Development director at Native Land, Dan Clarke talks to AT about evolving expectations and the delicate task of striking a balance between adhering to regulations and pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation.
Dan Clarke, development director, Native Land.
Can you tell us about Native Land?
Native Land was established in 2003 and it has grown to be an internationally renowned privately-owned investment and development company. We’re known for our portfolio of mixed-use commercial and high-end private residential developments.
Currently in London, our projects include Bankside Yards, a 1.4m sq ft mixed-use development on the South Bank in joint venture with Temasek, Amcorp and Hotel Properties Limited; the revitalisation of South Kensington Underground Station in partnership with Places for London (PfL); a new life sciences and office development in partnership with Ashby Capital at 105 Judd Street, in London’s Knowledge Quarter; and Kilmuir House, a forthcoming super-prime residential development in Belgravia. In Scotland, we have partnered with Nuveen Real Estate to deliver 152 apartments at the Edinburgh St James project, reviving one of the largest retail destinations in the UK and in Guildford, we are progressing with a 185-apartment redevelopment of the former Debenham’s department store.
What are you working on at Native Land?
As Development Director at Native Land, I oversee the delivery of our projects – which currently include residential projects such as Kilmuir House, 100 George Street and BY2 at Bankside Yards in London and New Eidyn in Edinburgh. I originally trained as an architect so have a natural eye for detail while seeing the big picture in equal measure which complements the “commercial” mind of a developer. At Native Land, we have an excellent track record of delivering sought-after prime Central London residential developments, and so I’ve set myself the challenge to maintain and build on this success for our current projects.
What is your design vision?
The design vision is always to focus on the end user of the building which is integral to all Native Land developments. Whether its residential or commercial, we create places that people want to spend time in because they feel connected to the space. Attention to detail, high quality materials and finishes and landscaping which create a real sense of place are key. It’s also important that an elegant and timeless design is paired seamlessly with a serious approach to sustainability.
The proposal for 1 Bankside yards as viewed from the Millennium Bridge. The scheme involves work from PLP Architecture, Make, Allies and Morrison, Stiff + Trevillion, MSMR Architects and Gillespies.
How do you spot a development opportunity and how do you generate value?
Spotting new opportunities involves a combination of current market analysis, foresight, and an appreciation of the emerging market and people’s needs. We are always looking for areas with value growth potential, especially in challenging development sites which may be unappealing to others. We have to keep our fingers on the pulse of emerging trends and gaps in the market, so staying connected within the industry is also crucial.
At Native Land, we always push our projects to the limit to get the best out of any opportunity. We have a steadfast focus on innovative design and sustainable practices. By aligning with the unique characteristics of each location, we also ensure that our developments not only meet current and future needs but also positively impact local communities. It’s about anticipating future demands, being adaptable, and delivering projects that stand the test of time.
What are the main challenges facing the prime residential sector today?
Economic fluctuations, changing tax policies, and global events can influence buyer confidence and investment decisions, making it essential for developers in this sector to remain agile and adaptable to external factors. The planning process also demands time, expertise, and careful consideration. Striking a balance between adhering to regulations and pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation can be a delicate task. As expectations evolve, finding the right mix that appeals to discerning buyers while respecting the local context and ensuring minimal environmental impact is crucial. But with each of these challenges, we also see a massive opportunity to deliver a great product. Buyers in the prime residential sector are not just looking for luxury; they want environmentally conscious and energy-efficient homes, which we can deliver.
How important is sustainability and what are you doing to improve the environmental performance of your projects?
Sustainability is integrated into every decision we make at Native Land. It goes beyond being a checkbox on our projects; it’s a core principle that guides our decision-making. We’re committed to reducing our scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 42 per cent by 2030 from a 2021 base year, as well as measuring and reducing our scope 3 emissions. We’re one of less than 30 companies in the UK real estate sector that have had their targets approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative.
A growing part of my role is looking at how we can reduce the carbon impact of our construction. We are currently exploring areas including low-carbon concrete and already implementing net zero carbon in operation across all our new schemes. Our Bankside Yards development is a prime example of this as the UK’s first major mixed-use fossil fuel free scheme.
Working with Stiff + Trevillion, 105 Judd Street looks to turn an Edwardian building in King’s Cross into a lab-enabled workspace.
Is retrofit part of your overall strategy, and if so, are there any projects you are currently working on?
Working in Central London into the next decades, you’d struggle to avoid developments that require various levels of retrofit. Not only is it environmentally sustainable, but it also makes commercial sense. At 105 Judd Street, we are transforming an Edwardian building in King’s Cross, into a lab-enabled workspace. The creative re-use of the building will see 75 per cent of the existing fabric retained and restored, while comfort and energy performance are brought up to class-leading contemporary standards. As we continue to explore opportunities, retrofitting will remain a key element of our strategy, whilst also taking a pragmatic view depending on each development’s context.
How do you go about selecting architects to work with?
Architects are key to the success of any development. We prioritize architects who not only bring innovative design expertise to the table but also understand the unique challenges and opportunities presented by each development. It’s also important for there to be an alignment with our values, especially on sustainability and commitment to quality. Our projects thrive on effective teamwork, so selecting architects who can seamlessly integrate with the entire project team is key.
What is the one thing an architect could say or do that would make you disinclined to work with them?
If their design is guided by style over substance. It’s important to us to create developments that will truly stand the test of time. The architecture and design of the building and the public realm need to be attractive, efficient and generous at the same time. If an architect shows resistance to others’ input, is rigid in their approach, or is unwilling to consider alternative perspectives, it could really hinder the collaborative and innovative process that is essential for successful projects.
What projects do you have in the pipeline and who are you working with?
We are currently working on the active projects mentioned previously with architects including RSHP, PLP Architecture, Pilbrow and Partners, MAKE, MSMR, 7N Architects, Stiff + Trevillion, Squire and Partners and GRID. Looking to the future in terms of projects and relationships, we are also talking with several other firms on potential sites.
