Seeking outsized returns through design-driven differentiation, First Form sponsors opportunistic mixed-use multifamily and retail projects, often alongside local joint venture partners. First Form also invests in select projects sponsored by other innovative developers, offering capital and strategic advisory.
First Form is a private real estate development and investment platform that brings extensive institutional experience and mature market best practices to its project in established and evolving neighborhoods throughout the US. First Form concentrates its efforts in vibrant districts with distinct character and historic fabric.
First Form is currently managing a robust pipeline of active and passive investments, ranging from boutique to institutional, in Raleigh’s Warehouse District, Durham’s Central Park neighborhood, Pittsburgh’s Strip District, Scott’s Addition in Richmond, and Corktown in Detroit.
For 20+ years, Tony has specialized in multifamily and mixed-use development, overseeing the design and construction of over 5,000 multifamily units and 700,000 square feet of neighborhood-serving retail, as well as the entitlement of over 12 million square feet of mixed-use and transit-oriented development. Before founding First Form, Tony was Executive Vice President at JBG SMITH (NYSE: JBGS) where he spent 15 years. As Chair of JBG SMITH’s Design Review Committee, Tony was involved throughout the design process in all JBG SMITH development projects. Prior to JBG, Tony was a developer at Clark Realty Capital (now CRC Companies) where he developed multifamily, mixed-use, and military family housing projects.
Over the course of his career Tony has developed deep expertise in all facets of real estate development, spanning multiple asset classes and building typologies. Working in established as well as emerging submarkets, Tony has created and harvested value across the full lifecycle of development projects from conception to completion. Striving to stay at the forefront of development best practices, Tony has extensive experience in sustainable and transit-oriented development, workforce and luxury housing, urban and suburban infill, horizontal and vertical mixed-use, and placemaking and place management.
Tony’s commitment to improving the built environment extends beyond his development activities to his non-profit and professional association leadership. He is past Chair and current member of the National Building Museum’s Board of Trustees. He is also a member of Fallingwater’s Advisory Committee and the Research & Responsible Design Panel of the Neutra Institute For Survival Through Design. He has also served as a Regent of the American Architectural Foundation and has held numerous leadership roles within the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and is a past receipt of Urban Land Magazine’s 40 Under 40.
Tony received his Bachelor’s degree in East Asian Studies from Harvard University, and holds advanced degrees from the University of Virginia and Georgetown University’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service.
Henry, who joined First Form in 2023, has created and harvested value across the full lifecycle of development projects from conception to completion. Prior to joining First Form, Henry spent 12 years at Tishman Speyer as a Senior Director in acquisitions & development responsible for overseeing office and multifamily development and/or redevelopment projects in the D.C. Metro Area, Atlanta, North Carolina, and Nashville. While at Tishman Speyer, Henry was responsible for leading the acquisition and development of more than 850,000 square feet of commercial construction and 1100 multifamily units. He has worked on projects totaling more than $1 billion in development costs and more than $930 million in financing proceeds.
Henry is an active member of The Urban Land Institute and DC Real Estate Group. He also serves as a board member of Higher Achievement focused on the Going Places annual event and participates in the Reading Partners mentorship program.
Henry graduated from Cornell University’s Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management with a BS in business.
In addition to thoughtfully managing the social, economic and environmental impact of its projects and operations, First Form’s philanthropic targets and community involvement priorities include.
Housing Instability and Food Insecurity
Built Environment Stewardship and Engagement
Educational and Professional Opportunities for Underserved Communities
