International real estate services firm JLL is bolstering its advisory team for non-profit institutions, educational bodies and the public sector. Adam Griff, previously Strategy Director at renowned architecture and design practice Gensler, joins the firm's New York office as Managing Director.
Griff brings over twenty years of experience in architecture, master planning and strategic estate development. In his new role, he will work alongside David Carlos, who leads the non-profit practice group in the Tri-State area. Griff's core responsibilities include advising educational providers and other mission-driven organisations on property-related and institutional matters.
Structural change across higher education
David Carlos stated that the higher education sector is undergoing far-reaching restructuring. Universities are faced with the need to fundamentally rethink the role of their real estate in light of their educational mission and financial viability. Griff's expertise at the intersection of architecture, asset development and organisational strategy provides a valuable perspective to guide clients through these complex strategic decisions.
During his time at Gensler, Griff primarily advised institutions on transformation processes. His focus centred on optimising built working and learning environments and enhancing institutional performance through targeted spatial adjustments.
Campus development and capital allocation
According to JLL, Griff's work will largely focus on future-proofing estate strategies for educational providers. Griff noted that universities can no longer view their campus grounds in isolation from their broader capital and overarching strategies. The objective is to unlock untapped value potential within property portfolios and position institutions for long-term financial stability.
- —Strategic master planning and further development of university estates
- —Optimisation of physical estate conditions to bolster financial sustainability
- —Aligning real estate decisions with institutional objectives
With this appointment, JLL is responding to growing consolidation and adjustment pressures facing universities and educational foundations in the current interest rate and market environment.
