Welcome to Ten, CORE founder and CEO Shaun Osher’s rapid-fire interview series with prominent CORE figures. Read on to find out how this week’s subject deals with being on the hot seat.
A devotee of interior design and architecture, Jean Nayar writes about both topics in addition to a career in real estate. A recent addition to CORE, she also practices real estate in Florida. Here are Jean’s answers to Ten questions.
1. What did you do before you found this career?
I was a journalist and the author of several books about architecture and design. In fact, I still write regularly for various magazines and my most recent book, Living In Style New York (teNeues), was published this past spring. It covers 20 of the most amazing residences in New York by several of the city’s most prominent designers, like Robert Couturier, Jamie Drake, and Campion Platt. I find that writing about spectacular interior design and architecture really reinforces the work I do in real estate.
2. What has been the highlight of your career?
Working independently, with people I like on projects and deals I enjoy. Thankfully, the highlights just keep coming.
3. What is your greatest daily challenge?
Juggling projects and managing time—I live and work in two cities, New York and Miami Beach.
4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Happily continuing to do the same kind of work I’m doing now on a broader level—there’s never a dull moment in real estate or high design.
5. Where do you find inspiration?
I love the gorgeous historic landmarks of New York like Grand Central Station, the Empire State Building, and the University Club as well as the many townhouses and residential buildings that give so much character to our city, and I’m inspired by the architects who designed them. I’m also inspired by the great risks developers take to build future landmarks—especially those with eco-friendly qualities. Nature is the ultimate inspiration for me though.
6. Name one thing we might not know about you.
I’ve been to India 17 times (my husband grew up on Marine Drive in South Bombay).
7. What’s your favorite movie or book?
My favorite movie isGangs of New Yorkand my favorite book isA Sentimental Educationby Gustave Flaubert.
8. What do you do in your free time?
I photograph beautiful buildings and their details, practice yoga in the park, ride my bike along the esplanade, spend time with family and friends (often outdoors), go to art galleries and museums, eat at interesting restaurants, read, and travel around the world (I’m headed to Hong Kong and Viet Nam in January and then to Venice—for the Biennale—and India, again, in May).
9. What’s your favorite restaurant?
Union Square Cafe. I used to have dinner there now and then with friends when it first opened and still love it. I’m really impressed with restaurants that stand the test of time—even if they have to move.
10. Tell me something about your home.
I have two homes. One is a co-op in a landmark building in Tudor City in New York that overlooks a quiet, charming park. The other is a condo in a mid-century building in Miami Beach that overlooks the intracoastal, where dolphins often bounce through the waterway and flocks of parrots whip around making lots of noise. Rooms with pleasant views mean a lot to me.