Orchestrated pre-construction phase of the redevelopment of 7,890m²/85,000ft² landmark buildings (478-486 Broadway) in Manhattan’s SoHo district, freeing up use of an additional 5,200m²/56,000ft² of revenue generating space. Negotiated legalization of three Loft Board protected residential tenancies, critical to de-risking the asset. Secured consent to legalize 1,860m²/20,000ft² of residential space, currently let as prime lofts (~$42M value) and change of use to permit for 4,460m²/48,000ft² department store, enabling 10-year lease to Topshop’s first US flagship.

Development Manager at Vornado Realty Trust

Engaged by an international investor to provide strategic advisory, deliver market insight and lead prospecting in Los Angeles ahead of a prospective entry into the market.

Delivered market research and analysis of the target residential sector in L.A. (Bel Air / Beverly Hills / Brentwood / Pacific Palisades). Undertook zoning, regulatory and pricing analyses in collaboration with leading L.A. design-build practice Letter Four. Synthesized findings into investment, development and positioning strategies. Currently leading prospecting for strategy-compliant off-market opportunities. Undertaking feasibility analyses for sites under consideration with a market value of $5M-$12M. Appointed as exclusive owners’ representative.

Undertook due diligence on 445,000m²/110-acre undeveloped hilltop plot in Tiburon, California ahead of a circa $95M prospective acquisition by an international investor. The property is one of the last remaining large undeveloped tracts of land in the Bay Area and commands an exceptional view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Delivered strategic analysis of the current masterplan and assessed the feasibility of the consented 43-home subdivision. Reviewed legal dossier of litigation (1975 – present) pertaining to the property and performed the corresponding risk analyses. Delivered a high-level feasibility assessment and synthesized findings into a strategic approach. The strategy achieved balance between a generous provision for public open space and sustainable private development. Represented the buy-side in discussions with vendors’ representative.

Initiated and led a research and development project that focused on how Millennials may shape the future of urban living as they matriculate into the market, and what impact this may have on property development. The research focused on generating housing solutions that could afford ‘Generation Rent’ the opportunity to be urban homeowners.

Led research and architecture teams in the design of a modular system of studio and one bedroom ‘Micro-Apartments’ tailored to the needs of Millennials. The modular units were agglomerated within a dynamic 10,155m²/109,000ft² mixed-use development, sited on a 1,395m²/0.35-acre vacant plot in the heart of Shoreditch – a model for future ‘Social Living’.

Appointed by a UAE fund to undertake a feasibility assessment and lead due diligence for a prime site in Central London, ahead of a circa £70M prospective acquisition. The project intent was to reinstate London’s first luxury serviced apartment building. The development scope comprised the adaptive reuse of a 7,897m²/ 85,000ft² Grade II listed mansion block in Belgravia.

Defined strategy for the development of 42 luxury apartments, branded and serviced by the neighboring Goring Hotel, holder of a Royal Warrant of Appointment to H.M. the Queen. Delivered comprehensive market, zoning, program and financial analyses. Determined fair market value and supported the fund throughout the negotiations with the vendor.

Appointed by a UAE fund to undertake a feasibility assessment and lead due diligence for a Hyde Park facing site in Central London, ahead of a circa £45M prospective acquisition. Outlined the real estate strategy and optimal program for the development of an 8,566m²/92,203ft² project that met the fund’s IRR hurdle.

Defined the zoning parameters and planning negotiation strategy in collaboration with Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). Directed the in-house architecture team in the design of a mixed-use project comprising a 33 key boutique hotel, 22 branded serviced apartments, and the adaptive reuse of a Grade II listed building.

Assisted in managing the redevelopment and repositioning of Green Acres Mall, a 167,000m²/1.8Mft² underperforming superregional shopping center in Long Island. Collaborated on managing the renovation program whilst maintaining full operations. Secured approval for additional 2,300m²/25,000ft² of developable GLA. Collaborated on negotiation of leases and relocation agreements with anchor and junior anchor tenants: Macy’s, J.C. Penney, Babies R Us, Circuit City, and Toys R Us. The property was sold to Macerich for $500M and yielded $185M in net proceeds.

Development Manager at Vornado Realty Trust

Implemented targeted renovation and leasing program to improve the positioning and performance of 102,000m²/1.1Mft² Broadway Mall, a regional shopping center in Long Island. Secured approval for an additional 1,115m²/12,000ft² of developable GLA for restaurant and retail use. Asset was acquired by KKR for $94M and yielded $92M in net proceeds.

Development Manager at Vornado Realty Trust

A 2.2Mm²/23.7Mft² hospitality-led mixed-use development in the UAE currently under development. Al Zorah Resorts is being realized jointly by Solidere International and Al Zorah Company Ltd, in partnership with the Government of Ajman.

Defined the repositioning strategy for the 2Km²/494-acre flagship waterfront land development following the 2008 financial crisis. Led the design and regulatory approval processes for a new, award-winning masterplan (International Property Awards, Five Star Award, Best Mixed-Use Development). Oversaw pre-construction phase and the implementation of the turnaround strategy for the $2.2BN development. Collaborated on the delivery of the $586M first phase of the project including primary infrastructure, marinas, landscape and public domain.

Director of Real Estate / Director of Design & Development at Solidere

Led the feasibility assessment and the pre-construction phase for an upmarket mixed-use marina development on a 28,000m²/6.9-acre plot facing a protected mangrove. Defined optimal program mix for 84,259m²/907,000ft² of mid-rise development that comprised residential, commercial and hospitality uses. Collaborated on the launch of a successful land sales program.

Led the conception, design and regulatory approval processes for a new, award-winning masterplan (International Property Awards, Five Star Award, Best Mixed-Use Development). Oversaw the preparation and adoption of the regulatory master plan, architectural and urban design guidelines. Managed the preparation of all PSAs and supporting documentation.

Director of Real Estate / Director of Design & Development at Solidere

Appointed design manager of the architectural design for the inaugural resort within the Al Zorah development by Piero Lissoni Associati. The $150M resort was developed jointly by Solidere International and Al Zorah Development Company Ltd. The 113 key hotel comprised villas and suites. The five-star resort is operated by The Oberoi and opened in 2016.

In 2021 the Oberoi Al Zorah was awarded the Leading Luxury Beach Resort and the Leading Hotel Suite by the World Travel Awards. The Oberoi Al Zorah also ranked eighth in Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 10 Resorts: Readers’ Choice Awards 2021.

Director of Real Estate / Director of Design & Development at Solidere

Project images courtesy of Al Zorah.

The Al Zorah Golf Course is a development by Solidere International and Al Zorah Company Limited, in partnership with the Government of Ajman. Led pre-construction for the 1Km²/247-acre golf course and the 70,000m²/753,000ft² gated community development that bordered a protected tidal mangrove. Niklaus Design was commissioned to design the Golf Course. The development is currently in the final phase of construction.

Defined the real estate and urban development strategy for the project. Directed the conception, design and approval of a new master plan. The scheme proposed three low density residential clusters connected by a sequence of landscaped water reservoirs and anchored by a wellness center and clubhouse.

Director of Real Estate / Director of Design & Development at Solidere

Led pre-construction and concept development for an ambitious 2,200m²/23,700ft² floating edutainment attraction at the center of a 21,000m²/226,000ft² water basin. Distilled the core brand attributes of the broader development and synthesized them into a concept for a landmark floating pavilion.

The flagship project would anchor the 450,000m²/484,000ft² mixed-use development around the Central Marina. The pavilion consisted of four elements: Mangrove Garden, Urban Beach, Ecology Education Pavilion and a Floating Restaurant. The elements were connected by a sweeping promenade suspended above the surface of the water.

Director of Real Estate / Director of Design & Development at Solidere

Al Zorah is an ambitious real estate and land development, a new city located 45km/28-miles east of Dubai. The project was launched in 2008 by Solidere International in partnership with the Government of Ajman. Al Zorah was to be realized on a 12km²/2,965-acre site and provide for 22Mm²/237Mft² of development.

Led master planning and urban design for the centerpiece of Al Zorah, a 3km/1.8-mile long mixed-use ‘High Rise Spine’. Oversaw the preparation and adoption of the regulatory master plan and development guidelines for the 8km²/1977-acre site. Defined and implemented a land use strategy for 2.6Mm²/28Mft² of saleable development rights. Prepared PSAs and bespoke development briefs for the 120 plots ahead of the launch of the land sales program at Cityscape 2009.

Director of Real Estate / Director of Design & Development at Solidere

The New Waterfront District is a development by Solidere s.a.l. (Société libanaise pour le dével-oppement et la reconstruction de Beyrouth), the pioneering company responsible for the reconstruction of the City Centre of Beirut.

Led preconstruction for Solidere’s flagship urban development, sited on 291,000m²/72-acres of reclaimed land. Led master planning and urban design for saleable plots with 1.7Mm²/18.3Mft² of development rights. Secured consent for the regulatory masterplan, urban development and architectural guidelines. Managed the design of infrastructure and public domain. Collaborated on the launch of the successful land sale program with a cumulative market value of circa $5.9BN.

Director of Real Estate / Director of Design & Development at Solidere

Led pre-construction phase for the reconstruction of Martyrs’ Square, the symbolic heart of the Lebanese capital Beirut, that was heavily damaged during the 1975-1990 civil war.

Managed an urban design study by the practice of Pritzker Prize laureate Renzo Piano (RPBW) for the 83,805m²/21-acre site. Led the translation and adoption of RPBW’s design into an approved regulatory master plan, architectural guidelines and development briefs for the plots adjoining Martyrs’ Square. The plots achieved 270,966m²/2.9Mft² of development rights and had a corresponding market value of circa $950M. Facilitated negotiations with the Council for Development and Reconstruction and the Municipality of Beirut. Secured PPP agreement for the redevelopment and collaborated on the preparation of the corresponding tender.

Director of Real Estate / Director of Design & Development at Solidere

Project images courtesy of RPBW.

Led pre-construction phase for the Pinwheel Development, a mixed-use district anchored by a super-tall tower (315m / 1,033ft). The development was intended to connect the historical city center and the new district to be realized on reclaimed land. The 119,000m²/1.3Mft² development comprised residential, hospitality, retail, office and conferencing program – and was crowned by a viewing deck on the 61st floor.

Served as design manager for the signature architectural scheme by the practice of Pritzker Prize laureate Renzo Piano including; regulatory analyses, master-plan review, architectural reviews, program analyses and coordination of sub-consultants.

Director of Real Estate / Director of Design & Development at Solidere

Project images courtesy of Solidere.

Led pre-construction phase for a 30,000m²/7.4-acre seaside plot within the ‘Golden Mile’ in Marbella, including strategic, regulatory, legal and financial analyses. Defined the development strategy for a 45,000m²/484,000ft² ‘urban village’. Crafted the optimal mixed-use program, comprising an 80-key boutique hotel, 90 pied-a-terre apartments and 12,000m²/12,920ft² GLA of boutique retail.

Directed the in-house master planning team in the design of a modern yet contextual waterfront district. The design interpreted the narrow streets, courtyards and active roofs of the Mediterranean town in a modern idiom. The scheme proposed a sequence of dynamic and programmed courtyards, connected via a circuitous pedestrian route, that culminated in a preserved beachfront pine grove.

Director of Real Estate / Director of Design & Development at Solidere

Undertook feasibility assessment and led due diligence for a 20,000m²/4.9-acre waterfront plot within the ‘Golden Mile’ in Marbella, ahead of a prospective joint venture. Defined the regulatory, financial and development framework for the project. Evaluated the development of 6,300m²/68,000ft² wellness boutique hotel.

Defined a design and development strategy that balanced between environmental regulations and commercial parameters. Led in-house architecture team in the design of a low density ‘tree house’ hospitality concept. Crafted an approach that dispersed the program within the protected grove of Mediterranean Pines with minimal impact.

Director of Real Estate / Director of Design & Development at Solidere

Westown is a planned community located west of Cairo developed by SODIC in partnership with Solidere International. The project was sited on a 1.2km²/297-acre plot, and when complete the project will comprise 3.4Mm²/36.6Mft² of development.

Led pre-construction for 120,000m²/1.3Mft² (GLA) superregional lifestyle center. The $91M project was scheduled for completion during the first phase of Westown’s development. Managed market research and a feasibility study in collaboration with RCG. Identified the strategic approach and prepared the business plan for the project. Led concept design by in-house architecture team, and managed subsequent tenant engagement. Oversaw preparation of the application for planning approval and entitlements.

Director of Real Estate / Director of Design & Development at Solidere

Westown is a planned community located west of Cairo developed by SODIC in partnership with Solidere International. The project is sited on a 1.2km²/297-acre plot, and when complete the project will comprise 3.4Mm²/36.6Mft² of development.

Led pre-construction for 120,000m²/1.3Mft² (GLA) superregional mall. Defined program, leasing and design strategies in cooperation with RCG. Managed the project financial proforma and value engineering exercises to achieve target IRR. Oversaw design management of concept through schematic phases of the architectural study by CallisonRTKL. Implemented successful tenant engagement and pre-leasing program in collaboration with RCG. Prepared project documentation for the public approval and entitlement processes.

Director of Real Estate / Director of Design & Development at Solidere

Images Courtesy of CallisonRTKL

Westown is a development by SODIC in partnership with Solidere International. The project was envisioned as a new town center to anchor the expanding suburbs of West Cairo. The development is located on a 1.2km²/297-acre plot, and when complete the project will comprise 3.4Mm²/36.6Mft² of development.

Led pre-construction for the Westown Spine, a 375m/1,230ft long retail-led pedestrian spine, anchored by a 120,000m²/1.3Mft² (GLA) superregional mall. Outlined the development, and phasing strategies for the broader 80,000m²/19.7-acre district. Defined the program and land use strategies for the 168,000m²/1.8Mft² of development within the district. Managed the urban design study by London based design practice Allies and Morrison. Oversaw the preparation of the regulatory master plan and architectural guidelines for the public approval process.

Director of Real Estate / Director of Design & Development at Solidere

Images courtesy of Allies & Morrison

Managed due diligence and the feasibility study for a 45,855m²/11-acre plot within Riyadh’s ‘High Rise Axis’ ahead of a prospective joint venture. Appointed and managed legal, regulatory and financial consultants in the analysis of the development opportunity. Undertook option and program analyses for the development of a 115,000m²/1.2Mft² mixed-use high-rise development. Led client-side design management for an architectural study by the practice of Nabil Gholam Architects. The scheme proposed three mixed-use towers, the tallest of which measured 355m/1,164ft atop a 42,000m²/452,000ft² retail podium.

Director of Real Estate / Director of Design & Development at Solidere

Images courtesy of Nabil Gholam Architects

Led exercise to conceptualize a new lifestyle-led retail development prototype, as part of a broader strategy to pursue value added real estate projects in Saudi Arabia. Undertook market, strategic and competition analyses. Synthesized findings into a development and positioning strategy for ‘Madinati Town Center’ – a medium-scale and retail-led district characterized by walkable streets and boutique shopping and dining outlets.

Led in-house architecture team in the conceptualization and design of 50,000m² / 538,000ft² (GLA) prototype located on a 73,000m² / 18-acre prime plot on Muzahimiya Avenue under ownership.

Director of Real Estate / Director of Design & Development at Solidere

Led in-house design team in conceptual master planning and urban design for a 270,000m² / 67-acre site in a rapidly developing district of Riyadh ahead of a prospective acquisition. Located a modern office park as a buffer between the residential areas and the main boulevard. For the residential program, outlined strategy for the development of a 187,000m² / 2Mft² ‘town within a city’ gated development for expatriates. The community was anchored at the center by a pedestrianized village that comprised shops, offices, schools, a park and playgrounds. The four neighborhoods within the development were linked by a ‘green necklace’ – a landscaped promenade designed for walking, cycling, play and exercise. This scheme, driven by a sense of scale and place-making, intended to give foreign residents a sense of community for the duration of their residency in Riyadh.

Director of Real Estate / Director of Design & Development at Solidere

Led prospecting and due diligence for a prime development site within the Levent Business District of Istanbul ahead of a potential circa $100M acquisition. Appointed and managed legal, regulatory and financial consultants in the analysis of the development opportunity. Undertook option and program analyses for the development of a 35,000m²/377,000ft² speculative office development atop a retail podium. Synthesized findings into a strategic approach for the acquisition and development of the site. Prepared purchase offer and led negotiations with the vendor.

Led in-house architecture team in zoning analyses, and the adaptation of an EMSAL compliant scheme. Managed concept design of a 112m/367ft tall office tower that comprised a signature rooftop restaurant, winter garden, business lounge and connection to the Istanbul Metro.

Director of Real Estate / Director of Design & Development at Solidere

Led prospecting, feasibility appraisal, and comprehensive due diligence for a prominent 1.9Km²/470-acre hilltop site in the Beykoz district of Istanbul, ahead of a circa $250M joint venture. The 190,000m²/2Mft² gated development would comprise 207 luxury homes alongside a retail-led mixed-use ‘lakeside village’.

Undertook site, strategic, market, zoning, positioning and program assessments. Synthesized findings into a development strategy for a highly sustainable low-density development that preserved the site’s ecology. Directed the in-house team in the design of a conscientious masterplan that achieved balance between the project’s strategic intent, environmental parameters, development objectives and the target return.

Director of Real Estate / Director of Design & Development at Solidere

Led international development and finance consortium in the evaluation of a circa $700M tender by the Turkish Government for the redevelopment of Galataport. The tender comprised the renovation of the Istanbul International Cruise Terminal, the restoration of several historic buildings, and the redevelopment of the remaining disused portion of the waterfront site. Managed comprehensive due diligence, feasibility appraisals and financial analyses of the 140,000m²/1.5Mft² development opportunity. Appointed and led a team of legal, regulatory, zoning, structuring and costing consultants, and synthesized their findings into a strategic approach for control and development of the 109,000m²/27-acre site.

Led in-house design team in the preparation of a conceptual masterplan anchored by the Cruise Terminal. Proposed the development of a tourism-led mixed-use destination, and the creation of a 1.2km/0.75-mile long waterside public promenade overlooking Istanbul’s famed Topkapi Palace and Golden Horn.

Director of Real Estate / Director of Design & Development at Solidere