Switching Careers from Architecture to Real Estate: Ft. Aqeel Sourjah at Quadrant Estates

Moving from architecture into real estate development can look like a leap, but the design training, spatial judgement and project understanding can be highly valuable on the developer side.Stephen Drew speaks with Aqeel Sourjah of Quadrant Estates about managing ESG-led office developments, moving from architecture into real estate and understanding the commercial roles that shape major workplace projects.The conversation covers: How Aqeel moved from architecture into real estate development What a development manager actually does How ESG, sustainability and workplace expectations shape office projects What international students should understand about UK career routes How AI and technology are affecting real estate and development work ____▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLb-kO1bprI📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/switching-from-architecture-to-real-estate/Architecture Social is where architects and designers find honest career advice, insight from practice, and live roles worth applying for:https://architecturesocial.com/The fastest way to get hired is to be better at the things practices actually ask for. Revit, Rhino, rendering, BIM, portfolio work. Our learning partner ArchAdemia is built by architects, for architects:https://archademia.com/architecture-social/Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on monthly or annual membership.____Chapters 00:00 Introduction and technical difficulties 01:31 Meet Aqeel Sourjah from Quadrant Estates 02:07 Aqeel's journey from architecture to real estate 10:45 The role of a development manager 16:44 Understanding job titles in real estate 20:04 Advice for aspiring real estate professionals 22:53 International students and the UK job market 27:10 AI and technology in real estate 29:26 Using AI in business operations 29:54 Creativity in development and real estate 30:33 Staying ahead with technology 30:55 Market sentiment and economic outlook 33:14 Future opportunities in architecture and real estate 35:30 Qualities for success in real estate 43:58 Balancing passion and work-life boundaries 47:13 Final thoughts and contact details