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Housing Reports, Data, and Confusion
Obviously, I am fond of data.
January 21, 2025
By Mark Pantano, Architect, Annum Architects
Mark discusses the value of talking with everyone you can; what motivates him; and what he’d like to improve for future practitioners.
How many years have you been in the industry?
I’ve worked in architecture for seven years, not including many years of school for architecture and real estate.
What motivates you?
I believe that the quality of the spaces that surround us has a huge impact on our quality of life. I want to create spaces that make life better.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone entering CRE?
Talk to everybody. More things feel possible when you find others working on similar ideas.
What’s your favorite thing about real estate?
I like the idea that my projects have the potential to physically exist in the world for a long time, and that they will take on lives of their own after my team moves on.
What’s your biggest career accomplishment?
For me, it’s been the satisfaction of noticing gradual improvement. Years ago, I took on a small independent project. Working through it helped me realize that my small accomplishments were adding up.
What do you find most valuable about being an active ULI and YLG member?
As an architect, it’s fun to be part of a professional organization that includes people working in a variety of other fields. The people I meet notice different things than me.
What are you reading, watching, or listening to now?
I’m reading “A Gentleman in Moscow.” The novel spans three decades, yet the entire story takes place in a single building – it’s very architectural.
What are you looking forward to?
My current project, a major building rehabilitation at an independent school, goes into construction in a few months. I’m looking forward to spending time in the field as the project gets built.
What’s your favorite part about being involved with ULI Boston’s YLG?
It’s nice to have a group of people close to my age because it’s easy to build social connections. Also, I recently led a Mass Timber Panel with the YLGs, which gave me the opportunity to interact with real estate professionals I admire.
What is one thing about our industry that you’d like to see improve for future generations?
The biggest roadblock to creating more buildings near Boston tends to be something out of our control as practitioners: land availability and land use restrictions. I’d like to see a better process develop for how we decide to use land which balances the needs of many groups of people.
This Member Spotlight is part of an occasional series highlighting the successes and contributions of our Young Leaders Group members!
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