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

In this Architecture Social CPD lesson, Stephen Drew talks to Aqeel Sourjah of Quadrant Estates about moving from architecture into real estate development. The conversation runs for approximately 49 minutes and is available as audio and video.

Who this is for

Part 1 and Part 2 architectural assistants and architects who are curious about client side roles, international students and professionals trying to break into the UK market, and anyone weighing up a move into development management.

Learning outcomes

1. You will be able to describe what a development manager does on the client side and how the role differs from project management, design management and technical roles.
2. You will be able to explain how a master's degree in real estate development can support a move from architecture to the client side, including the connections it can create.
3. You will be able to identify which skills from architectural training transfer to development management, such as critical thinking and problem solving.
4. You will be able to plan a realistic route into UK real estate as an international graduate, including the role of internships and entry level positions.
5. You will be able to evaluate how AI and technology are being used in development and why creativity remains the human differentiator.
6. You will be able to recognise the qualities employers look for in client side candidates, from decision making to drive and adaptability.

From architecture to the client side

Aqeel started his career in architecture, qualifying as RIBA Part 1 and studying and working in Sri Lanka before moving to the UK. Coming from a family with a finance background, he wanted a role with exposure to every aspect of a building, from initial appraisal through to final sale. That led him to an MSc in Real Estate Development at the University of Westminster, which he began in 2022 as a deliberate way to test the client side before committing to it.

How an internship became a career

One of Aqeel's tutors at Westminster, a partner at Quadrant, taught property finance and property development. Midway through the course he offered Aqeel a two week internship. Two weeks became five, and by the autumn Quadrant offered him a permanent role. Aqeel's takeaway is that the course gave him both the technical grounding, from accountancy principles to property law, and the industry connections that opened the door.

What a development manager actually does

Aqeel describes the development manager as something like the CEO of a project. One day might involve a site visit with architects and contractors going through wall finishes, the next a leasing meeting with agents working out who potential tenants are, the next a conversation with funders about how money is being spent. The job relies on managing a team of experienced specialists, asking questions, pushing boundaries and solving problems. As his colleagues joke, the team goes from one fire to another, so an appetite for firefighting helps.

Making sense of job titles

Real estate job titles can put career changers off applying. Aqeel's rule of thumb: development managers sit on the client side, acting on behalf of an investor and managing everyone else; project managers represent the client on the construction and contractor side; design managers focus on managing the design, on either side of the table. Rather than fixating on titles, he suggests working out which parts of architecture you enjoyed and translating those into the role that fits.

Getting through the door

Aqeel's strongest advice is to build genuine connections rather than transactional networking. Real estate is a relationship based industry and there is no single formula for getting in. The first hurdle, getting through the door, is the hardest part. Once in, hard work gets recognised and rewarded.

International students and the UK market

As an international graduate, Aqeel faced the familiar catch 22 of needing UK experience to get UK experience. He is honest that international CVs can end up in the second pile, partly because of visa costs for employers. His advice is to grab opportunities even if they feel like a step down, because a new environment and new standards justify a reset, and progression comes quickly once you prove yourself. Relationships give you the extra push that gets your CV looked at.

AI and technology in real estate

Aqeel is an advocate of adopting technology early. Tasks that took hours can take minutes with the right tools, and he sees AI as still in its infancy with plenty of potential to change how the industry works. His view is that rejecting technology is a losing battle; the people who thrive will be those who stay creative, adapt to different scenarios and offer the human judgement that tools cannot.

Market outlook

Recorded in mid 2024, the conversation touches on market sentiment. Aqeel pointed to the Bank of England rate reduction as a positive signal and noted that investors were still willing to back good projects, even if making schemes viable required more work than in easier markets. He saw the tough period as a valuable learning curve for junior staff entering the industry.

Qualities that get you hired client side

Stephen shares what he has seen from recruiting in property: the people who do well client side care about good design without being precious about producing it, like the overview, are organised and methodical, and are comfortable making decisions. They ask about the project, the scope and their role rather than leading with questions about hours. A common misconception is that the first client side role comes with a large pay jump; in reality you prove yourself first and build up.

Passion and balance

Both agree the work should feel closer to a hobby than a grind. Aqeel is clear he is not endorsing poor work life balance, but argues that if you genuinely enjoy the work, taking a call at an awkward time to keep a project moving does not feel like a sacrifice. The key is being smart about it: extra effort should benefit your learning and career, not simply someone else's bottom line.

Key terms

Development manager: a client side role managing a project across its whole lifecycle on behalf of an investor. Client side: working for the party commissioning and funding a project rather than delivering its design or construction. Asset management: improving the value and performance of a completed building. Pre-letting: securing tenants for space before completion. Appraisal: the financial assessment of whether a development opportunity is viable. Repositioning: upgrading an existing building to meet new market and ESG expectations. RIBA Part 1: the first stage of UK architectural qualification.

Reflective prompts for your CPD record

1. Which parts of your architectural training would transfer most directly to a client side role, and where are your knowledge gaps, for example finance, law or appraisal?
2. What would a realistic twelve month plan look like for you to build genuine relationships in real estate beyond your current discipline?
3. How are you currently using AI and technology in your work, and what would staying ahead of the curve look like in your next role?

About the guest

Aqeel Sourjah trained in architecture, qualifying as RIBA Part 1, before completing an MSc in Real Estate Development at the University of Westminster. He joined Quadrant through an internship that became a permanent role and worked as a development manager on ESG focused Central London office projects including YY London in Canary Wharf and OSMO in Battersea. He is now an Associate Partner at Quadrant.