Georgia Willis was recently appointed development manager with Pace Development Group. She was winner of the UDIA Victorian Women in Leadership Award in 2016 and has more than 15 years' experience in the property industry. Willis says she loves having "the ability to work on projects that have an impact on Melbourne’s skyline and the way people live."

She spoke to SCHWARTZWILLIAMS about her career and the new role, and her view on the Melbourne development market.

You’ve recently been appointed development manager at Pace Development Group. What attracted you to the role, and what does your new role entail? 

I have always maintained a keen interest in watching other developers and how they each uniquely innovate the market place. Pace is a business I have admired and respected for some time, so when I was contacted by Shane about the development manager role, I was immediately interested.

Pace’s strategy has always been very clear to me. Their passion for the Melbourne market is a huge credit to them, and their commitment to delivering iconic buildings that will leave a legacy in this city demonstrates enormous integrity. I strongly ascribe to this vision and feel that it aligns perfectly with my own personal brand and career aspirations.

My role has been introduced to bring further sophistication to their front-end development function – in particular leveraging my experience across government projects and the associated relationships I have built. Forging these relationships between Pace and critical government stakeholders at a state and local level will evolve Pace’s pre-development activities, and  ultimately the timely approval and delivery of our projects.

How did you first get into property development?

I first got into the property industry through the telecommunications sector when the telcos were rolling out their networks in the late 90s. I was involved in the front-end negotiations with land owners and stakeholders to enable the installation of facilities on their land and / roof tops. Stakeholder relationships was key to success then as it is now to achieve development outcomes.

You were the 2016 winner of the UDIA Vic Women in Leadership Award. What do you attribute your success to?

A strong network of industry representatives and stakeholders with a willingness to work in to achieve outcomes for all parties. I was recognised for my ability to lead colleagues and consultants to achieve critical project milestones.

Where do you see the development cycle at the moment, and how is Pace responding?

I think the residential market is as strong as we have seen it. While the property bubble is a constant discussion point, this relates to only concentrated areas of the market. The reality is that Pace aren’t dealing with a micro market - we are dealing with a macro market, and there’s always going to be a strong demand for quality designed and constructed, affordable housing in areas that people want to live in.

What do you enjoy most about working in property development? 

Its dynamic passionate people. The ability to work on projects that have an impact on Melbourne’s skyline and the way people live.

Is property development a good industry for equal opportunity? 

Absolutely. Women should back themselves to work in any industry they choose. Ultimately knowledge is power, irrespective of gender. 

The  development industry is extremely dynamic, encapsulating a whole range of disciples and experts. One day to the next brings new challenges and opportunities. 

If you’re a woman that is committed to evolving herself personally and professionally, if you are passionate and dedicated, there’s no stopping you in this industry - you have a seat at the property table as much as anyone else. 

If there was one thing about the development industry you could change, what would it be?

Pre-development activities are becoming very cumbersome due to the layers of policy developers need to deliver upon. It would be a refreshing change for the industry if government better resourced its local and state agencies to assist in timely and effective policy decision making.

Where do you live now, and where would you live if you could live anywhere in the world?

I live in Ashburton which I absolutely love.  To be honest I don’t think I would change a thing with where I live. Melbourne is a fantastic city with so much to offer!

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