Resi Trailblazer

Jo Cowen
Strategic director, Jo Cowen Architects

What do you do? I navigate the architecture practice through the complex planning, political and commercial realities of the ever-changing real estate arena. I specialise in stakeholder management and balancing high quality design with overall profitability, providing thought leadership in the build-to-rent and co-working space.

Career highlights: Walking around the completely new Bakery Place residential development in Clapham, which has won multiple awards and showcases the practice’s ability to design and deliver. Winning our first major blue-chip developer client for a 32- unit, high rise London scheme, and securing our 400th planning submission achieved in less than five years.

Mantra: Follow your instincts. Identify your customer. Never compromise on quality. Be prepared to take risks. Above all else, culture trumps strategy.