Where Passion Meets Purpose: Thriving in CBRE Consulting

That sounds like an interesting team dynamic. You were an architect before joining CBRE – how did you come to join the company and pivot into the real estate side of things?

Yes! I trained as an architect and worked in design and development, which made me passionate about what makes cities and urban environments great. I also focused on sustainability, but I wanted to be more involved in the decision-making process, looking at all the factors that shape real estate beyond design—like business and logistics — so I transitioned to management design consulting. I missed working with the built environment though, so when I found CBRE, it was the perfect fit, combining consulting, design, and sustainability.

Were you familiar with CBRE before joining? How did your perception of the company change after coming on board?

Before joining, I thought CBRE was a brokerage firm that only handled transactions and managed buildings. I was really impressed when I discovered that this consulting team was built from various legacy teams of experts in supply chain, urban economics, site selection, and more to inform a holistic real estate and business strategy. I thought it was the perfect opportunity for me and it’s given me a fresh perspective on the industry.

What’s one thing you want prospective colleagues, especially in Consulting, to know about CBRE?

Our global network and the ability to grow your knowledge. When you join CBRE, you join a vast network of 130,000-plus people across the globe, many of whom you get to work with and can learn from.

For example, as a consultant I'm focused on sustainability, but some of the projects that I'm working on have to do with waste management, which I know less about. I can reach out to CBRE specialists in that area to inform the project and also broaden my own understanding. The potential for learning and growth here is huge.

How have you been challenged in your role, and how has that helped you realize your potential?

When I joined, the sustainability solutions practice in Americas Consulting was just starting. I was tasked with figuring out answers to questions about sustainability our clients had never asked before, which was a fun and interesting challenge that really pushed me to my limits.

At CBRE, I’ve found a place where I get to inform how the built environment takes shape while collaborating with many different experts and specializing in sustainability, which has always been important to me. I've finally been able to combine all my interests while working with great people.

That sounds incredibly valuable professionally. How would you describe the values and culture at CBRE?

Coming into a company of 130,000-plus people, I expected everything to be “by the book” and bureaucratic—but I’ve experienced the opposite. CBRE embraces new ideas, perspectives and change. Everyone I’ve met is kind and you build real connections with people.

Alan’s career at CBRE offers a window into what we offer our people: A global network of clients and multidisciplinary, expert-laden teams empowering them to transform the future of commercial real estate.

Explore what’s possible by visiting our current opportunities in Consulting.