ABOUT ME
Layth Madi is a real estate development executive with more than 20 years of experience leading the acquisition, entitlement, development, leasing, stabilization, and monetization of institutional-quality multifamily, mixed-use, condominium, retail, hospitality, and large-scale urban developments.
He has held senior and leadership roles with Lendlease, Google Development Ventures, Solidere International, Vornado Realty Trust, and Drees & Sommer, delivering complex projects across the United States and international markets. Over the course of his career, he has delivered 3.9 million square feet and $1.6 billion of development, originated and evaluated $1.7 billion of development opportunities, and led master-planned projects encompassing 918 acres and 46 million square feet of development rights.
Recognized for building high-performing teams and leading complex institutional partnerships, Layth combines strategic leadership, disciplined execution, and commercial acumen to deliver transformative developments that create lasting value for investors, communities, and stakeholders.
He holds Master's degrees in Real Estate and Architecture from Harvard University, a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University, and has completed executive leadership studies at INSEAD.
DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP
Over 20 years of experience leading the development and execution of institutional-quality real estate projects from acquisition through stabilization and monetization. Extensive expertise directing multidisciplinary teams, managing institutional joint ventures, securing entitlements, overseeing design and construction, and leading leasing, sales, and operational readiness. Delivered 3.9 million square feet and $1.6 billion of multifamily, condominium, mixed-use, retail, hospitality, and urban development across the United States and international markets.
ACQUISITION & INVESTMENT
Extensive experience sourcing, underwriting, evaluating, and structuring institutional real estate and land development opportunities across mature and emerging markets. Originated and evaluated more than $1.7 billion of prospective developments and led due diligence for acquisitions and joint ventures spanning seven countries. Expertise in market analysis, financial underwriting, development feasibility, entitlement risk, capital structuring, and assembling multidisciplinary advisory teams to support investment decisions.
MASTER PLANNING & PLACE CREATION
Extensive experience leading the planning and development of large-scale urban regeneration and master-planned communities. Directed the vision, planning, and implementation of flagship developments encompassing 918 acres and 46 million square feet of development rights, integrating land use, infrastructure, public realm, sustainability, and commercial strategy to create vibrant, long-term communities. Highlights include the award-winning Al Zorah master plan (International Property Awards, Best Mixed-Use Development) and Beirut New Waterfront District, one of the Middle East's most significant urban regeneration projects.
STRATEGIC ADVISORY
Trusted advisor to private investors, family offices, and institutional clients on acquisitions, development strategy, underwriting, due diligence, capitalization, and project execution. Combines executive development experience with commercial insight to help clients identify opportunities, manage risk, and maximize value throughout the development lifecycle. Previously served as Managing Director & Director of Real Estate Consulting at Drees & Sommer, where he established and led three new UK service lines, expanding the firm's advisory capabilities.
DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
Over 20 years of experience leading the front-end planning of complex real estate and master-planned developments. Expertise in sourcing opportunities, due diligence, underwriting, entitlement strategy, regulatory approvals, design leadership, execution planning, and assembling high-performing multidisciplinary teams. Led development planning for projects encompassing 918 acres and 46 million square feet of development rights, aligning product strategy, capital objectives, and implementation plans to maximize long-term value.
DESIGN LEADERSHIP
Over 20 years of experience leading the design of institutional-quality real estate and master-planned developments. Proven ability to align architectural excellence, placemaking, sustainability, constructability, and commercial objectives to maximize long-term asset value. Directed multidisciplinary design teams and world-renowned architects, urban designers, landscape architects, and engineers, including Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Piero Lissoni Associati, Shigeru Ban Architects, Allies & Morrison, Nabil Gholam Architects, CRTKL, DAR, and ILEX.
URBAN DESIGN & PLACEMAKING
Extensive experience shaping mixed-use districts, waterfront developments, and urban regeneration projects that integrate placemaking, mobility, public realm, sustainability, and commercial performance. Led the urban design of award-winning developments across Europe and the Middle East, creating distinctive destinations that enhance long-term value for investors, residents, businesses, and communities. Highlights include the Al Zorah Marina, recipient of the International Property Award for Best Mixed-Use Development, and District M, a luxury mixed-use waterfront community on Marbella's Golden Mile.
BEYOND DEVELOPMENT
Beyond real estate development, I am passionate about the future of architecture, urban development, and the way we shape cities for future generations. I hope to contribute to architectural education through design studios focused on cities from zero, sustainable urbanism and public-private collaboration. I also believe in the power of art to tell stories across cultures and aspire to help create a platform that gives emerging artists from conflict-affected regions a global voice and place to showcase their work. Looking for collaborators - carpe diem.