2026 Fall Preview: Nathan Turner, Margulies Perruzzi

What trends or changes are having the greatest impact on your sector of commercial real estate this fall, and how are they shaping your business?

We are seeing an increased awareness of sustainability initiatives and jurisdictional requirements. With the implementation of updated state building codes in 2025, coupled with an expanding specialized opt-in stretch code community, our clients are increasingly taking a proactive approach to discussions about their carbon footprint and overall environmental impact. These conversations extend beyond the initial move-in costs on day one and consider long-term operational savings.

Where do you see the greatest opportunities in your market or area of expertise as we approach the end of 2026 and look ahead to 2027?

Despite the current market uncertainty, we continue to see teams exploring adaptive re-use or substantial renovation opportunities for dated or distressed assets. While there are various factors contributing to the general slowdown in the industry, our hope is that design and construction teams will continue to pivot. With sufficient time to process recent regulatory updates and market shifts, we are collectively prepared to guide teams on how to reengage and adjust project approaches accordingly.

What are the biggest challenges your clients are facing in today’s market, and how is your firm helping them navigate those challenges?

The number one concern is cost. Over the past few years, the industry has experienced several price adjustments in a relatively short amount of time, affecting the feasibility of all projects, regardless of size. The phrase “penciling out” continues to surface, since financial metrics are no longer aligning the way they once did. This situation has led to questions about design solutions, particularly regarding custom fabrication or installation times, prompting a shift toward modular or prefabricated alternatives. We collaborate with our clients to achieve a balance in our designs, maximizing efficiencies where possible while maintaining a customized aesthetic unique to each project.

What advice would you offer clients, colleagues or fellow industry professionals as they plan for the coming months?

It’s important to reconnect with your network and stay diligent and vigilant when solving problems. Embrace originality and creativity in your approach. With the increasing use and reliance on AI, we have seen an uptick in quick fixes that may seem appealing but may not contain 100% of the information needed to formulate effective solutions. AI is not going away, but it is important to understand both the benefits and limitations of its use. Remember that the creative aspect often comes from the personal touch, which is essential for thinking outside the box and discovering new solutions.