David West, Goldstein Hill & West Architects

Name & Title:  David West, Partner

Company Name: Goldstein Hill & West Architects

What project, transaction, market trend or product had the greatest impact on your industry this year?

The loss of the 421a tax abatement at the end of 2015 caused a surge in the volume of residential rental projects in design and construction that will continue until 2019. Meanwhile, the failure to reenact 421a has slowed down the pipeline of projects that failed to meet the deadline. The need for designers of high-end interiors, refined residential layouts, luxurious amenities and the know how to make it all both efficient and beautiful, have made our business thrive in a more restricted residential building climate.

How will you be supercharging your productivity in 2017?

Software and platforms that allow real time feedback and multiple users improve both internal design team methodology and designer/consultant/client communication.

REVIT is a drawing and modeling platform that allows our design team to simultaneously work on a digital model in real time along with our consultants around the nation.  Bluebeam allows us to mark-up documents and RFI’s simultaneously with our consultants. Google docs allow multiple users to simultaneously edit word files.  We continue to explore methods of video and digital conferencing that allow our teams to discuss visual data in group settings even while physically spread across multiple offices.  

What emerging trends will drive investment and development in 2017?

Rental housing will continue to appear in farther flung areas of the Outer Boroughs including Bronx, Queens and Staten Island, particularly once 421a get re-enacted.  The buildings will be amenity-rich with small units catering to working people, commuters, local professionals, millennials and empty-nesters.