Providing quality solutions for clients, understanding their needs, and going beyond the mere premise of basic professional service, Knight Frank Malaysia is home to the very best property experts. We speak to Joshua de Souza, Director of Project Management and Consultancy, to learn more.
CONNECTING PEOPLE AND PROPERTY, PERFECTLY
In the property world, there’s an important element that is too easily overlooked – the human side of business.
This is where Knight Frank Malaysia (KFM) steps up to the plate.
By building long-term relationships and personal interactions with clients, the company provides personalised, clear, and considered advice on areas in key markets.
Matching each client to the property that best suits their needs, KFM combines global reach with local expertise.
“As part of the Knight Frank network, a leading independent property consultancy present in over 50 markets worldwide, we leverage international market intelligence, best practices, and a vast referral network whilst maintaining a strong on-the-ground presence in Malaysia,” details Joshua de Souza, Director of Project Management and Consultancy at KFM.
“This enables us to provide insights that are both globally informed and locally relevant.”
Established in 2002, KFM has grown into a trusted advisory firm specialising in real estate consultancy, valuation, project marketing, capital markets, property management, and research.
Currently, it has a team of over 800 professionals operating from offices in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor, Sabah, and Sarawak.
The company’s diverse client base includes institutional investors, multinational corporations, government agencies, property developers, landlords, and private clients, reflecting its extensive experience in handling a wide range of real estate needs.
Currently, de Souza notes that the construction industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace – one of the main reasons he was drawn to it.
“It’s always exciting and every project is unique, presenting their own set of challenges and requiring tailored solutions. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach which keeps the work dynamic and engaging – this is what makes the industry so rewarding,” he expands.
“If you enjoy the thrill of thinking on your feet, adapting to new challenges, and continuously refining solutions, then construction is the perfect industry to be in.”
NAVIGATING THE REAL ESTATE LANDSCAPE
For de Souza, the path to a career in construction was born out of a passion for design and architecture.
“I pursued architecture, but over time, I realised I wasn’t drawn to becoming a ‘starchitect’. Instead, I found fulfilment in solving construction challenges and developing innovative solutions,” he insights.
This realisation led him to transition from architecture to project management – a role that aligns more with his strengths and interests.
“I still have a deep appreciation for design and architecture, but now I contribute from a more strategic perspective, shaping design solutions in a broader, more impactful way.”
This passion and vast experience have helped de Souza to distinguish KFM from the competition in a variety of ways.
The company proudly stands out due to its people-first approach, research-driven insights, and commitment to personalised client service.
Whilst many real estate firms focus solely on transactions, KFM prioritises building long-term relationships, ensuring its clients receive tailored solutions and the highest level of professional advice.
The real estate firm is also recognised for its thought leadership in research and advisory services.
“Publications such as Real Estate Highlights, The Wealth Report, and our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) white papers offer clients valuable insights into market trends, sustainable property strategies, and emerging opportunities, helping them navigate the evolving real estate landscape with confidence,” explains de Souza.
COMMITMENT TO PERSONALISED SERVICE
KFM’s mission is to be the most trusted property professional in real estate, delivering exceptional service, expert advice, and tailored solutions that truly add value.
This commitment shapes everything the company does, from the way it engages with clients to how it develops business strategies.
“We believe in quality over quantity, focusing on long-term value rather than volume. Our approach is consultative and data-driven, ensuring that our insights are backed by research and market expertise,” dictates de Souza.
“By staying ahead of industry trends, we help clients make informed decisions, whether in structuring complex real estate deals, identifying investment opportunities, or managing property portfolios.”
What truly sets the company apart is its personalised approach to clients, working to meet their individual needs and offering tailored services.
By fostering strong relationships and providing innovative, client-centric strategies, KFM strives to not only meet but exceed expectations at every step.
Equally as important to the company’s success are its partner and supplier relationships.
As a strong and well-integrated supply chain is crucial to delivering prompt solutions, KFM prioritises building strategic partnerships that enhance the quality and efficiency of its services.
The company collaborates closely with developers, architects, contractors, property managers, and technology partners to ensure the seamless execution of projects, from initial planning to final delivery.
“These relationships enable us to provide end-to-end solutions that align with market demands, ensuring our clients receive high-quality, sustainable, and future-ready properties,” notes de Souza.
Beyond project execution, the company’s strong industry network allows it to stay ahead of emerging trends, regulatory changes, and evolving client expectations.
By maintaining close partnerships with government agencies, financial institutions, and key stakeholders, it can anticipate market shifts and provide clients with strategic insights that drive smarter investment decisions.
“Ultimately, our commitment to collaboration is about fostering a dynamic ecosystem where innovation, expertise, and efficiency come together to create lasting value for our clients and the industry as a whole.”
FOSTERING A DYNAMIC ECOSYSTEM
ESG, sustainability, and repurposing buildings are hugely important for KFM.
“Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ – it’s a necessity. We integrate ESG principles into our advisory and consultancy services, ensuring sustainability is at the forefront of real estate decision-making,” expands de Souza.
Key initiatives include green building advocacy, with KFM actively promoting Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED), Green Real Estate (GreenRE), and Green Building Initiative (GBI) certifications.
The company also implements energy efficiency strategies and measures across commercial buildings and advises on repurposing ageing buildings into sustainable, income-generating assets instead of tearing them down.
Moreover, the company recently launched its ESG consulting arm, helping businesses align their real estate portfolios with ESG standards.
“We believe that sustainable real estate is the future, and we are committed to guiding our clients in making responsible, forward-thinking property decisions,” explains de Souza.
Equally as fundamental to KFM’s core values is the way it treats employees.
The company fosters a culture of continuous growth, collaboration, and recognition, ensuring every team member has the opportunity to excel and contribute meaningfully.
“We know our people are our greatest asset, and we believe that investing in them is key to our success,” prides de Souza.
To empower its employees, KFM provides structured training programmes, mentorship opportunities, and career development pathways, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an evolving real estate landscape.
Beyond professional growth, the company believes in recognising and celebrating achievements through town hall meetings held bi-annually which serve as a platform to keep teams informed, engaged, and aligned with the company vision.
KFM’s Rockstar Awards, meanwhile, spotlight outstanding contributions, ensuring hard work and dedication don’t go unnoticed.
“We also have initiatives such as annual company trips, team-building activities, and social events to help foster camaraderie and a strong sense of belonging, reinforcing our commitment to a positive, people-first workplace culture,” states de Souza.
As KFM continues to look towards the future of the ever-evolving construction industry, it is focusing on expanding its ESG and sustainability services, strengthening its presence in key property sectors, and enhancing its digital capabilities to offer more technology-driven real estate solutions.
“We connect people and property, perfectly,” concludes de Souza.
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