2024 Ones to Watch - Innovators in CRE: Joe Yacobellis, Mojo Stumer Associates

For nearly two decades, Joe Yacobellis has played a crucial role at Mojo Stumer Associates, leading the team in pushing architecture to the forefront of successful innovations in commercial real estate. As director of design, he manages a team of 20, overseeing all architecture projects while being deeply involved in both production and client relationships. Yacobellis leads the entire process from concept to construction, ensuring that each project balances modern design with practical, buildable solutions. His leadership has been instrumental in reinforcing Mojo Stumer’s reputation for award-winning work, consistently delivering spaces that meet client needs and reflect the firm’s innovative approach to architecture.

Innovative Solution: In today’s challenging market, adaptability is key. We’ve strategically expanded our services to include more comprehensive project management, ensuring that we control quality and timelines from start to finish. By integrating advanced technology such as virtual reality in our design process, we’re able to streamline collaboration with clients and contractors, reducing inefficiencies and costly revisions. Our designs incorporate energy-efficient solutions that not only meet current regulatory demands but also appeal to the increasing market interest in environmentally conscious buildings. We’ve diversified our portfolio, taking on a wider range of projects, which allows us to navigate fluctuating demands more effectively. By staying nimble, we ensure that both design excellence and client satisfaction remain at the forefront of everything we do.

Innovative Outlook: The return to the office offers a chance to reimagine corporate spaces as vibrant parts of walkable communities. As hybrid work models continue to evolve, there’s a growing need to plan for smart growth and sustainable urban development. By creating flexible, multifunctional spaces that encourage collaboration while supporting individual work preferences, companies can enhance both productivity and employee well-being. These redesigned offices will become an integral part of walkable neighborhoods, fostering stronger community connections and contributing to healthier, more dynamic urban environments. This shift from isolated workspaces to active, engaging settings reflects the future of commercial real estate, offering long-term value and improved quality of life.

“Joe Yacobellis has been instrumental in leading the design of our mixed-use, multi-family, and commercial architecture projects, including the recent Forte Construction Corporate HQ in Islandia and The Rose, a transit-oriented multi-family development in Great Neck. His expertise in solving complex problems and transforming challenging sites into successful developments has shaped New York and Long Island’s architectural landscape for nearly two decades, solidifying his role as a key innovator in the field.” - Dasha Dyachenko, Mojo Stumer Associates.