Commercial Real Estate Developer Interviews: Floorplate Tim Benjamin

How did a young property developer create the leading media brand for Australia’s property development industry?

And - at the same time – start an acclaimed property development business?

That’s the story of Adam Di Marco.

He’s the co-founder of The Urban Developer which delivers news, events and education to Australia’s property development industry.

Media aside, Adam is also the founder of the Di Marco Group which develops design-led apartments in Brisbane.

Recent projects include Amersham West End and Perry Lane.

In today’s podcast, Adam shares with you how he built his businesses...

Newil & Bau is an acclaimed Helsinki apartment developer. Much loved by the city's smart set, their homes are superby designed. And built to the highest standards. Their projects have included converting an Alvar Aalto-designed office to residential use. And constructing a brand new apartment building designed by the legendary American architect, Steven Holl. In this episode, Newil & Bau founder, Petri Ylivuori, explains how his business works.

How do you develop apartments and town houses that are (truly) sustainable? And which reward the developer with a solid financial return? Ask Liam Wallis. He’s the founder of Hip v Hype, an acclaimed developer who’s boutique-scale developments are dotted around inner Melbourne. In today’s episode, Liam shares with you how he develops. And why his projects are ethical, socially conscious and environmentally focussed...

How do you develop low-key luxury hotels and resorts? And then operate them to astonishingly high standards? To find out, I turned to Arnaud Zannier. Arnaud is the founder of Zannier Hotels which operates five boutique sites across three continents. They’re located in the French Alps, Cambodia, Vietnam and Namibia. And more are on the way. In this conversation, Arnaud reveals how he: Acquires each site. Plans what each site will offer. Oversees the build phase. And ensures day-to-day operations work smoothly. 

How do you develop food halls people love? And help new food entrepreneurs build businesses that thrive? They’re two vital goals for today’s guest. Will Donaldson launched the food hall business, Politan Row, in 2014. Starting with a single site in New Orleans, he has since launched markets in cities across the US. These include Chicago, Miami, Houston and Atlanta. In today’s podcast, Will shares with you how he builds markets that drive massive footfall. And why his operating model helps food entrepreneurs get results.

Can food markets revitalise tired towns and cities? And help them regain a sense of place? According to food market developer, Nick Johnson, the answer is yes. An enthusiast of independent food retail, Nick is the founder of Market Operations. Market Operations has developed three celebrated food markets in the greater Manchester area of England: Altrincham Market, Mackie Mayor and Picturedrome. Prior to entering the food market world, Nick spent decades developing commercial real estate in Manchester. Once the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, by the 1980s, the city was blighted by deindustrialisation. It was at that time that Nick spotted an opportunity to convert Manchester’s charming – but crumbling – 19th Century factories and warehouses into design-led residential, office and retail spaces. In today’s podcast, Nick shares with you how he helped turn Manchester around. And how he develops flourishing independent food markets.