Principals
Brian Ezra
Founding Principal
Brian Ezra is a founding partner of Avery Hall and is responsible for sourcing and acquisitions, project conceptualization and overall company development strategy. In addition, Brian heads Avery Hall’s efforts to secure discretionary approvals, and takes a particular interest in the firm’s retail-driven projects. Brian is an expert on matters of zoning and land use in New York City, and has directed several successful assemblages of land parcels and development rights for the firm. Over his 15-year career in real estate, Brian has overseen in excess of $1 billion of development and investment activity, comprising over 1.5 million GSF and 1,000 residential units.
Brian holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Tufts University and received a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University. Brian is a fourth generate Brooklynite, and has leveraged his deep passion and knowledge of Brooklyn and real estate development to create tremendous value for Avery Hall’s investors. He is a board member of the Atlantic Avenue Business Improvement District, and is fluent in French, Spanish and Italian. Brian lives in Brooklyn with his wife Rachel, their daughter Violet and son Evan.
Brian Ezra
Founding Partner
Brian Ezra is a founding partner of Avery Hall and is responsible for sourcing & acquisitions, project conceptualization and overall company development strategy.
Brian Ezra
Founding Principal
Brian Ezra is a founding partner of Avery Hall and is responsible for sourcing and acquisitions, project conceptualization and overall company development strategy. In addition, Brian heads Avery Hall’s efforts to secure discretionary approvals, and takes a particular interest in the firm’s retail-driven projects. Brian is an expert on matters of zoning and land use in New York City, and has directed several successful assemblages of land parcels and development rights for the firm. Over his 15-year career in real estate, Brian has overseen in excess of $1 billion of development and investment activity, comprising over 1.5 million GSF and 1,000 residential units.
Brian holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Tufts University and received a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University. Brian is a fourth generate Brooklynite, and has leveraged his deep passion and knowledge of Brooklyn and real estate development to create tremendous value for Avery Hall’s investors. He is a board member of the Atlantic Avenue Business Improvement District, and is fluent in French, Spanish and Italian. Brian lives in Brooklyn with his wife Rachel, their daughter Violet and son Evan.
Avi Fisher
Founding Principal
Avi Fisher is a founding partner of Avery Hall and leads the firm’s strategic capital and development partnerships, project financings and day to day firm operations. Along with Jesse and Brian, Avi is an active member of the company’s acquisition pursuits and development activities. Since commencing his real estate career in 2003, Avi has taken active roles in over $500 million in real estate investment and development, with a focus on luxury residential opportunities.
Prior to co-founding Avery Hall in 2013, Avi was a senior member of Lane Capital Partners, a boutique real estate investment firm focused on distressed debt and equity opportunities. While at LCP, he was responsible for overseeing the day to day acquisitions activities and portfolio management of the firm’s assets, primarily located in the New York, California and Chicago markets. Avi began his career working in various capacities for PN Hoffman Construction & Development, a prominent residential and mixed-use development company in Washington, D.C. Along with his team, he was responsible for the successful project conceptualization and divestment of over 200 luxury residential condominium units in excess of $200 million in value.
Avi has held various positions within Columbia University’s Master of Science in Real Estate Development program, including adjunct faculty member, lecturer and admissions committee member. He sits on various condominium and cooperative boards, assisting the transition from sponsor project completion to Board self-governance.
Avi holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business and received a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University.
Avi Fisher
Founding Partner
Avi Fisher is a founding partner of Avery Hall and leads the firm’s strategic capital and development partnerships, project financings and day to day firm operations.
Avi Fisher
Founding Principal
Avi Fisher is a founding partner of Avery Hall and leads the firm’s strategic capital and development partnerships, project financings and day to day firm operations. Along with Jesse and Brian, Avi is an active member of the company’s acquisition pursuits and development activities. Since commencing his real estate career in 2003, Avi has taken active roles in over $500 million in real estate investment and development, with a focus on luxury residential opportunities.
Prior to co-founding Avery Hall in 2013, Avi was a senior member of Lane Capital Partners, a boutique real estate investment firm focused on distressed debt and equity opportunities. While at LCP, he was responsible for overseeing the day to day acquisitions activities and portfolio management of the firm’s assets, primarily located in the New York, California and Chicago markets. Avi began his career working in various capacities for PN Hoffman Construction & Development, a prominent residential and mixed-use development company in Washington, D.C. Along with his team, he was responsible for the successful project conceptualization and divestment of over 200 luxury residential condominium units in excess of $200 million in value.
Avi has held various positions within Columbia University’s Master of Science in Real Estate Development program, including adjunct faculty member, lecturer and admissions committee member. He sits on various condominium and cooperative boards, assisting the transition from sponsor project completion to Board self-governance.
Avi holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business and received a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University.
Jesse Wark
Principal, Head of Development
Jesse Wark is a partner and head of development and oversees all design oversees all design, development and construction activities within the company. Jesse’s team manages each step of the firm’s projects from design conceptualization, through construction documentation and procurement, into completion. He brings over 20 years of experience across more than 1,100 residential rental and condominium units and is currently executing on over 600,000 sf of development. Jesse’s career has armed him with a deep understanding of the intricacies of all facets of design and construction as well as project permitting and entitlements.
Prior to Avery Hall, he served as Vice President of Development for Urban Development Partners, a New York City based fully integrated development company. His tenure at UDP included the development of several multi-family towers in NYC.
Jesse is a Registered Architect in the state of New York and a LEED accredited professional. He received his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin and his Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University. Jesse is actively involved with the Columbia University MsRED Program.
Jesse Wark
Partner
Jesse Wark is a partner and head of development and oversees all design, development and construction activities within the company.
Jesse Wark
Partner
Jesse Wark is a partner and head of development and oversees all design oversees all design, development and construction activities within the company. Jesse’s team manages each step of the firm’s projects from design conceptualization, through construction documentation and procurement, into completion. He brings over 20 years of experience across more than 1,100 residential rental and condominium units and is currently executing on over 600,000 sf of development. Jesse’s career has armed him with a deep understanding of the intricacies of all facets of design and construction as well as project permitting and entitlements.
Prior to Avery Hall, he served as Vice President of Development for Urban Development Partners, a New York City based fully integrated development company. His tenure at UDP included the development of several multi-family towers in NYC.
Jesse is a Registered Architect in the state of New York and a LEED accredited professional. He received his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin and his Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University. Jesse is actively involved with the Columbia University MsRED Program.
Team
Versatility. Expertise. Integrity.
The Avery Hall team brings together a broad range of real estate, design and finance expertise to ensure projects are conceived, designed and executed to the highest standard. We are committed to maximizing value for our investors, users and communities.
Alissa Crouse
Chief of Staff
As Chief of Staff at Avery Hall, Alissa oversees all administrative and operational activities, from condo rentals and management, to human resources and communications, to investor relations and special projects. Prior to joining AHI, Alissa worked as project director for Thinx Inc., a national apparel brand, for its first-ever national marketing tour, and project lead for its headquarters’ refurbishment. She also has a decade of experience in media relations, working for two top global law firms, and a mobile app public relations company. Most recently, Alissa started her own business as a full-spectrum doula serving pregnant people in the NYC area. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the New School University.
Chief of Staff
Katerina Biyanova
Acquisitions and Finance
Katerina, Financial Controller, oversees all accounting, construction draws and general operations for Avery Hall. In this capacity, she prepares all financial reporting for the company’s investors and lenders. Additionally, she assists in managing project close-out and handover from the development team as new projects come online. Earlier in her career, Katerina worked in accounting for several private real estate operators in the New York area.
Katerina has Master of Science degrees in Accounting, as well as Materials Science and Engineering from Tolyatti State University, in Russia.
Katerina is a member of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy.
Financial Controller
Drew Fitzpatrick
Acquisitions and Finance
Drew, Senior Associate, Acquisitions, is closely involved in Avery Hall’s pursuit of new property acquisitions. In this capacity, he drives underwriting, market analysis, capital markets liaising, strategy formulation and management of broker relationships. Prior to joining Avery Hall, Drew was an Acquisitions Manager for Anbau Enterprises, pursuing the acquisition of residential development and multifamily properties in New York City. Before Anbau, Drew was an Associate in the Capital Markets Group at JLL, raising equity for commingled funds and programmatic joint ventures.
Drew received a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Elon University.
Acquisitions and Finance
Colin McLean
Construction and Development
As Senior Development Manager, Colin directs the planning and pre-development of a mixed-use building in Gowanus, Brooklyn, managing all consultants and trades. Prior to joining Avery Hall, Colin was a Project Manager at Steiner NYC, overseeing the design, development and construction of 303 Sands Street, a mixed-use manufacturing and parking facility, part of the Admirals Row Wegmans development in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. While at Steiner NYC, Colin also managed the completion, fit out and turnover of 333 Schermerhorn, a 55-story 610-foot tall residential tower, the tallest building in Brooklyn when it opened in 2015.
Colin holds a Master of City and Regional Planning from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts from Bucknell University.
Construction and Development
Guillermo Castello
Project Planning
Guillermo, Development and Planning Associate, is involved in the design and development of 473 President Street in Brooklyn and an approximately 250,000 gross square foot multifamily development in Queens. In addition, Guillermo is responsible for conducting design feasibility studies in the firm’s pursuit of new development projects. Prior to joining Avery Hall, Guillermo worked for the architecture and real estate development company Barrett Design where he led the design and management of various mixed-used projects in the NYC metro area. Before Barrett, Guillermo worked as an architectural designer for international profile firms such as HOK in Toronto and Enric Soria Arquitectes in Barcelona.
Guillermo received his Master of Architecture from Yale University and his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from McGill University. During his academic career, he received numerous teaching fellowships, honorary awards and distinctions; culminating in a nomination for the Feldman Prize at Yale, awarded to the best design in an architectural project. In pursuing his architectural studies, Guillermo accrued a comprehensive knowledge of real estate development and finance, completing several courses at the Yale School of Management.
Project Planning
Tarlton Long
Project Planning
As Director of Avery Hall Southeast, Tarlton oversees planning and design across Avery Hall’s portfolio of current projects and the feasibility of new development pursuits. Additionally, Tarlton leads new deal pursuits and planning for Avery Hall’s expansion into the Charlotte, NC market and manages local consultant and partner relationships. Prior to joining Avery Hall, Tarlton was a Project Architect for CookFox Architects, where he worked on the design and coordination of a 665-foot tall residential tower in Manhattan, as well as other large residential projects. Prior to CookFox, Tarlton was a Project Designer for Pei Cobb Fried and Partners, dedicated to the design and coordination of a 2.5 million square foot corporate headquarters for Goldman Sachs in Bangalore, India.
Tarlton has a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Arts from Davidson College.
At the University of Michigan, Tarlton was awarded the Taubman Scholarship, was a Graduate Student Instructor and graduated with High Distinction and Thesis Honors. Tarlton is a Registered Architect in the state of New York.
Lawrence Raynor
Construction and Development
As Senior Development Manager, Lawrence directs the planning and pre-development of a multifamily project in the Downtown District of Jamaica Queens, managing all consultants and trades. Prior to joining Avery Hall, Lawrence was a Senior Project Manager at HFZ Capital Group, overseeing the design, development and initial construction of 7 West 29th Street in Manhattan, a 58-story commercial tower. Prior to HFZ, he managed numerous projects in various industries including residential, commercial, communications and government.
Lawrence has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a Certification in Architectural Design. He volunteers as an Assistant Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America, fostering young men and women to become leaders in their communities.
Construction and Development
Alex Baker
Acquisitions and Finance
As Vice President of Acquisitions, Alex oversees and coordinates Avery Hall’s pursuit of new property acquisitions. In this capacity, he manages broker relationships, underwriting, market analysis, capital markets liaising and strategy formulation. At Avery Hall, Alex worked on the company’s closings of a large development site in Park Slope and the acquisition of a tower site in Downtown Brooklyn along with associated air rights. Prior to joining Avery Hall, Alex was a Development Manager for JDS Development, working on 111 West 57th Street, a 1,428 foot tall residential tower in Manhattan and on The Baltic, an 11-story condominium in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Prior to JDS, Alex was an Analyst in investment sales on Bob Knakal’s team at Massey Knakal (now Cushman & Wakefield), performing underwriting and authoring memoranda for hundreds of projects, including for the successful sales of several large development sites and office towers in Midtown Manhattan.
Alex has a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from George Washington University.
Alex is a licensed salesperson in both New York State and Washington DC.
Acquisitions and Finance
William Chiu
Construction and Development
As Project Manager, William coordinates site preparation, quality control and project close-out for multiple Avery Hall projects, working closely with team members, trades and clients. Prior to joining Avery Hall, William worked on the construction of Hanover North Broad, a 339-unit mixed-use and residential rental project in Philadelphia, PA. Prior to Hanover, William worked on the engineering and design for two large technically advanced manufacturing facilities in the Southeastern United States.
William has a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Louisiana State University and is LEED accredited.
William volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, speaks Chinese Cantonese fluently and is proficient in Spanish.
Construction and Development
Andrew McCarthy
Construction and Development
As Vice President of Development, Andrew directs the planning and pre-development of a mixed-use tower in the Borough Hall district of Downtown Brooklyn, managing all consultants and trades. Prior to joining Avery Hall, Andrew was a Project Manager at JDS Development Group, overseeing the design, development and construction of 111 West 57th Street in Manhattan, a 1,428-foot tall residential tower. Prior to JDS, he was a Project Architect at Rafael Vinoly Architects, working on the concept and design for 432 Park Avenue, a 1,396-foot tall tower, presently the tallest residential structure in New York City.
Andrew has a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University, and both a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Michigan.
Andrew has served as an adjunct faculty member at Columbia University and is actively involved in the Columbia University MsRED mentorship program.
Construction and Development
Steven Spektor
Principal, Director of Construction
As Director of Construction, Steven oversees all aspects of construction for the entire Avery Hall portfolio. In this role, he manages pre-development site work, budgeting, operations, quality control and delivery. Prior to joining Avery Hall, Steven was a Project Executive at HFZ Capital, overseeing all construction activity at Halcyon, a 32-story luxury condominium tower in Manhattan. At HFZ, Steven also coordinated site preparation and pre-construction for a 50-story commercial tower. Earlier in his career, Steven led numerous New York City projects for sub-contractors and as a Project Manager for Bovis Lend Lease, working on a 22-story luxury condominium at 535 West End Avenue for Extell Development and two 23-story rental towers for Avalon Bay, the Avalon Clinton.
Steven has a Master of Science in Construction Management from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Economy from Georgetown University.
Principal, Director of Construction