2023 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Aakash Badjatya, LERA Consulting Structural Engineers RLLP

What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? We recently fixed a leaking basement for an owner in the city. The building was old and its basement would occasionally flood on rainy days. The project team decided to install a large precast sump pit and a network of internal subsurface drainage lines to collect the water and pump it outside.

2023 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Ida Phair, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP

Number of years at firm: 4 One thing on my bucket list: To go on safari.  When I am not working, I am: Playing tennis or traveling with my husband and two children.  What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? In 2020, I was the lead associate representing Edward J. Minskoff Equities

2023 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Travis Selesky, Grassi Advisors & Accountants

Number of years at firm: 2.5 One thing on my bucket list: Travel to Australia When I am not working, I am: Spending time outdoors either hiking with my wife or golfing with friends.

2023 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Derek Kirma, Arbor Realty Trust

Number of years at firm: 3 One thing on my bucket list: Owning a home in Hawaii When I am not working, I am: running, watching football, or playing with my son. What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? Recently, I worked together with the owner of an apartment complex in California on a refinance cash-out with Green Financing.

2023 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Robert Bebey, CM&B

Number of years at firm: 3 years One thing on my bucket list: Travel to every continent When I am not working, I am: Fishing and boating What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? I am most proud of completing the final phases of Whole Foods Market Union Square.

2023 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Patrick Balling, Emtec Consulting Engineers

Number of years at firm: 7  One thing on my bucket list: To visit all 50 states or backpack through Europe. When I am not working, I am: Playing golf, snowboarding, renovating my house, or spending quality time with my wife and family.

2023 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Laura Yang, DBI Projects

Number of years at firm: 4 When I am not working, I am: Spending time with my family, playing tennis, and travelling. One thing on my bucket list: I would love to travel with my family to Taiwan, which is the home country of my husband. 

2023 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Yuliya Viola, Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP

Number of years at firm: 5.5 One thing on my bucket list: Visit France, Italy, and Dubai. When I am not working, I am: enjoying spending time with my family and my kids and playing tennis. I also love playing piano. 

2023 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Luke MacDougall, Shawmut Design and Construction

Number of years at firm: 11 One thing on my bucket list: I thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in different cultures and getting to know new people, so becoming fluent in Spanish is a personal aspiration of mine. By learning Spanish, my hope is to connect with a wider variety of people, allowing me the opportunity to learn about different cultures and understand different perspectives.

2023 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Austin Lan, Ease Hospitality

Number of years at firm: 3.5 One thing on my bucket list: Travel to Yoshino in Japan outside of Osaka to see the cherry blossoms, to Normandy, France to visit the D-Day memorials in Colleville-sur-Mer and to explore the beaches where the Normandy landings took place in 1944.