The Developers: Commercial Real Estate Developer Interviews

How did a young property developer create the leading media brand for Australia’s property development industry?And - at the same time – start an acclaimed property development business?That’s the story of Adam Di Marco.He’s the co-founder of The Urban Developer which delivers news, events and education to Australia’s property development industry.Media aside, Adam is also the founder of the Di Marco Group which develops design-led apartments in Brisbane.Recent projects include Amersham West End and Perry Lane.In today’s podcast, Adam shares with you how he built his businesses...

Newil & Bau is an acclaimed Helsinki apartment developer. Much loved by the city's smart set, their homes are superby designed. And built to the highest standards. Their projects have included converting an Alvar Aalto-designed office to residential use. And constructing a brand new apartment building designed by the legendary American architect, Steven Holl. In this episode, Newil & Bau founder, Petri Ylivuori, explains how his business works.

How do you develop apartments and town houses that are (truly) sustainable? And which reward the developer with a solid financial return? Ask Liam Wallis. He’s the founder of Hip v Hype, an acclaimed developer who’s boutique-scale developments are dotted around inner Melbourne. In today’s episode, Liam shares with you how he develops. And why his projects are ethical, socially conscious and environmentally focussed...

How do you develop low-key luxury hotels and resorts? And then operate them to astonishingly high standards? To find out, I turned to Arnaud Zannier. Arnaud is the founder of Zannier Hotels which operates five boutique sites across three continents. They’re located in the French Alps, Cambodia, Vietnam and Namibia. And more are on the way. In this conversation, Arnaud reveals how he: Acquires each site. Plans what each site will offer. Oversees the build phase. And ensures day-to-day operations work smoothly. 

How do you develop food halls people love? And help new food entrepreneurs build businesses that thrive? They’re two vital goals for today’s guest. Will Donaldson launched the food hall business, Politan Row, in 2014. Starting with a single site in New Orleans, he has since launched markets in cities across the US. These include Chicago, Miami, Houston and Atlanta. In today’s podcast, Will shares with you how he builds markets that drive massive footfall. And why his operating model helps food entrepreneurs get results.

Can food markets revitalise tired towns and cities? And help them regain a sense of place? According to food market developer, Nick Johnson, the answer is yes. An enthusiast of independent food retail, Nick is the founder of Market Operations. Market Operations has developed three celebrated food markets in the greater Manchester area of England: Altrincham Market, Mackie Mayor and Picturedrome. Prior to entering the food market world, Nick spent decades developing commercial real estate in Manchester. Once the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, by the 1980s, the city was blighted by deindustrialisation. It was at that time that Nick spotted an opportunity to convert Manchester’s charming – but crumbling – 19th Century factories and warehouses into design-led residential, office and retail spaces. In today’s podcast, Nick shares with you how he helped turn Manchester around. And how he develops flourishing independent food markets.

How do you breathe life into an empty site while it awaits re-development? Ask Carl Turner. He’s the founder of celebrated architecture practice, Turner Works. Plus a developer and operator of commercial real estate. Carl’s CRE projects include London’s hit mixed-use developments, Pop Brixton and Peckham Levels. In theory, both projects are temporary as they occupy land slated for redevelopment. As a result, they’re known as ‘meanwhile spaces’. Done well, meanwhile spaces allow a landlord to extract value from a site while figuring out what to do with it long term. Even better, a meanwhile space can reveal the best long-term use for the land it sits on. In today’s interview, Carl explains how he’s turned unused spaces into destinations enjoyed by millions. Listen now and you’ll learn: Why he likes activating public spaces. How he plans, builds and operates meanwhile spaces. How he gets the tenant mix right. How he structures his tenants’ leases and rents. How he creates a buzz that attracts massive footfall. How he’s now applying his understanding of meanwhile spaces to refresh entire towns. And MUCH more…

Can operating your own hotels, bars and restaurants boost the value of your commercial property portfolio? To find out, take a look at design-led property developer, We Are Content. We Are Content owns commercial buildings in the heart of Zurich and Basel. These include apartments, mixed-use buildings and hotels. Some of these are home to We Are Content’s own hospitality businesses. For example, the company operates two celebrated boutique hotels: Zurich’s Helvetia and Basel’s Volkshaus (the latter designed by Herzog & de Meuron). Meanwhile, We Are Content also operates a collection of destination restaurants, cafes and bars. In today’s interview, Leopold Weinberg shares with you how these hospitality businesses work. And how they hike returns on his real estate portfolio. Listen now and you’ll learn: What makes for a successful commercial property development? Why they like owning properties near red light districts. Why they prefer developing older buildings. Why they like to retain long-term ownership of their buildings (rather than flip them). How they got involved with running hotels, restaurants and bars. How they use storytelling to develop and operate their businesses. And MUCH more…

If you're interested in how good design can bring joy to apartment living, you need to meet Michael McCormack. He's co-founder of Melbourne real estate developer, Milieu Property. Started ten years ago, the business has developed a reputation for crafting beautifully conceived apartments. And a cult-like following amongst the creatives who typically own (and occupy) them. Not surprisingly, Milieu’s engaging buildings have also won a string of important architecture and design awards. Property development aside, Milieu has also joined Melbourne's buzzy hospitality scene by opening a collection of celebrated restaurants, cafes and bars. In today’s interview, Michael shares with you how he creates places - and experiences - people love. And how he makes money along the way. Listen now and you’ll learn: Why he likes developing apartments. How he discovers what his customers want. How he acquires the right sites. Why he collaborates with a variety of capital providers, architects and interior designers. How he selects companies to construct his buildings. How his sales and marketing system works. Why he set up a hospitality division. What’s next for apartment living in a post-Covid world. And MUCH more…

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a global network of Michelin-starred restaurants? Or a collection of celebrated hotels? If so, the man to ask is Loh Lik Peng. Peng is the restaurateur, hotelier and property developer behind a slew of iconic restaurants and hotels across Europe and Asia. Most of these form a part of his umbrella organisation, Unlisted Collection. Unlisted Collection operates sites in Singapore, Shanghai, Sydney, London, Dublin and County Kerry in Ireland. And over the past 15 years, the roll-call of chefs he has backed includes legendry names like Andre Chiang, Jason Atherton, Nuno Mendes and Dave Pynt. In today’s conversation, Peng reveals how he operates his property development and hospitality businesses. Listen now and you’ll learn: Why he got into commercial property development. What attracted him to hospitality. How he funds his property developments. Where he spots promising sites that others miss. Why he has spread his businesses across the globe. How he MANAGES a global operation. How he finds and nurtures hospitality talent. And MUCH more…