Why culture is at the heart of everything we do

By Patrick, CEO of Bywater Properties

Why do I get up every morning? It’s not about ticking boxes or chasing the next project - those things matter, but they’re not what truly drives me. I get up because I believe in what we’re building: a culture that outlasts any one person and creates a lasting impact on the world around us.

Culture is how we’ll make a difference in the built environment and leave a legacy we’re proud of. If we get the culture right, the success of Bywater will continue long after we’ve all stepped away.

One step at a time

I’ve always believed in the power of small, consistent actions. There’s something magical about the idea that tiny, incremental improvements, like the Japanese principle of Kaizen - can create extraordinary momentum.

We live by this. We don’t go chasing shortcuts or quick fixes. Instead, we focus on the little things: how we work together, how we approach our projects, and how we think about sustainability. Because big change happens one small step at a time.

The right people in the right roles

I’m a big fan of Good to Great by Jim Collins, especially his idea that having the right people in the right seats pushes the Flywheel of progress. We’re lucky to have a team of people who are passionate, talented, and driven by the same purpose.

But it’s not just about hiring great people, it’s about creating a place where they can thrive. A supportive, inclusive environment where ideas flow, challenges get tackled together, and everyone feels like they’re contributing to something meaningful.

Thinking long-term

We’re not in this for quick wins. Sustainable development is part of who we are at Bywater, which means taking the long view. We often stop and ask ourselves: Are we still on track? Are today’s choices helping us build the future we believe in?

This isn’t just good business sense. It’s about leaving behind something we can be proud of.

Humility and learning together

One of the things I’m most proud of is that Bywater is a place where it’s okay to make mistakes. We all get things wrong sometimes, but that’s where the real magic happens - when we use those moments to learn and improve.

It takes a bit of humility to say, “That didn’t work,” but those are the moments where we grow the most, individually and as a team.

Purpose at the core

Our purpose isn’t just a statement we stick on a wall and forget. It’s the thread that runs through everything we do. We’re here to make a positive impact - on the environment, on society, and on the people we work with.

We’re not just running a business; we’re building a movement. And when I see our team challenging the status quo, pushing boundaries, and embracing new ideas, I know we’re on the right path.

The leaders we aspire to be

For Theo, Richard and me, leadership isn’t about titles or grand gestures. It’s about showing up, doing what we say we’ll do, and sticking to what we believe in. It’s about creating an environment where people feel supported, encouraged, and empowered to do their best work.

At its heart, leadership for us is about more than today. It’s about creating something that lasts. Something enduring. Bywater isn’t just a business; it’s about challenging "business as usual" and making a positive difference - one that will outlive all of us.

We’re here to work alongside like-minded people, to have fun, to stretch ourselves—and to leave behind places, ideas, and a culture that stands tall for generations to come.

That’s what gets me out of bed every morning. That’s what makes it all worth it.