Property Focus: The Interview – David Hughes

IN our series of interviews with top professionals from across the property sector, TheBusinessDesk catches up with David Hughes, senior partner at Altrincham-based architect firm Pozzoni.

What are your views of the current state of the commercial property and property development markets?

Despite obvious lending restrictions, our commercial teams are seeing an increase in activity for the first time in nearly two years, albeit from a very low base.

What key challenges and pieces of legislation do you think will most affect your sector over the coming months?

Many property professionals have reported an increased proportion of their workload from the public sector in this last year’s figures. 

I understand that whoever governs us this time next year will cut capital spending in the next comprehensive spending review. There is a danger that these cuts will affect us all before the purse strings of private sector lending are loosened.

Why do you think the North West is a good place to work?

Although a huge market in its own right, it provides great resources, links and a reputation that allows us to provide a service, not only throughout the UK, but increasingly to an international market hungry for British design talent.

What is your favourite building in the North West and why?

Predictably I would have to go back to the Victorian era and, in my opinion, the pinnacle of the era was John Rylands Library on Deansgate. A Basil Champneys design for the family of England’s leading cotton trader and one of our greatest philanthropists. The quality of materials and workmanship were arguably never repeated.

If you could improve anything in the region, what would it be?

Very simple. Build a Hazel Grove bypass.

What was your first job and how did you enter your current line of work?

I was a bouncer for the Sex Pistols. I was inspired into architecture after reading Reyner Banham’s book “Los Angeles the architecture of four ecologies”. Genius.  Written in the 1960s, it is still in print and still a good read.

What do you most enjoy about your job?

Making a difference with cutting edge operators in the elderly care market.  The new friends and opportunities that this has provided in all four corners of the world is immensely satisfying.

What barriers have you faced during your career and how have you overcome them?

Acceptance by the London market – however through perseverance and building strong relationships we have now opened a London office.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

From Eddie Shah to “invest during a recession”.

And the worst?

You will really enjoy riding the waltzers.