Ben Richards — Masters degree in Architectural Engineering, founder of Aura Architecture & Interiors, and co-host of the XP Property Podcast — joins us to break down what great design actually does for your numbers.

What we cover:

• What most SME developers still get wrong about architects and design
• The fundamentals that never change, no matter the scale of the project
• Exactly how Aura works with clients — from brief to build
• Whether premium design and interiors genuinely moves GDV, and by how much
• How to select finishes — and how to avoid the "expensive reno, boring result" trap
• A real-world cost and timeline breakdown: rear extension, skylights, kitchen, interiors
• What Ben has learned from XP Property Podcast guests that changed how he operates
• What UK developers should actually be paying attention to right now

Our companies:

• ZEN Stays — £1.1m annual turnover through Serviced Accommodation
• ZEN Properties — £1m+ assets with £500k own equity
• ZEN Properties Podcast — real conversations on building cashflow + wealth through UK real estate

Sponsorship:

• This episode is brought to you by ZEN Properties.
• We develop and convert property across the UK.
• Investors earn 10-15% annual, asset-backed.
• Find out more: zenproperties.uk