Office-to-Residential Conversions in NYC: Navigating Regulations, Incentives, and Design Challenges

Office-to-residential conversions are a compelling development strategy in New York City, and present a unique opportunity to reshape and reenergize local neighborhoods. As the demand for housing continues to rise in NYC and major cities in the U.S., and occupancy trends continue to evolve, it's important to explore the viability of transforming these assets from one use to another, or from office to residential. This session will explore the complex regulatory framework, zoning updates, financial incentive programs, and design opportunities driving conversions across NYC.  

Through real-world insights, SOCOTEC experts will demonstrate how multidisciplinary approaches, spanning code compliance, building envelope, life safety, and sustainability, can help unlock feasibility, reduce risk, and deliver successful conversion projects within NYC’s highly regulated environment.

About the Speakers

Lori Boccadoro, Principal- Code & Planning

Ms. Lori Boccadoro supports the real estate industry in navigating New York City’s complex Building Code and regulatory landscape. With extensive experience managing code and zoning professionals, she oversees a high volume of projects each year—from early-stage advisory through final approvals. Lori works closely with clients to align development strategies with applicable code and zoning requirements, helping streamline submissions and avoid delays. Her role includes coordinating project teams, conducting site reviews, and engaging with City agencies to advance approvals through issuance of the Final Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). An executive member of the Code Consulting Council of New York, she brings practical insight and trusted expertise to office-to-residential conversion projects. 

Paul Esteve, Technical Director- Fire & Life Safety

Mr. Paul Esteve is a Fire Protection Engineer with over nine years of experience applying and interpreting fire, life safety, and accessibility codes across multiple jurisdictions. He supports projects nationwide, navigating both prescriptive requirements and alternative compliance paths. Paul’s expertise includes fire modeling, performance-based design, and smoke control special inspections. From early design through construction, he works with project teams to identify efficient, code-compliant solutions that maintain safety while controlling costs. Actively engaged in value engineering discussions, he helps align design strategies with regulatory requirements and project goals. 

Kevin Kim, Associate- Building Envelope

Mr. Kevin Kim is a Professional Engineer with over twelve years of experience specializing in the investigation, repositioning, and recladding of existing building envelopes. He leads complex projects including adaptive reuse conversions, façade overclad and reclad programs, leak investigations, façade inspections, and FISP compliance across New York City. Kevin brings deep expertise across exterior wall systems—masonry, concrete, curtain wall, and roofing—and is skilled in façade restoration, overclad design, and constructability-driven detailing. His portfolio spans commercial, residential, hospitality, and institutional properties, where he advises ownership on repositioning assets through performance upgrades, cost optimization, and regulatory compliance. Focused on precision, constructability, and execution, Kevin helps clients navigate complex renovations while enhancing building performance, aesthetics, and long-term value.

Lisa Ross, Senior Project Manager- Energy & Sustainability

Ms. Lisa Ross provides sustainability consulting for new construction and renovation projects across commercial, residential, and institutional sectors. She advises on environmentally responsible materials, indoor air quality, energy and water efficiency, and sustainable site and construction practices. Lisa works closely with design teams to support certification across multiple sustainable building rating systems, including Enterprise Green Communities and LEED for New Construction, Schools, Commercial Interiors, and Core & Shell. Her experience spans domestic and international projects, as well as programs such as NYSERDA incentives and New York City Local Law requirements. She brings a practical, compliance-focused approach to advancing high-performance, sustainable buildings.