When clients think of Herron Todd White, they naturally think of property valuation. It is the core of our reputation and our business. However, to deliver precise valuations at scale in today’s market, we rely on a powerful, “hidden” asset: our technology.
While we are not a commercial software company, the technology we build internally is critical to our success. Recently, our Head of Engineering & Architecture, Arun Thenabadu, spoke to APAC CIO Outlook to share his perspectives on how we ensure that technology is innovative, scalable, and built to last.
Culture as the Foundation of Innovation
In his discussion, Arun highlighted that high-quality engineering doesn’t happen by accident. It requires a specific culture, not one of policing or bureaucracy, but one defined by “pride in the craft and a shared understanding of why quality matters”.
For Herron Todd White, this culture is the secret ingredient that ensures our systems are robust. It is what moves an engineering function “from average to good to great”.
The Cost of “Tech Debt” vs. Business Value
Why does a property firm need such rigorous engineering standards? Arun explained to APAC CIO Outlook that while a lost sale is impactful, “the damage stops there”. In contrast, poor engineering leads to “tech debt”, shortcuts that compound over time.
If we were to ignore these standards, small issues would eventually “slow delivery, increase complexity and erode quality”. By fostering a culture where teams govern themselves based on shared values, we significantly reduce the likelihood of “bad code making its way to production”. This ensures that the technology our valuers and customers rely on remains fast and reliable.
Defining “What Good Looks Like”
To maintain our innovative edge, our teams operate with a collective agreement on “what good looks like”. This outcome-focused approach empowers our engineers to:
• Engage in robust technical discussions where diverse views are respected.
• Make conscious decisions rather than taking the “path of convenience”.
• Challenge low-value work to ensure we are building the right solutions.
Building for the Future
Arun notes that this culture must be “intentionally designed, nurtured and modelled by leadership”. It is an investment that ensures our engineering practice is “self-cultivating and sustaining”.
At Herron Todd White, we are proud that our technology is not just a support function, but a strategic asset. By prioritising engineering excellence, we ensure that the tools powering our business are as high-quality as the valuations we deliver.
Read the full article on APAC CIO Outlook.