Over the past three decades, the firm has grown into one of New York City’s leading office-to-residential conversion developers.

Senior Leadership

Nathan Berman

Managing Principal, Founder

Nathan Berman is the founder of MetroLoft and a recognized leader in the adaptive reuse of New York City’s commercial buildings. Over the past three decades, he has quietly transformed over 8 million square feet of obsolete office space into refined, highly livable residences, bringing new life to buildings once left behind.

Born in Western Ukraine, Nathan immigrated to New York at 14 and began his career in the art world, representing Russian émigré artists, before turning to real estate in the 1990s, drawn to the challenge of uncovering potential in underutilized downtown buildings. His early hands-on experience converting loft buildings laid the foundation for MetroLoft’s meticulous approach to redevelopment. Nathan has since led the transformation of some of the city’s most notable conversions. At 443 Greenwich Street, MetroLoft created one of Manhattan’s most successful luxury residences—praised for its craftsmanship, privacy, and architectural integrity. More recently, the team has taken on ambitious projects at a larger scale, including the former Pfizer headquarters on East 42nd Street, which at over 1.3 million square feet will become the largest office-to-residential conversion in New York City. Nathan continues to guide the firm’s work with a focus on thoughtful execution and lasting impact. Many of MetroLoft’s senior leaders have worked alongside him for over 20 years, bringing continuity, shared values, and deep collective experience to every project. Together, they remain committed to a process grounded in precision, design integrity, and the belief that the most successful buildings are shaped by expertise and imagination.

Daniel Berman

Executive Director

Daniel Berman joined MetroLoft in 2006 and has spent nearly two decades helping to shape the company’s evolution. Over the years, he has contributed across departments gaining hands-on experience in design, development, property management, and operations. This broad foundation now informs his work at the strategic core of the firm. Daniel focuses on acquisitions and long-term planning, helping identify and underwrite the next generation of office-to-residential conversion projects. His passion lies in uncovering opportunities others might overlook bringing curiosity, discipline, and vision to the process of evaluating what’s possible within a building’s existing framework. He has played a central role in the development of over 4 million square feet of residential space, and is currently helping lead the delivery of more than 4,000 units across four new projects. With a deep understanding of MetroLoft’s mission and a sharp eye toward its future, Daniel continues to expand the firm’s reach while staying grounded in the values that built it.

Marc Fried

General Counsel & Executive Managing Director – Acquisitions, Investor Relations & Operations

Marc Fried has been with MetroLoft since 2006 and was previously a partner at a national law firm. Marc brings deep legal expertise and operational insight to the firm’s complex redevelopment projects. He plays a central role in the acquisition process, working closely with MetroLoft’s leadership to structure transactions, manage due diligence, and oversee the legal, and financial aspects of each project. He also stays closely involved in operations across other departments, helping to ensure legal alignment, risk management and consistency in all aspects of the firm’s work. Marc holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan and a J.D. from Columbia Law School.

Mitchell Wasser

Senior Managing Director – Marketing, Brand Strategy & Business Development

Mitch Wasser joined MetroLoft in 2005, initially working on the leasing of some of the firm’s earlier residential conversions. Over time, his insight into market behavior, tenant needs, and brand positioning has made him a key voice in shaping the firm’s development and marketing strategy. Today, Mitch leads branding and marketing across the portfolio, helping to define how each project is conceived, positioned, and communicated. He continues to oversee all leasing efforts, managing both internal teams and outside brokers to ensure that execution aligns with intent and performance. His role bridges strategy and delivery, ensuring each project meets the market with clarity and purpose. He holds a degree in Consumer Studies with a focus on Marketing and Advertising from Syracuse University.

Robert Travis

Senior Managing Director – Development, Design & Construction

Rob Travis joined MetroLoft in 2006 and now leads all aspects of development for the firm. His expertise spans across entitlement, financial planning, logistics, design, procurement, execution, and operations turnover. Rob oversees projects from pre-acquisition through design, construction, and final delivery, guiding everything from high-level strategy to on-site execution. Over the course of his career, Rob has delivered over 7,000 residential units across the portfolio, comprising over $4 billion in project costs. His work includes transformative projects like the former Pfizer headquarters, a record-setting conversion that demonstrates MetroLoft’s ambition and technical precision. With a deep understanding of the complexities of adaptive reuse, Rob and his team have helped shape many of the best practices that now define conversion development. He leads a team that balances creativity with discipline, ensuring each project is both thoughtfully executed and built to scale. Rob holds a B.S. in Real Estate and Metropolitan Development from Baruch College.

Jack Berman

Senior Managing Director – Residential Operations

Jack Berman has played a key role at MetroLoft since the company was founded, and is central to the company’s operations, bringing structure, responsiveness, and care to the day-to-day management of the firm’s properties. With a deep understanding of logistics and a sharp eye for detail, Jack ensures that systems run smoothly and that tenant needs are met with professionalism and consistency. While MetroLoft’s development focused portfolio has grown significantly, Jack remains closely involved, where his hands-on approach helps maintain the personal touch that has long defined the company’s ethos. Whether refining building operations, coordinating with building staff, or addressing resident concerns, Jack’s presence is felt in the details. As a long-time member of the downtown community, Jack has been a consistent advocate for its residential transformation—playing a steady role in shaping the neighborhood MetroLoft continues to help reimagine.

David Pian

Senior Managing Director – Property Management

David Pian brings over 25 years of experience in New York City real estate operations to his role at MetroLoft. Since joining the firm in 2008, he has overseen the management of completed conversion projects, ensuring each building operates with the same level of quality and care that defines the firm’s development approach. David collaborates closely with project teams during development to address operational considerations early, enabling seamless transitions from construction to occupancy. His attention to detail and proactive management style help ensure that tenant needs are anticipated and met, contributing to long-term value and resident satisfaction across the portfolio. Prior to joining MetroLoft, David held senior property management positions at Rockrose Development, Macklowe Management, Presbyterian/Cornell, and AIMCO. He holds a B.S. in Facility Planning and Management from Cornell University.

Tim Cheng

Senior Managing Director – Finance & Accounting

Tim Cheng has overseen financial operations at MetroLoft since 2015, bringing clarity, discipline, and consistency to the firm’s accounting, reporting, and treasury functions. A certified public accountant with more than 20 years of experience, Tim plays a key role in maintaining financial accuracy and transparency across MetroLoft’s growing portfolio. He manages internal controls, supports budgeting and financial planning, and works closely with leadership to ensure that each project is grounded in sound financial practice. Prior to joining MetroLoft, Tim held senior roles in public accounting firms specializing in real estate, where he focused on audit, compliance, and reporting for complex development portfolios. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Pace University.

Boris Vernikov

Senior Managing Director – Office Administration & Treasurer

Boris Vernikov joined MetroLoft in 1998 and has been a steady presence through decades of growth and transformation. As Senior Managing Director of Office Administration and Accounting, he oversees the company’s internal operations and financial infrastructure, ensuring the smooth functioning of everything from accounts payable and receivable to corporate systems and vendor management. With a deep familiarity with every aspect of the firm’s day-to-day business, Boris plays a vital role in maintaining operational continuity and supporting the evolving needs of the organization. His institutional knowledge, practical mindset, and thoughtful leadership have made him a trusted resource across departments.

Iolanta Lim

Managing Director – Finance & Accounting

Iolanta Lim joined MetroLoft in 2004 and brings more than three decades of accounting experience to her role. She plays a central role in overseeing construction accounting, from general ledger accuracy and bank reconciliations to contract management, financial reporting, and external audits. Her attention to detail and dedication to improving systems have helped support the firm’s operational and financial integrity through periods of significant growth. Before joining MetroLoft, Iolanta built a solid foundation in international finance, having worked for major European corporations. She began her career in government finance after graduating from the Finance Institute in Russia, and later evaluated her credentials in the U.S., completing NYU’s advanced qualification program in accounting and bookkeeping.

Chaim Weiss

Director – Development, Design & Construction

Chaim Weiss joined MetroLoft in 2014 and has played an integral role in shaping the technical execution of the firm’s most ambitious projects including 55 Broad, 111 Wall St and the former Pfizer headquarters. With degrees in Construction Management from The City College of New York and Real Estate Finance from NYU’s Schack Institute of Real Estate, he brings a deep command of façade detailing, structural integration, and MEP systems, ensuring that even the most complex building challenges are addressed with clarity and precision. Chaim’s hands-on approach and inventive mindset have helped MetroLoft push the boundaries of what’s possible in adaptive reuse. He has been instrumental in developing proprietary solutions, including patent-pending technologies that support the firm’s ability to convert and reimagine large-scale properties with technical excellence and long-term performance in mind.

Rudy Lazé

Director – Architecture, Design & Construction

Rudy Lazé joined MetroLoft in 2017, bringing two decades of experience designing high-end residential buildings. Since then, he has played a central role in shaping some of the firm’s most ambitious projects, including 55 Broad, 25 Water, 111 Wall, and the ongoing conversion of the former Pfizer headquarters. With a sophisticated understanding of architectural objectives, technical systems, and the evolving demands of urban living, Rudy approaches each project with a focus on design integrity and executional excellence. His work reflects a deep commitment to quality at every level, from concept through construction. Rudy holds a Master of Architecture from Lawrence Technological University and has been a member of the American Institute of Architects since 1999.

Departments

MetroLoft is powered by an experienced in-house team. Our collective expertise spans every aspect of the development process, from acquisition and financing to design, construction, marketing, and management. With clear communication and seamless execution, we deliver some of the most distinctive and complex projects in the market.

Acquisitions

Our acquisitions team identifies and secures opportunities that align with MetroLoft’s vision for transformative development. With a deep understanding of New York City’s real estate landscape, they lead the sourcing underwriting and structuring of deals, laying the groundwork for projects that redefine urban living.

Construction

Our construction team oversees every phase of the build process, from conception through completion, with rigorous attention to detail and quality. With decades of experience navigating the complexities of conversion, the team brings proven expertise in planning, scheduling and execution. That depth of knowledge also drives innovation: adapting to each project’s challenges, we continue to push the industry forward, including the development of patent-pending technology that redefines how residential conversions can be built.

Accounting

MetroLoft’s accounting team ensures clarity, consistency, and accuracy across all financial operations. From construction draws to property-level reporting, they maintain rigorous internal controls and support compliance at every stage. Their work provides the financial foundation that helps keep our projects and partnership on solid ground.

Marketing

MetroLoft’s marketing team leads the firm’s brand strategy, sales positioning, and leasing campaigns across all properties. With a strong command of market trends and consumer behavior, they craft identities that resonate and execute campaigns that drive value. The team also manages relationships with external brokerage firms, ensuring consistency from concept through lease-up.

Join Our Team

We’re always looking for thoughtful, driven individuals who share our vision for what buildings can become. If you’re interested in contributing to our work and growing with a collaborative, mission-focused team, we’d love to hear from you.

Development

Our development team brings deep experience to every phase of the project, from planning and entitlements to design coordination and execution. With in-house architects and long-standing relationships with external design partners, the team ensures that every detail reflects MetroLoft’s vision, technical standards, and commitment to long-term value.

Finance

Our finance team provides strategic guidance and oversight across all aspects of capital planning, modeling and deal structuring. With expertise in complex transactions and a sharp grasp of market dynamics, they work closely with leadership to underwrite new acquisitions, manage project financing, and support investor relations, ensuring each project is financially sound from day one through stabilization.

Legal

MetroLoft’s legal team is integral to every phase of our work, from acquisition through completion. With broad expertise across real estate, construction and regulatory matter, they navigate complexity, manage risk, and help protect long-term value. Their guidance ensures that every agreement and decision is shaped by clear, strategic thinking.

Operations

The operations team supports the smooth functioning of the entire organization. They foster coordination across departments, streamline internal processes, and help implement firmwide priorities with close attention to overall strategic goals. The team also manages select properties, maintaining the hands-on case that continues to set MetroLoft apart.