Kenne Shepherd, AIA, LEED AP, Kenne Shepherd Interior Design Architecture PLLC

Name: Kenne Shepherd, AIA, LEED AP

Title: Principal

Company Name: Kenne Shepherd Interior Design Architecture PLLC

What are your predictions for commercial real estate in 2021?
Currently some 11,000 retailers have announced store closures to date. It is projected that as many as 25,000 stores may close by the end of the year. Propelled by high rents, the rise of ecommerce and the pandemic, our streets are filled with vacant retail spaces. Fortunately, retail rents have come down. Once there is a vaccine and the pandemic is under control, shoppers will want to return. The convenience of ecommerce cannot completely replace the satisfaction and fun of shopping in physical stores. By the middle of next year, we will again see retailers building new stores, but the new model of retail will be different. Successful retailers will embrace a fully integrated approach to selling in their physical stores and online.

What was the most challenging part of working during the pandemic?
Staying in touch with people was definitely a challenge. Especially in the early days of the pandemic. Even a day filled with Zoom calls, emails, texts, and social media cannot replace meeting with people in person or chance encounters that lead to new opportunities.

What aspects of working from home did you enjoy most?
The ability to work uninterrupted and focus on projects was a definite benefit in working from home. More than ever, all interactions with client, staff and vendors were scheduled in advance allowing greater control over the working day. The most important thing in working from home is setting up an environment that is conducive to work, a dedicated area with good lighting, plenty of layout space and storage and a good ergonomic chair. I also enjoyed the additional free time of not having to commute to the office.