Gabriel Hernandez, Design Republic

Contact Name: Gabriel Hernandez Company Name: Design Republic Email: [email protected] Phone: 646 747 3730 Address, City, State: 450 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022 What was your greatest professional accomplishment in 2012? Established in 2010, Design Republic is one of the newest design firms in NYC. In the midst of a national recession, Design Republic has been able to grow its studio from 6 founding partners to over 30 professionals with the support of a special list of clients such as Clear Channel, Fendi, GE, Lacoste, LVMH, NBC, Phillips de Pury and others. This is our 2012 accomplishment and we are proud of the team members that made this possible. What was your most notable project, deal or transaction in 2012? Our most notable project is the Leadership, Development Campus for a Fortune 50 Corporation spanning 57 acres. Design Republic provided Architectural and Interior design services for this mater re-planning project through the addition of new buildings, site amenities, and parking, as well as alterations and additions to existing historic buildings dating back to the late 1800's. Building types included: learning center, conference center, residence hall, dining facility, recreational and coffee house / wine bar. What are your predictions for commercial real estate in 2013? Congress has failed to provide leadership and guidance on policies that generate investment and job growth. As an owner, I am cautious but determined by my entrepreneurial spirit; B to B to C activity is essential and those with the 'best' offering will navigate these turbulent times. Businesses growth will be targeted; the financial sector will continue to contract but innovators in technology, retail and manufacturing will grow at a moderate rate until the workforce catches up and Congress refocuses on education and retraining the unemployed. What are some of your resolutions for 2013? Introduce the Design Republic brand; design approach and work ethos to decision makers in the Real Estate and Facilities industry. Be an employer that cares about educating its employees and imparting experiential knowledge of architecture and client service.