Sera Baraki 4003ECE Reflective Blog - REPM

 Charter House Site Management and Construction The site management and construction phase of the Charter House project focused on how the design would be practically delivered on site. This stage required careful planning to ensure that the construction process was efficient, safe, and respectful of the site's historical significance. Working as a group of five, we collaborated to understand key aspects of site management, including health and safety, scheduling, and the organisation of materials and labour. Each member contributed by researching different elements such as construction methods, risk assessments, and site logistics. This helped us build a well-rounded understanding of how a project like Charter House would be managed in real life. Sketches were an important part of this stage. We created drawings to illustrate site layout, access points, and the positioning of equipment and materials. These sketches helped us visualise how the construction process would take place ...

 Charter House Design Development and Sketches The design development stage of the Charter House project allowed our initial ideas to evolve into more detailed and practical design solutions. Building on our site investigation, we focused on creating designs that responded to the site's historical character while introducing modern and functional elements. Working as a group of five, each member contributed to the development process through both ideas and sketches. We began with quick concept sketches to explore different layouts, building forms, and spatial arrangements. These early drawings helped us visualise how our design could fit within the Charter House site and respond to its surroundings. As a team, we shared responsibilities by dividing tasks such as producing floor plans, sections, and elevation sketches. Each member brought unique ideas, which helped us refine and improve the overall design. Through group discussions and feedback, we were able to combine our individua...

  Charter House Site Investigation and Analysis – Rewritten Version Our investigation of the Charter House site played an essential role in understanding the character and limitations of the area before any design work could begin. The location combines historic importance with a contemporary urban setting, which meant our analysis needed to consider both preservation and future development potential. As a group of five, we carried out a thorough study of the site. We examined the physical landscape, including ground conditions, existing buildings, and overall layout. Environmental aspects such as natural light, prevailing winds, and drainage patterns were also reviewed to support sustainable design choices. We looked closely at how people move through and around the site, assessing access points, circulation routes, and general activity. The heritage value of Charter House was a major consideration, guiding us to think carefully about how new proposals could respect and complement...

This site plan presents a well‑balanced residential development featuring 20 townhouses, 10 semi‑detached homes, 3 larger detached houses, and 2 apartment buildings. The layout is arranged around a central landscaped green space that enhances community interaction and provides shared outdoor amenities. Tree‑lined streets, pedestrian pathways, and thoughtfully positioned plots create an attractive, accessible, and cohesive neighbourhood. The design blends higher‑density housing with generous open areas, delivering a functional and visually appealing environment suited to modern living.

 Reflecting on my recent skills audit has given me a fresh perspective on how I work and where I want to grow. I’ve realised that strong communication—both written and spoken—comes naturally to me, and I’m comfortable taking initiative and working on my own. At the same time, the process highlighted areas that need attention, especially managing my time, organising tasks, and staying composed under pressure. This insight has pushed me to think more intentionally about my development. Going forward, I’m committed to building stronger planning habits and developing greater resilience when faced with demanding or unfamiliar situations.

  In England, putting up a standard three‑bedroom home generally requires an investment of around £250,000 to £270,000, while the typical sale price tends to land somewhere between £277,000 and £300,000. These figures show how limited the profit can be on a single new‑build unless costs are tightly controlled. Although basic construction returns are often only a few percent, large‑scale residential projects usually work toward far stronger margins. Developers commonly aim for gross profits in the region of 15% to 25% to keep projects financially secure and to balance the risks involved in delivering new housing (Savills, 2017).

  During Weeks 3 and 4, I explored professional bodies like RICS, CIAT and CIOB, focusing on their Codes of Conduct and ethical standards. This helped me understand how important professionalism, integrity and accountability are within the built environment. Each organisation emphasises ethical behaviour, public interest and high standards, which made me reflect on my future career. I realised that becoming Chartered is not just about status, but about commitment to responsibility and continuous development. It also offers credibility and career opportunities. Overall, this task confirmed my goal to work towards becoming a Chartered professional and building a career based on trust, competence and ethical practice.

  In Week 2, we completed a self-assessmen t using Quizl et based on the built environment.  The activi ty helped me test my understanding and reinforce key concepts from the course. I achieved 100 percent in the quiz, which showed that I had a strong grasp of the material and that my revision methods are effective. It also highlighted the importance of active recall in learning. Overall, this task increased my confidence and encouraged me to keep testing my knowledge 

In Week 1 we were encouraged to reflect on the history of our chosen discipline. Learning about the background of Real Estate and Property Management helped me understand how the profession has developed over time and why the skills we are learning are important.       Property has always played  a major role  in society. The ownership, use and management of land and buildings have influenced economies, communities and the way cities develop for many centuries. In earlier periods this included activities such as land surveying and managing large agricultural estates. As societies became more industrialised and cities started to grow, the need for organised planning and property management increased.       The modern real estate profession developed more clearly during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries when cities expanded quickly. This growth created demand for more housing, commercial  buildings  and infrastructure. During this tim...