Broker Spotlight: Lex van Ingen of Workthere
We’re excited to introduce our new Broker Spotlight series, celebrating the outstanding individuals who fuel our dynamic community! Our first feature shines the light on Lex van Ingen, Head of Workthere by Savills, a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in the real estate industry. Join us as we delve into Lex’s insights, experiences, and strategies for success!
Hi Lex! Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in the industry?
I was born and raised near Amsterdam in a city called Muiden. From playing football in Amsterdam East to studying downtown and living in various areas like West, South, and Center, I've been active in almost the whole city during my life. About six years ago, I joined Merin, a company leasing office space across the Netherlands. After two great years, I left for Budapest to pursue an MSc degree. After obtaining the degree I returned to Amsterdam to join a startup briefly. Later, Savills reached out to me for a role at Workthere, offering the ideal blend of startup culture within a corporate setting. I've been with Savills for 2.5 years now, focusing on flexible office spaces while also active in the conventional market. Lots still to learn, making it the perfect environment for me.
From your experience, what key skills do you believe are crucial for success as a broker?
In my experience, I've found that several key skills are crucial for success as a broker. Firstly, it's imperative to possess a deep understanding of the market landscape and its current and upcoming possibilities. This knowledge allows brokers to provide clients with a comprehensive overview of their options. However, it's equally important to guide clients effectively, steering them towards the most suitable opportunities while maintaining focus on their goals. In a dynamic market environment, hesitation can lead to missed opportunities, making it essential to strike a balance between thorough analysis and decisive action. The brokerage industry is characterised by rapid changes, where what's available today may be gone tomorrow. Therefore, adaptability and agility are indispensable qualities for brokers aiming for success.
What do you enjoy most about your role and the flexible workspace sector?
What I enjoy most about my role in the flexible workspace sector is the opportunity it affords me to immerse myself in the dynamic urban landscape. Whether I'm biking through the city streets or exploring various office spaces, each day presents a new adventure. From historic landmarks in Amsterdam City Center to modern skyscrapers at the South Axis, I have the privilege of experiencing the diverse architecture and atmosphere of the city firsthand.
How do you think the growing trend of hybrid and remote working is impacting the real estate market currently?
The usage of office space is completely different for most users compared to what it was pre-pandemic. We observe that office units themselves are adopting different layouts, with an increased need for social areas within buildings. Additionally, a vast majority of companies require overflow capacity and are seeking spaces that align with their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) ambitions. With these changing demands on space and energy usage, the real estate market is evolving rapidly. Furthermore, we are witnessing more companies shifting their needs to turn-key solutions, whether it be directly through the landlord or through an operator such as Tribes.
Tell us about a memorable deal or experience from your career!
With Savills and Workthere, we aim to assist our clients over many years. One memorable moment within Workthere is when we were able to help a client relocate to Tribes Amstel with a team of around 60 people, which remains my biggest Tribes deal to date. What made this experience special was that, after a year of being at Tribes, the client expressed the need for larger accommodations. Due to their satisfaction with our services, we were able to assist them once again, this time securing a 1,100 sq m conventional office.
