RedBook’s latest appointment sees a brilliant design talent added to the team—along with fluent Basque
The addition of Barak Alberro sees RedBook further expand its in-house expertise. Hailing from San Sebastian, he will use his architectural training and experience to aid with design ideas, cost benchmarking, risk advice, feasibility studies and all the detailed pre-purchase advice RedBook offers its clients and leading property professionals.
Founding Director, Sandy Mitchell, notes: “I am delighted to be adding Barak’s creative imagination and experience, across a vast array of different projects, to our team. He has immediately enhanced our output for clients. I am also quietly delighted to have a fluent Basque speaker at RedBook, though his Spanish and French are probably going to be put to more use.”
Barak, tell us about your background.
I’ve worked in the industry for 12 years. I trained as an architect in Spain and spent time working there before moving to the UK. I’ve completed private commissions and large commercial schemes internationally, and have worked at leading architect practices and property firms such as Foster+Partners, Northacre, BWT London and BANDA, having various roles from architect to Head to Design. In these roles, I’ve gained vast experience of liaising with clients, coordinating projects and working with consultants which then developed naturally into project management positions. I’ve worked on projects in Mexico, Dubai, Morocco, Italy, America, Portugal, Spain and France–experience that will be invaluable for me at RedBook.
What are the most notable property projects you’ve worked on?
During my time at Foster+Partners I helped to deliver the £1 billion Battersea Roof Gardens project across all stages from concept through planning and then to tender. Then with BANDA I oversaw the £120million Leinster Square development in London which consisted of two penthouses, eight apartments and five maisonettes. I was also involved in transforming Richmond Brewery Stores to create six duplexes and two commercial spaces that all combine heritage architecture with contemporary design.
“I love anything to do with design. It’s in my nature to fully immerse myself in everything I do – be that travel and exploring new places and cultures; exploring art galleries and emerging designers; or of course within my work. I develop a personal passion for each project, living it from the inside rather than looking at things from above. I was instantly drawn to RedBook when I discovered what Tom and Sandy are doing.”
What does the role of Projects Director involve?
I will be aligning clients with the most suitable design and technical consultants for their projects and assembling their curated team of best-in-class specialists, whilst also using my architectural design experience to design client briefs and project targets as well as offering consultation throughout the entire process. What I won’t be doing is working as an architect or designer on clients’ projects—that is for the brilliant partners we introduce to clients.
What appeals most about working at RedBook?
I find it absolutely fascinating to be working with such a talented array of experts as those represented by RedBook, each with a different mindset and background yet with so many synergies. RedBook is unique in this. I’m also looking forward to helping our clients deliver some very forward-thinking projects that are sustainable both environmentally and financially.
Tom Adams, RedBook’s CEO, comments: “Barak’s experience and skills enable us to give our clients an even greater depth of advice. He can immediately see the potential for altering and improving properties, and can bring this to life for clients both before a purchase they are considering and after. He is a great addition to our growing team of experts.”
Click here to find out more about our team and RedBook’s in-house expertise.
