Building from the Ground Up with CEO Costel Radescu

CEO Monthly sat down with Costel Radescu, Founder and CEO of CR Group, to discuss his inspiring journey, lessons learned in business, and the values that continue to shape his company’s success in real estate and construction.

Thank you for joining us, Costel. Can you tell us what inspired your journey into the property and construction world?

My story begins with a deep curiosity about how things are built. As a child, I was always fascinated by how spaces come to life, how a blueprint could evolve into a family home or a vibrant community space. Early on, I worked hands-on in the construction industry, learning every aspect of the trade. Over time, that curiosity grew into a passion for not just building structures, but for creating environments that improve people’s lives.

Founding CR Group was the natural next step. It allowed me to combine my technical experience with a vision to deliver projects rooted in integrity, precision, and design excellence. Every building we create is a reflection of our belief that great spaces can transform how people live and connect.

Was there a particular turning point or challenge that shaped your leadership style?

Yes, absolutely. There was a pivotal moment early in my career when a project we were managing was hit by severe delays due to supplier issues. It was a stressful period, deadlines were looming, and the pressure was immense. Instead of assigning blame, I decided to gather the entire team and rework the plan from scratch.

What stood out was the creativity and resilience of the people around me. By fostering open communication and mutual respect, we not only completed the project on time, but it also exceeded the client’s expectations.

That experience taught me a crucial leadership lesson: great leaders don’t command from the front; they lift their teams up to move forward together. Today, collaboration remains the foundation of how I lead CR Group.

Do you have a personal mantra or quote that guides your approach to business and life?

One quote that has always resonated with me is: “The best view comes after the hardest climb.” It reminds me that challenges are opportunities in disguise.

In construction and real estate, things rarely go exactly to plan. Whether it’s planning permissions, market fluctuations, or unexpected project hurdles, persistence is everything. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about achieving goals, it’s about staying consistent and adaptable along the way. Every obstacle we’ve overcome has strengthened our company and prepared us for the next stage of growth.

You’ve built an impressive reputation in property development. What do you think truly sets CR Group apart?

What sets us apart is our holistic, client-focused approach. We manage projects from the initial concept all the way through to completion, integrating architecture, design, and construction under one roof. This creates efficiency and consistency, but more importantly, it ensures our clients feel supported at every stage.

One recent project stands out, a family wanted a modern, sustainable home that would grow with them over time. Instead of proposing a standard design, we collaborated closely with them, incorporating renewable materials and energy-efficient systems to reduce long-term costs. The final result wasn’t just a home; it was a sustainable lifestyle tailored to their needs.

That’s the essence of what we do, we don’t just build spaces; we build trust, comfort, and value for our clients.

You mentioned sustainability, how does that influence your projects today?

Sustainability is no longer optional; it’s essential. We’ve made it a priority to integrate eco-conscious design and building practices across all our developments. This includes everything from using energy-efficient insulation and recycled materials to designing homes that maximise natural light and airflow.

Beyond the environmental aspect, sustainability is also about longevity, creating spaces that stand the test of time. We aim to build homes and communities that will still feel relevant and resilient decades from now. It’s our responsibility as developers to leave a positive legacy, not just beautiful buildings.

What are some exciting projects you’re currently working on?

We’re currently developing several residential schemes across London that focus on affordable yet high-quality housing, something I’m deeply passionate about. Housing affordability is one of the biggest challenges today, and our goal is to bridge that gap by offering stylish, efficient homes that don’t compromise on quality.

We’re also exploring modular construction methods, which can significantly reduce waste and build time. Innovation is at the heart of our future, we’re not just keeping up with change, we’re driving it.

Every leader learns from others. Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

Without question, my father. He was a craftsman, and from a young age, he instilled in me the value of hard work and precision. I remember watching him work tirelessly on projects, never cutting corners, and always taking pride in a job well done.

His commitment to excellence still guides me today. Whenever I face a difficult decision, I ask myself, “Would he be proud of how I handled this?” That mindset keeps me grounded and focused on maintaining the integrity and quality that define CR Group.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build something from the ground up, literally or figuratively?

Start small but think big. Learn every aspect of your craft, be patient, and surround yourself with people who share your values. The early stages of any business can be tough, long hours, financial strain, uncertainty, but those moments shape your character.

Also, don’t be afraid to fail. Every mistake is a lesson in disguise. I’ve learned more from setbacks than from successes because they push you to innovate, to adapt, and to grow. Most importantly, stay true to your vision and your principles. The foundation of any strong business is built on authenticity and trust.

Finally, what legacy do you hope to leave through your work?

I hope to leave behind more than just buildings; I want to leave behind communities. My vision is for CR Group to be remembered for creating homes that improve people’s lives and contribute to the social and environmental fabric of the city.

If, years from now, families are still thriving in the homes we built, and neighbourhoods are stronger because of our projects, then I’ll know we did something meaningful. Success to me isn’t just measured in square footage, it’s measured in the positive impact we leave behind.

How can readers connect with you and follow your work?

Readers can learn more about our projects by visiting www.crgrouplondon.com and following us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn. We regularly share updates, design inspiration, and insights into the ever-evolving world of real estate and construction.