scratch-made food offerings. This combination creates a more versatile experience for customers, bringing together fresh, approachable dining and a neighborhood café atmosphere in one location. The design reflects the brand's playful personality through a vibrant palette of colors, decorative tile, custom millwork, and lighting that will help establish a distinct identity within the existing space. We've enjoyed working through the details that bring these two concepts together while maintaining a cohesive design throughout.

Construction has been underway for the past month, with the majority of demolition complete, new interior walls installed, and mechanical, plumbing, and electrical rough-ins nearing completion. Painting and tile installation are expected to begin in the coming week, marking an exciting transition into the finishes that will define the space. It's always rewarding to see a project move beyond the technical challenges of an existing building and begin to take on the character envisioned during design.

Beyond the project itself, I think Radish's expansion speaks to something bigger happening in Charlotte.We're continuing to see established food and beverage brands from across the Southeast recognize the opportunity in our market. For Radish, Charlotte represents both its first expansion outside Nashville and an opportunity to introduce a new format for the brand. Being part of that growth, while helping give another existing commercial space a new purpose, is exactly the kind of work we love doing at cradle.

"Be brave enough to suck at something new." - Unknown