Crafting Specialist Paths at Sumitomo Corporation: A Career in Real Estate Focused on Building Communities

What kind of work have you done in the housing business over the past 13 years?

In the Housing Business Unit (formerly the Housing & Urban Business Department), I was involved in diverse housing products, including condominiums, rental apartments and student apartments, but particularly in condominium development. My role typically spanned all phases of the project, from land acquisition to planning the property, establishing sales strategies, handing over the property to the customer and after-sales support. There are many stakeholders involved in the completion of a building, and it is our job to unite professionals from each department to drive the project forward.

Did you aim to build a long-term career within one department?

What kind of expertise did you gain by being involved in the housing business from start to finish?

Since we begin projects with a clear vision of the completed building from the moment we acquire land, we are able to maintain a consistent and cohesive concept throughout the entire process – something that would be difficult to achieve with a segmented, division-of-labor system. Additionally, within the company, we have "legendary" veteran employees who are experts in both housing and commercial buildings. These individuals are so experienced that, just by looking at a blueprint, they can immediately understand so much about a project. For example, they might advise, "For the parking spaces in this area, we should make them self-propelled to support the weight and size of luxury cars," or "Given this floor area, each room can be up to this many tatami mats in size." They provide insights into even the finer details that you might not notice during typical condo development.

How did you hone your own strengths while working with these seasoned professionals?

Rather than simply accepting the opinions of my seniors, I actively engaged in discussions as the property consultant, explaining the reasoning and constraints behind different approaches. Through these discussions, I was able to gain valuable insights from my predecessors while also deepening my understanding of the condominium construction process and what future residents are looking for.

Also, with more internal transfers recently, there are fewer employees like me who have been involved in condominium development from the very start of their careers. One key characteristic of condominium development is that units are sold before the building is completed. This has further sharpened my ability to clearly envision the finalized structure even before construction begins. Since purchasing a condominium is a major decision for customers, effectively conveying the appeal of a property that doesn't yet exist – making them think, "I want this home" – is both a difficult and rewarding challenge.

What is most important to you in planning condominium development?

From the launch of the model room, I focus on viewing it from the perspective of future residents – considering flow of movement and how to present the story of the space. Since a home is where customers will spend their daily lives, it can't just look stylish; it also needs to be functional. Even things like the relationship between pillar placement and furniture, or the height of power outlets – they all matter for ease-of-use in everyday life.

How do you cultivate that customer-focused perspective?

While gaining hands-on experience in the field, you also obtained your first-class architectural license after returning from maternity leave, correct?

Yes. I have taken maternity and childcare leave twice in my career. After giving birth to my first child and returning to work, I enrolled in an accreditation school through the company's support system. What motivated me was the frustration I felt when I first came back – I couldn't work the way I used to. I was on reduced hours and often had to leave work unexpectedly when my child wasn't feeling well. Previously, I was the primary property consultant on-site, but after returning I found myself in more of a support role, which left me feeling restless. However, rather than taking on larger responsibilities that I couldn't fully commit to, I decided to use the time I could control to pursue accreditation I always wanted. For a year, I worked at the company on weekdays, attended the school on weekends, and spent time at home drafting blueprints. Eventually, I passed the first-class architect exam.

How has obtaining the qualification of a first-class architect license affected your work?

What projects are you currently working on in the Office Building Business Unit?

Since transferring in July 2024, I have been involved in the redevelopment of the Kanda area, which is a key strategic focus for Sumitomo Corporation. The difference between this and housing development is that it's not just about constructing buildings – it's about creating a community. Whereas my previous work focused only on residents, now I am involved in urban development on a much larger scale, which brings its own challenges and rewards.

How is your experience in housing development helping you?

Both housing and office projects follow a full-cycle approach, so the key is to get many people on board to keep the project moving forward. However, with office buildings there's an additional layer of needing to build strong relationships with local governments and community groups. That means communication is even more important. Sometimes I participate in local events and festivals with members of the unit to become active in the community and gain support for the project.

What kind of career do you hope to build moving forward?