Peter James Walker

Peter Walker, a British Chartered Building Surveyor and Project Manager, formerly, an Equity Partner in Gardiner & Theobald LLP a UK firm of Surveyors. Based in Central Europe and responsible for creating Gardiner & Theobald`s Ukrainian operation in 2008 & Croatian office in 2005. Walker has been responsible for many aspects of the Real Estate management processes for projects & buildings throughout Europe.

Following Gardiner & Theobald`s withdrawal from Central Europe, Walker acquired Gardiner & Theobald`s Ukrainian operation to continue with existing commitments in the region.

With many years of international real estate development and management experience in both Civil works and Commercial building delivery, Walker acquired unique insight into the creation and management of real estate assets and a real perspective of contractual ambitions real estate developers and investors, essential when recommending the form of contractual procurement, negotiation and administration of construction contract during the development process.

His experience provides the essential knowledge for addressing disputes early in the process of contract administration and Walker is able to consolidate his experience and make applicable to a wider Client audience committed to excellence in real estate development and management, providing a unique insight into the pitfalls of contractual relationships in construction.

KEY AREAS OF EXPERIENCE

Development Management

Having worked within Client companies, Walker undertook the research of development opportunities in the CEE region. A number of potential mixed use development sites and logistics sites in Switzerland, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Belorussia and Latvia, were taken through the investment process to due diligence stage in anticipation of acquisition to develop further on behalf of Clients.

Project Management

As the Project Manager, Walker has managed, the refurbishment of the Four Seasons Hotel, Prague following catastrophic floods in 2002, the Project Mobilisation for the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva, and Croatia’s 80,000m² Avenue Mall in Zagreb. In the role of PM, Walker managed the whole design process through tender period, contract negotiation and management of the Main Contractor and construction process, reporting to Clients at all stages. In most cases the international FIDIC form of agreement was employed and tailored to suit the local commercial code requirements to realise these assets.

Due Diligence & Surveying

As a Chartered Building Surveyor, Walker set up and headed the Technical Due Diligence team for Central Europe for Gardiner & Theobald in 2001. Leading teams of Architects and Engineers in a number of countries through the due diligence process prior to Client acquisition of a new asset, Walker has developed a network of contacts in real estate throughout Europe.

Asset Management

Walker has supported various Client organisation Asset Management teams, identifying development and refurbishment opportunities for portfolios in Holland, Switzerland, Ukraine and Czech Republic to improve and expand the existing building complex attracting greater rental income. During these activities Walker managed the operating companies, attracting new tenants and increasing asset value with improved space.