Douglas Durst is a member of the third generation to run The Durst Organization, one of New York City's most respected real estate developers, owners and management companies and one of the originators of the Green Building Movement. Founded in 1915 by Douglas' grandfather Joseph Durst, The Durst Organization have been responsible over the last 95 years for transforming the skyline of midtown Manhattan. Beginning in the late 1950s, The Durst Organization began to develop office buildings along the Third Avenue corridor from 42nd Street north to 50th Street. When Douglas joined the firm in 1970, it was at the start of their Westside development, which resulted in another three office buildings along The Avenue of the Americas. Under the leadership of Douglas, The Durst Organization became the catalyst for large-scale office development of the "New Times Square" with the completion of 4 Times Square at 42nd Street and Broadway. 4 Times Square is the first speculative office building that incorporated environmentally responsible design and building practices. Today, The Durst Organization is building the Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park, which will be the most environmentally advanced office tower in the world.

Douglas was born in New York City in 1944. He graduated from the Fieldston School in 1962 and the University of California at Berkeley in 1966 where he studied economics and learned civil disobedience. Returning to New York in 1967, he married Susanne with whom he has three children: Anita, Alexander, and Helena. After two years of study at the Urban Studies Program at New York University he joined The Durst Organization learning the business from his father Seymour and his two uncles, Roy and David.

Douglas is a Director of the Real Estate Board of New York, The Landmarks Conservancy, The New School, The Municipal Art Society and Project for Public Spaces. He is also the co-chair of Friends of the Hudson River Park and has been involved with the theatrical arts for many years and is a member of the Board of Directors of The Roundabout Theater, Primary Stages and The Town Hall. Along with other family members, he is a trustee of The Old York Foundation, founded by his father, which is committed to helping people through education understand the history and issues facing New York City. In 1999, they donated his father's vast collection of books and materials to The Graduate Center of the City of New York. This gift established The Seymour B. Durst Reading Room and Library and endowed the collection to provide for funds to encourage the development of scholarly research and the creation of school curriculum about New York City.

In addition, he has been an environmentalist activist for many years and is part owner of the largest organic farm in New York State. For relaxation he rides horses, bicycles, and skis.

For aggravation, he plays tennis.