2026 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Damien Smith, First Standard Construction

“From arriving in New York in 2001 from Ireland & starting as a laborer, Damien Smith has built his career from the ground up - ultimately founding and leading First Standard Construction into one of New York City’s most respected builders. His hands-on approach, deep understanding of the field, and ability to navigate complex projects have set a standard for quality and execution across the industry.” 

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community?

The completion of 815 Bdwy., La Maison Collette, in Greenwich Village stands out as a particularly meaningful accomplishment. Excavation commenced on February 10, 2025, and by February 6, 2026, the project had progressed to Temporary Certificate of Occupancy inspection - an accelerated timeline of just under 12 months from groundbreaking to delivery. Delivering a ground-up residential project of this caliber on such a compressed schedule underscores our ability to manage complexity, maintain discipline in the field, and ultimately create value for our clients & the community.

What advice would you share with emerging professionals striving to become future leaders in commercial real estate?

Focus on building a strong foundation - understand not just your discipline, but how all facets of a project come together. Also developing a reputation for reliability & follow-through. This industry is relationship-driven, & credibility is built over time through consistent execution & integrity in how you conduct business.

How do you inspire, motivate, or mentor others within your organization?

I prioritize maintaining open lines of communication across all levels of the organization. When team members understand the “why” behind decisions and feel that their perspectives are valued, it fosters stronger engagement and a deeper sense of ownership. Ultimately, the goal is to cultivate a culture where individuals take pride in their work, support one another, & remain aligned in delivering projects with a high level of quality, efficiency, & thoughtfulness.

Who has had the greatest impact on your career or leadership journey?

Ben Shaoul’s (Magnum) relentless, solutions-first mindset reshaped how I lead.