Alex Weis
Principal & CEO
Alex Weis is the founder and Principal of Matter Real Estate, which he established in 2017 to create a new model of collaboration among like-minded architects, engineers, builders, and other industry professionals. With 19 years of real estate experience, Alex provides strategic guidance and leadership to Matter’s New York City–based clients, overseeing the planning and execution of complex development projects.
Since founding Matter, Alex has delivered real estate advisory and owner’s representation services to a wide range of clients, including Goodwill, Brennan Real Estate, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Academy of the City Charter School, and Seton Education Partners. Alex holds a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation.
Chris D'Amato
Chief Operating Officer
Chris D’Amato is the Chief Operating Officer of Matter Real Estate, where he leads the company’s operations and ensures the team has the systems and tools needed to deliver for clients. He is responsible for making sure the team works effectively, with urgency, and delivers high quality projects. His work provides clients faster responses, cost savings, and excellent buildings.
Chris has more than 15 years of leadership experience building practical systems for staffing, budgeting, and day-to-day operations. At Zeta Schools, he directed the expansion of 450,000 square feet of new space and developed the operational frameworks that supported more than 4,000 students. He began his career as a special education teacher, an experience that shaped his problem-solving approach to leadership.
Chris holds a Master of Education from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Wake Forest University.
Joined September 2025
Matthew Simeone
Project Manager
Matthew provides project management, real estate advisory, and owner representation services for educational and mixed-use projects. Drawing on his background in architecture, design, and construction, he supports clients throughout the project lifecycle, from site due diligence and feasibility through design, permitting, construction, and project closeout. His work includes consultant and contractor coordination, budget and schedule management, design oversight, and construction management.
Prior to joining Matter, Matthew led architecture, design, and construction delivery for TKO, supporting FIFA’s operational readiness for venues throughout North America. Previously, he worked on Ralph Lauren’s Store Development team, where he managed the design and construction of flagship retail stores and hospitality projects across the company’s global portfolio, from site selection through opening. Matthew began his career serving in the Peace Corps in Panama, where he led the development of essential infrastructure projects. Matthew holds a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from Catholic University and a Master of Architecture from the University of Southern California.
Samir Kothari
Samir provides project management, real estate advisory, and owner representation services to our clients. He also contributes to the firm’s strategic goals and business development initiatives. Samir’s track record includes effectively communicating with clients and creating comprehensive reports that help them optimize their real estate portfolios, identify new property opportunities, facilitate lease negotiations, and manage construction projects. Samir supports a diverse clientele, including Amber Charter School, Zeta Charter School, the Connecticut Charter School Association, Cambria Center for the Gifted Child, Goodwill NY/NJ, Seafarers International House, and Manhattan Bible Church. Samir earned his Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Finance from Bryant University and a Master’s degree in Real Estate Development from New York University.
Project Manager
Joined July 2023
Ryan Daniusis
Project Manager
Ryan provides project management, development, advisory, and owner rep services for educational, residential, and commercial projects in the New York metro area. His scope of work spans the full development lifecycle, from site selection and feasibility analysis to construction management and project close-out. He is responsible for coordination, budget management, and financial analysis, ensuring successful execution and client satisfaction.
Prior to joining Matter, Ryan worked as a Development Analyst at Spandrel Development Partners, managing all aspects of residential and hospitality ground up developments throughout the Southeast. Before that, he worked as an Architectural Designer at Arquitectonica Miami, where he project-managed several high-profile luxury developments with a combined projected sales value of over $1 billion. Ryan holds a Master’s degree in Real Estate Finance from New York University and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Miami.
Joined June 2025
Cristina Puno
Cristina provides project management, planning, and owner representation services for commercial, educational, and mixed-use development projects. She supports clients through project planning, design and construction coordination, permitting, budget and schedule tracking, and stakeholder communication to help ensure successful project delivery.
Prior to joining Matter, Cristina worked in development and planning roles supporting residential, mixed-use, and commercial projects in New York City and the Philippines. She holds an Advanced Certificate in Real Estate Development from Fordham University, a Master of Urban Planning from New York University, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Ateneo de Manila University.
Project Associate
Joined July 2026
Amir Levitsky
Business Development Associate
Amir Levitsky is a Business Development Associate at Matter Real Estate, where he leverages his expertise in business management and marketing to drive growth and strengthen client relationships. With a B.S. in Business Management and Marketing and an MBA from Stony Brook University in New York, Amir brings both strategic insight and analytical rigor to his role.
At Matter, he focuses on identifying growth opportunities, conducting market research, and developing strategic business plans tailored to client needs. Known for his patience, consistency, and client-first approach, he strives to create meaningful value and long-term partnerships.
Before joining Matter, Amir gained valuable experience working with teams across the U.S., where he honed his ability to adapt to diverse business challenges and deliver innovative solutions. Today, he combines that broad perspective with his structured, results-driven mindset to help advance Matter’s mission.
Joined September 2025