A people-first philosophy makes Concert Properties an award-winning workplace. This month we are proud to profile an exceptional employee who shares the company’s values and demonstrates their commitment to our principles. Meet Kate Sunderland Ratzlaff, Director, Development, who joined Concert Properties in 2014.
Does your first professional job relate to the work you do now?
Yes! I taught art to elementary-aged kids at the Edmonton Art Gallery. There are many parallels between that job and my present role, including leading group discussions, creative and critical thinking and collaborating with others on designs.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
I appreciate who we are as a company and the communities we build. I have a deep affinity for our core values of acting with integrity and ensuring service excellence. That, and the team of people here are awesome.
How have you advanced professionally since you’ve been with Concert Properties?
I joined the Concert Properties residential development team after seven years of working in commercial development. I was grateful for the opportunity to expand my development experience in this new role.
I’m also grateful to the various teams here for continuing to mentor me and expand my learning beyond the design – it can’t just look great; it must function too. I’ve learned how to refine floorplans, plan spaces, understand market trends and move a project through the municipal process.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Remember how toddlers always ask ‘Why’? I would encourage myself to also ask more questions. The more you dig into things, the more there is to learn.
Tell us about your favourite memory at Concert Properties.
Getting a ‘shovel in the ground’ at our North Harbour community. Construction on this multi-phased, multi-year project is rolling, and I was so pleased to see the cranes rise. You can really see the magnitude of this project when looking from downtown – it’s going to be great!
Master-planned communities like North Harbour take time to progress. There is a great deal of work upfront in terms of design, permitting, legal agreements, financing and sales. We take the time to work through the details to ensure quality and long-lasting value. And we don’t just build homes, we build communities, where people celebrate all aspects of life – from celebrating birthdays to meeting friends for a walk. Spaces that we design and build that truly feel special. I take that responsibility to heart.
Outside of work, what do you like to do in Vancouver?
If I’m not working, I’m parenting my two little girls, Ivy, age seven and Violet, age four, with my husband Jay. This includes bike rides in the neighbourhood, playgrounds, beach time and walks by the Fraser River, and lots of Lego building and colouring (both in the lines and outside!). Seeing life through their eyes is so fun. Jay and I are constantly amazed by their little minds and what they say.