Urban development focuses on creating financially sustainable, architecturally innovative, and socially responsive built forms rather than just tall buildings or complexes.
This multi-faceted approach has become a trademark for Rohit Singh Chauhan, a Senior Associate of Acquisition and Development at Tishman Speyer, trained at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
With over seven years of experience spanning financial modeling, innovative design strategy, and proactive community engagement, he has established himself as a highly sought-after expert in smart urban growth.
Growing up in Bhopal, India, where his father worked as an architect, he developed an early appreciation for the built environment: "Architecture taught me to think out of the box spatial solutions to real-world problems," he shares.
"But working in the design and construction early on, I realized that solving those problems required a broader perspective, encompassing finance, sustainability, and community engagement."
This realization led him to pursue a Master of Science in Real Estate Development at MIT, where he earned the Award for Academic Excellence from the Center for Real Estate. His prior achievements include multiple industry awards, notably the Realty+ Conclave Iconic Project of the Year awards for Godrej Boulevard (2020) and Godrej Parkridge (2021).
Rohit manages stakeholder relations for the $1.4 billion Harvard’s Enterprise Research Campus in Allston, Massachusetts.
This mixed-use development, featuring 500,000 square feet of life sciences labs, 343 residential units (25% affordable), a 246-key hotel, and three acres of public green spaces, exemplifies his approach to balanced urban growth.
One of Rohit's primary challenges has been mediating between the landlord, Harvard University, and the residents of Allston.
"Real estate projects don't exist in a vacuum," he explains.
"Investors demand returns, communities seek improvements, and tenants need functionality. My role is to ensure these interests align to create lasting value."
His innovative approach to stakeholder management involves extensive community engagement. Rohit has successfully incorporated resident feedback into the development plans through public meetings and community events.
For example, the commitment to 25% affordable housing units directly responded to community needs and set a new benchmark for new developments in the greater Boston area.
"His intellectual curiosity sets him apart," says Nicholas Fils-Aime, Director on the Acquisitions and Development Team for the Enterprise Research Campus at Tishman Speyer.
"He genuinely desires to learn and grow, which is incredibly valuable in our field. He makes life easier by taking on significant workload and handling it with composure," Fils-Aime adds.
"And his ability to bring different perspectives and experiences adds valuable depth to our projects."
Chris Whittier, Senior Director of Development at Tishman Speyer, also commends Rohit’s impact: “Rohit’s biggest contributions have been in financial reporting and investor relations. He’s dramatically reduced the team’s workload by streamlining and automating our recurring tasks.” Rohit’s ability to optimize processes and drive efficiency has proven invaluable, allowing the team to focus on higher-level tasks and deliver even greater results.
With his Real Estate Financial Modelling certification from Wall Street Prep and background as a registered architect with experience in India and the Middle East, Rohit brings unique technical expertise to financial feasibility assessments.
"For the Enterprise Research Campus, we're tracking a $1.4 billion budget across hundreds of categories," he explains. "Every dollar must be accounted for and optimally allocated."
Before joining Tishman Speyer, working as a manager for design strategy, Rohit revolutionized land parcel analysis at Godrej Properties in India, managing a portfolio exceeding $300 million.
His implementation of AI-driven tools transformed development planning, reducing assessment times from weeks to hours while improving accuracy.
"His forward-thinking approach will contribute to creating efficient, sustainable developments that positively impact communities," says Fils-Aime. "He's helping propel the real estate industry in a more progressive direction."
Rahul Dubey is General Manager of Design & Development at Sobha Realty and has known Rohit for nearly nine years, collaborating on multiple projects.
He shares: "Rohit has consistently demonstrated respect and sought my guidance whenever needed while consistently supporting me in my tasks.
"His analytical thinking and strategic initiatives were the first indicators of his exceptional capabilities.
"One notable example is when Rohit took the initiative to develop a project monitoring tool. This tool, applied to a regional project portfolio of over 4000 residences, gave stakeholders a comprehensive overview of project progress, critical paths, key challenges, and other essential project management metrics. His extensive support and clear communication were instrumental in its success."
Rohit's architectural background at the Enterprise Research Campus has proven invaluable in optimizing design elements. The mass timber conference center combines environmental sustainability with aesthetic appeal, supporting the project's innovation-focused identity.
Rohit is particularly passionate about addressing the "missing middle" in housing—creating affordable options for middle-income families: "Real estate has a responsibility to solve broader societal challenges," he asserts.
"By leveraging data and design thinking, we can create financially viable and socially impactful solutions."
His commitment to balanced urban growth extends beyond individual projects. Through regular stakeholder engagement and transparent communication, Rohit ensures that development plans align with community aspirations while meeting investor expectations.
"I measure true success by how well a project serves all its stakeholders," Rohit says.
"When we create spaces where people want to live, work, and thrive while delivering strong returns for investors, we've achieved smart urban growth."
With his proven track record of success and commitment to balanced development, Rohit continues to set new standards for smart urban growth, creating developments that serve both present needs and future aspirations.
