For over three decades, John Cournoyer has been a relentless force in shaping the built environment through visionary real estate development, transformative construction leadership, and a deep-rooted commitment to architectural excellence. Guided by the motto “Design the future with intent, build it with integrity,” he has consistently turned complex development challenges into landmark opportunities—fusing innovation, financial acumen, and team empowerment to deliver exceptional results across the commercial real estate sector.
John’s professional journey began with a foundational commitment to design. Armed with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture and a Master of Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design, followed by a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University, John’s career has always blended the artistry of architecture with the discipline of real estate finance. This rare intersection of disciplines has shaped his holistic approach to development, enabling him to drive projects from vision through execution with uncommon depth and foresight.
In the early stages of his career, John quickly distinguished himself as a leader capable of handling complex mixed-use developments and intricate public-private partnerships. At Forest City Ratner Companies in New York, he rose through the ranks to become Senior Vice President of Development, overseeing multi-phase urban redevelopment initiatives across the Tri-State area. His leadership on a $1 billion mixed-use project—featuring over 1.3 million square feet of retail, office, hotel, and residential space—solidified his reputation as a master orchestrator of scale, stakeholder alignment, and architectural innovation.
Transitioning to Starwood Wasserman, John took on the role of Director of Development, where he guided a $100 million portfolio of new retail and office projects. Here, he honed his skills in full-cycle development management, establishing himself as a strategic liaison between design intent and commercial viability. His ability to marry market intelligence with physical planning would become a defining trait in his later roles.
In 2011, John joined General Growth Properties (GGP), which would later become part of Brookfield Properties. Over a span of 12 years, John ascended to the role of Executive Vice President of Construction, Design, and Development Administration, directly overseeing $3 billion in development and redevelopment initiatives nationwide. He led the successful delivery of Brookfield’s final major mall project—a $600 million, class-A development in Connecticut—on time and on budget, despite market headwinds and operational complexities.
At Brookfield, John led a high-performing team responsible for capital deployment, tenant coordination, cost control, and design strategy across the company’s retail portfolio. Under his leadership, the team delivered over 60 projects with exceptional yield-on-cost performance, maintaining a less than 1% variance from investment proformas. His strategic vision resulted in the adaptive reuse of over 45 vacant anchor boxes into vibrant new spaces, breathing life into legacy retail assets and enhancing long-term value.
John’s commitment to excellence extends beyond financial performance. He consistently fosters collaborative, cross-functional teams, and believes in mentorship as a tool for empowering the next generation of industry leaders. Whether guiding design teams through feasibility studies or leading litigation coordination efforts, his ability to synthesize legal, design, and operational imperatives has consistently driven successful outcomes in high-stakes environments.
Beyond his executive roles, John remains deeply connected to the academic and civic aspects of the industry. He served as a guest design critic for Rhode Island School of Design’s “Future of Malls” studio and contributed as a board member for the Kenilworth, IL Building Review Commission. These engagements reflect his passion for community building, thoughtful urban design, and the evolving dynamics of retail and mixed-use spaces.
Today, as the Founder of North & South Real Estate Holdings, LLC, John brings his decades of leadership experience to entrepreneurial ventures. Based in Narragansett, Rhode Island, he continues to explore innovative development opportunities, consult on strategic construction initiatives, and lend his seasoned perspective to projects that require both bold vision and disciplined execution. His entrepreneurial move is not a pivot but a natural evolution—a platform through which he extends his lifelong mission of shaping spaces that matter.
John’s professional life is complemented by personal passions for skiing and design, pursuits that mirror his love for dynamic environments and thoughtful craftsmanship. Whether navigating the peaks of the Rockies or blueprinting a complex development, John approaches every endeavor with clarity, precision, and an unshakeable drive to build something meaningful.
Character:
John exemplifies integrity and resilience, consistently taking ownership of high-stakes projects and leading with a sense of responsibility and purpose. His career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to ethical leadership and his ability to motivate teams through trust and example.
Knowledge:
With advanced degrees from Columbia and RISD, John’s technical and financial literacy is matched by his experiential depth across construction, development, and design. He combines academic rigor with on-the-ground insight, making him a uniquely versatile and informed leader.
Strategic:
John’s portfolio reflects a strategic mind adept at aligning real estate investments with long-term business goals. He brings foresight and structure to every initiative, ensuring that each project aligns with market trends, stakeholder interests, and sustainable growth.
Communication:
A natural storyteller and persuasive leader, John bridges diverse disciplines and personalities to bring shared visions to life. Whether speaking to boards, communities, or construction crews, he communicates with clarity, empathy, and the ability to inspire action.
