News:
Spotlight Content
Posted: December 23, 2025
2025 Year in Review: Ámbar Margarida, Spacesmith
Principal
Spacesmith
What accomplishment, milestone, project or transaction stood out for you or your firm in 2025?
Opening the new U.S. Embassy in Mexico City was an extraordinary milestone. The project began in 2012 as a collaboration between Spacesmith, Davis Brody Bond, and Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, and its completion reflects our legacy, talent, and commitment to work with real civic meaning. This was a once-in-a-generation undertaking: more than 7.5 years of construction to consolidate 5 buildings into one secure diplomatic campus. What stands out most is the impact: creating a new home for 1,500 employees whose work shapes the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico every day.
What emerging trends or shifts will shape opportunities for you, your firm, or market sector in 2026?
Creative reuse is quickly becoming one of 2026’s most powerful design shifts, going far beyond recycling to transform what already exists and uncover material value hidden in plain sight. This movement is driven not only by creativity: reusing what we already have remains the most effective strategy for lowering carbon footprints. As more cities and states explore deconstruction ordinances and embodied carbon material requirements, creative reuse is moving from optional strategy to mainstream design pathway. The richest design opportunities will come from reforming the old, not replacing it.
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
.png)
Quick Hits
.gif)
.jpg)
Columns and Thought Leadership
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
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
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
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
.gif)