2021 Women in CRE: Heidi Blau, FXCollaborative Architects

Name: Heidi Blau, FAIA

Title: Partner

Company Name: FXCollaborative Architects

How do you advocate for your fellow women in real estate?
I am often able to advise my clients on bringing on professionals–legal counsel, owner’s representatives, engineers, design specialists, and contractors–and am often asked to directly hire consultants. I always look at these teams through a diversity and equity lens. We encourage our consultants to assign women and people of color to our projects in all aspects of work. If they do not have women with the skills required, we directly explore what is preventing the women from progressing. We also turn the lens of equity, diversity, and inclusion on our own team. As I take on new leadership responsibilities as COO, I am even more committed to ensuring we provide all possible opportunities for our underrepresented constituents to thrive.

What books or social media influencers would you recommend to other women?
I would strongly recommend the book “Sisters in Law” by Linda Hirshman. It tells the stories of the first two women on the Supreme Court, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Both used their upbringing and experiences of discrimination to formulate a passion for supporting women in changing perceptions, behaviors, and laws. I found many aspects of their stories inspiring, from humble beginnings, through numerous obstacles large and small, to their inner strength and perseverance to reach the pinnacle of their profession. At the same time, I see the book as rallying cry to address the marginalization of women in the AEC community and the on-going challenges that prevent women from having a seat at the table where important decisions are made.

In the past year, what project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of completing the construction of a new, purpose-built home for Covenant House New York. This building will provide social, physical, emotional, and educational support for homeless youth. We had a vision to create a welcoming community center that does not feel institutional, that sits well in the neighborhood yet stands out as a beacon. Providing the physical place where all this life-changing work happens is an enormous honor. Retained by a real estate developer with a large team of engineers and consultants, all of whom embraced the project mission, we delivered this unique building on budget, within the schedule parameters, inclusive of water and energy saving design and healthy materials to achieve a highly sustainable place for change.

How do you contribute to your community or your profession?
For far too long, women and people of color have not been visible in senior ranks of the architecture, engineering and construction industries. I believe that building the pipeline and providing flexibility to retain women are key to achieving justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our profession. Within the office, I am providing mentorship to three architects at different stages of their professional development. I learn as much from them as they do from me. At AIANY, I am on the advisory committee for the Emerging NY Architects Torch Mentorship program. We develop panel programs with AIA Fellows and emerging professionals, one-on-one mentoring opportunities, and now we are expanding our reach to the architecture schools, providing the students a wider view of the profession.

How do you keep your team motivated despite conflicts and obstacles?
A lot of my responsibility as the partner-in-charge of a project is to run interference and to clear the field, so the team does not get distracted from the innovative design work they are doing. The process of design is inherently about resolving conflicts and eliminating obstacles whether they are physical, financial, operational, or aspirational. I have had success in keeping people motivated, engaged, and taking ownership of their work by welcoming dialogue and encouraging participation by all members of the project team. Different voices and points of view enrich the design process, help us collectively overcome obstacles and guide us to better design decisions. With everyone actively involved, the team understands the design goals and applies that knowledge to creating compelling and inspiring architecture.

Why should women consider a career in commercial real estate and related services?
An architecture education is a great foundation for many different career paths. Some people have an entrepreneurial drive and want to start their own practice; others enjoy working within the framework of an office and contributing to the growth of a firm; others still enjoy working directing or designing projects from within an organization or institution. Beyond these options, an architecture education can lead people into graphic design, interior design, furniture design, industrial design, facilities management, owner’s representation, real estate development, and construction management. The critical and design thinking espoused in the academy provides women with the tools to pursue many possible paths. There is no one definition of success; each person must define success for themselves at various points in their professional journey.

Tell us a thing or two about you that is NOT on your resume or LinkedIn profile?
I have had a 50-year love affair with the game of tennis. My mother and I took lessons when I was an early teenager, and I have not yet stopped playing. My biggest retirement dream trip is to follow the professional tour around the world from January in Australia to November in Mexico with stops in Europe, Asia, North America, and South America along the way. Last summer, during the pandemic when NYC closed all the tennis courts and playgrounds (but not the parks) I took up pickleball. While it is social and fun, it cannot compare to a great game of tennis!