In Conversation with Priya Rawal, Founder of The Luxury Property Forum
1.) How would you best describe The Luxury Property Forum to those who have not yet heard of it?
The Luxury Property Forum is a virtual private members’ club for highly experienced and devoted companies, specialising in luxury real estate and construction. It facilitates the advancement of the luxury property industry through developing strong business collaborations, sharing knowledge, experience and contacts. We hold bespoke and exclusive events for the community. Whilst networking and making the right connections is a by-product, we strive for the events to be as informative and enjoyable as possible.
2.) What motivated you to start The Luxury Property Forum?
As a construction lawyer specialising in luxury residential developments and hotels, over the years I connected various people and long lasting relationships have been forged. My experience in construction projects, means I understand the need for each separate discipline to work cohesively with each other. This requires a need for mutual respect and understanding of individual roles and strengths. The Luxury Property Forum is unique in nature and I anticipate that it will become a useful resource to the industry and be a mechanism to make it more efficient, diverse, collaborative and sustainable.
3.) Before starting The Luxury Property Forum, what did your career look like?
I was and am a commercial construction lawyer at CMS Cameron McKenna, Nabarro, Olswang LLP. For almost a decade, I have had the privilege to draft contracts for some of the UK’s most prestigious and high value luxury development projects. Such projects include the development of “world’s most expensive apartments”, One Hyde Park, the financing of the Neo Bankside luxury apartments, the redevelopment of Westminster Fire Station and the conversion of a chapel and school into high end apartments in both Kensington and Chelsea. I have also worked closely with high net-worth individuals on the refurbishment of their London residences, high-end student accommodation schemes and restaurant and hotel refurbishments.
4.) What do you love about the property and construction industry?
As a lawyer we deal with documents every day and often this means working in the abstract. However working in property and construction, means that you can see the tangible fruits of your labour. You can walk around London knowing that you had a hand in changing the landscape by working on the refurbishment of a old building or constructing something brand new. Property may change hands every day, however the bricks and mortar can be there for centuries. It’s like being part of history.
5.) What does the word “luxury” mean to you?
“Luxury” is no doubt a subjective term and is an ever changing ideal. When I first started working on high end projects, “luxury” meant indulgence set aside only for the rich. However now “luxury” to me involves uniqueness and exclusiveness. Not because it is meant just for a few people but because it is inherently personal and special. “Luxury” used to be reserved for “best”. The special chair that your mother would never let you sit on. Now, although “luxury” may mean premium quality and great beauty (such beauty to be in the eye of the beholder), “luxury” now needs be essential and create meaningful value in our daily lives.
6.) What are some of The Luxury Property Forum member benefits?
Some of the benefits of joining The Luxury Property Forum include:
An opportunity to align your brand with key influencers and decision-makers at the top end of the luxury property market and an opportunity to discover new business opportunities and explore collaborations;
Access to private and bespoke events focussing on learning and relationship building;
An opportunity to become part of the collective voice of the luxury property industry and help change it for the better.
7.) For those interested in membership, can you tell us a little about the application process?
The application form is on our website. We want to know about your journey and experience in luxury property. We attract members who enrich the network as well as benefit from it. Applicants may be asked to provide referees and will be assessed on a case by case basis.
8.) In terms of social responsibility, what is The Luxury Property Forum doing to give back?
We are a proud supporter of LandAid, the property industry charity working to end youth homelessness in the UK. We lead by example and understand our responsibility to make a positive social impact on the communities in which we work. As such, we will be hosting events throughout the year in collaboration and in support of LandAid.
9.) When you are not growing The Luxury Property Forum, what keeps you busy?
I recently became a mother, so my lovely daughter is keeping me very busy outside of The Luxury Property Forum. Life is of course immensely different. A little bit harder, although much funnier and filled with joy.
10.) What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Surround yourself with people who elevate you. Not those that bring you down. Your network is your net worth.