A student of
the world,
Rikki Conley, has lived in various corners of the globe,
received her Master’s in Architecture, speaks multiple
languages, and is now settled in New England as a real estate
advisor serving the greater MetroWest area of Massachusetts and
Rhode Island. Read as Rikki breaks down her career shift, her
international influence, and how all of her passions
brought her to a career that centers on what she finds
the most fulfilling: assisting people.
When did you first become interested in architecture,
and how did you pursue it?
My father was a U.S. diplomat, and I was born and raised in the
Middle East and North Africa. We would return to the U.S. or Europe
during the summer to visit relatives. I was always fascinated by
the stark contrast between Moorish architecture and the Colonial or
Arts and Crafts homes I saw in the States. In the U.S., lawns seem
to flow seamlessly into each other, while in places like Egypt,
Libya, and Morocco, inner courtyards are behind high privacy walls
protecting lush gardens and intricate mosaics. This contrast
captivated me and sparked my passion for architecture. I pursued my
interest in college and then earned a Master’s in
Architecture from Columbia University.
When did you get into real estate, and how has your
background in architecture shaped your approach?
After a break from architecture to start a family, I was drawn to a
people-oriented career, and real estate felt like a natural
transition. Just as an architect listens closely to the wants and
desires of their client when designing a home, a real estate agent
must do the same, albeit with the challenge of working with an
already-built structure. I guide buyers on potential upgrades or
renovations, assist sellers by staging their homes, and provide the
insight that allows buyers to envision the house’s beauty. A
house rarely sells itself; it’s an emotional journey for buyers
and sellers. I consider it a great honor to be part of their
process, helping them find or part with a home that holds deep
personal meaning.
What do you love most about your role as a real estate
advisor?
While real estate sales are often seen as transactional, I approach
my role as an advisor, focusing on building relationships. I find
the most fulfillment in guiding clients through the deal’s
strategy, including the financial, legal, and emotional aspects.
Over my career, I have worked with clients who, after buying their
dream homes, return years later to purchase again. These
experiences have led to the formation of ‘work’ friendships
built on shared experiences, mutual trust, and respect. I joined
Gibson SIR due to its international reach, and I am always excited
when someone outside of the East Coast network reaches out to
discuss a property.
What do you do in your “free
time”?
Much of my free time is spent at home. We are working on a complete
renovation of a house (third house). So, when I discuss a
renovation project with clients, I know firsthand the challenges,
costs, and issues (mostly, it takes longer than planned). YouTube
tutorials are great educational tools for “how to tile a
bathroom” or “how to build a porch.” I also enjoy
landscape painting and silversmithing when time allows.
Additionally, two of my children have Type 1 Diabetes, so I
volunteer with various organizations to support diabetes awareness
and research.
What do you love most about where you live and work? Are
there any favorite spots in Wellesley, the MetroWest area, or Rhode
Island?
I work in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and each community has
charm. Our oldest two kids were born in London before we settled in
Weston for fifteen years. We know every soccer field between Newton
and Westborough. We began downsizing and moved to Dover for a few
years before eventually finding our “forever” house in
Rhode Island. I have favorite spots for food, hiking, and exploring
in both states. My typical day revolves around showings, which do
not always line up perfectly, so I spend my extra time driving
through neighborhoods to refresh my memory and view new homes under
construction or discover new restaurants or shops.
What are three sources of joy in your week?
Work: The joy of finding the perfect home for a buyer or having a
great showing with a new listing.
Play: Accomplishing a new task on our renovation project,
experimenting with new recipes, spending time with my family and
dogs, and painting a beautiful sunset on the lake.
Rikki Conley | 54 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02482 |
617.413.0064 | Rikki.Conley@GibsonSIR.com