2016 Women in Real Estate: Michele Boddewyn

Michele Boddewyn, Boddewyn Gaynor Architects, d.p.c.

Name: Michele Boddewyn

Title: President

Company Name: Boddewyn Gaynor Architects, d.p.c.

Email: [email protected]

Years in real estate:

Telephone: 212-334-0900

What real estate associations or organizations are you a member of?

Commercial Real Estate Women of New York (CREW NY)

What recent project or transaction are you most proud of?

BGA is currently involved in a storm mitigation initiative at 2 Broadway in lower Manhattan. The major occupant of this 1960’s building is the NYC Metropolitan Transit Authority. The building sustained considerable damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. BGA provided the specifications and detailing of demountable exterior flood barriers to address the various site conditions, including building entrances, ground floor retail, parking garage entrance, sidewalk, plaza deck, exterior vents and the loading dock. All work is designed in accordance with the latest FEMA standards.

A challenging aspect of the project involved the transport, storage, deployment and installation of this massive, heavy duty equipment, as well as the relocation of critical mechanical equipment. BGA is well-positioned to assist building owners and managers assess prevention methods regarding their mechanical equipment, and address their exterior building needs to guard against future storm surges.

What recent honor, achievement or recognition has meant the most to you and why?

Recently, I was named a SmartCEO Brava Award Winner. “The Brava Awards program celebrates high-impact female business leaders in three categories: CEOs, Executive Directors of Nonprofits, and C-suite executives,” according to the organization. Award winners possess an entrepreneurial spirit and are exemplary leaders in both their companies and their communities.

It is always rewarding and satisfying to have one’s efforts recognized and applauded, particularly when the recognition is coupled with efforts extended beyond the workplace. My concept of success is not one that is singularly defined. It comes in many forms, personally, professionally and within the community. When one is able to make an impact in all three areas, that to me is a ‘home run’ and the true meaning of success.

What time management strategies do you find to be the most effective for you?

Whether in my professional life or in my personal life, I remain focused on the goal at hand. I am an active listener and have found this trait to be particularly important in my field. As a result, I am able to understand the overall objectives of a project, and then develop the sequence of steps needed to bring a project to a successful conclusion. This systematic approach has contributed to the success of many complicated architectural and design projects. It has also encouraged our staff of professionals to adopt this same approach with much success.

What advice would you give to a woman who is planning to launch her own business?

When I began my career in architecture at the age of 24, I feared discrimination because I was a woman. To my surprise the discrimination I encountered was not because of gender but instead because of my age. Many contractors had been in business for 30+ years and didn’t trust my knowledge or experience. I overcame their skepticism by providing a well-coordinated set of drawings, demonstrating a commitment to professionalism that earned their respect and cooperation.

This led me to realize that there is no substitute for precision in the work that we do and superb performance is invaluable in growing one’s business and accelerating growth. BGA is known for producing rigorous contract documents. Our skill in this area translates directly to our client’s bottom line. It takes years to build a reputation. It takes determination, allegiance to positive, steadfast values and a leader who demonstrates these qualities every day.