Shaping Cities

An Interview with Mr Petr Pujman of KKCG

BY NESE JONES
5 May 2026

KKCG Real Estate, part of the international KKCG Group, is a leader in shaping modern urban spaces in Prague in the Czech Republic and beyond. Known for projects such as Bořislavka Centrum and Top Rezidence, the company blends architectural ambition with sustainability, innovation, and community focus. We spoke with Chairman Petr Pujman about the company’s vision and its approach to redefining urban living.

KKCG Group works across many industries. How does real estate align with the company’s overall strategy, and what role have you played in shaping its direction?

KKCG Real Estate Group is one of the four pillars of the KKCG Group. From the outset, it was clear that this would be a business that views real estate not just as a set of projects, but as long-term value creation.

In 2012, together with Karel Komárek and a team of colleagues, we defined a strategy that we continue to follow: to build projects that are synonymous with quality, sustainability, and a culture of living. We didn’t want to be a “developer,” but rather a creator of environments where people enjoy living and working.

From the outset, we set ourselves a simple rule: architecture must not only be beautiful to look at, but must also be great to live and work in – even after many years. That is why we always ask ourselves: how will people feel here after a year? And after ten years? If a project looks good but people do not enjoy living or working in it, then it is not fulfilling its function.

Our role within the KKCG Group is clear: to bring innovation, progress, and to set new standards in the premium development segment. Real estate projects complement KKCG’s investment portfolio and embody the values of the entire group – long-term thinking, the courage to innovate, and respect for the environment and people. The successes of recent years confirm that this strategy was the right one. The market is developing in the direction we chose years ago, and the segments in which we operate are highly resistant to crisis cycles.

What is your long-term vision for the company, and how do you see your developments shaping urban life in Central Europe and beyond?

Our long-term vision remains unchanged: to build places where each of us would want to live. We don’t start with architecture, but with the question: “What do people love about this location, and why?” We draw inspiration from naturally functioning neighbourhoods. In Prague, there is the iconic Vinohrady neighbourhood – houses with shared courtyards, community gardens, and a lively parterre with cafés, restaurants, and services within walking distance. This creates a value that no technological innovation can replace: a sense of home and neighbourhood.

When designing new projects, we consciously choose solutions that support community and neighbourly interaction. That’s why we work with the concept of shared greenery, neighbourhood gardens, and common areas in our projects. We often build row houses, which make efficient use of land and allow for the creation of compact, lively neighbourhoods.

We deliberately limit the number of units to create more community space and a higher quality of living. This philosophy pays off – people are willing to invest in an environment that has soul, character, and long-term value. Sharing space strengthens relationships, eliminates the anonymity of the big city, and increases residents’ responsibility for the place where they live. Where there is a relationship, care arises. This is how we influence urban life, by creating projects that are not “residential products,” but living communities.

As sustainability becomes a critical focus in real estate, how is KKCG Real Estate integrating environmental stewardship, technological innovation, and social responsibility into its development strategy?

Sustainability is fundamental to us, not just a marketing phrase. We perceive it on three levels: environmental, technological, and social.

In the environmental sphere, we realise that construction is one of the largest producers of waste. During a major renovation of an office building, we therefore decided to fully recycle all materials – from carpets to tiles. We recycled or sold everything that could be recycled or reused. Materials that would have ended up in a landfill were given a second chance. We want to apply this principle as standard. On the technological level, we use the most advanced solutions available: recuperation, geothermal drilling, and passive standards, and we are now testing the use of wastewater as an energy source for heat pumps. We have experts in our company whose sole job is to constantly search for new sustainable technologies and implement them in projects.

“We don’t build residential products – we create living communities with soul, character, and long-term value that shape how people experience urban life”

Social sustainability is based on the fact that people and relationships create the greatest value. Our projects support community functioning and residents’ responsibility towards the place where they live. Sustainability is not a material; it is a way of thinking.

Looking ahead, what innovative concepts in residential or office design do you believe will define the next generation of urban living in Prague and beyond?

Real estate development today is driven by market realities: land is expensive and space is limited. We therefore see the future in increasing efficiency, not in expanding horizontally. We promote the concept of low-rise high-density. This is not a revolution, but smart planning: more functions in a smaller space, compact urbanism, where everything important is within walking distance. Such an environment brings the highest quality of life. The key to innovation is not maximising the built-up area but maximising the quality of every square metre that creates value for residents. The future of urban living is simple: less space for cars, more space for people.

“The future of urban living is not about building more, but about building smarter – creating compact, walkable neighbourhoods where quality of life comes from shared space, connection and thoughtful design”.

Given increasing costs and shifting market dynamics, what do you consider to be the key challenges and opportunities ahead for KKCG Real Estate?

The biggest challenge is to differentiate ourselves. We want to be the best at what we do, and the best are those who can offer real value. Land is still a key factor for success; finding the right location means understanding how the place will function in five, ten, or twenty years.

At the same time, construction methods are changing dramatically. We see the future in prefabrication. Technology must simplify and speed up the construction process. Most of the project will be created in production and then assembled on site like a building block. It is an effective way to respond to labour shortages and rising costs. Prefabrication brings higher quality, faster implementation, and a lower environmental impact.

The challenges are obvious. But the opportunities are even greater.

Winning multiple awards for Top Rezidence is a significant global recognition. How do you see this achievement shaping your future projects and influencing international perceptions of urban development in your region?

We are pleased with the awards, but we do not see them as a goal. For us, they are confirmation that our path makes sense. They show that even a project from Czechia can succeed on a global level. Top Rezidence proves that the more you work with a detailed understanding of the place, the community, and the quality of life, the more value you create.

This success has inspired us to take the next step: we are entering London. We have already established a company there and are entering the market with the utmost humility and respect, but also with the determination to bring a different way of thinking. We want to do business in this exceptional market with the same philosophy as at home – to create a high-quality urban environment with high added value. We believe we have something to offer. Not just architecture, but a way of thinking.