Episode: Building Sydney’s Skyline with Mark Tait, Group Executive and Head of Development at Investa
In this episode of Spotlight’s Behind the Role series, host Samarah Issa sits down with Mark Tait, Group Executive and Head of Development at Investa Property Group, for a deep dive into what it actually takes to bring a major development to life — from first feasibility study to practical completion.
In this episode, Mark covers:
- His path from a civil engineering degree at UTS and site engineer on Sydney’s Fox Studios (now the Entertainment Quarter), through a Masters of Property Development, to delivering the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Village
- The real difference between construction management and development management — and why development is roughly 80% planning, finance and structuring before a single brick is laid
- Behind-the-scenes stories from major Investa projects, including the complex heritage negotiation and design competition behind 60 Martin Place, built above St Stephen’s Uniting Church
- Investa’s expansion into build-to-rent, and how managing hundreds of individual residents differs from traditional office leasing
- How COVID-era disruption, geopolitical tensions, and construction cost inflation are reshaping how developers manage risk, contingency and pre-commitments
- Investa’s long track record in sustainability and ESG — from early Green Star accreditation to fully electrified buildings becoming the market norm
- His advice for students: property is a people game, so don’t underestimate relationships, financial literacy, and the legal and planning fundamentals behind every development
A must-listen for anyone curious about what really goes on behind a major development — long before construction ever begins.
