redefining development, refining investment
Our goal is to produce landmark real estate development projects that shift markets forward.
We view every development we engage with as a unique challenge and steer clear of copy and paste methods. Our management experience and property know how is aimed at maximizing upside and de-risking at every stage of the development process. We only enter into projects where we can add unrivalled value, and only where we feel we can meaningfully connect with the property and the investor. As a project is only as strong and successful as the team behind it, we are careful and selective in our choice of projects, partners, and investors. From single bespoke luxury residences to major urban regeneration projects, we can handle projects of varying size and structure. We are flexible enough to scale ourselves to each opportunity.
We View Every Project We Engage With As a Unique Challenge
One size
+ + +
+
does not fit all.
We tailor each project to ensure that the vision and approach provide the best current and future fit. We detect new trends and business opportunities. Our minds are always alert to find the best way from abstract to realization. Innovation, creativity, and creating a sustainable genuine difference are the core drivers of our approach to all opportunities and projects. We get our thrills from creating new opportunities and seeking out the next great thing; but, our real manna comes from devising systems that get projects from start to finish and beyond without polluting or diluting the original visionary ideas. We are deeply rooted in the creative world and ensure that our projects are inspired and infused with cutting-edge thought. We do not see the stages of the development cycle as individual and mutually exclusive, but as integrated as co-dependent. Our aim is to bridge the gaps in the system to keep the dream alive and kicking well past opening day.
Urbanista Is About Innovation, Creativity, and Creating Sustainable Genuine Difference
ONE OF OUR UNIQUE ASSETS IS OUR ABILITY TO SEE BOTH SIDES OF THE FENCE Urbanista engages with leading investors as development partner or co-developer. We bring our full range of expertise to the table and unlock the hidden value in every opportunity. We have worked with the biggest and the best, and we understand systems and structures and how to work within the boundaries. But our nature is to think out-of-the-box and seek out new value curves. One of our unique assets is our ability to see both sides of the fence and ensure a project starts with inspired vision and energy and then follows through with management processes that sustain and fuel the core ideas throughout its journey.
Knowing your way around the system, getting the right information and having the right contacts are all critical to success. Urbanista offers the networks, management know-how and market knowledge of a large corporation, but with a streamlined partnership approach that strips away the excess baggage and usual trappings of a bulky corporate entity. Our in-house know-how and strategic network base extend across and add value over the full spectrum of the real estate development cycle, from initial site acquisition through to operation and final disposal.
is our starting point.
We seek out the big idea, the storyline, the DNA of the opportunity, and build it into the space to realize its true potential. We only enter into projects that we feel have unique staying power and can serve as a source of pride for everyone involved for generations to come. Identifying and building-in a unique and sustainable customer experience is a key step in our development process, and we have world class achievements that highlight the fruits of our approach. Urbanista’s partners bring deep and award-winning envisioningtm experience to each project. We intrinsically look at property from a holistic perspective and use our strength in strategy and concept development to determine a project’s viability at the very initial idea stage. We then build this up systematically to ensure that the vision driving the project is not lost in the complicated linkages and relationships of the development cycle.
We Seek Out The Big Idea, The Storyline, The DNA Of The Opportunity
Our Strategy
executing the best approach Together with our strategic partners and networks, we aim to uncover opportunities before they reach the market. We are also able to weed out real opportunities from non-starters. In areas where reliable information is scarce and secondary markets are still emerging, it is very difficult to get a true understanding of risks and processes. Saving bottom line intelligence gathering until the formal due diligence process can be very costly and unnecessarily risky. Our aim is to understand the true character of an opportunity as early on as possible – saving both ourselves and our investment partners time and unnecessary expense. We are also very experienced negotiators and know how to value and make a good deal. Every property is different, but we have the ability and network to strategize and execute the best approach every time.
We Uncover Opportunities Before They Reach The Market
Property Development and Planning TH
RI
ER
IG
GH
HT
TT
can be a tiring and immensely complicated activity. We have the foresight to lead our projects through the planning process and navigate the system with maximum possible efficiency and minimum risk.
CO N
TA CT E S AT T AN HE D
Urbanista’s core team and strategic partners have a deep understanding of both the macro issues and the micro details. We provide the right contacts at the right time and right place.
IM
RI
GH
TP
LA CE
Commercialization and Leasing Our approach to commercialization and leasing is fresh and out-of-thebox. We tailor make the mix to the project’s current and future market position and aim to find compelling ways to go well beyond shopping. Our approach creates more exciting environments and minimizes long term risk in the leasing process.
We Do More Than Just Lease Out Centres – We Animate Spaces
While we respect the established rules, we also realize that people enjoy and expect variety and novelty. This is why we believe that a shop mix should not be cut and paste cliché – but a sensitive and tasteful blend of staples and surprises. With tenant networks that extend well beyond the usual suspects, our projects stand out from the pack. We do more than just lease out centres - we animate spaces that become the social hub of the community. With competition increasing dramatically and project sustainability racing to the fore, creating and maintaining a unique proposition is no longer just a nice idea - it is an absolute must.
Consultancy While our core aim is to take our own creations through the full development cycle, we also offer consultancy on unique projects that are consistent with our outlook and where we can add meaningful value. We are happy to share our knowledge and advise likeminded investors and companies looking to maximize impact and make a positive difference with their projects. In addition to coming in at any stage of the development process on a broader level, we also consult on a project basis in the following areas:
envisioningtm
Identifying and codifying the project’s DNA
Branding and Marketing
Brand Drivers and Project Identity Marketing and Communication Strategy Signage & Wayfinding
Project Review and Evaluation
Architecture and Design Architectural Review Commercial Evaluation
Operations
Mechanical & Engineering Common Area Services, Maintenance and Charges Facilities Management Team Setup / Training Management Plan / Legal Set-up Lease and operational contracts Budgeting and Financial Modelling Marketing Promotions and Community Building
Our Markets We take a global view of our business. Our interest is not restricted by national borders, although much of our current work is focused in Turkey with Istanbul leading the way. We are also active in Budapest, Prague, Ljubljana, Belgrade, and other emerging European cities. Urbanista’s on going and current development projects are focused on mixed-use urban re-development, blue chip residential, neighbourhood retail, and logistics land development.
SELECTED PROJECTS
Netherhall Gardens London vDevelopment Value: 16,000,000 GBP
Netherhall Gardens London Development Value: 16,000,000 GBP
818 Mixed-use, Istanbul 1,400m2 Development + Management + Company portfolio asset
SELECTED PROJECTS development consultancy
Çubuklu Vadi Istanbul, Turkey 250,000m2 +
Çubuklu Vadi Istanbul, Turkey
Services envisioningtm Masterplan Eesidential, retail, hotel In planning (expected completion 2014)
World of Coca-Cola Istanbul, Turkey Concept Developmet Project Management (In development)
Braemore Properties Bodrum, Turkey Residential
Braemore Properties Bodrum, Turkey
Services envisioningtm Development + marketing consultancy Expected completion 2012
Skywalk Cairo Cairo, Egypt Mixed-use urban node 250,000m2
Skywalk Cairo Cairo, Egypt
Services Masterplan consultancy Development Management Commercialization Strategy In planning, expected completion 2013
Parcel 22 İstanbul, Turkey Mixed-use 250,000m2
Services envisioningtm Development consultancy Expected completion 2014
Turkish Contractor’s Association Headquarters Ankara, Turkey envisioningtm Expected completion 2012
FIBA AlemdaÄ&#x;, Istanbul Masterplan envisioningtm Commercialization Strategy 500,000m2+ land area, in planning
USCE Belgrade, Serbia +/- 30,000 m2 retail center extension development management consultancy hotel tower development planning
SELECTED PROJECTS past works
Zizkov Station Prague, Czech Republic 350,000m2
Services envisioningtm Development consultancy Currently in planning stage Expected completion 2014
Zizkov Station Prague, Czech Republic
Mixed use Ex-cargo rail station True mixed-use, retail, residential, hotel, office Second largest development scheme in europe at present (2011)
Mosaic Belgrade, Novi Sad Retail centerBrownfield redevelopment First retail center of Novi Sad 40,000 m2 GLA
Mosaic Belgrade, Novi Sad
Services Design coordination Development consultancy Currently in planning Expected completion 2013
Al-haram Mosque Expansion Makkah, Saudi Arabia 1,000,000 + m2 mixed use ‘holy’ urban quarter
Al-haram Mosque Expansion Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Services envisioningtm Development consultancy
Dorrotya Haz Budapest, Hungary Mixed-use (office, reisidential, retail) Completed 2009 GBA: 30,000 m2 Use Mix: Retail 2,500 m2 GLA Residential: 22,000 m2 GLA (87 units) Office: 2,000 m2 GLA Construction Value: 40,000,000 EUR
Dorrotya Haz Budapest, Hungary
Dorrotya Haz Budapest, Hungary
Services* Development consultancy Design management Project coordination *Sel癟uk Avc覺, AVCIARCHITECTS
Kanyon Istanbul, Turkey , Mixed-use (office, residential, retail) 250,000 m2 Urban mixed-use 40,000 m2 GLA retail 25,000 m2 Residential 30,000 m2 Office
*Markus Lehto employed by Kanyon JV
Kanyon Istanbul, Turkey
Services* Full development management Concept + project development Branding, marketing, advertising, PR Commercialization, leasing, sales Facilities management and operations set up Completed 2006
*Markus Lehto employed by Kanyon JV
Kanyon Mixed-use (officeIstanbul, Turkey , residential, retail)
Design Branding , Identitiy
1
2
3
4
5
6
1. 818 Bar/Eatery 2. Kube 3. envisioning ™ 4. The Jacaranda Estate 5. Eco Alliance 6. AVCI BESPOKE
PEOPLE
A Finnish-Canadian who has made Istanbul his home for the past 10 years, Markus is a convert into the real estate sector. With an education in law and international relations (Canada and UK) and work experience rooted in emerging market investment banking (NYC and the Far East), Markus entered real estate in Turkey in the year 2000 consulting the launch and initial public offering of ISGYO, the country’s largest quoted REIT. Following this, he was appointed as Marketing Director helped steer the company’s growth from roughly $150 mn to $450 mn over a 3 year period. He was then appointed in 2002 to become the founding Managing Director of the joint venture between ISGYO and Eczacibasi established for the realization of Kanyon, a visionary mixed use development at the heart of the CBD of Istanbul that has won numerous prestigious global awards and
MARKUS LEHTO
remains one of the largest and most important milestone projects in the Turkish market. Following the completion and handover of Kanyon in 2007, Markus cofounded Urbanista International Ltd. together with Selcuk Avci, and so continues in his mission to realize milestone projects. The two partners agreed to further combine their forces in AVCIARCHITECTS in 2008, and in so doing have brought the ability to see projects through from inception through to completion and beyond under a single roof. Markus is graduate of Laurentian University (BA, Canada) and the University of Leeds (MA, UK), and a dual citizen of Canada and Finland. He is fluent in English, Finnish, and Turkish.
SELÇUK AVCI
A Turkish Brit who has made his family home in Slovenia, Selçuk has lived most of his life in the UK and run his own multidisciplinary architectural practice in London since 1988. Prior to this, his formative years were led by his roles as architect at ARUP Associates, Design Director of Energy Conscious Design, and VP of RTKL Europe, to name but a few. His design experience extends over many sectors, from retail, office, sports and leisure, luxury residential, education, to arts and culture. In recent years, Selçuk has extended his geographical reach and experience, working on a range of leading retail and mixed used developments across the UK, Hungary, Italy, Czech Republic and Turkey. Throughout his career, Selçuk has aimed to balance the theory and practice of architecture, viewing it as a holistic component of the life cycle of real estate development. A graduate of Bath University, he has taught at
the AA, the London University Bartlett, Bath University, Delft TU, Ljubljana University, and is currently a lecturer and co-founder of Turkey’s first ecodesign workshop for Master’s students at Istanbul’s Bilgi University. Selçuk’s balanced viewpoint and approach also extends to the ‘client’ side, being a founding partner of Urbanista International Ltd. Together with Markus Lehto, the London based development and consultancy company was established in 2007, even further extending the reach for Selcuk’s philosophies in sustainability and prioritization of eco-design. Selçuk is a graduate of Bath University and a dual citizen of Turkey and the UK. He is fluent in English and Turkish.
MICHAEL NAGATA
Originally from Japan, Michael has lived in various parts of Europe for the past 23 years but is now settled in London. Having grown up in North America with roots in Asia, Michael has always felt natural and comfortable moving between cultures. In fact, for Michael, interacting with people from different cultural background is something that adds spice to life.
In 1995, he joined Hypovereinsbank in Frankfurt, becoming responsible for the Asian financial institution clients of the bank’s Debt Capital Markets group. From 1999, as Managing Director, Michael headed the bank’s operation in Tokyo were the core business was in Real Estate Financing in addition to the Debt Capital Markets.
After finishing University in Japan, Michael joined Mitsubishi Bank (currently Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group) and started his career in finance with Debt Capital Markets, working in Tokyo, Zurich and London. While in London, he shifted to Corporate Banking as credit analyst, looking after some of top UK names.
In 2003, Michael returned to London and made a leap from banking to property by joining a residential property development business he had previously help start. For the next four years, it was investments and developments of various types of properties ranging from flats, apartment blocks to housing units in the UK and Europe. Michael is a graduate of Keio University in Japan with BA in Economics. He is fluent in English and Japanese with conversation level German.
CLIVE BLANKS
Born in London, Clive lives with his family in Radlett in Hertfordshire, he studied at St Albans Boys School and in 1988 went on to study Urban Estate Management at the University of London. He has enjoyed a successful career in property spanning over twenty years. Clive started working in the West End as a commercial agent. He then moved into the residential sector concentrating on Investment properties and he successfully acquired and disposed of large portfolios for overseas clients. He has successfully renovated and refurbished many residential properties from small refurbishments to the development of far larger residential sites.
He prides himself on building high quality individually designed properties in very desirable locations within Prime London areas as well as the Home Counties. He has recently completed an Eleven Million Pound residential development consisting of 18 newly built houses and 6 apartments carved from a redundant Water Tower. He is experienced in the acquisition of both land & existing buildings and has developed complex sites with multi million pound gross development values. Whilst dealing with many aspects of the planning procedure, he has managed to achieve excellent planning uplifts on existing schemes and has secured planning permission for both new build sites as well as sensitive existing buildings of historical interest.
Selected Clients • Abu Dhabi Investment Company, UAE • AON, USA • ATA Real Estate, Turkey • Braemore Group, UK • The Coca-Cola Company, Turkey • DIKA, Turkey • Discovery Group, Czech Republic • DOHE, Millennium Group, Saudi Arabia
• Ekinciler Construction, Turkey • ERA Properties, Egypt • FIBA - Real Estate, Turkey • FIBA - Yuksel Construction, Turkey • Grainger Ltd. UK • Hammerson Global Investors, UK • Istanbul 2010, Turkey • Jerde Partnership, USA
• McArthurGlen, UK • MPC Properties • Ocean Atlantic International, Serbia • RDM, Italy • Regnum, UK • Süzer Group, Turkey • Şölen, Turkey