CRE Has Grown Up – Finally

ORANGE COUNTY-Heidi Hendy, founding principal of H. Hendy Associates, has both seen the commercial real estate industry and her own career evolve over the years.  However, one she has shaped to best fit her interests and ambitions, the other of which she has been a keen observer (and it certainly doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out which one is which.) In in her view, commercial real estate is no longer the “boy's club” of the past indicating that maybe attitudes in the field have grown up - finally. And from her answers below, if she comes into contact with any negative views about a woman's capibilities in this industry, she knows that she can turn naysayers expectations around.

Want to nominate a superstar woman in the commercial real estate industry? Leave your suggestion in the comments section below. 

Globest: Workspaces of the future are a hot topic. How do you envision that spaces will evolve creatively and to accommodate today's more diverse workforce – meaning to better serve the needs of men, women and couples with families?

Orange County has been slow at looking at  and adopting “work anywhere” programs. Out of the 10 top metro areas in SoCal, San Diego and the Inland Empire are the most progressive in programs that allow employees to work from home 2-3 days a week. However, organizations in Orange County are opening up to “work anywhere” programs to retain employees, based upon reports that these initiatives increase productivity by nearly 40%.  They are also viewed as a privilege by employees, who can save money on increasing gas prices when they eliminate their commute.

In the past, office space has been divided by 30% conferencing/common areas and 70% personal space. Eventually, we are going to see a reversal of those numbers and office space will consist of 60% collaborative and common space and 40% personal space. I see that

collaboration will become the keystone to productivity.  Millennials are entering the workforce in large numbers and Baby Boomers are exiting.  The focus will be on creating the technical and tactical knowledge transfer of information in collision spaces in office space.   This becomes even more important when employees are only in the office two to three days a week – they need to connect, engage and learn from one another.

Globest: In what ways do you think the commercial real estate industry has become more accommodating of women over the years? What still needs to change (or not)?

Although it is still dominated by men, there is not a “boys club” culture that makes women feel unwelcome.  Ultimately, I feel if you can help someone else become successful, (regardless of male/female) you will become successful in this industry, too.  Your reputation overcomes all.

Globest: Describe some of the high points and the challenges you've faced as a female professional.

Back in 1980 or 1981, we won the work of our very first full-service project with Acorn Engineering.  At the time I had a male partner who wasn't able to attend the meeting and the client asked “why they had sent a woman to do a man's job.”

Today, this attitude is no longer a dominant force in commercial real estate. Sometimes my clients underestimate me because I am a woman, but I always exceed expectations and turn those folks into my best supporters. I use that underestimation to my advantage. If you believe in yourself, eventually others will, when you exceed their expectations.

Globest: What attracted you to this career path initially, and how have your interests or specialties changed over the years?

Interior architecture had just been officially recognized and established as an industry. I was attracted to the architectural side and aligning the design/program with the client's business goals.

I studied fine arts and what I do today is a true balance between my arts sense and my passion for working with business women and men, entrepreneurs and developing their business objectives into their office space.  I develop facilities for clients that are tools for success.

The industry has matured greatly in the last thirty years. My interests over the years have changed from looking at news trends and the changes technology has brought into the industry.  When I began thirty years ago, documentation occupied two-thirds of the project, and the creative side occupied a third of the project's time.  Now, it's the reverse and we have an opportunity to spend far more time on the creative aspects because drawings have become automated (we don't write out anything).

Globest: What would be the most sound advice you would give to a woman just starting out in commercial real estate or related field in order to become a success? 

Write down what your game plan is. If you write your plan and review it at least once a year, it will happen. Go to work for the very best company in the industry and become a sponge. Find a mentor and be willing to move on when the time is right.

Focus on getting the experience and mentorship you need to reach your goals. Don't be afraid. Fear can stop you from getting where you need to be. I learned the most from my failures. If you use failures as a learning experience, you will become stronger.