Local Development Group is a full-service real estate investment and development firm dedicated to shaping the future of New York City’s built environment. Guided by the partners’ shared vision, disciplined approach, and deep market expertise, the firm has successfully developed and invested in a diverse portfolio of projects across Brooklyn and Manhattan, with a robust pipeline of additional developments underway.

Design excellence and intelligent planning are central to the firm’s work. Properties are carefully conceived to maximize every square foot, balancing aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. By prioritizing thoughtful layouts, high-quality materials, and contextual architectural design, Local Development Group delivers assets that are both attractive and attainable for end users, while remaining competitive within the marketplace.

At Local Development Group, the focus extends far beyond constructing buildings—each project is an opportunity to create lasting value, strengthen neighborhoods, and build communities that stand the test of time.

Gene Kaufman Architect, P.C. (GKA) was founded in 1986 in New York City.  GKA has an international reputation for architectural excellence confirmed by more than 100 design awards including the industry’s highest honor: the AIA Firm Award.

Structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering as well as interior design and expediting services are performed in-house by GKA for many of the firm projects. GKA has been one of the leading firms in hospitality over the past decade, designing over 90 hotel projects. Recent projects include numerous ground-up new hotels for Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, EVEN, Crowne Plaza, Hilton, Starwood and Marriott.

Gene Kaufman’s GKA is also a leading residential specialist with dozens of completed projects, including condominiums, rentals, new buildings, alterations, conversions and additions. Corollary specialties include student housing, dormitories and pre-fabricated buildings.

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Cat O’Brien Collective is a New York–based interior design studio specializing in residential and boutique multi-family projects throughout New York City and the surrounding region. The firm’s work is rooted in the belief that great design should support the way people actually live—balancing beauty, practicality, and longevity.

The studio favors natural materials and thoughtful details that age gracefully over time, creating spaces that feel even better as they are lived in. Rather than adhering rigidly to design “rules,” the studio approaches each project with curiosity and creativity, often turning constraints into opportunities for inventive solutions.

With a careful balance of bold moments and thoughtful restraint, the studio creates interiors that are both visually compelling and deeply functional—spaces designed to be used, enjoyed, and lived in for years to come.

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Alchemy Studio is a lifestyle-driven interior design firm based in NYC specializing in multifamily developments, private residences and commercial projects. Born with the design philosophy of its founder Stephanie Schroeder, Alchemy Studio creates memorable design experiences for those in search of extraordinary environments. From conception to project completion, Alchemy Studio seamlessly collaborates to provide timeless designs through a personalized, hands-on approach.

Aguayo & Associates is a New York–based development consulting, marketing, and sales firm specializing in architecturally driven residential projects. Built on the 25-year track record of its founder, Brendan Aguayo, the firm offers a highly strategic, deeply informed, and design-attuned approach to the full development lifecycle. Across more than 350 projects and approximately 4,500 residential units throughout the New York metropolitan area, Brendan has shaped the planning, positioning, and successful execution of new developments ranging from boutique condominiums to large-scale mixed-use and master planning projects. Aguayo & Associates extends this depth of experience into a streamlined, senior-level practice where innovative thinking, intelligence, creativity, and precision guide every decision. 

Aguayo & Associates is built on the belief that development is neither purely science nor purely instinct—it is the intersection of market logic, design clarity, and narrative resonance. By uniting data, aesthetics, and strategic storytelling, the firm positions each project to stand out within its neighborhood context and outperform its competitive set.

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TJH Design is the independent practice of Taylor J. Harvey, a New York-based, multidisciplinary creative specializing in branding, art direction and illustration.

Guided by a trained design eye and a practiced sense of judgement, TJH Design works across disciplines, drawing from various histories and references to keep the work expansive and distinct. Combining strategic narrative and aesthetics, the goal is to create distinguished brand signatures that are memorable, impactful, enduring and full of character.

With experience in both agency environments and leading in-house teams, TJH Design has brought client visions to life across industries spanning real estate, hospitality, fashion, e-commerce, technology and the arts.