2024 Lessons Learnt
Raquel Aparicio
Supporting Property Developers In Designing Transformational Homes While Achieving Profit & Making A Real Difference In The Development World
Goodbye 2024 - let's get ready for 2025!
Working with passionate developers has shown us how much potential every project holds—but also how many hurdles come along the way.
For property developers, the journey to creating standout spaces is rarely without obstacles.
From subpar past experiences to the constant pressure of timelines and budgets, the process can feel overwhelming. This year, we’ve learned a lot about what it takes to support our clients through these challenges and help them achieve exceptional results.
Here are 5# key challenges that we consistently see developers struggling with:
Dissatisfaction with Previous Designs
Many of our clients came to us after struggling with design outcomes that didn’t meet their expectations. Whether it was a lack of cohesion, poor functionality, or missed market alignment, these projects left them frustrated. By reimagining their vision, we delivered designs that resonated with their target market and unlocked new potential for their developments.
Time Management Pressures
Busy schedules meant our clients often found it difficult to oversee their projects. Juggling multiple developments while ensuring quality outcomes isn’t easy. By taking on the heavy lifting—from concept to execution—we helped them save valuable time, allowing them to focus on their broader goals and on what matters most to them.
Budget Constraints and Cost Overruns
Budget planning is a fundamental aspect of successful property development, yet many clients face the challenge of projects exceeding their budgets without yielding the expected returns. We worked to develop strategic plans that maximised impact while keeping costs in check, ensuring every pound spent contributed to the bottom line.
Unreliable Contractors and Suppliers
Poor communication and inconsistency from contractors were recurring pain points for our clients, often leading to delays and poor-quality finishes. One of the ways we addressed this challenge was by delivering precise, detailed technical drawings that provided absolute clarity on the design and what needed to be executed.
By ensuring contractors had clear instructions and a solid understanding of the project’s vision, we minimised mistakes on-site and streamlined the construction process. This approach not only reduced errors but also reassured confidence and peace of mind for our clients.
Design Cohesion and Market Differentiation
In today's property market, creating properties that resonate with their target audience is essential. Achieving a cohesive design strategy that aligns with the expectations of the target market was crucial to our clients’ success. By combining market alignment, with design and thoughtful execution, we transformed properties into spaces that delivered both emotional and financial value.
This alignment wasn’t just about 'the looks'—it had a direct financial impact. Developers were able to push rents and selling prices higher, attracting tenants and buyers with the affordability to pay a premium. Cohesive design not only elevated the perceived value of the properties but also maximized ROI, ensuring long-term profitability in a highly competitive market.
Lessons from 2024
This year has reinforced the importance of approaching property development as more than just numbers. It’s about creating spaces that inspire, resonate, and add value to people’s lives.
Recommended by LinkedIn
Here are the key takeaways that shaped our approach:
What’s Next?
As we look ahead, we’re more committed than ever to supporting our clients in overcoming these challenges and achieving their development goals. Whether it’s managing timelines, optimising budgets, or crafting designs that elevate a property’s appeal, our mission remains the same:
Property development is not just about bricks and mortar. It’s about making a difference—both for the communities we serve and the clients we collaborate with.
2025 brings new opportunities, and we’re ready to take on the challenges ahead.
If this resonates with you, let’s start a conversation, reach out, and DM me here at any time.
Take our Property Development Assessment Scorecard—a tool designed to provide clarity on where your projects stand and identify areas for improvement.
You’ll also receive a free, actionable report to:
It takes less than 5 minutes to complete, and it’s completely free.
Start here: Property Development Assessment Scorecard
About Raquel Aparicio
Raquel Aparicio is the founder of Mardesign, where she leads a team dedicated to creating transformational design-led homes that people love to call "their space."
With a background in hospitality, gaming, and high-end residential projects, combined with a developer’s mindset, Raquel not only solves the complexities of design and development at the highest level but also creates assets that perform and generate profit for her clients.
Her mission is to create transformational homes that have an impact on people's lives, and at the same time, support developers move from average to achieving profit, all while making a real difference in the development world.
When she’s not transforming spaces, Raquel enjoys spending time with her daughter M and dog Naya, dancing salsa, and exploring her passion for food.
#PropertyDevelopment #DesignStrategy #CurbAppeal #Architecture #MarketSuccess #PropertyDevelopment #DesignMatters #RealEstate #Construction #SustainableDesign #ROI #PropertyInvestmentUK #PropertyDevelopment #InvestorsUK #PropertyJourney #PropertyInvestorsUK #UKProperty #PropertyUK #FlatRefurb #FlatConversion #InteriorDesigningServices #HMO #LinkedIn #LinkedInPublishing #Article #Writing #BlogPosts #PropertyDevelopment #2024Reflections #ChallengesAndSuccesses #ROI #DesignStrategy