Can you tell us a bit about your background and how it shaped your career?

My background in both construction and real estate has proved invaluable in my property development journey, as the combination of these experiences has provided me with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that are essential in this field. My real estate experience has given me a comprehensive understanding of the market, property values, sales trends, and transactions from a legal perspective. On the other hand, my construction experience has provided me with practical knowledge of the construction process which combined with the real estate experience has been a great advantage in my developer career. Overall, my experiences in construction and real estate have allowed me to approach property development with a unique perspective that enables me to create exceptional projects that meet the needs of all stakeholders involved.

What do you look for in a site?

When looking at a potential site one the main factors I look for is what scheme I could develop that will fulfil the future growth and demand for that area. Additional factors include the location and accessibility of the site, developability, the proximity to infrastructure such as utilities and amenities. These are the main factors I consider before deciding whether the potential development site is viable.

How do you deal with challenges you face when delivering projects?

To ensure successful project delivery, I draw on my extensive experience, expertise, and available resources. I co llaborate closely with both in-house and external consultants and experts to effectively identify and mitigate any potential concerns. Together, we develop comprehensive plans that address every aspect of the project, allowing for a smooth and seamless execution.

What separates Factor from other developers?

Factor stands out compared to the other developers as we combine a clear vision, deep marketing knowledge, strong project management skills and a commitment to building strong relationships to deliver outstanding projects that create value for all stakeholders. 

With building knowledge gained from running a construction company and holding invaluable real estate experience, I bring a unique perspective to property development. My extensive knowledge of the local real estate market allows me to smoothly navigate emerging trends and prospects in property development.. This allows me to stay ahead of the competition and deliver projects that meet the evolving needs of my buyers. My clear vision for each project guides every aspect of the development process. To ensure successful project delivery, I have an in-house team with strong project management skills who are committed to delivering projects on time, within budget, and to a high standard of quality. At the same time, I prioritise transparency, integrity, and open communication to build trust and long-term relationships with my buyers and partners.

What drives you/what are your core values?

Drivers
My driving force in life is to make a positive impact and leave a lasting legacy. One of my main motivators is having the opportunity to support children with ADHD, a condition that can often be misunderstood and overlooked. To achieve this, I aspire to start a charity that will allow me to contribute funds towards providing education, resources, and support to these children. Ultimately, my goal is to open a school that caters to the needs of children with ADHD and ASD, giving them the opportunity to receive an education that takes into account their unique challenges. I believe that this will not only benefit these children but also have a positive impact on their families and the community as a whole.

Core Values
My approach to property development is shaped by a deep commitment to delivering high-quality projects that create value for all stakeholders involved. I believe in acting with integrity and honesty, and prioritise maintaining open communication with clients and partners throughout the development process. I prioritise creating sustainable and socially responsible projects that positively impact the community. 

What is your investment philosophy?

As a value investor, my approach centers on identifying dislocations or mispricings in assets across different markets. These dislocations often arise from market inefficiencies, which vary by asset class. For instance, in equities, opportunities may stem from spin-offs or bankruptcies, while in debt markets, regulatory changes or lender preferences may be the source of mispricings. In real estate, dislocations can often be found in regional markets, zoning changes, or emerging demand for new types of development, such as industrial properties. Ultimately, my goal is to take advantage of these inefficiencies to uncover undervalued assets with strong potential for long-term growth.

How do you think about risk mitigation in real estate projects?

When it comes to risk mitigation in real estate projects, it is important to approach each project with a sound strategy. This involves conducting thorough due diligence on the property, understanding the local real estate market, and carefully managing the construction process.

To minimize risk, it's important to avoid being swayed by fads or trends, which can lead to investing in overvalued properties. Instead, we focus on identifying properties with long-term potential that are undervalued or have a solid track record of profitability.

Another key component of risk mitigation is managing the construction process efficiently. This involves value engineering to ensure that the construction process is optimised for maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness, as well as working with experienced contractors and subcontractors who have a proven track record of delivering quality work on time and within budget.

Ultimately, successful risk mitigation in real estate projects requires a disciplined approach to investment, a thorough understanding of the local market, and a commitment to finding creative solutions to potential challenges.

You’ve worked in some pretty diverse places. How has that shaped your career?

Working in diverse places has greatly impacted my career. Exposure to different cultures has allowed me to develop a deeper appreciation for cultural differences and recognize the fundamental similarities that exist between people, irrespective of their background. This has had a significant influence on my worldview, and how I approach the business world. By understanding the core similarities between people, I am better positioned to meet their needs and provide relevant solutions. Stop fucking my shit up, Aaron. Beat it

What motivates you?

I am motivated by the opportunity to see a project through from start to finish. Real estate development projects can be complex to keep all moving parts on track- ensuring the projects stays on schedule, within the feasible budget, and meets the needs of the growing demand. I find property development to be an incredibly rewarding experience as I enjoy seeing the project come to life.

What do you find most interesting about real estate and property development?

For me, the most interesting part of real estate and property development is having the opportunity to make a positive impact on the communities where our projects are located. By creating attractive and sustainable developments to provide much needed housing and commercial spaces. Furthermore, the opportunities to collaborate not only with clients but other professionals in the industry to expand my knowledge across a range of fields.

What are your guiding principles?

Adaptability: Being able to adapt and react well to change and commit to innovative practices. Today's social movements, economic changes and population growth are constantly changing therefore being able to adapt to this is one of the most important principles and values to uphold to produce high quality work on a regular basis.

Emphasising quality & Efficiency: I strive to create work that exceeds expectations whilst meeting the scheduled deadlines. By emphasising quality it improves our reputation by ensuring we are producing high quality deliverables

What architectural style best defines you?

An architectural style that best defines me would be Contemporary Architecture. I appreciate the clean lines, minimalist aesthetic, and focus on function and form. Contemporary architecture responds to the needs of modern society and reflects the cultural and social values of the time. When it comes to design I like to approach projects with innovation, creativity and practicality.

Who are some of the architects you follow?

Some architects that I follow include Richards & Spence, Studio Snell, and Chenchow Little Architects. Their methods highlight simple elements whether its materiality, light or space, turning these concepts into sculptural forms and carefully crafted details throughout their projects.

What types of projects do you like designing the most (residential, commercial, industrial)? Why?

I enjoy designing commercial projects the most. In particular the process of space planning, material selection, color schemes that reflect the brief. When designing commercial projects there is an emphasis developing functional spaces that meet business objectives, brand identity, and target audience. It challenges my way of design thinking and provides solutions that include elements of accessibility and sustainability that span across a wider community.