Alasdair Baker

Born in Portugal, where his father converted ruins in the mountains into holiday homes, Baker’s philosophy around all of his projects involves asking himself, “Would I love to live here?”

What do you think buyers are looking for in new apartment developments?
Today’s buyers are looking for more than just square metreage. They want lifestyle, liveability and long-term value. Design quality, natural light, storage and connection to green or coastal environments are key. Wellness, walkability and a sense of community matter more than ever, especially in boutique, low-maintenance developments.

What is the favourite property you’ve developed and why?
Omira delivered an award-winning project called Asana to the market in 2023. It consisted of three luxury upmarket homes in the heart of Byron Bay. Asana was a true passion project that delivered a new standard of luxury and refinement, blending natural and earthy materiality with a five-star, luxury-resort-spa feel.

Describe your typical day.
It starts with health and fitness. A healthy body is a healthy mind – which is definitely required in this industry. The day is a mixture of managing project-specific requirements, sales and marketing strategy, discussions with consultants or contractors, strategy review and assessing new opportunities.

How essential is social media as a selling tool?
It is increasingly essential in the sales process, not just for promoting a project but for building brand trust, creating emotional connection and engaging directly with buyers. It doesn’t replace traditional sales methods but it amplifies reach and helps builds momentum during a sales campaign. Social media allows us to showcase the lifestyle and feeling behind a development, not just the specs. And, for boutique developers like us, it’s a powerful way to communicate the unique story of each site and reach buyers who value design, wellness and place.

How important is it to have hotel-like facilities in new developments?
For larger-scale developments, on-site amenities are critical and often form a key part of the offering. However, in more boutique projects like ours, the scale typically doesn’t allow for high-end, hotel-style facilities. Instead, our philosophy is that true wellness comes from what’s right outside your door. That’s why we focus on securing unique sites with direct access to water, nature and vibrant community hubs, delivering a lifestyle that promotes wellbeing naturally.