What was your first job? 

I worked for an Architectural firm in Durban, South Africa as part of my internship and when I graduated I opened my own Architectural Practise specialising in residential alterations, additions and knock down rebuild homes. During this time I also designed around 300 swimming pools.

What does your exact role entail here today?

We currently have multiple commercial developments underway. Generally, my day starts (and quite often finishes) with a site visit to our locally based site, followed by ongoing management of the projects as well as scouting for new developments, running feasibility studies and researching projects, preparing reports, and analysing options. Our service is fully encompassing so we cover all aspect of the projects we manage from finding suitable sites to handing over completed products to end users, and this includes acting as WHO officer and Site Superintendent on them which means constant inspections and monitoring of the builders, subcontractors and consultants and certifying payments.

When / where did your interest in property start? 

My parents did a big alteration to our family home when I was about 8 years old, and I’ve been interested in building and architecture ever since. I initially studied Electronic Engineering as I intended pursuing a career in Audio Design, and decided to add Architecture to give me exposure to technical drawing and design. The Architect on our family home reno was a good family friend, and I worked for him during a couple of Uni vacations which bolstered my decision to stay in the property development/architecture field rather than going into Audio Design. My decision to stick with Architecture and Built form then led me into property development a few years later and I worked on numerous Golf Estate Developments. I have been fortunate to have lived in several countries and led development teams on iconic multi-billion-dollar projects on 5 continents.

What values or principles have guided you throughout your career? 

Maintain open communications, don’t carry a grudge and be honest to yourself and others. Don’t get involved with office politics!

What is your favourite thing when it comes to helping clients? 

I prefer the delivery side over conceptual side of property development projects, and while it sounds cliched, I believe in under promising and over delivering. Having worked both client and contractor side I understand the needs and expectations of both and make it my mission to ensure good value and quality products and services to both. 

Outside of work, what do you enjoy? 

Playing golf, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and trying to keep relatively fit.