Full disclosure: I have opinions.
But they’re born of experience and open to further enlightenment. I believe…
Great places are authentic, dynamic, emotive and enduring. Their DNA includes the ability to evolve and stay relevant.
You can’t look at this business one building or one use at a time; the objective is always the experience of place.
Good design creates good value.
As developers, we must remind ourselves that the fundamental job is to fulfill the deep desire for belonging, for real community.
Housing is community. Office is community. Retail is community. Community is the catalyst. The common denominator. The value generator.
Creating brand story isn’t the last step; it is the foundation for success. It is the thread that weaves together all interests, internal and external.
You have to know the rules well enough to break them.
Productive entitlements require a real partnership with municipalities, a true win-win.
A female point of view can be a profound differentiator.
It may sound trite, but it’s absolutely true:
successful places deliver strong economic,
social and environmental performance.
The devil is in the details.
And I’ve managed a lot of devils.
You can’t fake community.
Be remarkable or be forgotten.
“Denise is a charismatic leader. Her deep creative passion is contagious, and it energizes the team. Also she’s a great operator.”
GREG VILLKIN
President, Related California Residential