We believe in form follows function... but with a little finesse.
Apaato derives from the Japanese word for “apartment,” reflecting a deep connection to the concept of home and shared spaces. We breathe life into the places we live, bringing clarity and precision to every decision—fostering pride of place. It’s a reflection of ikigai—our reason for being—where intention, strategy, and style converge to create something truly remarkable.
This is Apaato—Design advisory for distinct built environments
Our Reason of Being
Our philosophy defines Apaato’s distinct approach to design advisory. It’s our way of being, a reflection of our belief that great spaces are built with intention, strategy, and a deep respect for the human experience. Guided by four core principles, it informs everything we create:
Thoughtful Intentionality
Great design is more than aesthetics—it’s about purpose. We take a holistic approach, ensuring that every space we shape is both functional and beautiful, crafted to elevate everyday experiences and foster meaningful connections.
Functional Intelligence
We blend strategic thinking with analytical precision, turning ambitious ideas into reality. Our expertise in multifamily real estate ensures that every project is optimized for efficiency, longevity, and impact.
Collaborative Precision
We don’t just advise—we integrate. Acting as an extension of our clients’ teams, we fine-tune every detail, ensuring alignment between vision, execution, and market demands. Our ability to speak both the language of design and development builds trust and seamless collaboration.
Enduring Impact
The best spaces don’t just impress at first glance—they stand the test of time. Every project we touch is approached with meticulous care, designed to be relevant, resonant, and impactful for years to come.
About Us
Apaato was built by industry leaders who bring a depth of knowledge and a distinct point of view to multifamily design, architecture, and urban planning. Rooted in a shared passion for creating thoughtful, well-executed spaces, our team thrives on transforming vision into reality. With backgrounds spanning development, operations, and strategic design, we act as trusted partners in crafting environments that resonate—balancing innovation, functionality, and enduring impact.
Mary Yagi
Mary brings 26 years of experience spanning architectural practice and real estate development team leadership to deliver developments that excel in both design innovation and market performance. Her unique dual perspective stems from extensive architectural work with multiple local and national developers, followed by design leadership roles with Vornado/Charles E. Smith and JBG SMITH. This comprehensive experience across the entire development lifecycle—from initial feasibility through delivery and lease up—enables her to identify opportunities and mitigate risks that others might overlook.
Having successfully delivered thousands of units across diverse markets, Mary transforms complex development challenges into streamlined solutions. She elevates design standards with project economics in mind, ensuring developments achieve both aesthetic excellence and operational efficiency. Her strategic approach balances user experience, market demands, and financial objectives to create developments that outperform expectations.
Mary's methodology centers on strategic decision making and collaborative leadership. She partners with development teams to navigate critical design choices, accelerate project timelines, and maximize value creation. Her ability to translate architectural vision into executable development strategy makes her an invaluable asset for teams seeking to differentiate their projects in competitive markets.
Will Greer
Will's diverse experience, spanning urban design, architecture, operations, and development, gives him a comprehensive understanding of the built environment. As a specialist in multifamily and mixed-use spaces, he operates at the intersection of design and operations, ensuring projects are both well-conceived and highly functional.
Most recently, Will served as the liaison between operations and development at JBG SMITH, overseeing more than 9,000+ units in development and assisting with capital expenditures and FF+E refresh projects across their existing 9,000+ unit portfolio. Working closely with various JBGS departments, he assisted in compiling lessons learned that ultimately shaped the company's design guidelines.
Prior to JBG SMITH, Will was part of Bozzuto's Advisory Services Team, overseeing portfolios in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and as far as San Francisco and London. There, he learned from industry leaders in property management, helping clients with unit mixes, rent strategies, finish selections, and operational best practices - guiding the process from design through lease-up.
Will's extensive background also includes roles at development companies, town planning/architecture firms, and city planning departments, providing him a holistic understanding of how projects are conceived and influenced by diverse stakeholders.
Approaching projects with a balance of creativity and practicality, Will leverages his analytical yet design-forward expertise to collaborate with development teams. He refines layouts, enhances operational efficiency, and creates spaces that foster usability and community engagement - ultimately shaping developments that meet both resident expectations and investment goals.
