One of the things we pride ourselves on at Collecdev is our ability to respond to changing market demands. Usually that means anticipating the needs and wants of homebuyers, future-proofing our communities with innovative amenity programming and advanced initiatives in sustainability and design. Recently, however, it’s also meant responding to the new normal amidst a global pandemic.

COVID-19 has had a large impact on the way we work, but despite the changes, we’re continuing to look to the future, moving forward to bring new Collecdev communities to life. Here we talk to members of our team and get their thoughts on working through these unprecedented times.

What's one thing you miss about being in the office? 

The camaraderie with my colleagues. Our office is really collaborative and a lot of that happens informally, through a casual encounter with a teammate in the kitchen, or an impromptu meeting at someone’s desk. I miss those spontaneous moments, but we’re getting better and better at recreating them through technology that keeps us connected, even when we’re physically apart. 

Stuart Cooper, Director of Planning

What helps you stay productive when working from home?

For me it’s been really important to set up a designated work space at home, someplace I can stay organized and where I can be productive without too much distraction. Working from home has given me new appreciation for the coworking spaces we programmed into the amenities at TRETTI and Nørdic – of course we never anticipated a global pandemic, but having spaces that allow people to separate work and home I think will remain relevant long after social distancing.  

Hannah MacTaggart, Sales and Marketing Coordinator

How does collaboration look different when everyone is physically distanced? 

We’ve definitely mastered the art of the Zoom call! It was a little challenging at first, not to be in the same room, but over the last few months we’ve actually been able to create an entirely new way to communicate using a combination of Zoom, email,  Microsoft 365 applications like Teams, SharePoint, and Planner. We may not be in the office, but we’re still collaborating as if we were.

 Fernando Valenzuela, Director of Development

What would you say to purchasers who are worried about construction delays due to COVID-19?

I would say that they can rest easy knowing that our construction sites have been up and running over the last several months, of course with new measures in place to ensure our workers stay safe and healthy. Our team is passionate about what they do, and we’re immensely proud that they’ve continued to show up, day after day, to bring our communities to life. 

Jennifer Burstein, VP, Construction

What impact will COVID-19 have on future design? Have you learned anything about how people use their personal space?

I think the pandemic has reinforced that we’re on the right track with things like amenity programs that include coworking spaces and lots of outdoor and green space. Over the last few months, our homes have become so much more than the place we live – they’ve become our office, our school, our refuge. Moving forward it will be important that community design incorporate spaces where people can feel inspired to socialize and interact, but that will also keep them safe and healthy. I think outdoor space is going to be tantamount. Studies show that people are happier with a connection to nature, and after being locked down for months, I think that will resonate with homebuyers more than ever before.

Natascha Pieper, VP, Sales and Marketing