Building Upgrades in Action: Design and Construction Decisions for Leasing Success

If, when, and how to renovate existing space to stay competitive

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  Dexter Warrior

  Dexter oversees the day-to-day operations at T. Dallas Smith & Company including all internal controls and regulatory compliance. During his 30+ plus year career, Dexter has served in a variety of management and investing roles with top-tier companies such as Equitable Real Estate, Lend Lease, and with Morgan Stanley as an executive director and portfolio manager. He is a trusted advisor, strategically supporting major institutional real estate owners in achieving investment objectives in major markets across the country exceeding $8 billion in value. Dexter’s expertise includes urban and suburban office buildings; regional malls, power, lifestyle and neighborhood retail centers; multifamily communities; industrial warehouses/fulfillment centers; luxury resort hotels, and senior housing communities. Dexter is civically active with notable organizations including the Atlanta Commercial Board of REALTORS, CoreNet Global, Empire Board of Realtists Commercial Real Estate Council and the Atlanta Business League. Dexter is a graduate of Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master’s of Science in Real Estate. Dexter’s list of memberships, honors and awards is far-reaching and continues to grow. He is the Chairman of the Board for the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. Additionally he serves on the Metro Atlanta Chamber and the Georgia State University’s Honorary Real Estate Council. He is a past Board Chair for Leadership Atlanta and is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM).

  T. Dallas Smith & Company

  Managing Partner, COO

  Dexter Warrior

  Managing Partner, COO

  T. Dallas Smith & Company

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  Scott Barr

  Scott Barr is primarily responsible for analysis, due diligence, and transaction execution functions for the acquisition of new assets in Georgia and the surrounding areas. He also supports asset management, property management, and leasing functions in the region. Prior to joining CP Group in 2014, he was a Senior Associate for New York Life Real Estate Investors, responsible for underwriting and closing commercial real estate loans across the Southeast. His prior experience includes Senior Associate with Buchanan Street Partners, Associate at LNR Partners, and Acquisition Analyst at Raymond James Tax Credit Funds.

  CP Group

  SVP

  Scott Barr

  SVP

  CP Group

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  Ian Reves

  Managing Director

  IA Interior Architects

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  Rodney Nelson

  With over 20 years’ experience, Rodney Nelson has been a Senior Project Designer for many of the firm’s prominent and complex developments, including several corporate headquarters and high-rise buildings. He is currently the Project Designer for Crescent Communities’ Peachtree Road development in Buckhead as well as leading the design of two new office towers in Dallas. Most recently, Mr. Nelson has led the design of a series of next-generation high-rise corporate and office developments nationally, including the repositioning of Northwestern Mutual's North Office Building in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Norfolk Southern’s award-winning headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Previous notable projects include the Devon Energy Center in Oklahoma City and ExxonMobil's global headquarters campus in Houston. Mr. Nelson received a Diploma in Architecture from Herriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland.

  Pickard Chilton

  Associate Principal

  Rodney Nelson

  Associate Principal

  Pickard Chilton

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  Bill Shiverick

  Bill Shiverick is the Cofounder and President of Vertical AVTV, a leading full-service commercial AV integrator. In 2002, Bill and his partner Robert Harlin launched the company in response to the increased demand for reliable live broadcast television in corporate workplaces following the events of 9/11. What began as a focused solution for delivering critical information and news to employees has evolved into a comprehensive AV services provider offering end-toend design, engineering, installation, and ongoing service and support for complex commercial environments. Under Bill’s leadership, Vertical AVTV has grown into a trusted partner for some of the nation’s most prominent organizations. The company serves large enterprise clients with nationwide footprints, including Charles Schwab and Delta Dental Insurance Company, as well as major commercial office landlords with extensive portfolios such as Piedmont Office Properties, Cousins, Shorenstein, and Boston Properties. Bill brings deep industry expertise to the commercial AV sector, with a strong background in both commercial real estate and telecommunications. His unique perspective enables Vertical AVTV to deliver technology solutions that are not only technically excellent but also strategically aligned with clients’ real estate portfolios and workplace needs. Today, Vertical AVTV continues to help corporate clients and property owners create modern, connected workplaces through high-quality audio-visual systems that

  Vertical AVTV

  President

  Bill Shiverick

  President

  Vertical AVTV

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  Scott Moore​

  Scott Moore joined Humphries and Company in 1985.  For the first 25 years of Scott’s career he project managed over 800 projects in more than 125 buildings in the greater Atlanta area.  Scott has since transitioned into the business development side of the company where he is involved in both developing new clients and retaining existing clients.  Scott also serves as the Principle-in- Charge on many of the company’s largest projects.  Under Scott’s leadership, Humphries has grown to become the largest interior general contractor in Atlanta.  Scott is a graduate of Georgia State University where he earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration.  Scott spends his free time exercising and traveling with his wife and two kids.

  Humphries and Company

  President & Principal

  Moderator

  Scott Moore​

  President & Principal

  Humphries and Company

State of Office: Leasing Momentum, Deal Flow & What's Trading

How recent transactions and tenant movement are shaping the region's commercial outlook

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  Heather Lamb

  Market Leader, SVP

  Highwoods Properties

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  James Cate

  Putting it simply, James Cate is most comfortable taking the road less traveled. In his successful real estate career, which spans more than two decades, James has been involved in real estate consulting projects and transactions valued at more than $1 billion. He has been on both sides, filling both advisory and principal roles. His expertise includes acquisitions, asset management, workouts, dispositions and structured finance. In addition, he has experience in investment brokerage, leasing, and sale-leasebacks. This includes office, industrial, residential, retail, and land. Prior to founding Glenfield Capital in 2005, James was the managing principal for the Southeastern Region of New York-based Newmark Capital Group (Newmark Grubb Knight Frank). There he managed large-scale transactions on behalf of institutions, private equity firms, developers and off-shore investors. His clients included SwissRe, Manulife Insurance, Veritas Capital, Platinum Equity Holdings, and GMAC Insurance. When asked what makes real estate investing so appealing to him, James cites the unique combination of bricks and mortar, creative ideas, strategic finance, and, ultimately, the need for effective salesmanship that makes the real estate world go round. James’ professional recognition includes being the youngest vice president of Bryant & Associates (Advantis), the #1 producer in the Atlanta office of Marcus & Millichap, and the top southeastern producer for Julien J. Studley, Inc. (Savills Studley). Today, James is a highly sought-after speaker for industry events and conferences and a frequent guest lecturer at Georgia State University’s nationally ranked Robinson School of Business. He has been quoted extensively including in BusinessWeek, National Real Estate Investor Magazine, Georgia Trend, and the Atlanta Business Chronicle. James earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree the Robinson School of Business at Georgia State University. Father to two avid soccer players, James has developed as passion for coaching soccer. He believes that a good coach is a mentor, teacher, motivator, and psychologist. Knowledge and understanding of the actual sport is secondary to those traits. He believes that the same rings true for the real estate world. Simply understanding the ‘bricks and mortar’ aspects of the industry isn’t enough. To be truly successful, you have to possess a diverse set of skills – analytic capabilities, relationship-building skills, negotiation skills, and salesmanship.

  Glenfield Capital

  Founder

  James Cate

  Founder

  Glenfield Capital

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  Brian Granath

  Brian Granath joined OA Development in 1998 as an associate. Today, he is a partner involved in all aspects of the business including project selection, planning, construction, financing, leasing and dispositions. Brian has overseen the development and acquisition of more than 1,500,000 square feet of office, flex and industrial space. He has worked with tenants including General Dynamics, Verizon Directories, Sumitomo Corporation Aegon USA, ADP, Coca Cola Fed Ex, Sprint and Cincinnati Bell. Brian is active in his community, serving on the board of two local private schools. He is a graduate of the Wexner Heritage Program. Brian holds a degree in Real Estate from Georgia State University. He resides in Sandy Springs with his wife and their three children.

  OA Development

  Partner

  Brian Granath

  Partner

  OA Development

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  Chen-Hui Spicer

  With over 20 years of experience in local, national, and global projects, Chen-Hui has a diverse portfolio spanning multiple design sectors, with office being her focus for the majority of her career. Her unique ability to infuse culture into every space while staying true to her clients' visions sets her apart. She is also passionate about engaging with the corporate real estate and design community, where she shares insights and builds connections that inspire innovative design solutions. Following experience across international markets and Washington DC, she now considers herself an Atlanta native. With 12 + years in the local market, she has gained insight into the evolution of office sectors.

  Praxis3

  Director of Interior Design + Brand

  Chen-Hui Spicer

  Director of Interior Design + Brand

  Praxis3

• Moderator

  Britton Gates

  Principal, Building Experience

  Newcomb & Boyd