where creative transformation is the work of everyone.

Swire Properties develops and manages thoughtfully designed, vibrant, and sustainable urban spaces as part of its vision for ‘creative transformation’. Yet, far from being the work of a dedicated team of creatives, everyone within the company is involved in delivering this vision. We asked Anna Thompson, Director, Human Resources and Jodi Kwok, Head of Human Resources & Administration, to explain Swire Properties’ vision, and how its distinctive approach to talent management and employer branding help it to stand out.

From Hong Kong’s Pacific Place to Beijing’s Taikoo Li Sanlitun and Miami’s Brickell City Centre, the Swire Properties portfolio brings together some of the world’s most outstanding mixed-use developments, typically including office, retail, hotel, and residential elements.

The results of the company’s efforts are striking and original, centering on a process it calls “placemaking”. Yet, there is nothing impersonal or elitist in these thriving urban spaces. From a focus on diversity, wellbeing and community regeneration, to public amenities, art installations and free-flowing pedestrian walkways, Swire Properties is constantly looking at ways to break down social barriers, and boost the sustainability and accessibility of its developments. Data, analysis, and technology form an important part of delivering this creative transformation. This includes measuring everything from the diversity of employment opportunities to air quality, social contact potential, and proximity to nature, to strengthen environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance within the company’s developments. However, the even bigger key to Swire Properties’ success is its diverse and empowered talent.

obsession with quality

Asked about what people within Swire Properties strive for, Anna Thompson highlights the “obsession with quality” within the business. Describing how this is realized in practice, Anna believes that “it doesn’t just require technical skills to construct and manage high quality, safe and sustainable buildings, but also teamwork, persistence, and attention to detail. Nothing is too big or too small for our project, technical and services teams to deal with, from understanding what brings out the best in people working on site, to harnessing the latest thinking, modelling, and real-time operational data to maximize occupant comfort and environmental performance. We are also a company that embraces new ideas and innovation. We want our people to be curious, to speak out, and challenge convention.”

Asked about how Swire Properties keeps pace with changing customer demands and creates communities within its developments, Jodi Kwok highlights how these considerations run seamlessly right through from the conceptual design stage to property management and operations. “This means we can bring together architects and designers with our service and engagement teams who work directly with tenants and customers. This exchange of ideas and feedback is critical in understanding customers’ evolving demands and identifying ways to enhance future projects,” Jodi explains.