2020 Year in Review: William Gati, Architecture Studio

Name: William Gati

Title: Architect

Company Name: Architecture Studio

What aspects of working from home did you enjoy most?
The aspects of working from home that I enjoyed most were being able to keep my own hours, freedom to be around family and pets, and the ability to work on challenging projects.

What was your greatest professional accomplishment in 2020?
My greatest professional accomplishment in 2020 was being nominated to Fellowship in the American Institute of Architects. We will not know if they accepted the nomination until February, but preparing the application and submitting it, was a great accomplishment.

What was your most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2020?
Being hired to work on Neir’s Tavern, in Queens. This tavern has been in continuous use since 1829. It is one of the oldest bars in NYC. I was hired to bring it up to compliance with all the present Building Codes.

What was the most challenging part of working during the pandemic?
The most challenging part of working during the pandemic was keeping social distancing, not being able to be around people, and the fear of contagions.

What are your predictions for commercial real estate in 2021?
My predictions for commercial real estate in 2021 are that COVID-19 will transformative in that spaces will be more open, the air will be cleaner, social contact will be minimized, and transit times will be shortened. I actually believe that the pandemic will change the concentration of commercial real estate from central urban to sub-urban hubs. More people will work from home than ever before, and the need for high-rise buildings will be reduced.