In a bifurcated real estate market where only best-in-class assets seem to thrive, Jared White, Managing Director at Quadrum Global, has built a career and a portfolio on clarity, creativity, and conviction. On this episode of The Real Finds Podcast, I sat down with Jared to talk about what it really takes to develop standout properties in today’s post-2020 market, from ESG-forward office buildings in London to condo projects breaking records in Brooklyn.
It’s a conversation that spans continents, zoning quirks, design philosophy, amenity arms races, and why the smartest developers are running residential buildings more like boutique hotels.
Jared didn’t come into real estate through a traditional route. He studied law, practiced as an attorney, and eventually found his way into development through a process of what he calls “career elimination.” That wide-ranging background shows in his approach: part financially rigorous, part creatively inspired, and deeply operational. At Quadrum, he’s helped lead dozens of developments globally, but two recent ones 11 Belgrave in London and The Huron in Brooklyn, perfectly capture where top-tier real estate is headed.
One of Jared’s most fascinating stories was around 11 Belgrave, a London office development that redefined what ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) means in practice, not just in brochures.
Located in a part of Victoria not traditionally known for office, the building was a logistical and regulatory challenge. But with a hands-on team and vision for what Class A office space could be, the project achieved WELL and LEED certifications, scored a 5.5 Neighbour rating, and landed leases well above pro forma.
Key ESG-driven innovations:
Operable windows (rare in London offices)
Fresh air elevators with purification systems
Use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems
Jared noted that the building wasn’t a passion project—it had to perform financially. And it did. But it also stretched the imagination of what’s possible with ESG when design teams push through the constraints.
One of the most candid insights Jared offered was about the economic reality of ESG development. “If it doesn’t drive a premium, it doesn’t work,” he said flatly.
Many of the firms that can afford high-end ESG spaces are in finance, not manufacturing. And while ESG-forward buildings might lease more slowly, like a Ferrari, they don’t move off the lot overnight. The tenants who choose them are often “stickier.” Once a company brands itself around a premium workspace, it’s harder to walk that back.
That stickiness can justify the slower lease-up and higher development costs—if you get the design and operations right.
Jared also walked us through the full lifecycle of The Huron, a 171-unit luxury condo development in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. What began as a strategic land bank evolved into one of the borough’s most ambitious and well-received projects, breaking multiple records for price-per-square-foot and gross condo sale prices.
Why it worked:
Design first, value-engineer second: The building has eight corner stacks, maximizing natural light and views.
Ship-inspired architecture: Drawing from Greenpoint’s shipbuilding history, the twin-tower design references smokestacks and maritime angles.
Quiet luxury: Whisper-quiet VRF HVAC systems make the homes feel serene—so quiet, Jared joked, “tenants are adding white noise machines.”
It’s not just design flair; Jared emphasized how deeply thought-out operational elements were, from the bike rooms to refrigerated grocery storage. Quadrum treated the building’s operations like they would a hotel, which isn’t a coincidence.
Quadrum isn’t just a developer. They also own and operate the Arlo hotel brand, and Jared sees real overlap between hospitality and residential now.
He made the case that many developers ignore operational logistics, assuming once the building sells out, it’s someone else’s problem. But Quadrum brought in property managers early to optimize layout decisions based on real-world use. Package rooms, bike storage, amenity sizing—all these “little” things get noticed by residents.
Especially post-COVID, buyers want more control, more comfort, and more options to work from home or enjoy building amenities. Jared’s team leaned into that, adding 30,000 square feet of shared spaces, including:
A co-working space
Full gym and yoga studio
Pool, roof decks, and children’s play areas
Private lounges and rentable entertainment spaces
That level of amenity in a sub-200-unit building is rare, and it’s paying off in resale value and buyer loyalty.
Jared closed the episode with some classic advice and a few hard-earned truths:
“It takes a lifetime to build a reputation—and a moment to destroy it. Be firm, but always operate with integrity.”
He also advised newcomers to:
Say yes often to events, meetings, and dinners. It’s a people business.
Show up in person – a real handshake goes further than any Zoom call.
Balance ROI with intuition – especially in design-driven projects.
📚 The Power Broker by Robert Caro – A must-read on power, politics, and urban development.
📚 The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs – A compelling look at how mixed-use, messy cities spark innovation and resilience.
What stood out most about Jared’s mindset is that Quadrum doesn’t develop to check boxes; they build to stand out. Whether it’s soundproofed HVAC, maritime-inspired towers, or ESG-first retrofits, the projects are shaped by people who care deeply about the outcome, not just the spreadsheet.
In a market where value-add is no longer enough, Jared’s approach is a reminder that good design, thoughtful operations, and long-term vision still win.
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