Bricks & More: Unlocking Real Estate Value

How can better architecture create more value in real estate, while also delivering better homes, stronger communities and more resilient places?

In this episode of Bricks & More, host Adrian Strittmatter sits down with Jay Morton, director at award-winning architecture practice Bell Phillips, founder of Architects for Change and President Elect of RIBA, to explore the changing role of architecture and how design can unlock long-term value across the built environment.

Jay shares her perspective on how architects can create value beyond the design of individual buildings. Considering masterplanning and placemaking, as well as the long-term stewardship of places, Jay explains why good design does not necessarily mean higher costs. Architects can work within increasingly complex constraints, and this episode examines why creating places that people use and enjoy should be central to the way we think about real estate value.

Adrian and Jay also explore:

• Why architecture should be understood as a way of creating long-term value, rather than simply designing buildings
• How good design can deliver more value without necessarily increasing costs
• Why architects need to understand construction and the wider development process to become part of the solution rather than simply responding to constraints
• How investment in regional cities and existing transport hubs could unlock development capacity and create new centres of economic growth across the UK.
• Jay's experience designing social housing in Newham, and affordability and access to housing are fundamentally connected to the economics of real estate 
• The impact AI could have on the architectural profession and whether it could allow architects to reclaim some of the roles and agency that have moved to other consultants.
• Why collaboration across the built environment sector is essential to delivering better housing, infrastructure, workplaces and public spaces

Whether it’s the economics of good design and affordable housing or the future of architecture and sustainable construction, this episode explores how design can generate real estate value that lasts well beyond the completion of a building. Taking an in-depth look at the architects’ role of creating community spaces, this episode of Bricks & More proves just how important the built environment is in shaping and maintaining the places it creates. 

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How are branded residences changing the landscape to become one of real estate’s fastest-growing sectors?

In this episode of Bricks & More, host Adrian Strittmatter sits down with Riyan Itani, founder of Global Branded Residences (GBR), to explore the rapid growth of branded residential real estate and why developers, investors and buyers are increasingly drawn to the combination of property, hospitality and lifestyle.

Riyan shares his perspective on the evolution of branded residences, from a niche concept that emerged in the US nearly a century ago to a global sector with hundreds of developments operating and thousands more in the pipeline. He explains the economics behind the model, why branded residences can command significant sales premiums, and how trust, service and brand affiliation are reshaping the way buyers think about residential property.

Adrian and Riyan explore:

• Why branded residences have grown so rapidly, and the economics driving developers, operators and buyers into the sector.
• How branded residences can command significant premiums over non-branded residential property, and why those premiums can translate into stronger value retention.
• Why independence and objectivity matter when advising developers on brand selection, pricing and strategy.
• How brands create confidence for buyers through quality standards, due diligence, service and operational expertise.
• The different motivations behind branded residence purchases, from investment and rental yield to trophy purchases and emotional brand affiliation.
• Why buyers are increasingly purchasing a lifestyle rather than simply a property, and how personalised service, amenities and community contribute to the experience.
• The story behind the Mandarin Oriental Residences in Barcelona and how the first branded residence in a market can unlock previously untapped demand.
• Why standalone branded residences are becoming an increasingly important part of the sector, and why they could eventually rival hotel-integrated developments.
• How branded residences are expanding geographically, with Europe emerging as a major growth market alongside new opportunities across Central and Eastern Europe.
• Riyan's advice for developers entering the sector: take advice, don't make assumptions, and understand that anything valuable takes time.

From the economics of brand premiums and the psychology of consumer trust to the future of standalone residences and the expansion of the sector across Europe, this episode offers a detailed look at why branded residences are becoming an increasingly important force in global real estate, and what developers need to understand before entering the market.

What does it take to build a resilient real estate portfolio in an increasingly uncertain market?

In this episode of Bricks & More, host Adrian Strittmatter sits down with Rory Morrison, Managing Director and Head of Core Strategies Europe at PGIM, to explore how institutional investors are navigating faster market cycles and increasing operational complexity.

Rory shares his perspective on how the definition of ‘core’ real estate is changing, why investors need to balance resilience with the ability to adapt, and how global insight combined with local market knowledge can unlock long-term value, and explains why successful real estate investing is ultimately about understanding the people who consume real estate. 

Adrian and Rory explore:

• Why real estate cycles appear to be getting faster, and how investors can navigate increasing market volatility.
• The evolution of ‘core’ investing and why dynamic core is about protecting against risk rather than simply taking on more of it.
• How institutional investors can use global data and experience while remaining sensitive to local market differences across Europe.
• Why UK single-family housing can deliver both attractive investment returns and meaningful social value.
• How ESG and climate resilience have become fundamental to protecting real estate value rather than simply creating a ‘green premium’.
• The story behind Manchester Fort and how an underloved retail park became an example of resilient, essential-needs real estate.
• Rory's advice for the next generation entering real estate: why building and maintaining a strong professional network matters.

From portfolio strategy and market cycles to the changing needs of real estate consumers, this episode offers a detailed look at how institutional investors can build portfolios that remain relevant, resilient and capable of generating value through uncertainty.

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Head of Core Strategies Europe

Traditional office leasing is evolving. Could managed workspaces be the future of office leasing? 

In this episode of Bricks & More, host Adrian Strittmatter sits down with Oliver Jay, Director at Beem Real Estate, to discuss how occupier expectations are reshaping the commercial office market. Tenants no longer want the headache of managing a building, and flexibility and hospitality have become key drivers of demand.

Oliver pulls back the curtain on the evolution of the office market, explaining why managed workspaces are creating better outcomes for both landlords and tenants. He shares his vision for the future of office buildings, the growing role of technology in office leasing, and why transparency and trust are essential to delivering successful managed workspace solutions. 

Adrian and Oliver explore:

• The three categories of office space: from the blank canvas, to fitted and furnished, and true managed workspaces.
• How managed workspaces remove the operational burden of maintenance and day-to-day management for occupiers.
• Why the future of commercial real estate may lie in the ‘Perfect Building’, a mix of serviced, managed, fitted, and traditional office spaces.
• How landlords can use Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to deliver better occupier experiences and unlock new opportunities.
• Why Oliver Jay launched Beem Real Estate and how technology is helping transform the way managed workspaces are marketed and brought to market.

Whether you want to understand how modern companies are choosing their spaces or how landlords can future-proof their buildings, this episode offers practical insights into one of the industry's biggest shifts.

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Co-founder of Beem Real Estate

In this episode of Bricks & More, host Adrian Strittmatter sits down with Jonathan Mount, Co-Founder and CEO of Project London, to explore the ever-changing luxury residential markets of London and Dubai and the trends shaping high-end design, development, and project delivery.

Jonathan discusses his property industry journey, from early estate agency experience to founding Project London. He details how these roles shaped his understanding of market dynamics and client needs, informing his consultancy's approach to luxury architecture, design, and project management.

Adrian and Jonathan also explore:

• Essential transparency in luxury residential development
• Client benefits of open-book procurement and competitive tendering
• International buyers demanding accountability and value
• Shift toward understated luxury and timeless design
• Rise of wellness-focused living and biophilic design
• Longevity through the use of natural materials
• The critical role of lighting in home experiences
• Bespoke joinery and detailing for functionality and aesthetics

Jonathan also discusses how luxury residential design is evolving beyond aesthetics alone, with homeowners increasingly prioritising comfort, wellbeing, and personalised living environments. He highlights the importance of thoughtful planning, collaboration, and craftsmanship in creating homes that not only look exceptional but also stand the test of time.

The episode provides critical insights for stakeholders aiming to optimize value in high-end residential projects. Spanning design innovation to market trends, the discussion examines the future of luxury living in London and Dubai.

Tune in to discover how luxury residential design is evolving in London and Dubai, why transparency is becoming a key differentiator, and what it takes to create truly exceptional homes in today's competitive market.

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mount-93b05816/Co-Founder & CEO at Project London

La Résilience par le Design : Repenser la Valeur Immobilière dans un Monde Sous Pression

Dans cet épisode spécial Paris de Bricks & More, Adrian Strittmatter reçoit Antoine Habillat, fondateur d’ORFEO, pour une conversation approfondie sur la manière dont le design, la stratégie et l’exécution peuvent renforcer la résilience des actifs immobiliers dans un marché de plus en plus complexe.

Dans un contexte marqué par la hausse des coûts, les mutations des usages, les nouvelles exigences ESG et l’incertitude économique, Antoine explique pourquoi la création de valeur ne repose plus uniquement sur l’emplacement ou le capital, mais sur la capacité d’un actif à s’adapter, durer et rester performant dans le temps.

À travers son expérience sur certains des projets tertiaires les plus exigeants à Paris, Antoine partage une vision pragmatique et opérationnelle de la résilience immobilière — où chaque décision de conception, de programmation ou d’investissement doit contribuer à rendre les bâtiments plus flexibles, désirables et pérennes.

Adrian et Antoine explorent notamment :

• Pourquoi la résilience est devenue le nouveau moteur de création de valeur
• Comment concevoir des actifs capables de s’adapter aux évolutions du marché
• Le rôle croissant de l’expérience utilisateur dans la performance immobilière
• Pourquoi l’hôtellerie devient une référence pour les bureaux de demain
• Comment éviter les “gadgets” technologiques pour privilégier les solutions durables et utiles
• L’évolution du rôle des asset managers face à des actifs de plus en plus complexes
• Les limites du “value-add” dans un marché dominé par le capital institutionnel
• Pourquoi la valeur réelle d’un immeuble se mesure désormais à sa capacité à attirer et retenir les locataires

Antoine partage également sa vision sur la manière dont investisseurs, développeurs et utilisateurs doivent collaborer plus étroitement pour créer des projets plus intelligents, plus robustes et mieux alignés avec les attentes futures des villes et des occupants.

Un épisode essentiel pour tous ceux qui s’intéressent à l’avenir de l’immobilier, à la création de valeur long terme et à la résilience par le design.

🎧 Écoutez maintenant ce nouvel épisode de Bricks & More.

Antoine sur LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoine-habillat-a95743/

ORFEO: https://www.orfeo-developpement.fr/ 

Adrian sur LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianstrittmatter 

Saentys: https://saentys.com/ 

Dans cet épisode spécial Paris de Bricks & More, Adrian Strittmatter reçoit Charles Ragons, Directeur Général – Pôle Immobilier chez Praemia, pour une conversation approfondie sur l’évolution de la création de valeur dans l’immobilier tertiaire.

Alors que les attentes des utilisateurs, les contraintes ESG, les coûts de transformation et les nouvelles façons de travailler redessinent le marché, une question devient centrale :
👉 Qu’est-ce qui rend aujourd’hui un actif réellement désirable ?

Charles partage une vision rare de l’immobilier, nourrie par plus de 20 ans d’expérience en tant qu’investisseur, asset manager, conseil et utilisateur final. Ensemble, ils explorent pourquoi la valeur ne repose plus uniquement sur la localisation ou la qualité technique d’un immeuble, mais de plus en plus sur sa capacité à créer de l’attraction, de l’usage et de l’engagement.

Dans cet épisode, Adrian et Charles abordent notamment :

• Pourquoi la désirabilité devient un moteur clé de la valeur immobilière
• L’évolution des attentes des utilisateurs de bureaux
• Comment ESG et performance économique sont désormais liés
• Pourquoi l’asset manager devient un véritable “chef d’orchestre”
• Le rôle de l’expérience utilisateur dans la performance des actifs
• La nécessité de penser les immeubles comme des produits et non plus uniquement comme des surfaces
• L’importance de la flexibilité, de l’usage et de l’hospitalité dans les bureaux de demain

Charles explique également comment Praemia anticipe les mutations du marché à travers une approche paneuropéenne et multi-actifs, en combinant vision long terme, proximité terrain et compréhension fine des usages.

Un épisode sur la transformation profonde du bureau, la montée en puissance de l’expérience utilisateur, et la manière dont la désirabilité devient aujourd’hui un levier essentiel de performance, de résilience et de création de valeur.

🎧 Écoutez maintenant ce nouvel épisode de Bricks & More.

The Future of European Real Estate: ESG, Mixed-Use Growth, Flight to Quality & the New Office Standard

In this Paris special of Bricks & More, host Adrian Strittmatter sits down with  Marc Fauchille, a senior executive at LaSalle Investment Management, to explore the rapidly evolving European real estate landscape and what it takes to create value in today’s market.

Marc emphasises that traditional value drivers (location, quality) are insufficient. Adaptability, sustainability, and tenant experience now shape European investment and development. Post-COVID, occupier expectations shifted permanently, increasing demand for flexible workspaces, strong ESG performance, and digitally enabled buildings. The discussion also focuses on the ongoing "flight to quality," where investors and tenants prioritise best-in-class assets in core European cities like Paris.

Adrian and Marc also explore:

- Why adaptability and tenant experience now matter as much as location

- The long-term impact of hybrid work on office design and demand

- How ESG has become a core requirement for attracting capital and occupiers

- The rise of mixed-use developments blending office, retail, and residential space

- Why prime European cities continue to outperform secondary markets

- How digital infrastructure is reshaping expectations of modern buildings

Marc grounds these themes with a detailed case study: Bergère Paris, a LaSalle Investment Management refurbishment. He details how the project combined heritage architecture with modern sustainability, smart systems, wellness amenities, and flexible offices to create a future-ready Paris workspace. This acts as an example of repositioning existing assets over new development, demonstrating how thoughtful redevelopment unlocks long-term value and attracts high-quality tenants.

Throughout the episode, Adrian and Marc reflect on what these shifts mean for investors, developers, and occupiers navigating an increasingly complex market. Tune in to discover a clear view of how European real estate is being reshaped by ESG, technology, and changing workplace expectations and what it takes to stay ahead.

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Website: https://www.lasalle.com/

The Future of European Offices: ESG, Hybrid Work & the Flight to Quality

In this Paris special episode of Bricks & More, host Adrian Strittmatter sits down with Emilie Jaskula, Head of European Real Estate Research at BNP Paribas Asset Management, to explore the rapidly evolving European office market and the forces reshaping real estate investment across the continent.

Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience, Emilie breaks down how macroeconomic shifts (including rising interest rates, inflation, and geopolitical uncertainty) have fundamentally altered office market dynamics. She also explains how the post-pandemic shift to hybrid and remote work has forced landlords and investors to rethink traditional office strategies and reposition assets around flexibility, experience, and long-term resilience.

Adrian and Emilie also explore:

- The long-term impact of hybrid and remote work on office demand

- Why ESG has become a core driver of value, not just a compliance exercise

-  The shift from a traditional B2B leasing model to a more tenant-focused, B2C mindset

- The growing polarisation between prime assets and secondary/tertiary offices

- The risks of obsolescence in outdated, inefficient buildings

- How digitalisation and smart building technologies are reshaping asset management and performance

Emilie also highlights the continued strength of prime offices in key European cities such as Paris, London, and Frankfurt, where demand remains resilient for high-quality, well-located, and future-proofed space. She discusses how landlords are now expected to deliver more than just square metres; prioritising wellness, community, sustainability, and user experience.

Despite ongoing disruption, Emilie challenges the “office is dead” narrative, arguing that offices remain essential but are becoming more selective, experience-driven, and performance-focused than ever before.

Tune in to discover how Europe’s office market is being reshaped by ESG, technology, and changing work patterns and what it takes to succeed in the next era of real estate investment.

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The Rise of Smart Buildings: Digital Twins and the Future of Real Estate

In this episode of Bricks & More, host Adrian Strittmatter sits down with Dan Drogman, CEO of Smart Spaces, to explore the rapid evolution of proptech and how digital twin technology is reshaping the real estate industry.

Dan shares his journey from early work in web design and development to building one of the leading smart building platforms, explaining how his technical foundation helped him pioneer solutions that enhance tenant engagement, improve operational efficiency, and drive asset value for property owners.

Adrian and Dan also explore:

- The challenges of new technology in a traditionally conservative industry

- Integrating modern platforms with legacy building systems

- Designing tools that encourage daily engagement from tenants, landlords, and property managers

- Using smart tech for access control, energy management, and personalised tenant experiences

- Leveraging data insights to improve decision-making/building performance

Dan also discusses global trends shaping the market, including the rising demand for flexible, sustainable, and tech-enabled workspaces. He explains how smart building technology is becoming more accessible across all property types, not just premium developments,and why digital twins are key to creating responsive, data-driven environments.

Tune in to discover how smart building platforms are transforming real estate, delivering not only efficiency and cost savings, but also healthier, more engaging, and future-ready spaces for everyone.

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