INTRO What does it take to lead an architecture, construction, and real estate development firm through economic shifts, natural disasters, and global projects?In this episode of Building Places: Tulane Perspectives in Real Estate, I sit down with Angela O’Byrne, CEO of Perez. We are discussing her journey from aspiring architect to becoming the sole owner of one of New Orleans’ most respected architecture and development firms.Angela shares how she navigated leadership as a single mother. She shares why flexibility is critical in development. And what she learned from leading projects across 25 states and 20 countries. Angela also discusses the realities of affordable housing. The reality of sustainable development, risk-taking, and the future of Tulane’s School of Architecture and Built Environment.Episode Breakdown Tulane’s Community Impact & Why the School Stands Out (00:01:19 - 00:09:12)Angela explains her role as Chair of Tulane’s Dean’s Advisory Council and how the board supports the school through fundraising, innovation, and community outreach.According to Angela, Tulane’s location in New Orleans makes the experience unique because students learn in a city shaped by culture, climate challenges, and post-Katrina recovery.Angela says Tulane’s community service requirement is one of the school’s strongest differentiators because it connects students directly to real community impact.Becoming an Architect, Builder, and Developer (00:09:36 - 00:11:10)Angela shares that she describes herself as an “architect, builder, developer” because her work extends beyond design into construction and real estate development.She explains how her role constantly shifts between pursuing funding, overseeing projects, and managing development opportunities.Angela discusses the importance of finding financing first, explaining that even great projects cannot move forward without the right funding partners.The Holy Cross Redevelopment & Lessons from Long-Term Development (00:11:28 - 00:15:14)Angela walks through the decade-long journey of redeveloping the former Holy Cross High School site in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward.She explains how multiple funding setbacks, changing partners, and the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the project for years before the first phase was completed.According to Angela, flexibility is one of the most important skills in development because markets, financing conditions, and community needs can change unexpectedly.Sustainable Development, Walkability & Affordable Housing Challenges (00:15:14 - 00:24:13)Angela discusses the ongoing challenge of balancing sustainability, affordability, and profitability in real estate projects.She explains that greener buildings often cost more upfront, which creates challenges in lower-income communities where funding is already limited.Angela says walkable communities and transit-oriented development continue to grow in demand. But affordability remains one of the industry’s biggest problems.Growing Perez Into a Global Firm (00:25:28 - 00:36:37)She became the sole owner of Perez after the previous owner personally chose her as his successor.In Angela's voice, mentorship and a flexible buyout structure helped her survive the difficult years of ownership.Perez works across the United States and internationally, including projects in Afghanistan, Lebanon, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.Leadership, Ownership & Advice for the Next Generation (00:36:37 - 00:41:57)Angela says young professionals should understand their appetite for risk before pursuing careers in architecture, construction, or development.The difference between being a leader, a manager, and an owner, emphasizing that ownership comes with the highest level of responsibility and risk.According to Angela, success in development requires resilience, flexibility, and the ability to survive both the good years and the difficult ones.Why This Is the Right Time to Be at Tulane (00:41:57 - 00:43:51)Angela describes Tulane as a university experiencing significant growth and innovation, especially within the School of Architecture and Built Environment.She highlights the school’s focus on innovation, community outreach, and real-world impact as major strengths for students entering the industry.Angela says this period of growth makes it one of the most exciting times to be part of Tulane’s architecture and real estate programs.Quote from the Episode“Everything else falls into place once you've got the funding.” – Angela O’ByrneResourcesLearn more about Perez: http://www.e-perez.comFollow Angela on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelaobyrneExplore Tulane School of Architecture and Built Environment at Tulane School of Architecture and Built EnvironmentLearn more about Tulane University through CreditsWe’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music. Audio provided by Soundstripe.
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49 分
2026/07/095 分