The Viking Chats: Reimagining Estate Agency with Ellie Rees from Brickworks
Kristjan’s latest Viking Chats guest is Ellie Rees, founder and owner of Brickworks, a London based estate agency that tries to challenge the usual way of doing things. Ellie began her professional life as a fine artist, not as a salesperson, and for a long time she felt deeply uncomfortable describing herself as an estate agent at all.
That discomfort became the starting point for Brickworks.
Over the course of the discussion, Ellie explains how Brickworks grew, why she believes so many people mistrust estate agents, and what happens when commission structures and short term targets sit at the heart of a business. She speaks frankly about culture, leadership and the practical realities of running an agency that aims to be both commercially sound and genuinely people first.
Key themes in the conversation include:
The early days of Brickworks and how it developed in London
Why Ellie was initially ashamed of the “estate agent” label
How traditional commission based models can undermine trust and teamwork
The emotional side of moving home, and why it deserves more care
Building a non competitive, collaborative culture in a competitive market
Mistakes, course corrections and what she would do differently now
The episode offers a thoughtful look at what estate agency could become if more firms were willing to question old habits and rebuild around values rather than just volume.
For anyone working in property, considering a move, or interested in how business culture shapes behaviour, the discussion with Ellie Rees is well worth your time.
