In honor of International Women’s Day, Bright Spaces presents the second edition of our Inspiring Women in Real Estate series, celebrating the remarkable women shaping the industry. Last year, we explored changing market dynamics, shifts in consumer behavior, and the growing role of technology in real estate. This year, we continue the conversation by highlighting fresh perspectives from women who are driving meaningful change in the field. This first article delves into efficiency—what’s holding the industry back from reaching its full potential and what steps can be taken to drive lasting improvements.
The real estate industry is at a pivotal moment, facing both longstanding inefficiencies and unprecedented opportunities for transformation. While demand remains strong across various sectors, challenges such as bureaucratic slowdowns, fragmented data, and rigid and outdated operational models continue to hinder progress. Many professionals within the industry recognize the need for a shift—one that embraces technology, enhances collaboration, and fosters long-term strategic planning.
Through our work at Bright Spaces, we’ve seen firsthand how digital tools can streamline leasing, improve access to critical data, and accelerate decision-making. Efficiency requires a holistic approach that prioritizes adopting new technologies, regulatory clarity, market stability, and an adaptive mindset to evolving tenant needs.
Technology & Data Integration: The Key to Smarter Real Estate
Technology will revolutionize real estate, making processes faster, more transparent, and more efficient. However, many companies are still struggling with fragmented data, outdated systems, and a lack of digital adoption. By implementing PropTech solutions, leveraging AI-powered analytics, and ensuring easy access to relevant market data, real estate businesses can streamline decision-making and enhance operational efficiency. The industry’s future depends on integrating these tools effectively while maintaining a human-centered approach.
Andreea Cotiga, Head of Leasing Office at CPI Property Group, highlights that “providing easy access to information and understanding data are critical both in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. By ensuring access to technological tools that support these endeavors, real estate companies can easily define the right targets, adapt their products or services, and make informed decisions.” She emphasizes the importance of technology in streamlining sales processes while still valuing the human element that defines real estate.
Anca Mitrea, Head of ESG and Senior Asset Manager at Paval Holding, echoes this sentiment, pointing out that “the industry continues to face inefficiencies due to fragmented data and the slow adoption of technology. Seamless access to integrated market data is invaluable—a centralized database and real-time analytics would greatly enhance decision-making. Additionally, embracing proptech and access to quality data will be key to unlocking greater efficiency and innovation in real estate.“
Similarly, Maria Jianu, Leasing Director at SPEEDWELL Development, believes that ” the real estate industry still functions like an unfinished puzzle—many essential pieces, such as sustainability, digitalization, and community are in place, yet they often remain disconnected. At SPEEDWELL Development, we continuously invest in digital solutions, especially those using AI, that have the potential to bridge these gaps by providing transparency, real-time analytics, and an enhanced user experience that not only improves efficiency but also transforms real estate into a more agile, ethical, sustainable, and, above all, people-centric ecosystem.”
Sandra Apachitei, Leasing Manager at One United Properties, emphasizes that “the integration of PropTech solutions is still in its early stages. AI-powered leasing platforms, digital twins, and predictive analytics have the potential to simplify tenant acquisition, maximize space utilization, and improve portfolio performance.”
Regulatory & Market Stability: A Foundation for Growth
Regulations and market conditions play a significant role in determining how efficiently the real estate industry operates. Bureaucratic red tape, unpredictable policy changes, and slow approval processes create bottlenecks that hinder progress. A more stable political and economic environment, along with stronger collaboration between public and private sectors, could accelerate development and investment. Addressing these structural inefficiencies would not only improve project timelines but also attract new players and capital to the industry.
Maria Florea, Head of Office Advisory at iO Partners, believes that “a more stable political climate and stronger government support programs would create the conditions for a more efficient real estate industry. Progress often feels slower than it should, especially in the industrial sector, where attracting more international developers could bring fresh perspectives and much-needed investment. Encouraging this kind of growth would have a lasting impact on the market.”
Anamaria Tihu, Senior Leasing Manager at ELI Parks, points to “bureaucratic complexity, particularly in permitting and regulatory processes, which can slow down development timelines. A more collaborative approach between developers, investors, and public authorities could streamline approvals, incentivize sustainable development, and improve market fluidity. Strategic policy reforms, investments in smart logistics, and greater integration of green building practices would also help unlock the industry’s full potential.”
Emma Toma, Head of Office Division at AFI Europe Romania, adds that “bureaucratic slowdowns in construction approvals, particularly in Bucharest, have delayed major developments. At the same time, rising construction costs and energy price volatility make planning and execution more complex. At AFI Europe Romania, we address these challenges proactively. By investing in high-quality, energy-efficient, and flexible office developments, we ensure that our projects remain attractive and cost-efficient for tenants.”
Evolving Business Models: Rethinking Efficiency from Within
The way people interact with real estate is changing. Tenants demand more flexible spaces, investors seek sustainable solutions, and landlords must adapt to shifting expectations. To remain competitive, companies need to rethink traditional business models by embracing agility, fostering innovation, and prioritizing user experience. Efficiency is no longer just about streamlining processes—it’s about creating environments that meet modern needs while remaining adaptable to future trends.
Elena Panait, Head of Leasing & ComYunitY at Genesis Property, believes that “it’s crucial for developers to rethink office design and operations. The real estate industry must evolve beyond rigid leasing models and embrace agile solutions to keep pace with new ways of working. The future lies in dynamic workspaces that offer collaborative hubs, relaxation areas, and multimedia zones designed to foster creativity and productivity.” She stresses that “tech-driven solutions, such as smart building management systems and hybrid work integrations, will enhance operational efficiency and attract long-term tenants.”
Anamaria Cretu, Leasing & Asset Director at Evo Properties, sees a need for long-term strategic planning rather than reactionary responses. She notes that “extensive political uncertainty and the tendency to react to short-term market fluctuations, rather than focusing on enduring fundamentals, significantly delay the real estate industry’s efficiency. At EVO Properties, we believe that prioritizing sustainability, integrating AI-driven efficiencies, and fostering specialized innovation clusters can bridge market gaps, enhance resilience, and drive sustainable growth in an ever-evolving landscape.”
Ashton Topolinski, Partner, Head of Marketing & Branding at Intero Property Development, believes in the potential of international investment: “For the Bucharest real estate market to reach its full potential the government needs to incentive foreign investment and accept specialized immigrants into the country. There’s a lack of funds and innovation in business and welcoming new ideas would make a big impact on real estate.”
Alina Necula, Country Manager at Lion’s Head, reinforces the importance of industry-wide collaboration: “Real estate is a key driver of economic progress, and we need to reimagine how we build for today’s fast-paced world. This means prioritizing efficiency, sustainability, and flexibility. As women in this industry, we have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to champion smarter policies, push for greater transparency, and create sustainable solutions, especially in logistics.”
Mirela Ciovica, Head of Leasing at PPF Real Estate, highlights that “the biggest impact in leasing and asset management would come from radical empathy. The more empathy we have for tenants’ concerns and viewpoints, I think the faster things would move in the conclusive direction.”
A Path Toward Greater Efficiency
These insights from twelve leading women in real estate reveal a common goal: the industry must embrace technology, streamline regulatory processes, and adapt to evolving business models to unlock its full potential. While challenges remain, their expertise highlights practical solutions that can drive efficiency, ensuring real estate continues to grow in a sustainable and innovative direction.
Stay tuned for the next article in our Inspiring Women in Real Estate series, where we explore transparency in real estate and the steps needed to build a more open and trustworthy market.
