Uri Kaufman is the CEO of Harmony Group, a commercial real estate investment and development firm based in Albany, New York. He founded Harmony Group to align his passion for historic preservation with a mission to bring renewed purpose to overlooked communities. His work focuses on transforming aging industrial structures into residential spaces that preserve their original architectural significance while fostering lasting neighborhood revitalization.

Working alongside Uri's business partner, Ira Schwartz, he has built a strong reputation for identifying undervalued properties, transforming distressed assets, and successfully executing complex development projects nationwide. Their combined efforts reflect a thoughtful and practical approach to redevelopment that balances preservation, functionality, and long-term value.

Kaufman began his career as an attorney in Long Island after earning his law degree with honors from New York University School of Law in 1989. After being dismissed from a legal position, he shifted his focus to real estate. He saw a great opportunity in Upstate New York, where many historic buildings were underutilized but ideal for adaptive reuse. His vision involved preserving architectural elements while creating modern residential lofts.

This idea led to the formation of the Harmony Group. Since then, Kaufman has led the firm in restoring and repurposing historic buildings, adding contemporary amenities while maintaining character and historical context. His work has earned state and national awards for its impact and quality. He is recognized for his ability to coordinate with stakeholders, secure historic tax credits, and ensure union labor is part of each project. His developments are often delivered on schedule and in full compliance with regulatory requirements.

In addition to his work in real estate, Kaufman is also an author. In April 2025, he published American Intifada: Israel, the Gaza War and the New Antisemitism, which explores shifting political attitudes toward Israel. In 2023, he released Eighteen Days in October: The Yom Kippur War and How It Created the Modern Middle East. The book is the culmination of over two decades of research, which included visits to battlefields, interviews with veterans, and an extensive study of declassified materials. He worked with researchers to translate documents from Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, and German. The book received positive reviews from major publications and public figures.

His writing has also appeared in Foreign Affairs, Newsweek, The Jerusalem Post, and The Independent. Kaufman completed his undergraduate studies at Queens College (CUNY), attending classes at night while working. He currently resides in Lawrence, Nassau County, Long Island, with his family. In his free time, he enjoys biking, playing hockey, and reading.

Uri Kaufman remains committed to historic preservation, community revitalization, and the continued pursuit of thoughtful research through his work in real estate and writing.