Q&A: Five minutes with Karen Jones, planning partner at Rapleys

How did you join the property industry?

I originally planned to do psychology at university but decided that was too radical after pursuing the traditional arts subjects, so I chose geography instead. I still didn’t consider planning at this point though and sought to join the police force. However, there were numerous issues regarding the state of my eyesight. After fellow geographers advised me that planning involved living and breathing a passion for geography in a very practical way, I found my calling.

What does your job entail?

I work on a variety of schemes, including 1,000-plus-unit masterplans and industrial properties, mostly in London and the South East. The scale never matters: planning is always intricate and interesting. I like to be hands-on in my role and always pivoted towards a breadth of experience. Ultimately, planning is a process, but it is also extremely nuanced. You need to be instinctive as well as detail driven.

What do you like most about the industry?

The variety. The fact I am always learning on the job. I work with a multitude of professionals. It is like being at school every day – in a good way.

And what do you dislike most about it?

The glacial pace at which things move, whether due to economic and political circumstances or under-resourced planning departments. I would like it to be less combative and more collaborative, but times are shifting and we are getting closer to this position.

Do you have a favourite building?

I like the boldness of New York and the juxtaposition of tall and humble buildings. That is a bold and confident approach. I think we can be too formulaic in urban design. It is places perhaps more than individual buildings that inspire me, and the Netherlands is another example with its lack of privacy. I believe humans thrive in more personal, close environments rather than prescripted separation distances between buildings.

For a building I remember: Marqués de Riscal Hotel in Rioja, Spain, designed by Frank Gehry. Flat planes and then a wonderfully alien structure. Striking.

Who in property has inspired you?

There is no one particular person. I would champion architects, generally, as my inspiration. They are an incredibly talented and inspirational bunch of people who have their wings clipped too often.

If you had not gone into property, what would you be doing?

Going back to my first answer, I’d probably be a psychologist in the police force.

What would you change about the industry?

More diversity; more women at the top.

What challenges have you overcome?

Same as in other careers: some people can be problematic or obstructive, even if most aren’t. I have learned to find my ‘tribe’. Being personable and open means you can generally find a route through.

What are you most proud of in your career?

That I enjoy what I do. I haven’t become weighed down by the changes that are wrought on a monthly basis, but rather find everything uniquely and inspirationally challenging. Like lots of pocket puzzles.

What do you value in people?

People who are open, friendly and solution focused. I like directness and transparency.

What advice would you give someone starting a career in the property industry?

Consider being dual qualified – RTPI and RICS. It could be a game-changer.