The head of the housing and regeneration team on doing the right thing, having no regrets, making the industry more inclusive and why it takes him ages to leave parties
Why did you choose construction as a career?
I started my career, in the early 90s, as a graduate civil engineer having studied the subject at degree level, followed by a masters in maritime civil engineering. I was working for an engineering consultancy in the North-west but found myself becoming increasingly interested in drafting the contracts that we would need to put in place to deliver projects instead of the designing aspect.
After a couple of years, I decided to give it all up, go to the College of Law in London and study law. On qualification I knew that I didn’t want to become a construction lawyer but always had an interest in real estate projects as I was able to use my engineering knowledge and background to help me conceptualise, spatially, how those projects were to be delivered.
Nearly 30 years later I have spent the majority of my career working on large-scale development and regeneration projects supporting both public and private sectors. And I love it…!
What are you most proud of in your career to date?
Working with junior members of the team to help them flourish and achieve (and in many cases exceed) their own personal goals.
What has been the biggest challenge of your career to date?
The fake answer would be closing a complicated deal for a demanding client with argumentative counterparties in a difficult environment to an impossible timescale on time and on budget. However, the real answer is being a member of the LGBT+ community in an industry that has, for a large portion of my career, not been entirely inclusive.
Things are changing, however, and I am very proud to be a visible and vocal co-sponsor of my workplace’s LGBT+ network, promoting EDI internally and externally.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
Probably the (slow) speed at which it has learnt to become more inclusive – but that could be a statement equally pointed at societal changes, not just industry changes.
What is the most helpful advice that you have been given?
Is something right and/or fair? If not, don’t do it… I think that could be my philosophy in life more generally, to be honest!
Name your favourite building in the world?
The Transamerica Pyramid building in San Francisco (constructed in 1972) – although the external appearance is eye-catching, it’s not its aesthetics that I am talking about. It’s the fact that it was, apparently, constructed on innovative sliding base foundations, so as to protect the building in the case of “the big one” – the huge earthquake that is said to be imminent due to the amount of time that has passed since the devastating 1906 earthquake that destroyed huge parts of the city.
Alternatively, anything designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Which famous building do you most dislike?
I don’t think that I actively dislike a building but the one that I find the least aesthetically pleasing or purposeful would be the Atomium in Brussels, designed for the Brussels World Fair in 1958.
Which famous building do you wish you had worked on?
I adore the Southbank Centre in London (and used to act for them in a previous role). I am particularly fond of brutalist architecture – something that’s unusual, perhaps uncomfortable, unexpected or challenging. It must have been amazing to be involved in its design or construction.
What single piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your profession?
Remain determined and keep going.
Who do you most admire in the construction industry?
The late Tony Pidgley, founder of The Berkeley Group. He was an enigma and a well-respected and liked character within the construction industry.
What is it like being you (and doing your job)?
One word: hectic! My career has always been fast-paced and, although that can be stressful at times, it also makes it exciting. Most days are different from others, which makes my job interesting.
Do you have a life philosophy?
Just do it. Although it may appear that I’m a follower of the Nike brand, this phrase has always resonated with me.
To me, it isn’t about making unconsidered decisions but, rather, progressing through life with as few regrets as possible. Life can be cut short in a moment and, from my point of view, I wouldn’t want that to happen with me having regrets that I had not done something that I wanted to do.
What do you think your best quality is?
You would have to ask my friends, family and work colleagues, but I hope they would say my smiley outlook on life. I enjoy working as part of a team and am energised by positive enthusiasm and similarly like-minded people.
Life can be hard at times for everyone, but knowing that you’ve got people around you who will always look out for you, and share similar life philosophies, is important.
What trait do you most dislike in yourself? And in other people?
In myself: worrying about things I can’t control. In other people: small-mindedness.
Name three things that you like
Running, my dogs and a spicy margarita. Not all at the same time…
Tell us about a secret skill that we don’t know you have
I play the piano and sing.
What is your most prized possession?
My dogs.
Early bird or night owl?
Definitely a night owl. Never an early bird (unless I’m going on holiday).
What is your favourite food?
Mexican or Japanese
What would your superpower be?
Teleportation. But not for any grand reason: I’m terrible at leaving social situations as I always feel obliged to say good bye to the host and those that I’ve chatted to, for fear of appearing rude in the event of a quick getaway. This superpower would solve my (admittedly, niche) problem!
No comments yet