With an industry career spanning over two decades, Dublin native Isabelle Gallagher is Head of Development at Quintain.
Working as Development Director at Quintain Ireland since 2019, she was appointed to her current role last November to help achieve future growth ambitions within the company.
Private homebuilder Quintain is delivering over 750 homes a year and targeting 1,500 by 2026. Isabelle has been the driving force behind Quintain’s developments in Adamstown and was instrumental in obtaining planning permission for 1,800 residential units in
the area over the last two years.
This work also involved the development of The Crossings urban village. Prior to working at Quintain Ireland, she held various roles at Hudson Advisors Ireland Ltd, where she served as Senior Vice President of Real Estate Management for three years. Before that, she spent 10 years working for Savills Ireland.
Isabelle holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a B.Sc. in Business Management, both from Dublin Institute of Technology. She also completed postgraduate studies in Surveying at the University of Reading and is a member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland.
Best advice you’ve been given?
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. If you are not uncomfortable then you are not learning and growing. Say yes to the thing, whatever it is for you, that you really don’t want to do. The sense of achievement is well worth it.
What project are you most excited about?
I couldn’t possibly pick one of our projects over another! However, the progress we have made at Adamstown over the past few years makes me very proud of our team. It is the culmination of nine years work and is a true example of the importance of collaboration across the private and public sectors. To be involved in the delivery of a new town is a privilege, it makes the work worthwhile.
How do you approach long-term planning and strategy?
A large amount of my role is long-term planning and strategy and ensuring everything we do is in line with our business plan. At the end of every year, the senior management team sits down and reviews the targets for the year ahead, planning out how we will achieve them. But as anyone in development will know, you can’t be too rigid in your approach because the external landscape is everchanging so being able to pivot quickly is just as important.
What digital tools or technology are you embracing to get work done?
Technology is undoubtedly a great enabler for our business. The ability to remotely collaborate using video conferencing and meeting tools was vital to the business during the pandemic.
That said, it is our experience that this industry really needs face-to-face collaboration and interaction to work efficiently and achieve the best outcomes for our developments.
What are the big industry trends you’re noticing right now?
Development and construction is a very dynamic industry. There is constant change in the market, Government initiatives and the legislative and regulatory landscape. The big ticket items at the moment are the National Planning Framework and the new Planning and Development Bill, both due later this year. We are keeping a close eye and are keen to see how some of the mooted changes will be implemented.
Who’s impressing you most in the industry at present?
I have recently joined the IHBA Committee, and I have been very impressed with the CIF/IHBA team. They are incredibly knowledgeable and run a very efficient operation. Attending their meetings and meeting other members has been hugely beneficial to me in my role at Quintain.
What did you learn from your biggest mistake?
Over the last 20 years, I have learned that not realising when you need help and being reluctant to ask for it is a recipe for
disaster. I have made a couple of mistakes over the years that arose from taking on too much work. But mistakes help you grow so I try not to dwell on them and most importantly I try not to repeat the pattern.
Who’s your role model within the industry or wider business community?
This is an easy one for me! I would have to say my father. He is a housebuilder and developer who works alongside his family. He has relentless drive and is a great problem solver. I very much admire his passion and energy.
Best book you’ve read recently?
I found Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson very interesting. It is about business communication styles and is an entertaining read.
What’s your passion when you’re not at work?
Travel, I am always planning my next trip! I enjoy the planning aspect. I enjoy seeing new places and I think the mental break from work keeps me sharp.
