Bernard d’Arche

Bernard’s initial desire to get involved in the real estate industry came from his time in Canada, rebuilding Lac-Mégantic in Québec. In 2013, this town of 6000 inhabitants was destroyed when a train carrying 7 million liters of crude oil derailed and exploded. The experience of reconstructing the town taught him that building a city is not just about erecting structures, but that it first requires the formation of a culture and mindset, and a common vision that unites citizens, investors and promoters in achieving a shared objective.

The “audacious” MRED program also attracted Bernard through its opportunities for dual degrees, and its approach towards real estate.

While carrying out an application for one of our MBAs, Bernard spotted the MRED program. He was looking to add to the entrepreneurial experience gained by leading the non-profit he co-founded, and to acquire more experience of the real estate industry. To him, the real estate master’s was perfect for this complementary education. The “audacious” MRED program also attracted Bernard through its opportunities for dual degrees, and its approach towards real estate, where students look at the city before looking at the individual asset. This resonated strongly with both his passion and experience.

Bernard learned many key lessons from his MRED classes, such as the rapid rate of change of real estate. Moving away from its traditional status as a conservative industry, radical changes are taking place due to the emergence of new uses, the increasing importance of sustainability and the digital transformation of the industry.

Before entering the MRED program, Bernard only had self-taught knowledge and experience of real estate. The MRED gave him a formal education in the field, and allowed him to establish a holistic understanding of the industry’s many complexities, leading him to excel in his role at Longevity Partners.

Bernard’s Capstone Project involved working as a team on a large plot in the north of Madrid, part of the Districto Nuevo Norte, Europe’s largest urban renewable project. They worked on the redevelopment of an abandoned, former industrial area with the aim of creating a new neighborhood that would be an appealing destination. This type of city building project is what inspired him to join the MRED in the first place, and so it was clear that he had made the right decision.

Through studying this program, Bernard has had access to a huge global alumni network. IE University students and alumni are always open to chat and give advice. In his opinion, this is what differentiates the IE University experience from other higher education institutions. Bernard was taught by some of the country’s most experienced real estate professionals, granting students the most current insights into the industry and its changes.

Bernard is currently based at Longevity Partners, a consulting firm specialized in sustainability in the real estate industry. From investors to developers to asset managers, they aim to unlock the sustainable value of the entire supply chain, and Bernard promotes these ideas and practices throughout his region.

In a typical week, Bernard focuses on developing long-term relationships with current and prospective clients. He endeavors to understand their personal needs and objectives in order to offer them a tailored service such as different real estate strategies or BREEAM certification over LEED etc. These sustainability goals can be achieved in a variety of ways and one of his key responsibilities is to help clients decide which path to take. Another key part of his role is convincing real estate players of the benefits of sustainability, and not only for the planet. For example, on December 9, he is taking part in a French TV talk show on a channel specialized in real estate in order to discuss these topics.

In Bernard’s words, the most important thing to remember for any professional or student who is about to start this program is that, “Real estate is changing, and it is changing fast. It is an exciting time to enter the industry and to contribute to its evolution.”