Honored as a leader paving the way for the next era of retail, New York project executive Christa Forte was named to Retail TouchPoints and design:retail’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2021. Christa’s work on innovative and remarkable work contributes greatly to supporting both the retail and AEC community. Read more about Christa’s impressive career below and her full Retail TouchPoints and design:retail 40 Under 40 award feature here.
Christa’s project portfolio speaks for itself, with highlights including the renovation of Chanel’s 57th Street flagship and the award-winning PUMA Fifth Ave flagship; the current renovation of Tourneau’s Time Machine flagship on 57th Street and Chanel’s upcoming boutique in CityCenterDC. Christa partners with A-list designers including Peter Marino Architect and MBH Architects to deliver these stunning, high-profile flagships—often working as a true partner in a design-build collaboration.
In her 15-year career, Christa has worked directly for architects, owner’s representatives, and subcontractors, giving her a unique perspective that—paired with her client service and technical acumen—translated to her quick rise to leadership. Christa’s experience allows her to approach projects holistically—with a clear vision of the end result and the path to achieve it—and connect with clients and subcontractors.
As a project executive, Christa is responsible for the oversight of the entire office and field team—and in an industry that’s just 10% female, she has established herself as a leader with the skill and expertise to successfully lead a team. She feels very strongly about mentoring the next generation of talent, working closely with individuals on both the project management and field teams to build their skillset. In 2020 she led the all-women project team for JBL’s first flagship, located in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood, leading the successful completion in 10 short weeks amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Christa was named to the ICSC CenterBuild Leaders Under 40 class of 2019, recognized as a disruptor in retail who continues to transform the industry. She is 30-hour OSHA certified, LEED AP BD+C certified, and has her PMP Certification. She volunteers for Rocking the Boat and God’s Love We Deliver, and is involved with Professional Women in Construction (PWC).