Q&A: Five minutes with Robert Beeching, associate partner at Quadrant Estates

How did you join the property industry?

I have always been interested in buildings and the positive impact they can have on the places where we live and work. While studying history at university, I had an eye on real estate’s impact on society at any place in time. A career in property felt like the right path for me, so I did internships with CBRE in Hong Kong and London. I really enjoyed these and subsequently completed an MSc in real estate. After that, I joined Colliers’ graduate scheme and my career evolved from there.

What does your job entail?

I focus on origination for Quadrant’s London office development and asset management pipeline, seeking opportunities across the spectrum: from value-add brown-to-green redevelopments to core office buildings for asset management mandates.

It is particularly exciting given where we are in the property cycle, where valuations for certain assets are attractive and unique opportunities are presenting themselves. Older offices suitable for repositioning in vibrant locations close to Elizabeth line stations look particularly interesting given current occupier and investment trends.

What do you like most about the property industry?

The variety. To be successful in real estate, it is essential to keep your eye on everything from economics and politics to design and regulatory changes. It is a human industry, constantly evolving with the real world.

And what do you dislike most about it?

Although things are changing, the industry has to become more diverse. There should be more engagement with schools and universities to raise awareness of what a career in property looks like. Championing diversity is the most sensible decision we can make as businesses; different backgrounds and ways of thinking clearly accelerate innovation and new ideas.

What would you change about the property industry?

A less convoluted and more efficient planning system would be positive, for both those working in the industry and society at large.

What barriers or challenges have you overcome?

Learning to adapt quickly to ‘black swan’ events. I started working full-time in real estate in 2016 and immediately experienced the fallout from Brexit, followed by the pandemic. Both situations presented major challenges for London’s office market. I had to learn to think creatively and ask: how should I shift my approach in light of these events?

What are you most proud of in your career?

Being involved in our YY London and OSMO office schemes in Canary Wharf and Battersea respectively. Designed during the Covid pandemic, they are among the smartest and most sustainable buildings in Europe, encapsulating what workspaces need to deliver from a sustainability, design and amenity perspective, as well as reflecting how working habits and occupier demands have changed in recent years.

What do you value in people?

I find it rewarding to work with people who are honest, transparent and good communicators. There is no substitute for learning from inspiring role models.

What advice would you give someone starting a career in the property industry?

Try to have a conversation with someone you don’t know each week, because you never know where that conversation will lead. Don’t be afraid to ask for career advice along the way. I am enrolled on the Investment Property Forum’s mentor programme, which provides a really good way to obtain advice away from my everyday network. Taking advantage of these types of opportunities is so worthwhile.