Todd Obrien

About Todd Obrien

Todd is a director of architecture and engineering for Principal Real Estate Investors, the dedicated real estate group of Principal Asset Management, a division of Principal. He has over 35 years of architecture and real estate management experience and serves as a internal consultant to the western region equities team. Todd joined Principal in 2007 after working since as a project architect for BSB Design, one of the nation’s largest architectural firms specializing in single family and multi-family residential design. His background also includes working as an architect for Iowa State University in the Facilities Planning and Management Department, overseeing construction projects on university properties. Todd has also worked as a project architect for Stouffer Smith Architects, a firm specializing in commercial projects. Todd received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture from Tulane University. Todd is a registered architect and a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). He is a LEED Accredited Professional and a member of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Managers (NAREIM).

Experience

1. Director of Architecture & Engineering

   Principal Asset Management

   May 2007 — Present · Des Moines, IA, US

   Acquisitions/Dispositions: Manage and coordinate the physical components of property acquisitions, dispositions, and foreclosures to assess the overall condition of the property including, permits, design, construction, repairs and maintenance, capital expenditures, environmental, seismic, and sustainable aspects.Development: Act as owner’s representative to oversee the various phases of new development projects, from design through completion. Manage, direct and coordinate the entitlement, budgeting, design, documentation, bidding, construction, sustainability, and close-out processes associated with property development, re-development, capital projects, and tenant improvement activities.Asset Management: Provide direction, guidance, and support to asset management for all physical aspects of existing properties, including building operations, design and construction guidelines, and construction management. Administer services in a manner that enhances the property’s efficiency, improves the overall condition and quality of the property, mitigate the property’s operating expenses and, as a result, contribute to a positive return on investment.Sustainability: Manage, direct, coordinate, and promote initiatives associated with the investment client’s sustainability goals. Develop and implement strategic plans and programs tailored to maximize the efficiency of all properties, including water, gas, and electricity consumption. Secure certifications consistent with peer industry benchmarks such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star designation. Perform all responsibilities in a manner that reduces client risk and cost, while maximizing property value and return on cost. Develop, enhance and maintain relationships to positively influence the opportunity to secure development transactions.

Education

• Tulane University

  Master of Architecture, Architecture

  1984 — 1989