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Shane Quinn: The Quintessential difference - don't extract value, create value

The Quintessential difference – don’t extract value, create value

Author: Shane Quinn, Executive Chairman

As Executive Chair of Quintessential, I’m passionate about working on projects that are not just good, but exceptional. When an exceptional deal goes bad it becomes a good deal and when a good deal goes bad then you don’t want to be involved in it. Rather than investing in generic property, I like to find property that needs our particular skills to enhance it.

A unique skill set

At Quintessential, we have a direct relationship with investors, allowing us to raise capital in-house. And unlike many firms, we have in-house engineering and construction expertise. It’s ingrained in our company’s DNA. So, we have the know-how to appraise property from an engineering point of view, and the ability to invest quickly when needed.

Shane Quinn: The Quintessential difference - don't extract value, create value

This allows us to see risk where others see opportunity, and to see opportunity where others see risk. When we commit to a project, we go in with a very clear vision. Our property discipline and expertise helps us to buy below market value, and our engineering expertise saves us from wasting money on poorly planned construction. We engineer our projects from the inside out, rather than financially from the outside in.

The benefits of going green

It was clear to me from quite early in my career that the commercial property sector offers real opportunity to make a positive environmental impact. Working on the redevelopment of the NAB headquarters in Adelaide, we were able to halve the carbon footprint from 1,500 to 750 tonnes by upgrading the buildings plant and equipment. It’s a mindset I’ve carried into Quintessential and has helped us outperform on our existing asset projects and is now in our development projects. Our first major office development at 1 Malop Street was the second project in the world to achieve a Platinum Core & Shell WELL Building Standard Rating. Office buildings and commercial property make up approximately 10 to 12 percent of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions, so there are huge opportunities here.

It’s not just about what kind of world we want to leave for the next generation – it also makes strong financial sense. If you create a carbon-friendly environment using sustainable materials and highly efficient building methods as well as plant and equipment, you will attract high-quality, long-term tenants who place a lot of value in being environmentally friendly.