Atlanta's 500 most influential leaders in 2023: real estate

Hedgewood Homes Rural Georgia Retreat

Photograph by Rustic White Architecture & Design

Commercial Contractors

Commercial real estate brokers

Commercial real estate brokers

Real estate brokers

Rural real estate developers

Legends ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

Lucy Aiken-Johnson Founding partner of ai3 Since 2004, Lucy Aiken-Johnson has helped the firm earn more than 40 awards in architecture and interior design. The firm has developed more than 50 restaurants and clubs throughout Atlanta. Lucy Aiken-Johnson also helped create the First Day Workshop, a visioning session designed to listen to clients and imagine possibilities.

Education: Augusta University

Hometown: Tucker, Georgia

Why I chose this job:My fine arts teacher recommended the studio design program at the Augusta School of Architecture. I am fortunate that my passion for storytelling has coincided with this and has become my long-term career.

First job: Chick-fil-A, North DeKalb Mall

Hardest challenge: Being the youngest and only woman in the room.