S2 EP1: Alexandra Houghton

In this episode we talk to Mark Rose, chair and CEO of global real estate advisory firm Avison Young, about his 42-year career and his ambitions to triple the size of the company after it recapitalised this month. Rose discusses growth opportunities around AI and London. He also talks about becoming a CEO at 26 and explains why he took 17 trips around the world before deciding where to launch his next global business. 

In this episode we talk to Bradley Baker, chief executive of central London office developer Co-re, about his 35-year career and biggest deals, such as Swiss Re's move into the Gherkin while he was at Knight Frank. Baker, who moved to Co-re in 2018, also discusses his current role delivering "cutting-edge" offices in the capital, such as the 640,000-square-foot Vista scheme on South Bank, and the prospect of double-digit rental growth in London.

In this episode we talk to Bruntwood chief executive Chris Oglesby about his journey to the top of the Manchester-based property firm, including working with his father and company founder Michael Oglesby, as the business celebrates its 50th anniversary. Chris also discusses his role in evolving the company to bring in investment partners, what he makes of Andy Burnham's Number 10 North and why this year's Budget is crucial for business rates.

In this episode we talk to Fred Schwass, General Projects chief development officer, about his unusual pathway into commercial real estate development via the New York fashion scene and how he landed his first role at Faena Hotels. Fred explains his decision to return to Europe a decade ago to become the first employee at London-based General Projects, and describes his work since restoring heritage buildings across the capital, including JD.com's new UK office headquarters.

In this episode we speak to Ker Gilchrist, head of investment management UK at Patrizia, about his more than 30-year career in property and the importance of developing strong relationships with colleagues and clients. Gilchrist talks about cutting his teeth at some of the world's largest real estate consultancies, before "moving client side" more than a decade ago. He also discusses his current role, where he looks closely at risk, and what is needed for core capital to return to the market.

In this episode we speak to Kelly Cleveland, British Land's head of real estate and investment, about her more than 20-year property career and the REIT's conviction in London office campuses. She also explains why AI firms' growing need for space is an 'absolute positive' for the capital, and talks through its assembly of a £3 billion retail park empire.

In this episode we talk to Andy McBain, senior vice-president at the British Council for Offices, about his journey from office products to projects over a more than two-decade-long career in the sector. Andy also unpacks his key takeaways from the BCO's annual conference and explores the rise of experience-led offices.

In this episode we speak to Lesley Davison, managing director of capital markets at real estate asset management firm Delancey, about her work on acquiring the London Olympic Village for redevelopment and how she would use AI to fix the 'planning logjam'. Davison also talks about returning to the business where she 'grew up' and rocking out with property colleagues.

In this episode we speak to Jesal and Nilesh Patel, brothers and principals at commercial property firm Prideview Group, about the advantages of working as a family and the group's expansion into a Marylebone office this year. They also preview the business's charity cricket tournament, where teams will be play alongside former pros, such as Ashes-winning England captain Michael Vaughan.

In this episode we speak to Alexandra Houghton, head of commercial at Carter Jonas, about her career advising local authorities and central government on their property portfolios and how she balanced a full-time career with competing at world triathlon championships. She also reviews this year's UKREiiF conference amid all the political goings-on and talks about brushing shoulders with George Clooney.