Dominique Elisano
New York,NY
Summary
Director of Project Design with extensive experience in leading design strategy and execution for a national real estate portfolio. Successfully managed over thirty concurrent projects, including new developments and property repositioning. Expertise in design leadership, FF&E strategy, and construction oversight, driving asset performance through strategic design and operational efficiency. Honored as a Forty Under 40 for significant industry impact.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Project Design
Kushner
New York, USA
01.2024 - Current
- Lead the full design vision and execution for Kushner’s national real estate portfolio, managing more than thirty active projects across new development, repositioning, and capital improvement.
- Oversee architecture, interiors, engineering, and landscape design teams from concept through construction, driving feasibility, technical coordination, and design quality.
- Manage on site execution through regular site visits, identifying issues early and directing contractors, architects, and consultants to keep work aligned with schedule and budget.
- Run procurement strategy across all projects, negotiating with vendors, reviewing bids, and executing value engineering that maintains design integrity while meeting financial targets.
- Direct all FF&E selections, purchasing, and installations, ensuring cohesive brand standards and elevating the market positioning of each property.
- Lead major renovation initiatives that enhance asset value, improve resident experience, and drive measurable increases in leasing performance and retention.
- Collaborate closely with development, construction, operations, and marketing to deliver projects that meet design goals, financial expectations, and long-term performance.
Development Associate
Kushner
New York, USA
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Supported the full development cycle for residential and commercial projects from initial planning through construction.
- Managed internal project tracking, budgets, and schedules to maintain alignment across teams.
- Coordinated with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure design quality and regulatory compliance.
- Led permitting and zoning approvals to streamline project timelines.
- Served temporarily as President of Marketing, overseeing branding, digital strategy, and leasing initiatives.
Project Coordinator
Kushner
New York, USA
02.2021 - 01.2023
- Coordinated with architects, engineers, and consultants to ensure all design and construction documents met regulatory standards.
- Supported the entitlement process by preparing permits and coordinating with agencies.
- Tracked budgets and schedules, ensuring project milestones remained on target.
- Assisted in negotiating and managing contracts with contractors, suppliers, and vendors.
- Prepared presentations and marketing materials for investors, partners, and stakeholders.
- Maintained comprehensive project documentation, including reports, correspondence, and meeting records.
- Supported asset management in transitioning completed projects into operations.
- Planned and executed major corporate events including groundbreakings and grand openings.
Legal Assistant
Law Offices of Edward D. Bortz
Englewood Cliffs, USA
08.2020 - 02.2021
- Prepared legal pleadings and case documents for civil litigation.
- Reviewed real estate transactions, leases, and financing agreements.
Education
Master of Science - Real Estate Development
New York University, Schack Institute of Real Estate
New York, NY12.2020
Bachelor of Science - Marketing and Management
Manhattan College
New York, NY05.2018
Skills
- Design coordination
- Project management
- Budget oversight
- Value engineering
- Real estate development
- Site execution
Accomplishments
NJBIZ 2025 Forty Under 40 Rising Stars
Timeline
Director of Project Design
Kushner
01.2024 - Current
Development Associate
Kushner
01.2023 - 01.2024
Project Coordinator
Kushner
02.2021 - 01.2023
Legal Assistant
Law Offices of Edward D. Bortz
08.2020 - 02.2021
Master of Science - Real Estate Development
New York University, Schack Institute of Real Estate
Bachelor of Science - Marketing and Management
Manhattan College