Name: Alex Blackmore
Job title: Senior development manager at Telford Living
What I do: I’m a senior development manager at Telford Living, where I oversee projects from early site identification and appraisal through planning and procurement to construction, handover and leasing. It’s a broad role that sits at the crossroads of design, delivery and investment, which is a space I really enjoy. I work closely with a wide range of stakeholders, from landowners and consultants to local authorities, contractors and operators. The variety keeps things interesting, and I enjoy the challenge of adapting to different conversations and priorities. What makes the role so fulfilling is the ability to influence outcomes at every stage, not just commercially but in how we shape long-term, meaningful places.
Why I got into the property industry: My parents often joked that I was always going to end up in construction, and in hindsight, they were probably right. From a young age, I was either building structures in the garden with leftover bricks and bits of timber, or sketching buildings at the kitchen table. That early fascination with how things come together naturally evolved into a deeper interest in how places are designed and delivered.
Much of that came from being around my parents’ renovation projects growing up. At the time, it just felt like part of everyday life, but looking back, it was probably my first real insight into how value is created through the built environment. It planted the seed for a career that combines creativity, problem-solving and real-world impact, and I’ve been following that path ever since.
How I did it: After graduating in 2012, I joined JTP Architects where I had the chance to work across a wide range of residential projects, from single-family housing with PLC housebuilders to large-scale, complex brownfield regeneration schemes for major developers. JTP describe themselves as architects, masterplanners and placemakers, and they genuinely are. I often say the term ‘placemaking’ gets used too freely, but in their case, it’s fully earned. Their approach to community co-design and delivering long-term value left a real mark on me. Even now, I’d say my time there has shaped my thinking more than any other stage in my career.
In 2015, I went on to complete my master’s degree at Oxford Brookes and it was during this period that I began to understand what was required to achieve my architectural chartership. I realised that while I had a strong foundation in early-stage design, I needed exposure to technical delivery, procurement and contract administration to develop a more complete understanding of how projects come together.
That’s when Hawkins Brown approached me with an opportunity to work on Tottenham Court Road Crossrail Station. It was one of those once-in-a-career projects, a chance to be part of one of Europe’s largest infrastructure schemes. After a year, I stepped up to lead the architectural delivery of the western ticket hall and began working closely with TfL (now Places for London) on exploring the potential to build residential development above and around existing railway assets. This was my first real taste of the wider development world, from development appraisals to capital raising and this ultimately inspired me to move client side in 2018.
That decision proved to be a turning point. Since then, I’ve taken on increasingly senior roles in development, driven by curiosity and a desire to shape places more holistically. What I enjoy most is being involved in the full lifecycle of a project, from early site appraisals through to delivery, and having the opportunity to influence both the commercial and social outcomes. Development is one of the few roles that allows you to continuously learn, adapt and add value in different ways at every stage.
Most recently, I completed a real estate and investment course at Oxford University, which has helped sharpen my commercial lens and given me the tools to better align financial performance with long-term value for people and place.
My first proper job: At 13, I landed a paper round at the local newsagent. Seven days a week, rain or shine, the job taught me two essential lessons: the value of money and the importance of delivering on time. Those lessons still underpin how I work today.
My first big break: Every shift in my career has felt like a breakthrough. Each one brought a steep learning curve and opened new doors. I’ve always tried to lean into change rather than resist it. That mindset has helped me grow at every stage and keeps me looking ahead to the next challenge.
My inspiration: My family and close friends inspire me daily. Their resilience, support, and belief in me, especially during big career decisions, have been a grounding force and constant source of motivation.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Navigating today’s real estate landscape is incredibly tough. In a market that’s experienced rising debt costs, increased taxes, unprecedented build cost inflation, under-resourced planning departments, regulatory change and the implementation of the Building Safety Act it is more important than ever to work as a team and spot opportunities to add value where others can’t.
My proudest moment to date: Becoming a father for the first time last year was, without doubt, the proudest and most life-affirming moment of my life. It’s added new meaning and perspective to everything I do.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: That it’s purely profit-driven. In reality, the best projects, and the most rewarding ones, are about people, place and long-term impact. Commercial and social value can and should go hand in hand.
The one thing I’d change about the industry: We need to see innovation as an opportunity rather than risk. Too often, the industry relies on what has worked before and is reluctant to try anything new – especially in challenging times when opportunity favours the brave! If we can collectively find a way of managing risk in a more efficient, forward-looking way, we can start to unlock value.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: DE&I matters at every scale, from building inclusive workplace cultures to creating places that serve diverse communities. It is the socio-economic backbone of our industry, and its importance should never be overlooked.
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: I see ESG as a framework that helps us build better — not just better buildings, but better outcomes for communities, the environment and investors alike. It encourages us to think long term, to be more intentional in how we plan, design and deliver places. It is important that ESG is not treated as an afterthought or a set of tick boxes. It needs to be embedded early, influencing strategy and shaping decisions from the ground up. When that happens, ESG stops being a burden and becomes a genuine opportunity that adds real value and helps create places that are more resilient, inclusive and sustainable.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time: For me it’s about continuing to learn, expanding my network and using my experience to deliver great places that offer long-term value to communities and our investors. Most importantly, I want to be part of a team that is forward-thinking, ambitious and not afraid to challenge the norm!
Who I’d invite to a dinner party: My wife and I debate this regularly. David Attenborough would be an obvious choice. His knowledge, storytelling and perspective on the world are truly inspiring. I’d also invite Jurgen Klopp. Not only is he a remarkable football manager (speaking as a Liverpool fan), but his approach to leadership, team building and authenticity is something I really admire. Lastly, and to bring some energy and humour to the evening, I would invite Rob Beckett. Not only would he keep the conversation flowing, but I’m also sure he would ask all the questions that we are too polite to ask!
What I do in my downtime: I love being outside at the BBQ come rain or shine. I enjoy entertaining friends and family and when I get the chance, I’ll sneak in a round of golf for some friendly competition.
The job I’d be doing if I wasn’t doing this: If you’d asked me 16 years ago, I’d have said accountant. I even had a position lined up at a global accountancy firm after school. But fast forward to today and I’d take a leap of faith and set up my own venture, one that challenges the norm and brings new ideas to the market.
My advice for someone just starting out: Never underestimate the value of experience, everything you do early will shape your perspective later. Be curious, ask questions, and say yes to opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone. I’d also recommend reading ‘The Peter Principle’. It’s a useful reminder that progressing in your career isn’t just about moving up, but about knowing how to grow into each new challenge. Lastly, build a network around you. Having the right people to learn from and lean on makes a huge difference. Always remember that no one has all the answers.
My motto: If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.
