2021 Year in Review: Nancy Ruddy, CetraRuddy

Name: Nancy Ruddy

Job Title: Founding Principal

Company Name: CetraRuddy

What is the best advice you received in 2021, and who was it from?
The best advice I received this year was related to a project but it translates well into a world view. My friend and client, David Greenbaum, in the middle of dealing with project constraints, noted that our focus should be on crafting the journey forward. I believe that all of us in the real estate and design world need to be part of the solution in creating the next chapter in building community, our cities, and a sustainable global approach. Central to this is our collaboration on creating environments that promote health, well being and inspiration in design. That kind of advice is so rare and so valuable.

What was the biggest lesson you learned while working during the pandemic?
As architects and interior designers, we’ve been lucky to collaborate with some of the world’s most progressive developers. And one lesson we learned is how the pandemic spurred faster research and development—including in our projects and inside our firm—allowing us to respond to the challenges and concerns more quickly than ever would have been possible otherwise. The results have included innovations for affordable housing and luxury condos alike, as well as new ideas for commercial office projects and university residential buildings, too.

What was your greatest professional accomplishment or most notable project, deal, or \ transaction in 2021?
Seeing our work on Rose Hill was a major highlight in 2021. It’s a residential tower that draws inspiration from New York City’s architectural heritage and its rich history of skyscraper design. Our team approached the building’s form and materiality to create a timeless quality that’s still quite modern. We’ve been gratified to see its expressive design take shape, how its base that engages the street, and see activity on the outdoor space of its setbacks. The craft work has brought to life its geometric accents and intricate bronze-toned detailing, giving a clue as to the rich interiors inside.

What are your predictions for your industry in 2022?
We’re expecting more conversions of office buildings to residential uses, a topic that we’re working on and lecturing on nationally. We’re also predicting more reinvention of common space designs, turning amenities designed for one use into spaces for new and multiple uses, in some cases. These new directions will be exciting to catalogue and study over the next year, and beyond.