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Top 10 Challenges in Property Development - Part 8: Design, Sustainability & Value Engineering
In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron delve into the top challenges faced by property developers, focusing on the critical themes of design, sustainability, and value engineering: Building Smart, Not Expensive. They discuss the importance of balancing aesthetic appeal with budget constraints, emphasising the need for effective collaboration between architects and contractors from the outset.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Design and Budget Alignment: Property developers must ensure that architectural designs align with budget constraints from the very beginning.
Collaboration with Architects and Contractors: Developers should involve architects and main contractors in discussions about design and materials early on.
Value Engineering: Value engineering is about optimising design choices to enhance value without compromising quality. It involves making informed decisions about materials and construction methods that can save costs while still meeting design and sustainability goals.
Understanding Market Needs: Developers must be aware of the target market and design properties that meet the needs and preferences of potential buyers.
Sustainability Considerations: As building regulations evolve towards sustainability, developers need to incorporate energy-efficient systems and materials into their designs.
BEST MOMENTS
"Over-design, the silent profit killer. Architects often design for beauty, not budget. Designing for their own portfolios, their own ego."
"Value engineering isn't downgrading. It's optimising and making the best use of what you've got."
"Good design adds value. Overdesign destroys profit."
"You need to be that person who is orchestrating, bringing a QS with you to maybe have a sit-down as we do."
"Every line on a drawing either adds value or adds cost; your job is to know the difference."
HOST BIOS
Jonathan is a property developer and entrepreneur with a background in finance and construction. Originally from South Africa, he holds degrees in Accounting and Auditing and relocated to England in 2003. He gained financial and operational experience at firms such as RSM, Prudential, and Baker Tilly before transitioning into property. Since 2014, Jonathan has managed major commercial-to-residential conversions and new build developments, particularly across the South West. His analytical mindset and on-the-ground experience help listeners navigate the property world with confidence.
Kieron is a construction expert and entrepreneur with over 20 years of industry experience. Starting as a mason, he went on to found Shepherd Construction in 2012, delivering projects across both the public and private sectors. From extensions to luxury new builds, Kieron has earned a reputation for quality, precision, and strong leadership. As Managing Director, he’s involved in every stage—from design to delivery—offering a no-nonsense, deeply practical perspective to anyone looking to build with success.
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.stobbs.7/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstobbs/
https://www.facebook.com/kieron.shepherd.73
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieron-shepherd-83b979aa/
https://www.propertydevelopersplaybook.co.uk/
View all episodes
By Jonathan Stobbs & Kieron ShepherdIn this episode, Jonathan and Kieron delve into the top challenges faced by property developers, focusing on the critical themes of design, sustainability, and value engineering: Building Smart, Not Expensive. They discuss the importance of balancing aesthetic appeal with budget constraints, emphasising the need for effective collaboration between architects and contractors from the outset.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Design and Budget Alignment: Property developers must ensure that architectural designs align with budget constraints from the very beginning.
Collaboration with Architects and Contractors: Developers should involve architects and main contractors in discussions about design and materials early on.
Value Engineering: Value engineering is about optimising design choices to enhance value without compromising quality. It involves making informed decisions about materials and construction methods that can save costs while still meeting design and sustainability goals.
Understanding Market Needs: Developers must be aware of the target market and design properties that meet the needs and preferences of potential buyers.
Sustainability Considerations: As building regulations evolve towards sustainability, developers need to incorporate energy-efficient systems and materials into their designs.
BEST MOMENTS
"Over-design, the silent profit killer. Architects often design for beauty, not budget. Designing for their own portfolios, their own ego."
"Value engineering isn't downgrading. It's optimising and making the best use of what you've got."
"Good design adds value. Overdesign destroys profit."
"You need to be that person who is orchestrating, bringing a QS with you to maybe have a sit-down as we do."
"Every line on a drawing either adds value or adds cost; your job is to know the difference."
HOST BIOS
Jonathan is a property developer and entrepreneur with a background in finance and construction. Originally from South Africa, he holds degrees in Accounting and Auditing and relocated to England in 2003. He gained financial and operational experience at firms such as RSM, Prudential, and Baker Tilly before transitioning into property. Since 2014, Jonathan has managed major commercial-to-residential conversions and new build developments, particularly across the South West. His analytical mindset and on-the-ground experience help listeners navigate the property world with confidence.
Kieron is a construction expert and entrepreneur with over 20 years of industry experience. Starting as a mason, he went on to found Shepherd Construction in 2012, delivering projects across both the public and private sectors. From extensions to luxury new builds, Kieron has earned a reputation for quality, precision, and strong leadership. As Managing Director, he’s involved in every stage—from design to delivery—offering a no-nonsense, deeply practical perspective to anyone looking to build with success.
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.stobbs.7/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstobbs/
https://www.facebook.com/kieron.shepherd.73
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieron-shepherd-83b979aa/
https://www.propertydevelopersplaybook.co.uk/