In an industry known for its complexity and conservative pace, a new player is disrupting the norms — and winning big.
Metis Group, a strategic property development advisory firm based in Sydney, is proving that passion, precision, and a commitment to quality can still move mountains in Australian real estate. Founded by Jeff Curnow and Arian Galanis, the firm launched in early 2023 and has already secured a staggering $6.7 billion in project value under management.
“It really comes down to passion,” says Galanis. “We care about the project, the end user, and the client. And we put ourselves in each of these positions to achieve the best for everyone.”
Behind the Curtain of Development
While sales brochures typically spotlight architects, interior designers, and developers, Metis is shifting the spotlight to the unsung heroes of real estate — project managers.
“It’s such a pivotal role, and yet we’re always being seen as just another part of the process,” says Curnow.
Project managers ensure complex, multimillion-dollar developments meet expectations. From managing budgets and timelines to overseeing approvals and quality control, their role is foundational — and Metis wants the market to recognize it.
Places With Purpose
Metis Group calls their mission “Places with Purpose” — a promise to realign values between developers and buyers in a market fraught with distrust.
“Trust between developers and customers has declined in recent years,” says Galanis. “Our mission is to realign these values in our work.”
Despite launching in February 2023, Metis has already been entrusted with high-profile projects, including:
- The transformation of the Intercontinental Hotel site in Double Bay into a vibrant lifestyle precinct featuring high-street retail, dining, luxury residences, and wellness centers.
- The $900 million Fig & Wattle Street development in Pyrmont, near the new Sydney Fish Markets — a mixed-use precinct of 237 apartments, commercial space, and community amenities.
The Metis Method
The company’s rapid rise is attributed to their hands-on philosophy and deep involvement from concept to completion — what they call the Metis Method.
“We are the consistent thread over the entire life-cycle of a project,” says Galanis.
This consistency helps them catch costly errors others miss. In one instance, they identified a miscalculation in required parking spaces that could have derailed a development. In another, they reconfigured an approved building design, saving millions and increasing the sellable area.
“We shared the same philosophy: take accountability, roll up your sleeves, and get things done,” says Curnow.
Born from Experience
Curnow, originally trained as an architect, made his mark as a senior director of development management, leading complex ventures like Opera Residences — Australia’s most expensive apartment development in 2016.
Galanis, with a background in boutique and ASX-listed developers like Mirvac and GPT Group, complements the team with deep market knowledge and sharp instincts.
“There was a really strong care factor in what we did,” says Curnow.
“We’d challenge every detail from the big picture to the smallest details,” adds Galanis. “We always had the end users in mind.”
Their complementary skills and shared values forged a partnership strong enough to cut through the noise of the industry — even amid high interest rates, material shortages, and a national skilled labor crisis.
“The industry faces challenges, with little indication of improvement,” says Curnow. “But we see opportunity where others see obstacles.”
Looking Ahead
Metis is now planning its next move — delivering its first proprietary development, a project that will be stamped as “Metis Made.” True to form, they’re not rushing. They’re seeking the right opportunity where their values and methodology can shine.
“What we realised is that the right attitude attracts attitude, and people attract people,” says Galanis.
As their influence grows, so does interest from clients, consultants, and talent eager to join a firm that prioritizes excellence over ego.
In an industry long overdue for a fresh perspective, Metis Group is quietly — but confidently — leading the charge.
🔗 Learn more at www.metisgroup.au
