🎙️ In this episode of the Property Development Book Club, we’re joined by the brilliant Chris Lesflores, who walks us through the grit, grind, and growth that define every successful developer’s journey. 💼🏗️ Starting out in property development isn’t easy—but if there’s one thing that keeps you moving when things get tough, it’s perseverance. Chris opens up about the challenges he’s faced, the hard-earned lessons he’s picked up along the way, and how staying the course has paid off. This epis...
Jun 27, 2025•22 min•Ep. 29
In this episode, Hanna Afolabi of Mood & Space is joined by Lev Kerimol and Selasi Setufe MBE to unpack the growing movement of community-led development. As the housing affordability crisis deepens, innovative models driven by local people are gaining attention. From grassroots collectives to professional communities like House for Artists in Barking & Dagenham, we explore how residents are shaping their own housing futures — creating places to live, work, and thrive on their own terms....
Apr 11, 2025•45 min•Ep. 28
In our latest episode, we sit down with Solomon Smith, the Brixton Community Champion from Brixton Kitchen, to explore his inspiring journey—from his initial desire to help the community to actively supporting local families with nourishing meals, all while navigating the commercial challenges of leases and engaging with local councils. Adding even more depth to the conversation, Faith Locken and Stephanie Edwards join the discussion, offering valuable insights on how community organizations can...
Mar 21, 2025•48 min•Ep. 27
The concept of Complete Constructive Change represents the transformative journey that both individuals and organizations can undertake—evolving from one state to an entirely new one, much like a building that has been beautifully refurbished. This powerful idea, inspired by the renowned figure Malcom X, has been a driving force for Nii Klotely Quaye of Quaye Services. In our latest episode, we sit down with Nii to explore his remarkable five-year business journey. We delve into how he has succe...
Mar 07, 2025•23 min•Ep. 26
In this episode, we sit down with Greg to explore his fascinating journey through Ibiza, town planning, and business—and yes, there’s a clear connection between all three! 🌍🏗️ Town planning is more than just a process-driven function—it sits at the intersection of policy, law, politics, and public sentiment. It requires creative thinking, adaptability, and the ability to read beyond the words—a skill in itself. Hosted by Faith Locken and proudly sponsored by A’lake Limited, this episode is bot...
Feb 21, 2025•30 min•Ep. 25
Light is a fundamental part of our well-being, and there are legal protections in place to ensure access to it. But how does this impact property development, homeowners, and investors? In this insightful episode, Toby Rogan-Lyons, an expert in Right of Light law, explores this crucial topic. Hosted by Hattie Walker-Arnott and proudly sponsored by A’lake Limited, this discussion sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of property law. Don't miss this essential conversation for anyone involved ...
Feb 07, 2025•30 min•Ep. 24
In this episode, we dive into the journey of making a house a home with the incredible High McEwen from Office S&M! 🏡✨ Creating a true home takes a village, so we brought in two amazing experts to share their unique insights: 💡 Teni Agboola, Interior Designer at Studio Teni 🏢 Toyin Falade, Director at TF Property Consultancy Together, they break down the art of crafting personal, meaningful spaces. 🙌 Special thanks to our sponsor, A’lake Limited, for supporting this episode! Watch on You...
Jan 17, 2025•32 min•Ep. 23
Season 3 Episode 1: In this exciting episode, Siddo Dwyer joins us to discuss the dynamic connection between Property Development and Politics. From navigating regulations to creating impactful developments, discover how these two worlds rely on each other for success. ✨ Hosted by Adewole Ademolake and sponsored by A’lake Limited, this insightful conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about real estate, urban planning, or politics. Watch on youtube: https://youtu.be/bIRodCHHTPE 🔥 D...
Jan 03, 2025•28 min•Ep. 22
Tune in to hear insights from experienced property development practitioners. One of the key facts discussed: achieving the goal of 1.5 million homes in five years requires delivering 821 homes per day. Is this possible ? Don't miss out on this engaging and informative episode which was recorded at our summer party! Panelists: Maribel Mantecon (HTA) Jeanette Eccleston (Goodman Masson) Yemi Aladerun (Merdian Water) Toyin Omodara (Barking Riverside Limited) Filmed by Southpoint Media Photos by Oke...
Aug 01, 2024•27 min•Ep. 21
In today's episode of the Property Development Bookclub Podcast we hear from Odiri Itoje, Justin Owens, Viola Owino and their views on new build developments as buyer, developer, and property manager. You can listen/watch the podcast on your preferred streaming channel: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/property-development-book-club/id1614354167 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxEJ8Qed3l53sTq7cDbyK4g Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xQYLQb9Mw7K22VjUjMLUo?si=0gGSz2ABS...
Aug 17, 2023•30 min•Ep. 20
In this episode of the Property Development Bookclub Podcast we hear from commercial agency business Whozoo about why their innovative business is changing the landscape of commercial real estate investment and development. You can listen/watch the podcast on your preferred streaming channel: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/property-development-book-club/id1614354167 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxEJ8Qed3l53sTq7cDbyK4g Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xQYLQb9Mw7K...
Aug 10, 2023•28 min•Ep. 19
In this episode of the Property Development Bookclub Podcast we hear from landscape and new build architects Eleanore Trenfield and Kristofer Adelaide on how their specialisms are playing a huge role in designing the places and spaces we occupy. You can listen/watch the podcast on your preferred streaming channel: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/property-development-book-club/id1614354167 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxEJ8Qed3l53sTq7cDbyK4g Spotify: https://open.spotify...
Aug 03, 2023•25 min•Ep. 18
*NEW VIDEO OUT* - In this episode of the Property Development Book Club Podcast we hear from experts in the field of property AI. Want to know what the latest AI technology being implemented in the property industry is?...then this is just the podcast for you! Thank you to Hattie Walker-Arnott Founder of AI-RE and Caoimhe Loftus Digital Lead at CallisonRTKL for sharing your knowledge! Full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2UnWPpKWVGw You can listen/watch the podcast on your preferred streaming...
Jul 27, 2023•20 min•Ep. 17
In today's episode of the Property Development Bookclub Podcast we're discussing all things business with Faith Locken founder of We Rise In. We'll be hearing all about the businesses successes as well as challenges. Be sure to tune in, to find out what grand plans are in store for We Rise In! Full video on YouTube; https://youtu.be/o9jzDzZIws4 You can listen/watch the podcast on your preferred streaming channel: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/property-development-book-club/id16143...
Jul 20, 2023•22 min•Ep. 16
In this episode of the Property Development Bookclub Podcast we hear from Faith Locken founder of We Rise In and Sarah Hayford founder of the Land Collective, two businesses who specialise and focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. In this podcast the guests discuss what individuals and businesses can do to foster inclusive workplace environments. Listen/watch the podcast on your preferred streaming channel: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/property-development-book-club/id161435...
Jul 13, 2023•25 min•Ep. 15
Hanna Afolabi is the Founder and Managing director of Mood and Space and the Founder of Black Women in Real Estate. Listen to hear about her career journey, including challenges, wins, what is next for her and what she sees as opportunities for the industry. Interview by Adewole Ademolake Sponsored by Mood and Space
Apr 19, 2023•27 min•Season 2Ep. 6
What are the key issues facing the industry and what do we see as the solution? Hear from Architects, Property Developers, Finance Professionals and Surveyors about their view on the state of the profession. Chaired by Kazeem Afolabi Joined by Hattie Walker Arnott, Obi Chianumba, George Dawson, Hugh McEwen Sponsored by Mood and Space
Apr 05, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 5
The great resignation has increased the skills gap in the construction and real estate industries, what do we need to do to resolve this. In this episode we delve into the challenges around recruiting and retaining talent in the built environment sector joined by recruitment specialists Chaired by Hattie Walker Arnott Joined by Sarah Hayford, Haben Solomon, Kevin Boakye and Bola Ogunmefun Sponsored by Mood and Space
Mar 22, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Retrofitting existing buildings is undoubtedly a colossal challenge in transitioning the built environment to Net Zero Carbon. Hear from Architects, Surveyors and Town Planners on how we can start to tackle the issue of retrofitting. Chaired by Amandeep Singh Karla Joined by Ryan Menzies, Rafe Bertram, Maribel Mantecon and Bola Ogunmefun Sponsored by Mood and Space
Mar 08, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In this episode we are talk about how small interventions in the built environment make a big difference in the development of new neighbourhoods and how they thread in with the existing area. Joined by the architects of Low Line in Southwark and Shape Newham Chaired by Hanna Afolabi Joined by Catrina Stewart (Office S&M), Adewole Ademolake (A'lake), Rumi Bose (London Borough of Greenwich) and Tom Lewith (TDO Architecture) Sponsored by Mood and Space
Feb 22, 2023•43 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Why is the UK town planning system still mostly analogue in the age of technology? In this episode we hear from planning experts on why we need to digitalise the planning system and steps the government should be taking to improve planning. Chaired by Hanna Afolabi (Mood and Space) Joined by Harry Quartermain (Landtech), Alex Philpot (Be First Planning Policy), Jos Pink (Landstack) and Adewole Ademolake (A’lake) Sponsored by Mood and Space
Feb 08, 2023•50 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In the final episode of season one, we discuss how commercial and residential developments can work better together? We discuss everything form whether single use buildings are better than mixed use and asked panellist to name their favourite mixed-use development. Wembley Park, Canary Wharf or Battersea Power station? What’s your favourite mixed-use development? The discussion was joined by Commercial Agents, Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Brokers and property developers. ALSO LISTEN ON: YouTu...
Dec 01, 2022•43 min•Ep. 14
Do Architects understand money and the impacts of their design decisions? We explore this topic with qualified architects and develop managers who commission their services. To improve the efficiency and productivity in this industry, we must try to spend time understand each other perspective. This episode gives you a glimpse into design and profitability in property development. ALSO LISTEN ON: Youtube: https://youtu.be/ZxGB6HYbzug Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6xQYLQb9Mw7K22VjUjMLUo...
Nov 17, 2022•47 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this episode we explore mansplaining as it relates to large regeneration projects. This discussion was explored from a town planning, architectural, cost and property development perspective. To find out the panellists view on whether we can regenerate an area without gentrification, please click the link below and give this informative episode a listen. LISTEN ON: Youtube: https://youtu.be/ZWv4EXepV-E Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6xQYLQb9Mw7K22VjUjMLUo iTunes - https://podcasts.ap...
Nov 03, 2022•43 min•Season 1Ep. 10
If you ever wanted to understand how to vary planning permission or understand what permitted development is, then this is the episode for you. We explore the broad topic of town planning where we discuss planning policy and why good etiquette when dealing with planning officers is important. Hosted by Abe Laker (Planning consultant) this episode was joined by Justin Reid (planning officer/ consultant), Hanna Afolabi (Development consultant), Hugh McEwen (Architect) and Adewole Ademolake (Proper...
Oct 20, 2022•45 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In this episode we ask the question, do we need design review panels ? Hosted by Yemi Aladerun, this discussion is joined by design review panellists, the developers who have their schemes assessed by them and the those who cost the schemes. It was clear from this discussion that there are varying opinions which encouraged a healthy debate. Whether you’re an Architect, Developer, Engineer or Quantity Surveyor, do you think we need design review panels as part of the planning application process ...
Oct 06, 2022•32 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Without the new generation in Real Estate, we will never solve the housing crisis. How do we ensure that we are lighting the path ahead of the next generation for them to achieve what we couldn’t? This episode delves into the stories of real estate professionals which should encourage the new generation to pursue a career in Real Estate. This episode explores everything from work etiquette, the importance of self confidence and why focus is paramount to success in getting into the industry. LIST...
Sep 22, 2022•34 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Do property developers fund all of the projects themselves? The simple is answer is no. Property developers utilise a mixture of equity, mezzanine debt, senior debt which is typically known as “The Capital Stack”. In this discussion, we explore the all-important topic of property development finance with a panel that consists of a lender, broker, quantity surveyor (Development monitoring) and property developer. Perhaps this episode may equip those of you who flirted with the idea of developing ...
Sep 08, 2022•43 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Youtube and Spotify Is Modern Methods of Construction (“MMC”) the solution to resolving the housing shortage in the UK. We see the large developer benefiting from MMC but is this true for the small developer ? LISTEN ON: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6xQYLQb9Mw7K22VjUjMLUo iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/property-development-book-club/id1614354167 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/71cc5feb-3317-4615-9b03-c7072f22db2b Follow us: PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT BOOK CLUB htt...
Aug 25, 2022•43 min•Season 1Ep. 5
How do we move past consultation and engagement into empowerment and co-design with local residents? Does regeneration need to move from being done to residents to being done with residents? ALSO LISTEN ON: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6xQYLQb9Mw7K22VjUjMLUo iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/property-development-book-club/id1614354167 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/71cc5feb-3317-4615-9b03-c7072f22db2b Follow us: PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT BOOK CLUB https://www.insta...
Aug 11, 2022•44 min•Season 1Ep. 4
