Episode 10 – Fadi Yasin & Ashwin Bankar – Curtain Wall Conversations
March 18, 2025
Curtain walls are a cornerstone of modern architecture, influencing everything from energy efficiency to occupant comfort. But entering the industry requires more than just technical expertise — it also means navigating the business landscape, from securing the right projects to earning the trust of architects and developers. The learning curve can be steep, particularly when introducing new materials like fibreglass, which push against long-standing industry norms.
For those looking to enter the industry, the path isn’t always clear. From understanding the technical side to navigating market adoption, breaking in can be daunting — requiring both industry knowledge and strategic positioning.
That’s why, in Episode 10, we’re joined by Fadi Yasin and Ashwin Bankar, two aspiring curtain wall entrepreneurs eager to carve out a place in the industry. As newcomers, they’re facing the same questions many in the industry have asked before — how do you get started, build credibility, and work with clients to embrace new materials like fibreglass? So, they’re sitting down with Peter to get his insights on navigating the challenges of launching a curtain wall business.
In this episode, we break down:
- The challenges and opportunities of starting a curtain wall business — overcoming barriers, securing projects, and lessons from the field
- Exploring distinct advantages of fibreglass over conventional materials
- The performance of FRP (Fibreglass Reinforced Polymer) across different climates and its impact on building longevity
- Earning trust in innovative materials — positioning fibreglass as a durable, high-performance alternative
- The influence of building codes — do they hinder progress or pave the way for new facade technologies?
This episode is part mentorship, part industry deep dive, offering valuable insights for those looking to enter the world of curtain walls — or stay ahead of the curve in facade innovation.
Watch this episode now on YouTube!
Haven’t seen Episode 9 yet? Catch up now on our conversation with Ken Levenson, Executive Director of Passive House Network, where we dive into the core principles of Passive House, how they compare to other sustainability frameworks, and why airtightness is critical for modern building codes. Ken also shares insights on New York City’s Local Law 97, the future of embodied carbon regulations, and how policy is shaping the next generation of energy-efficient architecture.
Still curious about fibreglass-framed curtain wall systems? Check out our other videos on our YouTube page! Previous topics include Passive House, Embodied Carbon, “Combustibility,” Installation Partner FAQ, and more!