Professional Experience
James A. Pirot is the Founder of Pirot & Associates, a nationally recognized Project Management and Owner’s Representation firm acclaimed for guiding occupiers through complex commercial real estate operations across the United States. Prior to launching the firm, Jim served as Managing Principal at Cresa New York, where he led Project Management services for tri-state and national accounts, providing occupier-centric strategies and solutions while overseeing some of the firm’s most sophisticated and complex build-out projects.
During his time at Cresa, Jim was instrumental in launching the firm’s Building Technologies Services (BTS) practice in 2018, introducing integrated smart building solutions tailored to occupier needs. His alignment with Wtec’s Smartengine low-voltage power platform has helped accelerate industry adoption of disruptive, energy-efficient technologies. These advances not only improve workplace performance but also support compliance with municipal and government sustainability mandates—most notably NYC Local Law 97. This forward-thinking approach allows organizations to meet their obligations to reduce carbon emissions by 2030 while enhancing operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Earlier in his career, Jim held key leadership roles at two of New York’s most influential firms—The Staubach Organization and Helmsley Spear—where he developed the expertise, relationships, and client-first approach that continue to define his work today. Over the course of his career, he has managed millions of square feet of commercial space and overseen landmark workplace projects, including Flexpoint Ford’s 19,500-square-foot headquarters at One Vanderbilt and a multi-market office expansion in Miami’s Brickell district.
Jim also founded and chaired a Power over Ethernet (PoE) Advisory Board, bringing together leaders across real estate, utilities, and building services to advance IoT-enabled smart building standards.
Philanthropy & Community Leadership
Board Member, Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation (RWJBarnabas Health) — Serving a three-year term supporting one of the nation’s leading pediatric rehabilitation hospitals.
- Chair, Annual Walk n’ Roll Fundraiser (2024) — Leading a major community fundraising initiative for Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation.
- Co-Chair, Commercial Real Estate & Construction Professionals Committee, Tunnel to Towers Foundation — Guiding the annual cocktail fundraising event supporting frontline responders, military personnel, and their families.
Affiliations
- Real Estate Board of New York,
- Building Owners and Managers Association
- RWJ Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation Board Member
- Real Advisory Board on Labor Relations
- NYC Tunnels to Towers Real Estate&Construction Industry Board Member
Education
- Environmental Health & Safety – Hunter College
- Construction Management Certification – The City University of New York
With a multi-decade career anchoring both operational and strategic excellence, James A. Pirot has built a reputation as a trusted advisor, collaborative leader, and industry innovator. Through Pirot & Associates and his leadership roles at Cresa, Staubach, and Helmsley, he continues to shape high-performing workplaces while extending his impact through meaningful philanthropic service.