Can you tell us about your career journey so far in the property industry?
I always loved buildings, transformation and creating places that people enjoy. After graduating from UCL The Bartlett School of Architecture, I started my career as an architect, being involved in a variety of projects from high-end residential to larger masterplans. While working with clients, I realised that the development aspect of the job started to interest me more. I then did my MBA to make a switch in my career.
While still studying, I joined British Land, rotating around different teams and grasping all aspects of the property sector. I then stayed in the Development Team for five years and was able to work on exciting projects in Central London including some signature schemes like Clarges Mayfair.
I joined Railpen in May 2022, and it excited me that our property team touches on overall fund management, including development, asset management, acquisitions, leasing and strategy – creating a great opportunity to learn and become quite a well-rounded specialist!
What do you think are the main opportunities in the sector this year?
The market is tough, so standing out in quality and user experience is key to securing long-term lettings at high rents. The office sector faces the biggest challenge, but for selective investors like ourselves, this creates a huge opportunity.
Within the Railpen team, we have a lot of knowledge and experience on how to deliver the best cutting-edge office buildings that not only address what our occupiers currently want but also are forward-looking. We work with the best teams and collaborate with a variety of architectural practices to thoughtfully consider every space and place-making detail to create office buildings that truly stand out. With investors having to pull back on projects this year and with us enhancing the quality of our offices, there is a significant opportunity for us to elevate the standard of the new office environments.
How have you seen the industry evolve since you first started your career?
When I started my career, the retail sector was thriving. Shopping was a regular weekend activity, and brands all over the world were expanding, which made high-end styles and fashion affordable. The leisure and F&B sectors were really big, too.
However, Brexit, shopping online, and the pandemic shifted the retail sector completely – I was at a well-known London shopping centre recently, and it was sad to see its key footfall area now at a 50% vacancy. Like offices, with retail, it’s about being the best in what we do and having the appetite and scale to adapt quickly and enhance customer experience. Compared to 10–15 years ago, experiential retail and customer service have become essential to staying competitive.
What advice would you give to a woman starting her career in property?
Keep going, listen to yourself, understand the value you bring and follow your passion for property. From my experience, women excel at overseeing the bigger picture, while also paying close attention to detail. These characteristics are paramount when working in real estate, whether it is investment, development or the lettings aspect of the job.
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