In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of deconstruction and circular economy in San Antonio with our incredible guest, Stephanie Phillips. 🌿

San Antonio is leading the charge as the largest city in North America with a deconstruction ordinance, and it's revolutionizing how we think about waste and building materials. Instead of demolishing buildings and sending tons of valuable materials to landfills, deconstruction allows us to reclaim high-quality resources like old-growth wood, bricks, and more—turning waste into opportunities for reuse.

Stephanie shares her passion for embodied carbon, historic preservation, and how we can build communities around reuse rather than landfills. We also explore the challenges of scaling deconstruction, the environmental impact of traditional demolition, and the transformative power of rethinking waste in our city.

Together, we’ll learn how deconstruction creates more jobs, boosts the local economy, and contributes to a more sustainable future. If you're curious about how San Antonio is turning old into new, this episode is for you. Let’s explore how we can build a circular city, one deconstruction at a time.

RESOURCES:

⚫ Follow our guest, Stephanie Phillips, on LinkedIn here or check out her organization, Circular San Antonio

⚫ Learn more about Cory Ames and Ensemble Texas at EnsembleTexas.com

⚫ Follow Cory on Instagram @ensembletexas and YouTube @CoryAmesYT

⚫ Subscribe to the Ensemble Texas Newsletter for stories, guides, and recommendations about San Antonio and Texas

⚫ Listen to more episodes of the Ensemble Texas Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

ABOUT CORY AMES:

Cory Ames is the founder and CEO of Ensemble Texas, a media organization promoting environmental, economic, and cultural resiliency across San Antonio and Texas. He’s passionate about connecting people to the natural beauty and rich history of the region, whether through video, podcasts, or long-form storytelling. With years of experience as a Texas Native Plant educator and content creator, Cory uses his platform to inspire sustainable living and amplify the voices of local businesses and environmental advocates.

Cory is also a dedicated husband and father, living in San Antonio with his family. He enjoys gardening, getting outside to explore the city’s natural spots, and playing hoops when he can. When he’s not producing content for Ensemble Texas, he’s likely planning his next adventure in Texas’ great outdoors.

PS: Interested in booking Cory for public speaking or sponsoring Ensemble Texa...