Jacques van Embden’s career started with a bang and a crash – the 2008 financial crisis that led to a depressed construction industry, and this newly graduated architect knocking on doors that didn’t want to open.

In hindsight, there couldn’t have been a better time for Van Embden (33) to enter the job market. After working as a freelance architect out of necessity, Van Embden joined his friend’s real estate startup.

The company purchased incomplete apartments and houses for a steal, to fix up and rent out. He spotted an opportunity in the market and founded Prime Point Properties in 2010.

Wearing the hat of a CEO two years after graduation came with a long list of challenges, but also the opportunity to do things differently.

“You get to be afraid and excited at the same time. It means you’re doing something in a new way.”

Seven years down the line, this urban living expert and architectural entrepreneur is also the managing director of Prime Residential, Prime Letting and Blok – a property development company challenging the conventional use of space. And now, with increased urbanisation demanding the clever utilisation of space, Van Embden once again finds himself at the right place, at the right time, with the right skills.

|When someone says yes, stop talking.|

Categories: Disruptors