Wright of IBI Group: Face-to-face networking is more successful

Name: Susan Wright, AIA LEED AP Title: Principal Company Name: IBI Group - Gruzen Samton Architects Years in Commercial Real Estate: 25+ In the last 12 months, which project, transaction, honor or accomplishment are you most proud of and why? We started several exciting projects in the last 12 months and I am proud of them all. The residential marketplace has cranked up and we are happily busy. We are underway with a small residential project near the Highline in collaboration with the talented design firm of Roman and Williams. We have a LEED Silver residential project in design for the Port Imperial neighborhood of Weehawken. Some great projects finished up too! We had a ribbon cutting at a 92-unit senior housing project completed for Selfhelp Community Services. Nothing like seeing happy new residents in a building that you designed. What social media and/or face to face networking activities do you find most beneficial professionally? Generally, I think face-to-face networking is a more successful way to meet people than social media. I look for smaller groups and for a varied message - I'm there to learn about what others do and see how I can work with them. I always attend events hosted by Women in Housing in Finance, which is a group of professionals in banking, development and design professions with an interest in affordable housing development. Monthly dinners held by Women's Leadership Initiative of ULI are a terrific opportunity to make a connection. After the event, the important step is to follow through.