015 Design That Pays: Architecture, Interiors & GDV with Ben Richards
Ben Richards — Masters degree in Architectural Engineering, founder of Aura Architecture & Interiors, and co-host of the XP Property Podcast — joins us to break down what great design actually does for your numbers.
What we cover:
What most SME developers still get wrong about architects and design
The fundamentals that never change, no matter the scale of the project
Exactly how Aura works with clients — from brief to build
Whether premium design and interiors genuinely moves GDV, and by how much
How to select finishes — and how to avoid the "expensive reno, boring result" trap
A real-world cost and timeline breakdown: rear extension, skylights, kitchen, interiors
What Ben has learned from XP Property Podcast guests that changed how he operates
What UK developers should actually be paying attention to right now
Our companies:
ZEN Stays — £1.1m annual turnover through Serviced Accommodation & Property Management
ZEN Properties — £1m+ assets with £500k own equity
ZEN Properties Podcast — real conversations on building cashflow + wealth through UK real estate
Sponsorship:
This episode is brought to you by ZEN Properties.
We develop and convert property across the UK.
Investors earn 11-15% annual, asset-backed.
Find out more: zenproperties.uk
If you enjoyed this episode:
-
We work with investors seeking secured, asset-backed opportunities in UK property. If you’re considering deploying funds, let’s talk.
-
Get in front of motivated and high quality audience - insert your advert in the middle of the podcast by sponsoring future episode.
-
Live projects - come to one of our site tours - learn dev secrets, see how it’s done, enjoy networking and a liquid lunch after ;)
Completed projects - see pics, plans, real final costs of purchase, legal, planning, surveys, renovation & finance, dive into GDVs, yields & more.
-
-