Meet our people: Stefan Mihailov from MOVE Properties



Galardo 's team is multiplying not only quantitatively, but also qualitatively. We are proud to present Stefan Mihailov - manager of MOVE Properties , the new company of Galardo Real Estate and MOVE Architects , which offers the unique " single point of contact " service in the process of choosing a new office, its design, implementation and the actual moving into it.


Let's start with you. Education, professional experience, how did you get to MOVE Properties ?

My name is Stefan Mihailov and I am the manager of MOVE Properties . I have completed a master's degree in architecture at the University of Applied Sciences in Sofia, I also have a specialization at the University of Applied Sciences in Stuttgart. I hold the PMP and PRINCE2 project management certifications .

I started my work as an architect in one of the big architectural offices, known for the design of office buildings - "A and A Architects", and then continued working as a project manager at MBL ( then part of CBRE) . After a few more years in which I devoted myself to my own projects, I decided to become part of an idea that my friends Viktor Banarev and Toma Stanishev shared with me: MOVE properties.


What sets MOVE Properties apart from other companies in the office real estate market?

At MOVE Properties, we strive to change the way of working in the field of brokerage services in Bulgaria. The market after the pandemic has changed in the direction of optimization of costs and processes in companies, which has led to the need for a " single point of contact" in the process of choosing a new office, its design, implementation and the actual moving into it. We are the only ones on the market who combine two already established brands (MOVE Architects and Galardo Real Estate) and offer a new generation service.


How is this market developing? What are the most important trends of the last year and what can we expect in the next year?

The market is quite dynamic and despite the difficult economic results of some multinational companies with offices in Bulgaria, it is constantly developing and changing. Downsizing leads to the need to renegotiate and optimize leases, as well as a change in the way of working. The pandemic has left its deep mark on the corporate world, and although more and more people are returning to the office, the hybrid model and the so-called " hot-desk policy " is the most common change. However, not everything is so "black" for the owners of office buildings - I observe many small companies that in just a few months increased their staff several times. If I have to summarize the trend for Bulgaria and in particular for Sofia, I would say that there is a decline in large companies and growth in small companies - and I think that this will be maintained in the next year as well.


Can you briefly describe the workflow involved in selling/leasing office real estate? From the first meeting with the client to the realization of the project?

I am a believer in the German maxim about the planning process, that the beginning is the most important part of a project. That is why we strive to precisely and clearly define the client's needs right from the start ( desired location, required number of jobs, term of the rental agreement ) . For this purpose, it is necessary to carefully study the work processes in the company, and it often happens that we ourselves offer their optimization through solutions based on our many years of experience. Meetings with landlords and inspections follow, and in parallel MOVE Architects colleagues actively participate in the process and make sample layouts for the various options, which makes it easier for the landlords themselves. After the final selection of the location, active work on the interior design begins, and in parallel, with the project management contract signed, the preparation of the budget and schedule begins. Our entire team has the necessary experience to enable an easy and smooth relocation process without causing delays and time loss to client workflows.


MOVE Properties is uniquely positioned as a " single point of contact " in the office real estate segment. What does this mean in practical terms for your customers?

In our fast-paced everyday life, we are constantly flooded with information, which is increasingly difficult to sift through to summarize the most important. Renting, designing and equipping a new office is a process that contains dozens of proposals, solutions and execution of hundreds of tasks. Without a " single point of contact ", customers risk being flooded with information that would confuse them when making important decisions - and in the case of real estate, this means potentially losing a lot of money. That's why we're here to help sift through that information and work with our proven partners over the years, who we'd trust our reputation with.


MOVE Properties is the intersection of MOVE Architects and Galardo Real Estate . Tell us more about the benefits of this position.

MOVE Architects are undoubtedly one of the most famous names when it comes to interior design of office spaces . With numerous awards on the Bulgarian and international scene, MOVE Architects are a partner who helps us with their expertise in all phases of renting an office. Galardo is one of the established names in the field of property sales and leasing. Although they specialize primarily in the residential segment, we draw on their experience and expertise in organizing and initiating transactions. The two companies stake a lot in their partnership with MOVE Properties - apart from a great recognition, it is also a great responsibility for us, making us strive every day for the leadership position in the office segment of the market!