Designing & Developing Property in Barbados with Alex Sandeman

Sean: Before we dive into design and development, tell us a bit about yourself. What drives you professionally?

Alex: Over the last 30 years, different things have motivated me. I grew up in England and have lived in Barbados for 25 years. I had a career in golf, but I’ve always loved building and interior design. I’m driven by the desire to improve everything I do.

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Sean: You’re also known for holding a Guinness World Record for making 93 birdies in 12 hours. How did that come about?

Alex: Only one record, but I’ve held it twice. As my golf career was winding down and I was getting more involved in development, I attempted the birdie record at Sandy Lane in 2010. Someone broke it in 2013, so I went back and reclaimed it. It kept me motivated, and I enjoyed the physical challenge.

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Sean: Is there anything you’ve taken from golf and applied to development and interior design?

Alex: My downfall in golf was being a perfectionist, which isn’t great for performance. But in design and development, that same pursuit of perfection works in my favour. It helps me maintain the standard I want to achieve.

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Sean: We’re sitting in one of your projects, a 3,000 sq. ft. apartment at Sandy Cove. What was involved in renovating this space?

Alex: We finished this about a year ago. It hadn’t been renovated since it was built 15 or 16 years ago. We had only two months because of restrictions on noisy work, so preparation was everything. We redid the floors, bathrooms, and pretty much everything. It was a big job, but it turned out great.

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Sean: What other projects are you currently working on?

Alex: We’re about to start a major renovation on an 8,500 sq. ft. villa at Sandy Lane. We’re also building four new five-bedroom villas at Porters Place Residences, Phase Two, and we have several other projects in the pipeline.

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Sean: How would you describe the design aesthetic in Barbados today?

Alex: There’s a strong move towards sleek, modern design, although I personally love both modern and classic styles. Maintenance plays a huge role here. Modern materials like aluminium windows and doors tend to perform better in this climate.

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Sean: Do modern construction methods help with hurricane resistance?

Alex: Definitely. Flat concrete roofs are now very common. They’re stronger, allow space for services and PV panels, and require less maintenance than traditional pitched roofs.

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Sean: What design mistakes do you see most often?

Alex: Maintenance is the big one. Homeowners want lower running costs and manageable communal fees. Designing for durability is essential in the Caribbean.

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Sean: What are overseas buyers generally looking for?

Alex: It varies. Some want large family villas, others want compact apartments. Retirees, families, and investors all have different needs, but the general direction we’re heading seems to suit most buyers.

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Sean: How important is sustainability in Barbados?

Alex: Very important. We’re using more photovoltaic systems and trying to make better use of our climate. It’s a learning process, and progress is slower than we’d like, but it’s improving.

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Sean: What advice would you give someone planning a renovation or build in Barbados?

Alex:

1. Get a proper survey done.

2. Expect it to cost more than you think.

3. Understand that light and heat are different here than in colder climates.

4. Focus on airflow and breezes, and use plenty of fans.

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Sean: What do people most underestimate?

Alex: How challenging it is. Even with experience, we’re still learning. But if you get it right, Barbados is an incredible place to live.

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Sean: How do you see sport, especially golf, impacting tourism in Barbados?

Alex: Barbados has become a serious golf destination. We now have several world-class courses. Places like Apes Hill offer a full lifestyle experience that appeals to families and long-term visitors, not just golfers.

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Sean: Are you seeing more demand for wellness-focused developments?

Alex: Yes. We have a project in development that includes a wellness centre with a gym, spa, cold plunge, and paddle courts. Demand for wellness facilities is growing across the island.

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Sean: Where can people find out more about your work?

Alex: Through Alex Sandeman Design. We handle design and project management for our own developments and for private clients. We’re on Instagram, and our website is alexsandeman.com.

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Sean: Final advice for anyone buying or building in Barbados?

Alex: Build a strong team. Architect, engineer, contractor, interior designer, and landscape architect. Some people try to do it alone, but it’s more complex than it looks. Having the right team makes all the difference.