Professional Profile: Jay Hakimian, 2015

Name: Jay Hakimian Title: Vice President of Design & Construction Company: The Hakimian Organization Location: New York City Birthplace: Great Neck, N.Y. Education: New York Institute of Technology First job outside of real estate: A line cook at a kosher sandwich shop in Great Neck First job in real estate or allied field: Junior architect at Bromley Caldari Architects What do you do now and what are you planning for the future? I'm currently working with my team on several new acquisitions in and around the city. We've broken ground on two projects in the outer boroughs and one in midtown Manhattan. I also launched an architecture and design group last year with some very talented young designers. The next few years will be very busy. How do you unwind from a busy day in real estate? I enjoy cooking and golfing. They are the only activities that get my mind off work. Otherwise, I'm hanging out with my wife and son. Favorite book or author: Anything written by Anthony Bourdain Favorite movie: "The Godfather" Last song you purchased/downloaded? "Feathery" by Milky Chance One word to describe your work environment: Creative Rules to live by in business: I spend a lot of time studying new design and development ideas. In my practice it's really important not to settle. That's a philosophy I always live by -- always remain a student of your craft. If you could invite one person to dinner (living or dead) who would it be and where would you go? Elizabeth Diller of Diller Scofidio + Renfro. Her group is designing the most important work we've seen in a long time. One of my goals is to do a job with DS+R Studio. What is your dream job? In real estate, probably what I'm doing now. Outside of real estate, I'd love to be either a chef or musician.