Meet Metropolis . . . Hope Denon, Creative Communicator
This article continues our series on the men and women who make magic happen here at Metropolis Group. If you would like to recommend someone for a future employee spotlight, please email us with your nomination and let us know why you love working with this team member.
Hope Denon
Project Manager
Metropolis Team Member Since . . . June 2019
Industry Experience
After graduating from the College of Charleston in South Carolina with a degree in urban planning, Hope Denon returned to her hometown of Sag Harbor, N.Y., and accepted a position with a land planning firm. She began her career as a planning assistant, conducting property research for residential and commercial projects.
Before long, Hope started preparing due diligence reports and completing permit applications. “I would also present projects to the architectural review board, the planning board, and zoning board to secure approval from the town,” she says. Most projects consisted of small beach hotels or single-family residences.
After two years, the desire to live in New York City brought Hope to Manhattan—and Metropolis Group.
Role at Metropolis
As a project manager for the Outer Borough team at Metropolis Group, Hope performs similar tasks to her previous position, but on a much larger scale: plan review, filing strategy, permit applications, client and city liaison. Learning the intricate filing process in New York City has presented a challenge, one at which she quickly excelled, distinguishing herself as a team player.
“Hope works through communicating and reviewing issues and concerns with her fellow team members,” says Bruno Caligara, Director of Project Management. “She strives to improve every day, on every job. Hope never approaches a job on autopilot; she injects careful thought and creative thinking into the process. Putting the clients’ needs first, Hope assesses the best strategy for each job to complete the work and secure approvals as quickly as possible.”
Project Management Officer Gregory Fortino shares Bruno’s assessment. “Hope pays attention to the details, which makes all the difference in the world on complex projects.”
Favorite Project
One of Hope’s first projects at Metropolis was a major renovation of a 23-story office building in Midtown Manhattan. “That was intimidating at first,” she admits, “but now, the project is still underway, and I’ve definitely figured it out. The project has become one of my favorites because I’ve been involved since the start of construction. It’s exciting to see all the work that goes into making a construction project take shape.”
Best Part of the Job
When working on projects, securing approvals and permits ranks high as one of the most satisfying aspects of her job: “Successfully guiding projects through the approval process is the greatest reward.” On a personal level, Hope enjoys having an active role in shaping New York City. “It’s really exciting and interesting to play a role in different construction projects around the city.”
Little-Known Facts
In her spare time, Hope practices yoga, and she escapes the city, planning regular getaways to Burlington, Vt., or home to Sag Harbor. “Most of the time, I’m looking for my next adventure in one of those two places—skiing, hiking, spending time on Lake Champlain. It’s nice to really slow down and enjoy those things, being outdoors and spending time with family.”