We know the value of long—term relationships.

We are grateful for all those who help us on our mission towards better lives for all.  

Grow Places listens to create alignment around shared values rather than competing agendas. We thrive from a diversity of opinion and viewpoint which enriches our process. The art of development is empathising with different people, not just like-minded people. 

We have delivered projects in partnership with institutional investors, private equity, charitable and cultural organisations, and global brands. 

We assemble a bespoke and best-in-class team for each project to deliver the best possible outcomes. We hold deep relationships with internationally renowned consultancies, agencies and creatives, as well as vibrant start-ups and entrepreneurs, thinkers, makers and builders. 

The Grow Places network is diverse and multigenerational – our friends and family. A community where sharing knowledge adds infinite value. 

  • Founder

    Tom is here to provide stable foundations from which to build better lives, so that together we can reach our potential and make greater impact in the world.

    He is a creative and experienced development director who enjoys working with great people to create sustainable buildings and places.

    Tom approaches development through a design lens, working closely with the best industry partners who align with our values and way of working, to breakthrough complex problems as found in the built environment.

    Tom leads the business across the development process; from the outset including new opportunity identification, appraisal and product definition; through the planning process and detailed design; to procurement and successful delivery of construction works.

    Before founding Grow Places, Tom spent a decade with leading mixed use developer and development manager, Stanhope, as a Development Director and the Head of Design. Prior to which he worked for a leading London based Architects on a number of residential, commercial and cultural projects including an RIBA Stirling Prize nominee.

    Tom’s Stanhope mixed use development experience included being part of the Stanhope team that secured planning permission for over 2m sq ft of mixed use development at Television Centre and the successful acquisition of Royal Street innovation and life sciences cluster; sitting as an Executive Committee member of Stanhope’s housing joint venture with LB Hammersmith & Fulham to deliver over 400 new affordable and private homes; repositioning and redevelopment of various central London workplaces and various new business project bids in London and the UK, including masterplans up to 25 hectares, new builds up to 2m sq ft, and refurbishments up to 500k sq ft.

    Tom also led a number of cultural and charitable projects for Stanhope, including The National Gallery and The Poppy Factory, and founded the Stanhope Foundation, a philanthropic platform supporting charity and industry partners, with a mission to help people find hope and pride through meaningful employment. The Stanhope Foundation raised over £1m in it’s first two years, under Tom’s leadership.

    Tom lives with his young family in an innovative, community led and managed development from the 1960’s by SPAN Developments and Architect, Eric Lyons.