News:
Spotlight Content
Posted: February 19, 2019
2019 Women in Building Services: Danita Otruba, Danita Otruba Architect
Name: Danita Otruba, AIA
Title: Owner-Architect, Master Feng Shui Consultant, Green Designer
Company Name: Danita Otruba Architect
How many years have you been in your current field? 32
What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months?
Without a doubt my most notable project is the Girl Scouts of Nassau County Headquarters in Garden City. I was the architect in charge as well as the interior planner/designer. Everything was demolished down to the steel and made new with an addition and the latest up to date systems. The building is now state of the art, energy efficient, green and completely ADA compliant with room to grow into future. When you first enter you can immediately see that the space is fun, bright and cheerful. It was important that it be inviting for all the young girls programs. Yet the building also maintains a professional sophistication representative of our future female leaders.
What trend(s) do you predict to dominate your industry in 2019?
I see a continued growth in the remodel and re-use of existing structures. Like the Girl Scouts, people are finding ways to re-work spaces they have or remodel new spaces they are moving into in order to make them work better for their individual and unique purposes.
Which of your philanthropic endeavors are you most proud of?
For me it is working one on one with individual woman who are on a spiritual path otherwise known as life. As a spiritual counselor I assist woman in their personal journey whether it be through counseling, coaching, meditation or at times just listening. There is nothing more satisfying than to see the light go on or the change in someone as they continue to expand and grow. We all need someone and I am proud that I can be there for them.
What does it mean to you to be a team player?
I believe one of the reasons for my success is an ability to work respectfully with others and to be able to listen. It is important to put ego aside and have cooperative dialogue with anyone involved. As the lead on a project, I completely value and respect all the participants and their input throughout the process. This could include evaluating property from a Feng Shui and energy perspective with the Realtor, understanding the owners intentions for their project and working together with the contractor throughout the process.
Tags:
Spotlight Content
MORE FROM Spotlight Content
Over half of Long Island towns vote to exceed the tax cap - Here’s how owners can respond - by Brad and Sean Cronin
When New York permanently adopted the 2% property tax cap more than a decade ago, many owners hoped it would finally end the relentless climb in tax bills. But in the last couple of years, that “cap” has started to look more like a speed bump. Property owners are seeing taxes increase even when an
.png)
.jpg)
Columns and Thought Leadership
The strategy of co-op busting in commercial real estate - by Robert Khodadadian
In New York City’s competitive real estate market, particularly in prime neighborhoods like Midtown Manhattan, investors are constantly seeking new ways to unlock property value. One such strategy — often overlooked but
Oldies but goodies: The value of long-term ownership in rent-stabilized assets - by Shallini Mehra
Active investors seeking rent-stabilized properties often gravitate toward buildings that have been held under long-term ownership — and for good reasons. These properties tend to be well-maintained, both physically and operationally, offering a level of stability
How much power does the NYC mayor really have over real estate policy? - by Ron Cohen
The mayor of New York City holds significant influence over real estate policy — but not absolute legislative power. Here’s how it breaks down:
Formal Legislative Role
• Limited direct lawmaking power: The NYC Council is the primary
Properly serving a lien law Section 59 Demand - by Bret McCabe
Many attorneys operating within the construction space are familiar with the provisions of New York Lien Law, which allow for the discharge of a Mechanic’s Lien in the event the lienor does not commence an action to enforce following the service of a “Section 59 Demand”.
.gif)