News: Spotlight Content

2025 Women in CRE: Heidi Fitzgerald, Rosenbaum Design Group Architecture

Heidi Fitzgerald
Architectural Drafter & Filing Representative
Rosenbaum Design Group Architecture

What has been the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in your career, and why?

One of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on was a multi-phase commercial renovation where I managed both the drafting of construction documents and the expediting process through the required municipal departments. From initial concept and approvals to final closeout, knowing my coordination kept the project on track was incredibly fulfilling. The experience deepened my passion for meeting the challenges of tenant phasing and tight timelines, creating functional, compliant, and inspiring spaces while balancing design vision with regulatory demands.

What skill or quality do you believe is essential for success in your field today?

Adaptability is essential for success in this field. Commercial real estate projects face shifting timelines, evolving building codes, unique conditions, and diverse stakeholder needs. The ability to pivot quickly while maintaining accuracy allows me to anticipate challenges, solve problems proactively, and support both clients and colleagues. In this industry, being flexible without sacrificing precision is key to delivering high-quality results on time and within scope.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in commercial real estate?

To women considering a career in commercial real estate: be curious, be confident, and be willing to learn every aspect of the industry. Success comes from combining technical expertise with strong relationships. Seek mentors who challenge and guide you, and don’t hesitate to take on roles outside your comfort zone, they often lead to the greatest growth. Your voice and perspective are powerful tools for shaping the industry’s future.

MORE FROM Spotlight Content

Over half of Long Island towns vote to exceed the tax cap - Here’s how owners can respond - by Brad and Sean Cronin

When New York permanently adopted the 2% property tax cap more than a decade ago, many owners hoped it would finally end the relentless climb in tax bills. But in the last couple of years, that “cap” has started to look more like a speed bump. Property owners are seeing taxes increase even when an
READ ON THE GO
DIGITAL EDITIONS
Subscribe
Columns and Thought Leadership
How much power does the NYC mayor really have over real estate policy? - by Ron Cohen

How much power does the NYC mayor really have over real estate policy? - by Ron Cohen

The mayor of New York City holds significant influence over real estate policy — but not absolute legislative power. Here’s how it breaks down:

Formal Legislative Role

Limited direct lawmaking power: The NYC Council is the primary
The strategy of co-op busting in commercial real estate - by Robert Khodadadian

The strategy of co-op busting in commercial real estate - by Robert Khodadadian

In New York City’s competitive real estate market, particularly in prime neighborhoods like Midtown Manhattan, investors are constantly seeking new ways to unlock property value. One such strategy — often overlooked but
Properly serving a lien law Section 59 Demand - by Bret McCabe

Properly serving a lien law Section 59 Demand - by Bret McCabe

Many attorneys operating within the construction space are familiar with the provisions of New York Lien Law, which allow for the discharge of a Mechanic’s Lien in the event the lienor does not commence an action to enforce following the service of a “Section 59 Demand”.
Oldies but goodies:  The value of long-term ownership in rent-stabilized assets - by Shallini Mehra

Oldies but goodies: The value of long-term ownership in rent-stabilized assets - by Shallini Mehra

Active investors seeking rent-stabilized properties often gravitate toward buildings that have been held under long-term ownership — and for good reasons. These properties tend to be well-maintained, both physically and operationally, offering a level of stability