Name: Lise Bell
Title: Project manager (arts and culture) at Avison Young
What I do: I specialise in arts and culture projects, working mostly with museums and theatres to support a wide range of projects, from gallery refurbishments to substation upgrades (oh the glamour!). I spend a lot of my time at the Victoria & Albert Museum supporting their estate team in South Kensington.
Why I got into the property industry: I took a u-turn into the industry after 12 years of working in the theatre industry in producing and executive management roles. I supported a series of major capital projects on the client-side including Kiln Theatre and the Bush Theatre, and enjoyed watching the buildings transform, seeing how even small interventions had such an impact on the community and the way people use these public spaces. When the pandemic hit and theatres had to close, I started thinking about what it would be like to work on these projects from a different perspective and where my skillset might fit in.
How I did it: Avison Young had previously supported one of my projects, so I reached out to Chris Dumas, our former workplace, arts and culture principal at Avison Young, to learn more. A couple of months later I was at Avison Young’s offices, looking up at the steep learning curve in front of me and feeling equal parts terrified and excited. Chris gave me a real chance, and I’m very grateful to him and the rest of the team for seeing my potential.
My first proper job: I landed myself a job as a finance assistant at the Kiln Theatre. It wasn’t quite the ‘glitzy’ role I’d hoped for, but it turned out to be the best first job I could have asked for. It gave me amazing building blocks of financial and business acumen, making me more successful in delivering every role I have ever been in since; and it made my transition into the property industry much easier than it might have been otherwise.
My first big break: There have been so many – every job has felt like one! But the latest is landing this role at Avison Young. It is a brilliant company to grow in, full of knowledge and opportunity, and the projects we work on are exceptional. I feel very lucky to be here.
My inspiration(s): Public spaces have always inspired me, in how they work with and for their communities. Growing up in London, I’ve been lucky to have access to these beautiful buildings, from theatres to museums to galleries, and be able to feel like I have a stake in them. Playing a part in the creation and maintenance of these spaces brings me a lot of satisfaction and joy.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Transitioning from theatre to property has been a fulfilling challenge, but it was a big change. Theatre is an open and diverse place, which encourages difference and self-expression, and the property industry can be very old-school in many ways. It took me a long time (and still sometimes does) to be confident enough to be true to myself.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: The Bush Theatre’s capital project to refurbish the old library building, that the theatre calls home in Shepherd’s Bush. We continued to make theatre through the one-year closure period, putting on plays in care homes and karaoke bars and churches, and through this got to know our community better. Once the building re-opened, we invited everyone in to celebrate and filled the theatre with life. I still love sitting in the bar and seeing everyone use and experience the building in such different ways.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: I had a misconception that the industry might be all ‘suits and contracts’. Whilst obviously an important part of what I do, I’ve been really surprised about how people-focussed it is. Every day is different; you get to know your clients and colleagues on projects, work with a huge range of people, and it is an exciting and creative process.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: As a queer person, I really struggle with how behind the times the industry is with DE&I. There’s very little representation and even where there is, I haven’t seen that translate into my projects and personal experiences. It’s something I feel very passionate about and can hopefully do my part to educate and change. It does take a lot of confidence though!
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: In my previous life, and through my work at Avison Young, I’ve seen first hand how the built environment can impact a community’s experience of a place. Particularly with arts and culture projects, the social value of public spaces can bring enormous amounts of joy to people. Thoughtful environmental design can also help educate and inspire, on how we can live more peacefully with the planet, as well as connecting us with, and not separating us from nature through the buildings we use.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: I want to continue to build my skillset within the property industry and combine it with my cultural knowledge, to be involved in larger place-making schemes and play my part in making my city accessible and enjoyable for all.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: It’s going to have to be a dinner for two with Taylor Swift – I don’t mind being judged for this.
What I do in my downtime: I go cold-water swimming in the Hampstead Heath ponds every morning. It’s a great way to start the day, get down with nature and feel ready to take on the world. Otherwise, you’ll likely find me in a pub with my friends or chilling at home with my wife Melissa and our little cat Pan.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: Anything to do with community and space – I dream of having a warehouse I could convert to run different projects in. Otherwise, I wouldn’t turn down a lifeguard opportunity at the ponds, but that is a very coveted role.
My advice for someone just starting out: Be yourself. Throw yourself into every opportunity and take the leap – you may find out that something you didn’t think was for you is just your style. I did.
My motto/mantra: Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it! – Maya Angelou
