2026 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Suzette Bather. DIG Architecture

What leadership lesson has made the greatest impact on your career?

I’ve learned true leadership creates opportunities for others. I apply this life lesson to DIG’s strategic growth in New York where it has the greatest impact: investing in people. This includes building collaborative relationships, mentoring young designers and expanding upon DIG’s role in supplier diversity-driven opportunities. Resilient teams are forged through genuine collaboration and active listening. When you empower people to bring their unique perspectives to the table and elevate those around you, organizational success naturally follows.

What trend or change in commercial real estate do you believe will have the biggest impact over the next five years?

The biggest shift is the imperative to reimagine outdated public-use spaces rather than force-fitting new technology into obsolete structures. Future architecture and design must be anchored in innovation, creativity and flexible spaces – core tenets of DIG’s philosophy to always be groundbreaking. Today’s infrastructure demands adaptable layouts that seamlessly integrate evolving tools and community needs. DIG is committed to altering this trajectory, moving beyond temporary fixes to deliver forward-thinking architecture and design that remains sustainable well into the future.

What was the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in the past 12 months, and why?

Helping drive JFK Airport’s $19B transformation stands out as one of my most rewarding projects. I’m proud to have helped advance opportunities for local, minority- and women-owned small businesses to participate in one of the nation’s largest airport infrastructure projects. This experience is the springboard from which I’m drawing to cultivate and grow DIG’s meaningful partnerships across the transportation, education, healthcare and civic development sectors while driving strategic growth and deepening the industry roots of our Queens office.

What advice would you give to the next generation of women entering commercial real estate?

Be curious, build relationships and keep learning. The architecture, construction and engineering (ACE) fields reach far beyond traditional boundaries. Have the courage to fearlessly explore non-traditional paths. Every project is an opportunity to expand your knowledge and drive meaningful impact. Find mentors who challenge and support you and remember that your unique perspective carries real value. At DIG, we believe design is about empowering people and elevating communities – confidence grows as you show up, innovate and lead with purpose.