Tall Ship Development was founded upon a shared vision by Christopher A. E. Green and John “Jack” Portman III during their tenure at the Portman company, one of the most influential design and development platforms in modern real estate. Having spent decades shaping landmark projects across the United States, Asia, and the Middle East, Green and Portman recognized an opportunity to extend their development philosophy beyond traditional boundaries—creating a dedicated platform focused on delivering ultra-luxury, design-led projects in emerging global markets.
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Their partnership, forged over more than 30 years, was instrumental in bringing to life some of the world’s most iconic mixed-use destinations, luxury hotels, and high-rise residential developments. Rooted in the Portman legacy of integrating architecture, design, and development, Tall Ship Development was established to carry this approach forward with greater agility, global reach, and a singular focus on high-impact opportunities.
From its inception, Tall Ship has maintained a close collaboration with Portman Architects, ensuring that each project reflects a commitment to architectural excellence, innovation, and timeless design. This relationship continues to anchor the firm’s identity, bridging a storied legacy with a forward-looking development strategy.
Today, Tall Ship Development is guided by a seasoned executive team with deep experience across international real estate development, capital markets, construction, and operations. This next generation of leadership builds upon the foundation established by its founders while advancing the company into new markets and asset classes. With a focus on large-scale, design-driven developments, the firm continues to pursue projects that redefine luxury, elevate user experience, and create enduring value for partners and investors worldwide.