Justin Pelej

As Executive Vice President, Development + Principal

Since joining Focus, Justin has assembled an exceptionally talented and diverse team of development professionals who thoughtfully execute on complex real estate development matters including entitlements and public policy, detailed budgeting and proformas, architectural design coordination and construction oversight.  

Under Justin’s leadership, Focus has delivered over $2.1B of real estate development to Chicago and the surrounding suburban markets. Additionally, Justin's 20 years of experience identifying and pursuing unique infill development opportunities has helped Focus secure a reputation as a leader in high-quality, high-value, infill development.

• Lead all real estate development activities.
• Identify development opportunities and lead initial development efforts.
• Collaborate with finance groups to secure equity and loans for projects.
• Communicate with all partners, investors and development service clients.
• Oversee all operational properties and investments.

Industry Expertise

• Identification and qualification of real estate opportunities based on architectural and business merits
• Commercial and residential architecture
• Leading entitlement processes in markets with high barriers to entry
• Partner relations

Prior Experience

• The Redmond Company, Architectural Project Manager

Education + Certifications

• Masters of Project Management, Keller Graduate School of Management
• BS in Architecture, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

Community

• Ely Chapter of Lambda Alpha International: The Honorary Society for the Advancement of Land Economics, Board Member