Tarit Chaudhuri, is a Residential Broker Associate & Commercial Director for Keller Williams Realty Memorial in Houston.

What was your first job in the real estate industry?
By profession, I am an architect. I am licensed in Texas. When I was working full time as an architect, I started as a part-time Realtor with McLenan Properties (800 Wilcrest, Houston, TX), who is not in business any more. Then in 1992, I started as a full-time Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Memorial. I never left architecture. I started my own company in 2007.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Calcutta, India and came to New York in 1971, after graduating with an architecture degree from the University of Calcutta.

What is your favorite free-time activity?
I love photography, painting, sculpture and most form of creative arts. I also love carpentry. I made many pieces of furniture at home. Other than that, fixing anything from plumbing to electrical at home is my pleasure. Traveling is my most desirable option for vacation.

What do you to do relax when you’re stressed?
When I am stressed, I feel like watching art movies to divert my mind.

Growing up, what did you want to be?
I always wanted to be a developer where I can use my knowledge in architecture and real estate. I also had a Master’s Degree in construction management from Texas A&M University. I graduated in 1983 and worked in that field for some time. That knowledge could also help in my goal for the development industry.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
I wish to have lunch with President Barack Obama. I am mesmerized when he talks.

Where is your favorite place to hang out?
I like to hang out in national art museums.

What do you love the most about the industry?
Real estate is like a living story book of people’s life. It is fascinating in many ways. The residential side reflects the culture and life style of the people, and the commercial side shows how innovative the people could be to generate money.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
Obviously, I am one of the rare breeds who has knowledge and exposures in all three sides of building industry, e.g. architecture, construction management and real estate, plus about 40 years of combined experience. My involvement in any real estate projects involves thinking and analysis of all three subject to come to a conclusion.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Understanding people’s mind when it comes to ethics, professionalism and loyalty.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients?
I meet new clients mostly in social events, trade fairs and plane rides.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishments are my education and training to prepare myself for my clients with strength of knowledge. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Master’s Degree in Construction Management and a CCIM Designation, which respected as a PhD in Commercial Real Estate. I also have licenses in architecture and real estate (Broker) and I completed the certification in Business Brokerage (BCB). Social works are other side of accomplishments in my life.

What was the last good movie you saw or the last good book you read?
The last good movie I saw was “Rain Coat,” which is a classic Indian movie.

What is your favorite restaurant?
My favorite restaurant in Houston is a French restaurant, Le Mistral on Eldridge.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Houston?
Williams Tower in Galleria.

What kind of car do you drive?
Mercedes E 350.

Smartphone or paper?
iPhone 5.

What is your favorite city after Houston?
New York City.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Knowledge, ethics, professionalism for success; loyalty, understanding, endurance for survival.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter?
President Barack Obama.