2023 Year in Review: Gary Li, Kostow Greenwood Architects

What was your greatest professional accomplishment or most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2023? Completing the transformation of the top floor in the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s Building 127 into the new R&D space for Smart Design. With collaboration as the driver for innovation, the experience of a workplace must now balance the physical with the virtual experience. We designed a workplace to develop solutions, rapid prototyping and product testing around inclusive, human-centered design.

What emerging trends will drive investment and development in 2024? Workplace and development projects have slowed with rising interest rates and work from home but developers are investing in projects that are driven by experience and entertainment. We anticipate that the trend towards building new and experiential retail, interactive and immersive venues for performing arts and restaurants will continue as people seek these pleasures and expect to be wowed.

How has your career path changed in 2023? In September, I became a principal and equity partner in my architecture firm. I am now more involved with CRE professionals and having discussions that position architecture as an investment to improve existing inventory.