About CFD
CFD is a New York–based firm providing comprehensive project management and advisory services from concept through completion. With extensive experience across complex public and private-sector projects, CFD combines strategic leadership, technical expertise, and hands-on project oversight to help clients successfully navigate the demands of today’s-built environment.
Our capabilities span the full project lifecycle, including pre-development planning, budgeting, procurement, permitting, scheduling, cost management, stakeholder coordination, and project oversight. In addition to project management, CFD provides Owner’s Representative services, compliance and MWBE/DBE support, staff augmentation, and specialized project advisory services tailored to each client and project.
Our team brings a depth of experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives across institutional, educational, healthcare, commercial, and public-sector environments.
At CFD, we believe successful project delivery requires more than managing schedules and budgets. It requires clear communication, informed decision-making, proactive problem-solving, and a thorough understanding of the people, processes, and requirements that drive a project forward. We serve as a trusted partner to our clients, providing insight, coordination, and accountability needed to turn project objectives into successful outcomes.
Our history
More than a decade of delivering complex public and private projects across New York.
Farrah Désir founds CFD with a vision to make quality design and construction accessible to more clients, bringing two decades of experience from roles at Einhorn Yaffee Prescott, Parsons, and URS/AECOM.
CFD completes its first project, laying the groundwork for a firm built on hands-on expertise and client trust.
CFD expands into the government space, earning MBE, WBE, DBE, and SBE certifications and graduating from contractor development programs with the MTA, NYC School Construction Authority, Port Authority of NY and NJ, and Columbia University — positioning the firm to compete for public and institutional projects.
Founder Farrah Désir is honored with the Women Builders Council’s Outstanding Women Award at the 18th Annual Champion Awards Gala, recognizing her leadership and contributions to the construction industry.
CFD moves into healthcare, teaming on gut renovations at Brookdale Hospital and a multi-phased medical and surgical upgrade at Interfaith Medical Center, delivering complex work within active hospital settings.
CFD joins major project teams on the New Terminal One at JFK, the Midtown Bus Terminal replacement, and Northwell’s 140,000-square-foot psychiatric pavilion at Zucker Hillside — alongside large-scale residential and cultural developments across the region.
Gianna Frederique joins CFD as Director of Business Development and Marketing, bringing added strategic focus to the firm’s growth and client relationships.
CFD grows to 25 employees, reflecting the firm’s expanding capacity and its ability to take on larger, more complex projects.
Founder Farrah Désir is featured in the New York Real Estate Journal’s 2025 Women in Construction spotlight, recognized for her leadership and vision in growing CFD.
Founder Farrah Désir is honored by the National Association of Minority Contractors, recognizing her leadership and contributions as a woman of color in the construction industry.
CFD continues to grow as a trusted partner for public agencies, healthcare systems, and private developers, bringing the same integrity and hands-on leadership to every project, from the first to the largest.
In her own words
Founder and CEO Farrah Désir was featured in the New York Real Estate Journal’s 2025 Women in Construction spotlight. Her full interview follows.
What inspired you to start your firm, and how has your vision evolved over the years?
In 2014, I founded Creative Form Development (CFD) due to my passion for both architecture and construction. Having worked on both architectural designs and large-scale development projects, I saw an opportunity to bring a more hands-on, client-focused approach to construction management. Taking a leap of faith, I launched CFD with the goal of bridging the gap between design intent and execution. Over the years, our vision has expanded beyond residential projects to a full-service construction management, project management and general contracting firm, leading public and private projects that enhance communities. Today, CFD is not just about building structures — it’s about building strong partnerships, delivering quality results, and creating meaningful impacts in the industry.
As a leader, what values or principles do you prioritize when guiding your team or making decisions?
Integrity, accountability, transparency and collaboration are the foundation of how I lead my team and manage projects. I believe in fostering an environment where my team feels empowered to innovate and problem-solve. These principles build trust with our clients, partners, and within our organization. I also prioritize a client-first approach, ensuring that every decision aligns with delivering value and quality. At CFD, we don’t just focus on completing projects; we focus on exceeding expectations and building lasting relationships. By cultivating a culture of continuous learning and professional growth, we ensure that every team member has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our success.
What advice would you offer to women who aspire to lead and succeed in the A/E/C industry?
Confidence in your expertise is key — own your skills, trust your abilities, and never hesitate to take up space in the room. The AEC industry can be demanding, but persistence and resilience are essential. Seek mentorship from trusted industry leaders, continuously build your skill set, and cultivate a strong professional network. Relationships in this field are invaluable and supporting each other creates more opportunities for growth. I also believe in leaving the door open for others — helping the next generation of women in this industry is not just about mentorship, but about creating a stronger, more diverse future. Success in this field isn’t just about what you build — it’s about the impact you leave behind.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your leadership journey, and how have you grown as a leader along the way?
The most rewarding part of my leadership journey has been seeing the tangible impact of our work — whether it’s a completed project that transforms a space or the growth of my team members as professionals. Leading CFD has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the power of trusting my team. In a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry, I’ve learned to navigate challenges with a solutions-driven mindset while remaining true to our core values. Watching CFD grow from a vision into a thriving firm that creates opportunities for others remains my greatest motivation. Leadership isn’t just about driving success — it’s about inspiring others to reach their full potential.
We’re honored to partner with visionary clients who challenge us to innovate and excel.
Leadership Team
Farrah Désir
Farrah Désir founded Creative Form Design (CFD) in 2014 to transform spaces into affordable dream homes. Under her leadership, CFD has grown into a full-service construction management firm with over two decades of expertise in design and construction. Farrah oversees a diverse team delivering value-driven solutions for public and private projects throughout NYC. Her career spans roles with general contractors, owner’s representatives, and construction managers, providing oversight for numerous NYC projects. Starting as an architectural designer with award winning firms like Einhorn Yaffee Prescott and Parsons, Farrah transitioned to construction management to bring designs to life. As a Senior Project Manager with Gilbane Building Company, she successfully delivered complex projects, including schools, hospitals, community centers, retail spaces, and high-end residential properties, by managing diverse stakeholders.
Farrah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the New York Institute of Technology and a Certificate in Construction Project Management from NYU. Her passion for design began in high school, where she completed coursework in interior design at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Board memberships
- New York Institute of Technology — Architecture Department Advisory Board
- National Association of Minority Contractors
- Bedford Stuyvesant YMCA
Gianna Frederique
Gianna Frederique is a marketing, business development, and operations professional with extensive experience developing strategic marketing, outreach, community engagement, and stakeholder initiatives for complex development and construction projects. She has worked with leading organizations including Silverstein Properties and Clune Construction, supporting high-profile projects and collaborating with government agencies, elected officials, community organizations, and key stakeholders. Her experience includes the World Trade Center, Four Seasons Downtown New York, Innovation QNS, and major JFK Airport projects, where she has helped develop marketing and communication strategies, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and advance project objectives. Gianna also specializes in MWBE compliance and outreach, tracking participation, maintaining documentation, preparing compliance reports, and supporting equitable contracting opportunities. Gianna holds a Master of Arts in Corporate Communications from Baruch College and a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies with a minor in English from St. John’s University.
Yemi Owoniyi
Yemi Owoniyi is a Project Manager with expertise in construction management, project coordination, procurement, scheduling, cost control, value engineering, and field operations across complex construction projects. Prior to joining Creative Form Development, Yemi held project management and construction management roles with Infra-Geopav Ltd. and Salasy4 Construction, where he managed construction activities, supervised field teams, coordinated subcontractors, supported contract negotiations, and implemented cost and schedule controls. At CFD, his experience includes supporting projects such as Brookdale Hospital – Family Care Center and The People’s Theatre, contributing to project delivery from preconstruction through closeout. Yemi holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering and Construction Management from the University of Derby and a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
Joy Emanang
Joy Emanang is an experienced Office Manager and Administrative Professional with a background spanning office administration, human resources, operations, and accounting. Her experience includes supporting payroll and benefits administration, employee records, invoicing, accounts payable and receivable, financial documentation, and general administrative functions. Prior to serving as an Office Manager, Joy worked as an Administrative Assistant, developing a broad foundation in administrative coordination and business support. Joy holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Multimedia University.
Advisors
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