News:
Spotlight Content
Posted: June 22, 2021
2021 Women in Building Services: Carmel Pratt, Bright Power
Name: Carmel Pratt
Title: Director of New Construction
Company Name: Bright Power
Real estate associations or organizations that you are currently a member of: Board Member of New York Passive House (NYPH), member of Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA), member of Passive House Alliance US (PHAUS), member international Passive House Association (iPHA)
What led you to your current profession?
Marriage of my passions for the built environment and conserving our natural environment.
In the past year, what project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of?
All of the NYSERDA Buildings of Excellence projects I’ve had the privilege of being involved with (almost 20 award-winning projects over the years!)
Who was/is your mentor and how did s/he influence/help you in your career?
Jerry Flach, my first boss when I was working at Paterson Habitat for Humanity. She taught me the importance of servant leadership, holistic sustainability, and working for real impact on the world.
What trends will dominate your industry in the coming months?
Embodied Carbon, electrification, carbon/emissions reductions, and innovative energy recovery/storage
What books or social media influencers would you recommend to other women?
Christine Williamson (@BuildingScienceFightClub) and “The New Carbon Architecture” by Bruce King et al.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Architect or jam-band singer
How do you contribute to your community or profession?
Learning constantly and trying to share everything I learn.
Tags:
Spotlight Content
MORE FROM Spotlight Content
Over half of Long Island towns vote to exceed the tax cap - Here’s how owners can respond - by Brad and Sean Cronin
When New York permanently adopted the 2% property tax cap more than a decade ago, many owners hoped it would finally end the relentless climb in tax bills. But in the last couple of years, that “cap” has started to look more like a speed bump. Property owners are seeing taxes increase even when an
.png)
.jpg)
Columns and Thought Leadership
How much power does the NYC mayor really have over real estate policy? - by Ron Cohen
The mayor of New York City holds significant influence over real estate policy — but not absolute legislative power. Here’s how it breaks down:
Formal Legislative Role
• Limited direct lawmaking power: The NYC Council is the primary
Properly serving a lien law Section 59 Demand - by Bret McCabe
Many attorneys operating within the construction space are familiar with the provisions of New York Lien Law, which allow for the discharge of a Mechanic’s Lien in the event the lienor does not commence an action to enforce following the service of a “Section 59 Demand”.
Oldies but goodies: The value of long-term ownership in rent-stabilized assets - by Shallini Mehra
Active investors seeking rent-stabilized properties often gravitate toward buildings that have been held under long-term ownership — and for good reasons. These properties tend to be well-maintained, both physically and operationally, offering a level of stability
The strategy of co-op busting in commercial real estate - by Robert Khodadadian
In New York City’s competitive real estate market, particularly in prime neighborhoods like Midtown Manhattan, investors are constantly seeking new ways to unlock property value. One such strategy — often overlooked but
.gif)