_An architect’s foray into land transactions and real estate consulting

Reshmi Panicker, Executive Director, Land Services and Residential, Knight Frank India, is an accomplished architect who has made significant strides on the Indian real estate industry. She shares what inclusion means to her, and the main turning points in her career.

Ahfisah Rahman March 06, 2024

An architect's venture into land transactions and real estate consulting

As an architect by qualification, I have spent more than three decades in the real estate industry, with a significant part of my career dedicated to working with Knight Frank. I began my journey with Knight Frank in 1998, just a few years after the company had been established in India. Based on the experience I had gathered, I was entrusted with setting up the land team, which focused on facilitating large land transactions.

I spent seven and a half years in my first stint at Knight Frank, gaining invaluable experience and expertise, before deciding to explore the other side of the industry by working with three leading developers for 16 years. This experience provided me with a unique perspective, enabling me to understand the inner workings of our clients better and gain insight into their needs and expectations. Two years ago, I came full circle, having returned to Knight Frank for my second innings, focusing once again on land transactions – my first baby. It has been a rewarding experience to be back with the company where I started my career and to witness its growth and evolution firsthand. It also gives me immense happiness to see projects that have been completed on lands that I have transacted on and to know that I have in my small way contributed to the changing skyline of Mumbai.

Breaking barriers in the complex world of land transactions

Men have historically dominated the real estate industry, but women have been breaking barriers and making strides in various aspects of the field. While numerous women are in roles such as CRM, sales, research, and advisory, the realm of land transactions has traditionally been less diverse. My journey as a woman in this niche area has been marked by challenges and opportunities, ultimately shaping my career and fueled my passion for the industry.

Pioneering pathways: the journey in land transactions

When I began handling land transactions at Knight Frank, I was perhaps among the first few women to tackle transactions of that scale and nature. This accomplishment was a result of my architectural background and knowledge in legal, regulatory matters and experience in handling projects, which gave me the requisite expertise needed to navigate the complexities of land titles, approvals, and other crucial aspects. The ability to understand and manage these intricate details has been a key factor in my success as a woman in this field.

The complexity and challenge of land transactions draw me to this field. The thrill of unraveling the intricate web of factors that influence a deal and finding a way to make it work is a challenge that I eagerly embrace. In a field where simplicity often reigns supreme, the complexities of land transactions offer an opportunity to stand out and make a significant impact.

Thriving as a woman in the industry

The world of real estate can be daunting, especially for women who often have to juggle multiple responsibilities and navigate a historically male-dominated industry.

One of the keys to success for women in this industry is recognising and capitalising on our inherent strengths. Our ability to multitask, our emotional intelligence, and our strong work ethic are all attributes that can give us an edge in navigating the complexities of land transactions. By focusing on these strengths, we can position ourselves as valuable assets to our companies and clients.

Envisioning an inclusive future of gender diversity in the industry

The real estate industry was a male-dominated field, but the tide is turning as more women enter various roles within the sector. From project management to civil engineering, women are making their mark and contributing to the growth and development of the industry. The real estate industry offers various opportunities for women across various verticals, including CRM, sales, research, advisory, transactions, and even construction. Although there may be a predominance of males in some areas like construction, this too is changing as more women enter these roles and prove their capabilities. In India, in particular, there is a growing acceptance of women in the industry, and the path is open for those who are interested, willing, and capable.

The future of gender diversity in real estate depends on the continued efforts of both individuals and organizations to create an inclusive environment. Companies can support women by providing equal opportunities, mentorship programs, and a work culture that values diversity. Women, in turn, can take charge of their careers by seeking out opportunities, developing their skills, and supporting one another in their professional journeys. If a woman is interested and she is willing and capable, I find that it is pretty easy to get into any role that you choose. Your path is where you make out of it.