2019 Women in Building Services: Nancy Ruddy, CetraRuddy

Name: Nancy Ruddy

Title: Co-founding principal and executive director of interior design

Company Name: CetraRuddy              

How many years have you been in your current field? Over 40

List up to three CRE organizations that you are currently a member of: 

• AIA, 
• ULI, 
• MAS, 
• Board of trustees for Baruch College’s Newman Real Estate Institute

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months?
We recently celebrated our firm’s 30th anniversary, which is meaningful for us as an occasion to reflect on who we are, what we’ve accomplished, and the relationships we’ve cultivated, and to look ahead at where we want to go. We’re also very proud to complete ARO, a new 62-story residential tower in New York’s theater district for Algin Management. Twisting and cantilevering as it rises, the building creates an exciting profile and spectacular views from within. Notably, the podium base offers three levels of indoor/outdoor amenities, connected internally and by exterior stairs – it’s a totally unique experience in Midtown Manhattan.

What trend(s) do you predict to dominate your industry in 2019?
We’re seeing a greater commitment to the quality of architecture, and to the idea that the built environment should help foster a sense of community and elevate the spirit. New approaches to outdoor space, better and more contextual high-rises, clever ideas in adaptive reuse, and the incorporation of creative amenities from the hospitality world into multifamily and commercial office developments -- these are some of the trends we think are very important right now. 

Which of your philanthropic endeavors are you most proud of?
We sponsored a series of new architectural design studios at the City College of New York Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture, for students in the Master of Arch. program. The studios focus on innovative ideas in housing design, a crucial area of study for the next generation of professionals. For more than nine years, we have also supported Community School 300 in the Bronx, as part of the PENCIL Partnership. In the past year, we hosted two classrooms of about 25 third-grade students for eight workshops, including a field trip to our offices for a tour of how buildings are designed and made.

What does it mean to you to be a team player? 
The architecture and real estate worlds are fundamentally collaborative, and completing any project takes a strong team. Being a team player means using our experience, problem-solving abilities, and passion for good design to understand our clients’ needs and work with them to deliver the best possible result. This all starts at home, so to speak: We strive to form a true community atmosphere within our studio, where everyone’s talents are appreciated and valued. Creating an environment where our staff can do their best work is one of the main reasons we decided to start our own firm and found CetraRuddy.