CREW New York Members Partner in Hell’s Kitchen Housing Development
Who knew that attending a CREW Network Leadership Summit in 2024 would lead to business growth? Well, that was the case for Ritu Saheb when she landed on the same flight as Allison Robin and the pair was able to share an Uber ride to the airport. Both are CREW New York (NY) members and women in construction.
Both have been in commercial real estate (CRE) for over 20 years with Saheb joining CREW NY in 2023 and Robin in 2015. Robin’s previous role as a chapter president and a member of the membership engagement and empowerment committee first introduced her to Saheb.
Robin’s company, Envoie Projects, had been collaborating with their client, Clinton Housing Development since 2016. In her role as an owner’s representative and building project teams, she knew of Saheb’s work and included her company in the RFP competitive bid process. As a result, Saheb Architecture PLLC won not only the Clinton bid but also two future projects.
Robin was certain of Saheb’s capabilities and trusted her and her team’s ability to deliver the results her client was looking for. Robin knows whenever she reaches out to a CREW member for help, “they will always make her look better.” She knows that “their expertise strengthens her professional network.”
One of the most interesting things Saheb learned during this project was that Clinton had a great need to hire consultants but had limited ability in terms of being able to move quickly or know competent firms. Her team was very efficient and moved quickly to provide results.
This deal did have its fair share of challenges. Robin noted that as an affordable housing client, Clinton and team were in a constant battle for financing and funding with a lot of different agencies and red tape, which forces you to have patience and be nimble. Saheb noted similar challenges as the façade restoration project came with heavy regulations and a high demand for substantial risk. This project originally started in 2020 and was complex, with increased high visibility and lots of money in play when the work transitioned to her.
Even with its challenges, Saheb found this project to be incredibly fun and enjoyable. She knew Robin had faith in her and was able to collaborate with a women centric team. The clients were thrilled with Saheb’s work and the project outcome and have since hired her firm for two more building projects. Robin noted it is “always fun when you get to know someone outside of a networking event or professional development setting, and get to know them in their day job.”
One piece of advice Saheb offered is to talk about the work you do in detail. Use every opportunity to do so when in networking settings, rather than just at social events. This allows others to learn about what you do and consider you for opportunities where they can refer you. Your work must be intentional—ask to get on deals. Robin recommends to any new CREW members to “just dive in and join a committee and/or convention and to network and let people know who you are.”
CREW NY members involved in this deal
Envoie Projects LLC
Saheb Architecture PLLC (CEO)
Toni Beverly, VP, Regional Property Manager - BXP
CREW DC, CREW Northern Virgina, CREW Network Office Council, CREW Network Communications and Editorial Committee
Toni oversees asset and property management for a 5 million square foot commercial office and retail portfolio. She improves performance by maximizing revenue, managing expenses, and building strong tenant relationships, while providing strategic direction for daily operations and regional initiatives. Toni also mentors’ management-level staff and stays current on industry best practices through active professional engagement and development.
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