Episode #4
Mark Tait, Investa | Behind The Role | PropConnex Spotlight
Episode: Building Sydney's Skyline with Mark Tait, Group Executive & Head of Development at Investa In this episode of Spotlight's Behind the Role series, host Samarah Issa sits down with Mark Tait , Group Executive and Head of Development at Investa Property Group, for a deep dive into what it actually takes to bring a major development to life — from first feasibility study to practical completion. In this episode, Mark covers: His path from a civil engineering degree at UTS and site engineer on Sydney's Fox Studios (now the Entertainment Quarter), through a Masters of Property Development, to delivering the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Village The real difference between construction management and development management — and why development is roughly 80% planning, finance and structuring before a single brick is laid Behind-the-scenes stories from major Investa projects, including the complex heritage negotiation and design competition behind 60 Martin Place, built above St Stephen's Uniting Church Investa's expansion into build-to-rent, and how managing hundreds of individual residents differs from traditional office leasing How COVID-era disruption, geopolitical tensions, and construction cost inflation are reshaping how developers manage risk, contingency and pre-commitments Investa's long track record in sustainability and ESG — from early Green Star accreditation to fully electrified buildings becoming the market norm His advice for students: property is a people game, so don't underestimate relationships, financial literacy, and the legal and planning fundamentals behind every development A must-listen for anyone curious about what really goes on behind a major development — long before construction ever begins. PropConnex Spotlight Series | Connecting students with Australia's commercial real estate industry.
