From theatre to real estate: an interview with Giuseppe Di Iorio

the real estate agent tells us how the COVID-19 pandemic has become an opportunity to change his life 

Born in Naples, studied in London, worked in Paris, Tokyo and Milan - to say that Giuseppe Di Iorio has travelled a lot in his life would be a gross understatement. The latest career stop for the Italian-born artist: the beautiful city of Lisbon in Portugal. Although Mr Di Iorio originally worked in the world's opera houses, he is now very successfully marketing real estate for Engel & Völkers Lisbon here. 

In this interview, the real estate agent reveals what prompted him to make this career change, how he experienced his beginnings in the industry and how he used the Corona crisis as an opportunity to grow beyond himself.

Hello Mr. Di Iorio, please tell us what you did before working in the real estate business 

After completing my high school studies I moved to London in search of independence and to explore my creative talent. I joined the Guildhall School of music and drama and started a career as a professional lighting designer that has taken me to realise projects for interiors as well as live performances of various kinds. Over the years, I specialised in opera and site specific with my work being seen in theatre like La Scala in Milan, Royal opera house in London, Chatelet in Paris, Buikakaican in Tokyo, Lyric Opera in Chicago and special projects for the culture Olympic in the UK amongst others. 

Sounds like a great career, so why did you decide to join E&V? 

Let’s go back to 2006 for a moment; I joined an interesting project with the São Carlo opera house in Lisbon to produce a unique mise en scène of the Wagner’s Ring Cycle. This experience was a catalyst for me to move over to Portugal and make Lisbon my home since 2010.

After 10 years in this vibrant city here comes March 2020 and my artistic life is wiped off overnight by the arrival of the COVID pandemic. I found myself with no work and no immediate perspective of resuming soon. At this point as I was wondering what could be my next move in life an advert of recruitment for real estate consultants with Engel and Völkers took my attention. I already had some dealing with the brand that seemed to conjugate my passion for design and interiors and my interest in real estate. I joined the training on the internet while we were all asked to keep indoors, I was really excited to take part in life again through this amazing opportunity.

Did the pandemic have a lasting impact on the way you work? 

Clearly the pandemic has changed the way brokering works. With many activities happening remotely online, we have already experienced investors buying after virtual visits. Furthermore, showing our properties on social media is providing new clients and increasing the awareness of our brand and its unique way of working worldwide. I like the idea that we also deal with yachting and private aviation so that the concept of real estate assumes new modern meanings.

How do you think the real estate market will develop in the future?

Given the pandemic, the wish for cities with human proportions and the search for better quality of life I think property the real estate market will continue to grow strong and provide investors with what they are looking for.

Start a new, exciting career: join Engel & Völkers!

Are you thinking about changing job? Are you interested in real estate market in Tuscany Maremma?

Engel & Völkers Castiglione della Pescaia - Argentario is looking for new agents and consultants to join its magic team. Apply today!