Building High-Performance Real Estate Teams: 3 Proven Steps to Success
How to Select, Structure, and Manage Top-Tier Design Consultants for Development Projects
Welcome to a new issue of the Unlocking Real Estate Value newsletter. Each week I will provide you with exclusive advice and professional insights to help you realise long-term value through real estate development.
This piece explores how to select and manage high-performing professional teams to deliver successful real estate development projects. We focus on choosing the key design professionals, who are often the most difficult to select—and who require the most active management.
Of course, development projects need more than just designers. Developers also work closely with Cost Consultants, Project Managers, and Planning Consultants. These three roles are typically considered part of the core client team. We'll cover them in a future newsletter.
Today’s Newsletter Covers:
Align expertise with asset type, complexity, and project phase
Clearly define and distinguish core vs. specialist design team roles
Best practices for ongoing performance monitoring
Let’s dive in.
1. Align Expertise with Asset Type, Complexity, and Project Phase
Ever struggled to pick the right team for a complex project—especially in a new market? You're not alone. Here's what often gets missed: matching the team’s experience to your project’s specific needs.
Look for professionals who’ve worked on similar projects in terms of size, complexity, and type. Review their portfolios. Ask: Have they delivered consistently? Do their past projects reflect your goals?
Key Insight: The better the match between your project's needs and the team’s experience, the more likely you are to succeed.
Tip: Create a checklist based on your project’s unique features. Use past insights—yours and theirs—to make a confident, informed decision.
2. Define Core vs. Specialist Design Team Roles Early
Do you know who your essential team members are—and who supplements them? Many projects run into trouble because roles aren’t clearly defined.
Your Core Design Team includes Architects, Structural Engineers, and Building Services Engineers. Their work directly impacts your project’s outcome.
Specialist Consultants, such as façade designers or sustainability experts, add value when brought in strategically.
Key Insight: Defining roles early avoids confusion and ensures seamless collaboration.
Tip: Clearly map core and specialist roles from the start. Spell out who does what. Only add specialists when they bring clear value.
3. Monitor Team Performance Continuously
Ever seen a "dream team" fall apart halfway through a project? It happens—especially when people leave or lose focus.
Avoid this by setting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) from day one. Track them at each project milestone. This helps you stay on target and fix problems fast.
Key Insight: Always have a trusted point person who can jump in when issues arise. Stay hands-on.
Tip: Define KPIs early. Review them often. Stay engaged. Make sure someone’s ready to step up if things go off course.
Conclusion
Key Takeaways:
Match expertise to your project by selecting professionals with relevant experience.
Define roles clearly—know your core team versus your specialists.
Track performance actively with clear KPIs and fast responses to issues.
Follow these steps to build and manage high-performing teams that deliver real estate projects on time and on target.
That’s all for today.
See you next week!
— Carlo
Founder and Managing Director Benigni
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This post is sponsored by Benigni a specialist development manager working with international investors to realise long-term value through optimised development strategies. To learn more click this link to our website.
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What are some examples of KPI for a core design team?