Purpose of Place: The Future of Work & Real Estate

The real estate industry is at a crossroads, and Coen van Oostrom, Founder & CEO of EDGE, is leading the charge toward a more sustainable, tech-driven future. In this episode of Purpose of Place, Despina Katsikakis explores how EDGE is revolutionizing buildings by integrating real-time data, AI, and human-centric design to enhance environmental impact, employee well-being, and workplace experience.

Coen shares why the industry must move beyond traditional sustainability labels and focus on real performance metrics—energy efficiency, operational carbon costs, and embodied carbon in building materials. As technology reshapes expectations and workplaces evolve, he explains how data-driven design can drive long-term value for both businesses and investors. From transforming existing assets to creating immersive, adaptable work environments, this conversation reveals why sustainable real estate isn’t just good for the planet—it’s a smart business strategy.

Tune in to explore how resilience, innovation, and rethinking the value of place are shaping the future of real estate.

Coen van Oostrom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coenvanoostrom/
EDGE: https://edgebuildings.com/

Episode Music: https://www.davidcuttermusic.com

Dan Labbad, CEO of the Crown Estate, leads one of the UK’s most historic and influential property organizations, managing assets that span from Regent Street in central London to the seabed around England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Under his leadership, the Crown Estate is redefining property’s role in addressing the challenges of our time, including climate change, economic equality, and urban resilience.

In this episode of Purpose of Place (recorded in August 2024), Despina Katsikakis speaks with Dan about the Crown Estate’s unique mandate to balance commercial success with broader societal and environmental responsibilities.

They explore how unified placemaking can drive long-term prosperity, the evolving concept of value in the property sector, and the critical role of collaboration across policy, industry, and communities in shaping resilient futures.

Dan shares his perspective on why aligning financial, environmental, and social priorities is essential for the property industry and offers insights into how leaders can navigate the tension between short-term results and long-term impact.

Dan Labbad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-labbad-the-crown-estate/
The Crown Estate: https://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/
The British Council for Offices: https://www.bco.org.uk/

Episode Music: https://www.davidcuttermusic.com

At Standard Chartered, real estate is deeply connected to the bank’s identity, culture, and strategy. In this episode of Purpose of Place, Despina Katsikakis speaks with Shelley Boland, Global Head of Corporate Real Estate & Services, about how the bank has integrated real estate, HR, brand, and corporate strategy to shape employee and client experiences across 50+ markets.

Shelley shares how her team is moving beyond traditional cost metrics to focus on experience and productivity, the role of real estate in strengthening brand equity, and how the workplace can create a sense of pride for employees. She also discusses how Standard Chartered is designing spaces that align with its purpose, leveraging technology to create frictionless experiences, and embedding sustainability at the core of its real estate strategy.

Listen in to hear how Standard Chartered is redefining the role of corporate real estate—ensuring that every moment in the workplace reflects the bank’s brand and ambition.

Shelley Boland on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-boland-763615a/
Standard Chartered: https://www.sc.com

Episode Music: https://www.davidcuttermusic.com

Bill Hughes, Global Head of Real Assets and recently appointed Co-Head of Private Markets at Legal & General Investment Management, oversees more than £40 billion of assets under management, as well as playing an active role in a number of influential government and industry committees around housing, infrastructure, regeneration and sustainability. His innovative approach to investment has positioned him at the forefront of reshaping the landscape of real assets through strategic and progressive initiatives.

In this episode of Purpose of Place, Despina Katsikakis sits down with Bill to explore how investments can be both financially successful and socially beneficial.

They discuss how investment opportunities across real estate, infrastructure, private credit, and venture capital can foster environments that are not only economically viable but also socially and environmentally resilient.

Bill shares his vision on the importance of flexibility in responding to market changes and leading with innovation in an industry often resistant to change.

In this episode of Purpose of Place, Despina Katsikakis sits down with Sir Stuart Lipton, one of the most influential figures in UK commercial real estate, known for creating some of London’s most iconic developments. Together, they discuss the evolution of workplaces over the past 40 years, exploring how office design must move beyond traditional "boxes" to create environments that inspire, engage, and connect people. Sir Stuart shares his insights on human-centered design, social change, and how innovative developments can shape the future of cities and communities.