The firm’s co-founder and director on x
Why did you choose construction as a career?
I have dyslexia and ADHD, and the idea of sitting in an office writing all day didn’t play to my strengths. My dad owned a car repair company, so I was used to working with my hands from a young age. At the time, office work just wasn’t for me, which sparked an interest in construction.
What are you most proud of in your career to date?
Working on some of the biggest buildings in the UK, like 22 Bishopsgate, the Museum of London and the Old War Office in Whitehall. I love walking around with friends and family and showing them the amazing things I’ve helped create.
What has been the biggest challenge of your career to date?
Self-awareness. We all think we have it, but the reality of who we are is often different. Growth also has been hard, most people stay where they are in life, but growth can be a lonely, especially for men.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
The world’s perception of it. Our lives would be nothing without the hard-working men and women in construction. I work with schools a lot, and I still hear that if you don’t do well academically, you “end up” in construction. That mindset is why so few young people consider it as a career of choice.
What is the most helpful advice that you have been given?
You will overestimate what you can do in a year, but underestimate what you can do in a decade.
Name your favourite building in the world?
Westminster Abbey. Its architecture is breathtaking. Something you might expect to find in the heart of Italy, yet it stands proudly in London. It feels timeless, as if it has witnessed centuries without losing its grandeur. As a royalist, it resonates deeply with me, capturing the vibrance and enduring spirit of British heritage.
Which famous building do you most dislike?
Balfron Tower, because to me, it represents the opposite of everything Westminster Abbey stands for. Where the Abbey inspires and uplifts, Balfron Tower feels like a monument to the failures of postwar housing policy, a physical reminder of the class divide. Its design doesn’t just house people; it almost tells them where they belong, and not in a good way.
Which famous building do you wish you had worked on?
HSBC Rain Vortex because it sits beautifully at the heart of its surroundings, a modern masterpiece bordering on a modern-day wonder of the world. Where some buildings remind people of their place in a limiting way, the Rain Vortex does the opposite: it tells you exactly where you are, but in the best possible sense. It celebrates progress, beauty, and the sheer possibility of human creativity.
What single piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your profession?
Don’t chase money, chase the most talented people in your field and become indispensable to them. The money will follow.
Who do you most admire in the construction industry?
The Candy Brothers come to mind. They began with humble origins but carried a bold vision for a type of living environment the world had never seen. That vision became reality with One Hyde Park, a project that demanded not just immense skill, but extraordinary passion and a willingness to take huge risks.
It was more than just a building; it became a benchmark. Even today, you can see its influence echoed in luxury apartment designs around the world. They are true innovators who reshaped expectations.
What is it like being you (and doing your job)?
It’s crazy at times. I’m quite old school and like to talk to all my clients either on the phone or in person, which takes a lot of time. Luckily, my team is amazing and makes up for my shortcomings.
Do you have a life philosophy?
Make life about the journey, not the destination. Happiness isn’t in achieving a single result, it’s in the little things you do every day.
What do you think your best quality is?
Adaptability. The world of business is constantly changing, I find it easy to pivot to suit business or economical changes/challenges.
What trait do you most dislike in yourself? And in other people?
Involving myself (or themselves) in other people’s business, whether the intentions are good or not.
Name three things that you like
Whisky, fine food, and weightlifting.
Tell us about a secret skill that we don’t know you have
I started judo and karate when I was 5, and I hold multiple dan grades/black belts, though I stopped training nine years ago.
What is your most prized possession?
My first ever black belt, which is now pretty much white.
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird, I start my day at 5am.
What is your favourite food?
Too hard to answer, but I’d argue anything related to beef.
What would your superpower be?
Telekinesis. Why? Who wouldn’t want the power to move anything with just a thought? Total control at your fingertips, without ever lifting one. And let’s be honest, it just sounds ridiculously fun.
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