Purpose of Place: The Future of Work & Real Estate (Despina Katsikakis)

David Partridge, Chairman of Related Argent, has been a driving force behind some of the UK’s most iconic regeneration projects, including King’s Cross. He is also a Trustee of the UK Green Building Council and Chairman of the Governance Board of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard.

In this inaugural episode of Purpose of Place, Despina Katsikakis sits down with David to discuss the evolving role of commercial real estate in creating thriving, resilient places that respond to changing social, environmental, and economic demands.

Learn how a long-term approach to design, with public realm integration and sustainability, is key to future-proofing developments and driving asset value across entire precincts. David shares his insights on the importance of adaptability, the role of social value, and the future-proofing real estate in an uncertain world.

David Partridge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-partridge-38b3b512/
Related Argent: https://relatedargent.co.uk/
The British Council for Offices:  https://www.bco.org.uk/

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

How can we future-proof real estate investments in an era of uncertainty?

Purpose of Place: The Future of Work & Real Estate is the podcast for investors, landlords, and occupiers adapting to the shifting demands of the commercial real estate market. As new work models and evolving lifestyles challenge traditional approaches, each episode explores strategies to minimize risk, drive sustainable growth, and design places that are thriving and resilient.

Hosted by workplace visionary Despina Katsikakis, the podcast brings together insights from industry innovators to ensure your investments stand the test of time—financially, environmentally, and socially.

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

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.

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.