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 14 years of architectural experience followed by a over a decade in mixed-use multi-family development, offering a refined perspective on design. Her expertise spans the entire development lifecycle, from early-stage feasibility to final execution, ensuring seamless integration of design, function, and operational needs.
Having delivered thousands of units across diverse markets, Mary understands how to balance aesthetics, efficiency, and feasibility. She refines layouts, optimizes amenities, and ensures that projects align with both user needs and financial goals. Her ability to navigate the nuances of development makes her an essential resource for creating spaces that are both highly functional and beautifully considered.
Mary’s approach is grounded in strategy and precision—helping teams make informed decisions at every stage of the process. Whether advising on architectural refinement, overseeing execution, or guiding development teams through critical design choices, she brings clarity and expertise to each project.
Will Greer
Will’s diverse background in planning, urban design, architecture, and development gives him an comprehensive view of the built environment. Specializing in multifamily and mixed-use spaces, he works at the intersection of design and operations, ensuring projects are both well-conceived and highly functional.
With a strong focus on spatial programming and market-driven design, Will collaborates closely with development teams to refine layouts, enhance operational efficiency, and create spaces that foster both usability and community engagement. His experience allows him to approach projects holistically, ensuring every design decision contributes to the long-term success of a development.
Balancing creativity with practicality, Will brings an analytical yet design-forward perspective to each project. His expertise in optimizing unit layouts, refining amenity spaces, and aligning design with business objectives makes him an invaluable partner in shaping developments that meet both resident expectations and investment goals.
