The design and build firm’s founder and managing director on the challenges that followed the acquisition of their first site, why it is important to keep moving and why you need to network even when you don’t want to
Why did you choose construction as a career?
I have always been fascinated by the built environment and the creative impact development can have on shaping our surroundings. Even as a teenager, I was writing development appraisals and pitching them to my parents! That desire to influence and improve the spaces we live and work in never really left me.
What are you most proud of in your career to date?
Maintaining a 100% sell-out record on all projects to date, at record prices for their locations. Beyond the commercial success, it is incredibly rewarding to see consumers share the same passion we have for the product.
What has been the biggest challenge of your career to date?
Navigating the combined impact of the pandemic, Brexit and the Ukraine conflict just months after acquiring our first site. It completely changed the project’s cost and timeline, but our belief in the product – and the market’s response – saw us through.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
The planning system. It is overly complex and has become a real barrier to delivering much-needed housing. Other global cities have shown how more rationalised, flexible systems can deliver high-quality homes at pace.
What is the most helpful advice that you have been given?
Keep moving forward. It was something my late mother used to say, and it resonates deeply in both business and life – adapting to change, staying relevant, and staying positive, even when the market is tough.
Name your favourite building in the world?
The M+ museum in Hong Kong.
Which famous building do you most dislike?
The MI6 headquarters round the corner from our office is pretty horrendous
Which famous building do you wish you had worked on?
Bosco Verticale in Milan. The ingenuity is remarkable. A perfect demonstration of balancing progressive environmental design with aesthetics.
What single piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your profession?
Network, network, network. Even if it doesn’t come naturally, the relationships you build and nurture will open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Who do you most admire in the construction industry?
People who truly innovate, who aren’t afraid to challenge established norms in design, delivery or sustainability.
What is it like being you (and doing your job)?
It’s a constant balancing act between creativity, commerciality and problem-solving. No two days are the same, which keeps it exciting. Add two very young children into the mix, and “busy” doesn’t even begin to cover it!
Do you have a life philosophy?
Keep moving forward. Stay adaptable, stay positive and never stop learning.
What do you think your best quality is?
Resilience, especially when facing unexpected challenges.
What trait do you most dislike in yourself? And in other people?
Imposter syndrome. Entitlement
Name three things that you like
Family time, being by the sea, and seeing a project vision come to life.
Tell us about a secret skill that we don’t know you have
My wife and kids would say it is my lasagne!
What is your most prized possession?
My family.
Early bird or night owl?
Definitely early bird. I struggle to function post mid-afternoon!
What is your favourite food?
Anything Greek.
What would your superpower be?
Being able to pause time.
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