In this episode of The Development Drum, Claire O'Rourke takes us through her career journey — from the lecture halls of university to climbing the corporate ladder, to now leading her own company. She reflects on the pivotal role of professional mentorship in shaping her path and how her involvement with UDIA Queensland fuels her sense of purpose. Claire also shares a behind-the-scenes look at her current project, diving into the challenges of land efficiency, the push to innovate in small lot housing, and the importance of community engagement in delivering successful outcomes.
Guest Bio: Claire is a property developer with over 20 years of experience delivering residential and mixed-use projects across Brisbane, Perth, and London, ranging from $20 million to $700 million. She co-founded a successful property consultancy in 2018 and was named one of Queensland’s Top 20 Business Entrepreneurs in 2021. In 2023, she launched Cohere Projects, a residential development company focused on sustainability, design, and community benefit. Claire is also a UDIA Queensland Board Member and a passionate advocate for the property sector.
About Your Host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the Chief Executive Officer of UDIA Queensland, a role she has held since 2018. She brings extensive experience in policy, stakeholder engagement, and research, and has played a key role in shaping state and local government policy. Kirsty is passionate about driving positive change in the development industry to create greener, smarter, and more resilient communities.
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