Name: Desrine Oak
Job title: Associate director at Proximity
What I do: We advise developers, funds, registered providers, and investors on proximity risk issues, which incorporates everything from rights of light and party wall advice through to daylight, sunlight and solar glare amenity impact assessments. My day-to-day role involves advising developers on commercial and residential projects across London and the South East, while growing our London office which launched in May 2025.
Why I got into the property industry: I wanted to be an architect from a very young age; I studied design at GCSE and I was convinced it was the career for me. By the time I had completed my GCSEs (and work experience at an architectural firm), I realised that I wanted to work within the property industry, but the very long hours and time spent behind a desk probably weren’t for me.
How I did it: I really enjoy being outside, so after finishing college I secured a place at Reading University and studied building surveying. I don’t come from a property background – my mum was a care manager and my dad was a social worker, although my husband is also a building surveyor. My first job on leaving university was client side as a building surveyor at Thames Water Property.
My first big break: Joining what was then Drivers Jonas was a pivotal point in my career; it was a real ‘pinch me’ moment. It was the most diverse firm I ever worked in and I learned so much during my 11 years there, working with brilliant professionals like Elizabeth de Burgh Sidley.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Being heard and overcoming imposter syndrome, although I’m not sure which came first! Perhaps once I started to stand my ground and recognise my worth, I finally felt heard.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Seeing the young women who I’ve mentored beginning their journeys as professionals in property and construction – I find it hugely rewarding.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: That it’s an inherently misogynistic environment – while it was undoubtedly a serious problem in the past, I’m pleased to say the industry has evolved greatly during my 25 years in property.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/one thing I would change: The entire planning process. We need to introduce a clear, ring-fenced fee structure planning application process. The current system doesn’t deliver value for money and incremental tweaks won’t cut it. We need radical reform. The government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill is a step in the right direction, aiming to streamline approvals and fast-track critical infrastructure. But without proper resourcing and local authority capacity it risks becoming just another government initiative that falters in delivery. And don’t get me started on the Building Safety Regulator. While it’s much-needed, the supporting infrastructure simply isn’t there yet to make it effective at scale.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Prince, Elvis, Aretha Franklin, Bret Easton Ellis, James Baldwin, Dave Chappelle, Katherine Johnson and – to lighten the mood – the Kurupt FM crew. I doubt they’d all accept the invite, so I might need to plan for two sittings!
My advice for someone just starting out: Find yourself a mentor; people are nicer than you think and will give you their time if you ask for it.
