The Backbone of BTR Delivery: Meet our Associate Olivia Yates
OUR TEAM SPOTLIGHT
We’re back with another edition of our team spotlight, your behind-the-scenes look at the brilliant minds driving AGC BTR’s design vision.
This time, we’re catching up with Olivia Yates, our Sales Associate. You’ll often find her collaborating with suppliers, walking through schemes with clients, or out and about at industry events across London, bringing ideas to life with the kind of detail and determination that keeps our projects moving and our clients confident.
As one of the first faces many of our clients meet, Olivia brings a unique mix of design expertise and insight into what’s next. She plays a key role in keeping our projects bold, well-timed, and considered. If you haven’t met her yet, now’s the time.
IN CONVERSATION
WITH OLIVIA
We sat down with Olivia for a quick Q&A, which gave us a fresh perspective on design, a few wishlist-worthy ideas, and some amazing colour inspiration.
A DAY IN THE LIFE…
What does a day at AGC BTR look like for you?
“A good day can include everything from reviewing fabric boards with suppliers, making sure we’re curating the right look for our FF&E schemes, to walking clients through design direction and progress updates.
I’m often out at BTR events across London, keeping a pulse on industry trends, building relationships and picking up inspiration that feeds back into our projects.
Ultimately, a great day is one where I’m moving the project forward, from the big-picture planning to the finer details. It’s all about balancing creativity with delivery. Our new AGC townhouse has also been a game-changer, it’s a brilliant base for the team and a great space to collaborate.”
Her Eye for Detail…
“Adaptability. I love amenity spaces that shift from co-working zones by day to social lounges by night. These spaces do more than maximise utility but also foster a strong sense of community. You can always tell when a space has been designed with purpose.
Thoughtful design touches like integrated tech for booking systems and a layered approach to lighting, furniture arrangement and material selection signal that the multifunctional aspects are being considered.
Well-designed amenity spaces aren’t just flexible in how they’re used, they’re built to last. We’re seeing more demand for furniture that can be refreshed rather than replaced, and layouts that can accommodate future technologies and changing lifestyles. Materials like FSC-certified wood, recycled fabrics, and low-VOC finishes and paints are no longer ‘nice to haves’, they’re essentials.”
What’s one small detail you always notice in a well-designed, future-focused space?
Author King’s Cross, designed by AGC BTR
The Fantasy spaces?
She’s Got Ideas…
When we asked about her dream space, Olivia didn’t hold back, and we’re kind of hoping someone builds this tomorrow…
If you could add one wild (but brilliant) feature to an amenity space, what would it be?
“So many ideas… but if I had to pick, I’d take inspiration from a restaurant I recently visited called Bambi - I love the mix of great food and live music. It’s simple but creates such a great entertainment element when meeting friends and eating delicious food.
Also anything that incorporates wellness is a big yes from me: saunas, cold plunge pools, weekly classes, anything that encourages residents to take time out.
And of course, a space for dogs! Whilst you’re attending this space, your four-legged friend is living their best life next door, with enrichment zones and agility courses where you can leave them whilst you can recharge would be the perfect combination for me.”
Choose three colours: one for your dream home, one for a hotel room, and one for an office - what would they be?
“I went straight to the COAT paints collection for this one, they’re our go-to brand. We’ve collaborated with them on several projects, and not only do they get the design brief every time, but their values really align with ours. They're a certified B Corp, and we appreciate their considered approach to materials and process.
Home: Nomad – Dark Olive Green
“Deep forest tones and sage greens always feel grounding. They bring a sense of calm and connect you to nature. This is perfect for a space if you’re wanting to feel relaxed and recharged.”
Hotel Room: Old Street – Faded Brown Red
“That deep, moody tone instantly feels luxurious and cocoon-like. It’s ideal for a place where you want to escape the everyday and feel cosy.”
Office: All Inclusive – Deep Grey Blue
“Clean, collected, and focused. It sets a productive tone without feeling cold. Blue encourages focus and clarity but still has a calm, collected feel, great for staying in the zone without the space feeling too sterile.”
From multifunctional spaces to mood-boosting palettes, Olivia brings a sharp eye, collaborative energy, and design-led thinking to every project. If you’re a developer, agent or investor looking to create spaces that are as considered as they are compelling, Liv’s exactly who you want on your team.
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