Boddewyn of Boddewyn Gaynor: Honored by Pioneering Women

Name: Michele Boddewyn, AIA Title: President Company Name Boddewyn Gaynor Architects, d.p.c. Real Estate Associations/Organizations: CREW NY What recent honor, achievement or recognition has meant the most to you and why? It was a thrill for me to learn that I was recently selected by Pioneering Women in Real Estate to be honored at their Awards Gala in June. Perhaps more than most realize, the real estate industry and the architectural profession are deeply intertwined and complement each other. When these two professions combine, the whole does indeed become greater than the sum of its parts. As spatial experts, architects bring along with them a unique set of skills that can help a realtor and his or her client define the optimum space to suit that client's needs. Architects have an enormous impact on the look and feel of a space, not only within a particular office, but in a building or in the community at large. I derive enormous pride from this honor bestowed upon me by the real estate profession. It assures me that I am on track with my professional commitment to translate client goals into a "built reality." Please reflect on a recent achievement and/or milestone for your company: Boddewyn Gaynor Architects, d.p.c. (BGA and formerly Alan Gaynor + Company) recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. I have worked with Alan for 35 of those 40 years. Together we have seen our firm expand and flourish. We pride ourselves in creating innovative, timeless designs that reflect the character and unique needs of each of our clients. We believe this approach to serving our clients' needs is a key ingredient in BGA's success. Some clients that we have been privileged to serve include: The Weather Channel, Weill Cornell Medical College, The Henry Luce Foundation, the Starrett-Lehigh Building and New York City Human Resources Administration. Each member of our architectural staff has a minimum of 25 years' experience, mostly with our firm. This speaks to our ability to generate exciting and challenging assignments, as well as creating a work environment where ideas and creativity can flourish. In 2011, BGA obtained Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) certification, which has opened many doors for us, especially in the public sector. For 40 years, BGA has been dedicated to creating unique, innovative and timeless designs that reflect the character and needs of each of our clients. We are passionate about design; we are passionate about architecture; and we are passionate about the profession that we represent. What is the first thing you do when you arrive in the office in the morning? Since technology allows us to be connected 24/7, I am able to check emails during my commute to the office. When I arrive, I generally plunge into my day, after grabbing a cup of coffee. What time management strategies do you find to be the most effective for you? I prioritize tasks based on staff availability, capability and time constraints. This enables me to assign roles and responsibilities to appropriate members of the team and to oversee progress toward task completion. What is the best advice you have received, and who was it from? In cautioning me about the world at large and those that I would encounter, my father, Prof. Jean Boddewyn, NYU Graduate School of Business, advised that "a laid-back SOB is still an SOB." His advice has been essential to me in assessing the character of the many individuals I have encountered in my profession and in life. List 3 women that you would like to have drinks / dinner with and where would you go? Frances Mayes, author of a number of books, including Under the Tuscan Sun; Beverly Willis, architect and founder of the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation (BWAF), a nonprofit firm whose mission is to recognize the contributions of women to the field of architecture; and Ruth Reichl, american chef, magazine editor and writer of such works as Tender At the Bone. I'd leave the city and restaurant choice to Ms. Reichl. What is your favorite quote? "Je suis bien dans ma peau" (Anonymous). Direct translation: I am well in my own skin. The idiomatic translation: I am at ease with myself . 7. What did you want to be when you grew up? I am an avid reader and am passionate about travel. That combination leads to my desire to be a travel writer.