Last month saw a group of us head off to UKREiiF to enjoy a jam-packed few days full of talks, panels and networking until you’re sick of the sound of your own voice.  

But in amongst all the pizza and breakfast rolls, we had the pleasure of attending some very thought-provoking sessions, with esteemed panel members.  

Our Managing Director, Alia, attended a discussion about “Who puts the ‘distinctiveness’ into place?”. The talk featured a marketer, a developer and an architect battling it out to make their case on who has the ultimate power over making somewhere distinctive.  

But who came out on top on who makes a development distinct?  

Below are Alia’s summarised the arguments from each party, and it just goes to show how closely aligned all three roles are. In reality, it’s collaboration that really sets developments apart but we couldn’t help but think about one glaring omission on the panel – ‘the community’.  

Put simply, without the community, you have very little.  

Here’s our MD’s takeaways from the talk summarised below: 

The Developer
Brings the vision to life – turning ideas into places with purpose. Sees places not as static nouns, but as ever-evolving verbs, shaped by stories and change.

The Architect
Creates feeling and form. Translates vision into structures that hold memories, spark emotion, and define identity. Bridges profit with purpose, and connects developers with communities.

The Marketer
Injects imagination and narrative. Crafts the story behind the place, making it meaningful and magnetic. It’s not just about attracting people – it’s about creating a place they believe in. Builds the buzz and captures the vibe. Shapes perception, builds identity, and gives the place a voice people want to be part of. 

You could argue that without the developer you’d have no place in the first place, but no one will know about it without the marketer making some buzz. Yet, without the architect differentiating it, there wouldn’t be much to work with to create the buzz…  

Back in the office, we’re still debating it, but for me I think the marketer will always steal my vote… but you may think I’m biased.  

Now, focusing on the community – read more on our blog about community engagement and how to get the community onside.