Shaping tomorrow’s living environment
What do a construction engineer and a finance expert have in common? A great deal, as it turns out at Deloitte Real Estate. Bart Simkens, Senior Consultant, and Daphne van der Jagt, Manager Finance, completed the Real Estate traineeship together. They’ve now been working for five years on a wide range of projects that, as Bart puts it, 'leave a mark on the built environment of tomorrow'.
Despite their completely different backgrounds, both Bart and Daphne found exactly what they were looking for at Deloitte Real Estate: a dynamic working environment with intellectual challenge and social impact. Bart (30) supports public and private parties in complex area development projects. 'Most people associate a degree in building sciences with becoming an architect', he says. 'But I was more drawn to the strategic side. From healthcare campuses to inner-city locations, we help clients develop strategies and business cases. Our aim is to contribute to a shared vision that all stakeholders can support – which is both a rewarding and challenging task.'
Daphne (28) describes herself as the odd one out, with a background in finance and economics, and a role that regularly bridges the different pillars of the Real Estate team. She develops flexible financial models and supports strategic and investment decision-making. 'My work involves a lot of numbers, but I’m just as often sitting at the table with clients', she says. 'That balance between analytical problem-solving and human interaction is exactly what makes my work so enjoyable.'
Creating social value
Both are visibly proud of their projects. Bart shares the example of an urban development project on a healthcare campus in Vught. 'The organisation no longer needed the entire site and wanted to sell part of it while preserving the unique character of the location. We guided that process – from discussions with the municipality to drafting a development plan, together with the urban designer. A tender procedure is currently in progress for the construction of 900 houses in a green setting. Contributing to something like that feels truly meaningful.'
“That balance between analytical problem-solving and human interaction is exactly what makes my work so enjoyable.”
Daphne van der Jagt | Manager Finance, Real Estate
A versatile team, endless opportunities
The Real Estate team includes around 75 colleagues and is divided into three pillars: Urban Development, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Strategy & Transformations. 'We’re very diverse – in both background and personality', says Daphne. 'But we all share a passion for real estate and urban development.' Bart adds: 'We often collaborate across the pillars. We also organise fun activities like football and hockey tournaments, team events, project visits, and an annual ski trip. Our team feels like a small company within a large organisation.'
"The balance of analytical solving and human interaction makes my work enjoyable."
Bart Simkens | Senior Consultant, Real Estate
Leaving a lasting mark
What unites Bart and Daphne is their drive to make a meaningful contribution – not just through clever models or strategic plans, but through work that produces real-world results. 'In the end, you’re contributing to something tangible: new residential areas, facilities or upgraded care locations. You truly leave a mark on the environment', says Bart. 'For anyone looking for intellectual challenge combined with social impact, Deloitte Real Estate is the perfect place to bring that to life.'
‘I’m energized by the human side of impactful transformations’