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

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Transitioning from Architecture to Real Estate: Insights from Aqeel Sourjah at Quadrant Estates

The Journey from Architect to Development Manager

Embarking on a career is often a path filled with unexpected turns and revelations. Aqeel Sourjah, now a development manager at Quadrant Estates, offers a compelling narrative of transitioning from the field of architecture to real estate development. His journey is one marked by exploration, education, and a strategic maneuvering of professional pathways.

Aqeel began his professional life studying architecture, a decision influenced by a family background steeped in finance. Despite this expectation, Aqeel’s attraction to design and structures pushed him towards architecture, a field where creativity and technicality coalesce. Yet, after years of study and initial work in Sri Lanka, his desire for a more holistic view of building projects led him to pivot towards real estate development. This pivot was a quest for overseeing projects from inception to completion—a perspective less confined and more influential.

Learning and Opportunity at the University of Westminster

For many aspiring professionals, academia is a launchpad that can propel them towards greater opportunities. Aqeel’s educational stint at the University of Westminster was pivotal. Pursuing a Master’s in Real Estate, he was exposed to finance and property development concepts that were worlds apart from traditional architectural training. This exposure was not just academic; it came with real-world connections. One such valuable connection was with Johan C. Harper, a partner at Quadrant, who was also a tutor to Aqeel.

Mentorship proved invaluable when Harper presented Aqeel with an opportunity to intern at Quadrant. This internship began as a short-term engagement but quickly evolved into a full-time role, reflecting Aqeel’s ability to seize opportunities and adapt to new environments. It is a testament to the critical role of educational networks in providing not just knowledge, but pathways to career advancement.

Shifting Roles and Skills: The Real Estate Challenge

Transitioning from architecture to real estate posed its own set of challenges and required a recalibration of Aqeel’s professional identity. Real estate development requires a blend of skills, demanding not only creativity but also rigorous project management and financial acumen. Aqeel describes the role as being the “CEO of the project,” managing various stakeholders from architects to contractors, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget.

The shift from designing as an architect to overseeing development projects taught him the importance of adaptability and relationship building. Real estate, unlike architecture, is heavily reliant on building and maintaining relationships—another skill set where Aqeel thrived due to his interactive nature.

Advice for Aspiring Professionals

For those looking to follow in his footsteps, Aqeel emphasizes the necessity of genuine networking and building authentic relationships within the industry. His advice is clear: understand that learning is continuous, and being adaptable can create opportunities where none seemed possible. Aqeel points out the importance of understanding the nuances of various roles in real estate, encouraging aspirants to explore which roles align best with their skills and interests.

Aqeel also underscores the importance of striking a balance between one’s passion and professional responsibilities. He advises budding professionals to remain inquisitive, embrace new challenges, and allow their professional journey to naturally evolve around their interests and expertise.

Embracing Change and Future Prospects

The future of real estate and architecture is one intertwined with technology and evolving societal needs. Aqeel is excited about how these changes will shape the industry, especially with the impact of AI and new work patterns. For him, the evolution of spaces—how they’re used, designed, and developed—is a continual source of curiosity and professional satisfaction.

Aqeel’s journey serves as a roadmap for architects contemplating a shift to real estate. It illustrates how a foundation in one field can be a stepping stone to another, guided by education, mentorship, and a keen sense for seizing new opportunities.

For further insights and content, Architecture Social provides a rich resource for both students and professionals interested in architecture and related fields. Visit www.architecturesocial.com for more.