How have you navigated obstacles to achieve success in your career?
Through hard work and persistence. English was not my native language, so when I first arrived in the U.S., I had a difficult time understanding my study materials. In order to succeed, I knew I had to work twice as hard and study twice as long compared to my classmates. I ended up graduating with honors and was inducted into the Cum Laude Society along with seven other members in my class. Using the same strategy, I obtained my architecture registration, LEED AP and Interior Design certifications.
How have you navigated obstacles to achieve success in your career?
To me obstacles are opportunities to reinvent the present into the future I am looking to create. I don’t let myself get trapped in negative thinking about the worst that can happen or a cycle of complaining. I look beyond the obstacles in front of me and…
How do you play your strengths to your advantage in your career?
I developed many of my biggest strengths on the kindergarten playground–seriously. In my daily life, I make a conscious effort to listen, take chances, trust in others, focus on…
What trends are you seeing so far this year?
Our firm has experienced strong growth this year and it appears that real estate and construction should continue to do well for the foreseeable future. A recent New York Building Congress analysis of labor data reported…
What trends are you seeing so far this year?
Landlords have been evaluating capital infrastructure improvement projects and benchmarking the existing conditions of their properties. Within office tenant projects, bench style or hoteling type workstations have been popular, and commercial tenants are looking at properties in Brooklyn and Queens. Landlords are attracting food halls as an extension of the popularity of food trucks and high-end restaurants to their retail spaces throughout New York City.
How have you navigated obstacles to achieve success in your career?
I am grateful that in my career I have had very few obstacles that prevented me from designing to my best ability or reaching a desired position. One that does come to mind is being underestimated by my colleagues and bosses. I confronted this with a strong work ethic and plenty of self-confidence. Gaining trust from both my colleagues and clients is always rewarding for me.
How have you navigated obstacles to achieve success in your career?
Obstacles always present themselves throughout a career. Early on in my career, one of the challenges I faced as a new entrant into the field of architecture was working with consultants and contractors that had 30 or 40 years of experience. I learned that the key to my success was…
How have you navigated obstacles to achieve success in your career?
Earlier in my career, I was asked to attend a meeting in place of a more senior colleague who was unexpectedly unavailable. Recognizing my inexperience with the subject matter, I quickly immersed myself in a lot of related material, carefully considering the multiple points of view. By creatively using the knowledge I had acquired, I was able to bring resolution to a complex and time sensitive issue.
How do you play your strengths to your advantage in your career?
I try to surround myself with people who have strengths that differ from mine. I know that I cannot do everything, so I look for partners to work with me. I have also found that it is…
What trends are you seeing so far this year?
Given the new administration in Washington D.C. is full of climate change skeptics, slashing funding for the Environmental Protection Agency and other critical climate change initiatives, I am seeing a trend in the states, local municipalities and businesses moving forward with…
