Great innovations come from great challenges.  I think about this as I sit at my desk, working from home for the 116^th consecutive day, and observe how the world has changed and where this dynamic shift will take us as urbanists and real estate professionals.  Many people are choosing to concentrate on the challenges that have arisen over the last four-months: a global pandemic, economic turmoil, injustice, and social and civil unrest; however I see great promise in what we can do together as individuals, colleagues, professionals, and companies to create a better future.  This is an opportunity to actively engage in evaluating what our impact can be on all facets of our lives and the built environment.

The world and the physical spaces we build in it have transformed – shifting how people use public and private spaces.  Our sense of place, community, and connectivity is evolving.  COVID-19 has led, and in some cases forced, people to keep their physical distance while causing others to deepen connections using technology and innovation and establishing new ways to create a sense of community.

How we build and use our offices, homes, public gathering spaces, and places of entertainment are shifting.  As real estate professionals, this moment will allow us to swiftly push boundaries and embrace new ideas in what and how we build.  There is an adjustment underway that will change how spaces will be used in the future, and we will innovate in response – quicker and more thoughtfully than if these challenges had not arisen.  Fundamentally, people will still need a place to live, buy food, socialize and work.  But we will need to adapt.  As an industry, we will be more intentional and creative about what we produce as a result of many of these evolutions.

The same is true with social unrest. As real estate professionals we have an obligation to recognize our role in equity and inclusion through the spaces we design and build.  This time has shed light on these systemic inequalities and made me, and I think many others, take a hard look at how and what we can do to create more inclusive and equitable real estate communities.  To maximize our effectiveness, our companies, teams, and leadership need to bring together diverse perspectives that are reflective of our society.  Until we achieve that and ensure that there are seats at the table and spaces for all voices to be heard, we are not maximizing the potential impact of the built environment.

As a multifamily developer leading the Mid-Atlantic for Fore Property, I am proud to be part of a company that has created a sense of peace within the disturbed state of the world around us.  I am encouraged by our team’s dedication to deliver safe places to both live and work as people establish home offices and spend more time in their apartments.  Multifamily buildings are playing a bigger role in people’s lives as people stay in more and use the same space for expanded purposes.  Our buildings across the country have continued to find ways to create a respite for our residents and safely build community, when many are isolated from friends, family and familiar, comforting routines.  We continue to share national insights across our markets while implementing them on a local level, which in this challenging time, has allowed our leadership to meaningfully transform and collaborate.

Personally, this has been a time to refocus on what is most important to me.  Learning to navigate my passion for real estate and career with my love of family has been incredibly valuable.  As the physical space around me has blurred into a single place, I have honed my ability to carve out time for intense work during the day and focused time with family and friends in the evenings and weekends.  I am lucky to have a supportive husband and loving son who have made this time extremely meaningful.  This has led me to commit to be deliberate about the time I devote to each component of my life.  In doing that, I feel more fulfilled and productive in both my work and home life and I hope to take some of that focus and balance with me as the world continues to evolve.

Alisa Brem Rosenberg,

Mid Atlantic Partner, Fore Property Company
ULI Washington Full Member Engagement, Incoming Chair
ULI Washington Women’s Leadership Institute, Outgoing Chair
ULI Women’s Leadership Institute, Executive Committee, Internal Partnerships Chair
Urban Development Mixed Use Product Council (RED), Vice Chair
National Women’s Speakers Bureau (WLI) Taskforce, Chair

In ULI Washington’s new Leadership Insights column, ULI Washington will regularly feature member leader’s thoughts and insights as we adjust personally and professional to a “new normal.”