5 minutes with … Milos Halecka at Middlecap

Why did you choose construction as a career?

Before moving into property seven years ago, my whole career had been in technology. The shift was prompted when I met MiddleCap’s head of real estate, Tomáš Jurdák – I was intrigued by the way the industry is always changing. It’s similar to technology in this sense.

What are you most proud of in your career to date?

The fact that I can combine my love for non-tangible things like technologies and data with physical objects, aesthetics and craft. The built environment is the opposite of ephemeral nulls and zeros and I like this contrast. I strongly believe that the ultimate goal of technology is to help us with the biggest challenge of our civilisation: climate change. If I can play a small role in tackling this, my career has meaning.

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

The industry needs to be more agile and embrace technology. We need to use the data that technology provides more strategically. We seem to talk about using technology in our buildings, but the feedback loop is missing: we need to think about what we can learn from using technology effectively and how this can help us to make decisions in the future.

What is the most helpful advice that you have been given?

Choose your battles.

Name your favourite building in the world?

Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. I still cannot fully embrace the sheer genius of the idea of the building, combining thousands of architectural elements with colours, light, imagination, encompassed by a strong spiritual context and inconceivable complexity of construction. A true monument of human imagination.

Which famous building do you wish you had worked on?

Battersea Power Station. Personally, I love the design of industrial buildings in London. Whenever I come here, I run past it. I have followed its evolution very closely and to me it is a once-in-a-life project and fantastic landmark for the city. The way the building was adapted for a more modern use and the level of refurbishment are astonishing. It is also incredibly impressive from an architectural, engineering and technological point of view.

What one piece of advice you would you give to someone starting out in your profession?

Stay committed and focused.

Who do you most admire in the construction industry?

I cannot pinpoint a single person, but I admire the sophistication of the development and construction process. I am still impressed by the level of complexity behind every building – there are so many details to consider for the end product to appear flawless to the outside world.

What is it like being you (and doing your job)?

In my job I am constantly multi-tasking and switching contexts: from purely operational to strategic planning and lots and lots of learning in the middle. The multidisciplinary nature of my role is challenging and thus requires constant focus and self-discipline. It’s hard to maintain but worth it.

Do you have a life philosophy?

No

What do you think your best quality is?

I am a keen learner. People tend to learn less and less as they age but I am still eager to continue to develop.

Name three things that you like

Nature, sport and books.

Tell us about a secret skill that we don’t know you have

It’s secret, so I can’t tell you.

What is your most prized possession?

My road bike.

Early bird or night owl?

Both. Powered by caffeine and long-distance running.

What is your favourite food?

Pasta.

What would your superpower be?

Hiding in plain side.