QUESTIONS​ 

How many years have you been in the industry? 

I have been in the industry for close to 36 years now. I began my career with Arup in London working on a city block scale, three-building office complex called Minster Court. In 2000, after two years in our Sydney office, I moved to Boston to help start the new office. My current role is the leader of our Commercial Property business on the East Coast. 

What motivates you? 

When I started my career, my goals were to be able to travel the world and work in a collaborative team environment delivering projects that are impactful. As I became involved in more projects, I became motivated to make our buildings more sustainable which at Arup we now define through our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals This is my definition of impact and I believe that it can only be delivered through a whole team effort.  

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone entering CRE? 

It’s probably true of any industry but I think you should be curious. Find out what motivates your clients; learn about projects your peers are working on; find out what’s new in the industry and what are the future trends. 

What’s your favorite thing about real estate? 

I would say it’s the ability of the CRE industry to help solve today’s big issues of decarbonization, resiliency, and affordable housing. 

What’s your biggest career accomplishment? 

After being in the industry for 35 years, it’s hard to list just one thing I’m proud of. 

In London, I led the mechanical engineering design of a new office building called The Helicon where we pioneered the use of active, ventilated facades and helped develop the radiant chilled ceiling product with Trox. 

Here in Boston, I was proud to be invited to be a Trustee of the Boston Architectural College. They have a fantastic group of educators providing a range of academic programs including architecture, sustainable design, and even real estate development. 

In my current role, I am proud to be an advocate and mentor for our junior engineers as they embark on a career in the CRE industry. 

Why do you find ULI valuable? 

ULI is a great resource for knowledge, but I think one of the most valuable aspects is the opportunity ULI membership affords to make connections within the industry. I am encouraging junior engineers in each of our office to get engaged with the YLGs (Young Leaders Group). It’s an opportunity for them to build their peer-to-peer network but also to learn from senior industry leaders. 

What are you reading, watching, or listening to now? 

I enjoy connecting with my two teenagers through the music they like to listen to, which is quite an eclectic mix! With my son, we listen to everything from Motley Crue to Kendrick Lamar, while my daughter has me listening to Lana del Ray and Harry Styles. 

I recently finished binge watching Rogue Heroes which is all about the formation of the SAS.  

What are you looking forward to? 

We have some impactful projects underway that I’m looking forward to being realized. These include multifamily residences in Washington DC that will be ILFI Carbon Neutral, the renovation and full electrification of existing office buildings in Pittsburgh and New York State’s largest geothermal residential building.