2025-Innovators in Commercial Real Estate-Alex Brito of RKTB Architects

Beyond Buildings: How do you see innovation in commercial real estate creating a broader impact on communities and the people who live and work in them? RKTB strives to push boundaries, working with client and community partners to achieve win-win-win outcomes. Our innovations often derive from deep knowledge of codes and regulations. For one Bronx project we applied a ZQA for senior housing, boosting developable floor area by 40%, making it possible for nonprofit developers to build needed affordable units. Plus the design commingles family and senior units, strengthening the community fabric.

Innovative Outlook: Where do you see the biggest opportunities for innovation in the commercial real estate sector? The big opportunities now are in affordable housing – not just adding units, but creating better functioning, more livable neighborhoods. At RKTB we look for ways to expand what is possible. In some cases we are leveraging air rights of adjacent properties to build taller, while in other cases we are reimagining what can anchor a mixed-use development. Retail is great, but maybe the community needs cultural space or a healthcare offering more.