5 minutes with … Hester King at Whitbread

Why did you choose construction as a career?

I fell into the career but fell on my feet – I started out on Whitbread’s graduate scheme and was lucky to have some inspiring mentors and completely fell in love with the industry.  My parents worked in the property world, so I knew a bit about it but was surprised at how much construction fitted my personality.  

I always knew I wanted to be active and on the move rather than behind a desk,  but during my time on the scheme I also realised how much I enjoyed the communication and client-facing side to construction.

What are you most proud of in your career to date?

I am really proud of the work we have done to deliver a hub by Premier Inn hotel at the former Snow Hill Police Station in Farringdon, central London. The development has seen us restore the listed building back to its authentic self, balancing the retention of its historic features with the need to maintain the brand standards that our guests know and love.

Our 5 Strand hub development also deserves a mention. Working on such a prominent site, which will be one of the biggest hotels in London when it opens, just a stone’s throw from Trafalgar Square, has been an early career highlight and I cannot wait to see it progressing now that we have started construction.   We are anticipating welcoming our first guests in 2028.

What has been the biggest challenge of your career to date?

One of Whitbread’s strengths is that it is flexible and innovative in the sites that it acquires. Most of my early projects were on new-builds, so navigating the shift from that to office-to-hotel conversions, which we are doing lots of currently, has been a learning curve but one I have embraced. 

The alteration process comes with a unique set of considerations and complications compared to demolition, and the constraints on space throw up challenges that we have had to learn to adapt to as a development team.

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

Encouraging a more diverse workforce at entry level so that a new generation can be inspired to take up careers in construction. There is definitely a lack of awareness of the professional side to construction that needs to be addressed – changing stereotypes and perceptions of the industry goes hand in hand with this. I hope to be part of the change. 

What is the most helpful advice that you have been given?

Something one of my first mentors at Whitbread, Geoff Cook, said really stuck with me: “Things go wrong but, as long as they go wrong safely, that’s the most important thing.” If a budget shifts or a programme changes, they are things we can overcome, however you only get once chance to ensure the health and wellbeing of the site team and the public.  

Whatever you do, there will always be a lot of unpredictability in projects because you cannot control every external factor – so plans will always change. But that does not need to be something to fear.

Name your favourite building in the world?

My favourites tend to be those with a story attached, so their history and the people they have touched can be traced. Anne Frank’s house in Amsterdam embodies this, so is one of my favourites. Closer to home, I have always loved St Paul’s Cathedral and the fact the London’s skyline is still guided by the St Paul’s Heights policy. 

Which famous building do you most dislike?

A controversial one but I have never been a fan of the Barbican’s brutalist architecture, despite the many people who have tried to convince me otherwise! 

Which famous building do you wish you had worked on?

The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Whenever I go, I end up spending more time admiring the building than paying attention to what I am there to see and hear. 

What single piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your profession?

Master communication – it’s the most powerful skill you can have. Construction is really all about people and building strong relationships, which often lie at the heart of a project’s success.

Who do you most admire in the construction industry?

Zaha Hadid is someone I really admired, not only for her work but for her attitude to failing.  She never saw failure as something to fear, which is a mindset I would like to carry through to my own work.

What is it like being you (and doing your job)?

I am a perfectionist, always organised and armed with a list to help steer a project in the right direction. 

Do you have a life philosophy?

My philosophy is shaped by my commitment to being kind, while also focusing on personal growth. I believe that being empathetic and building a rapport with those around you is the key to getting the job done.

What do you think your best quality is?

Being compassionate.  

What trait do you most dislike in yourself? And in other people?

Probably my perfectionism – it has its advantages, but I have learnt to manage it so it does not slow me down, especially at the beginning or end of a project when it is easy to get caught up in the finer details. In others, I find it challenging when people dominate conversations. I value a more balanced and respectful exchange of ideas.

Name three things that you like

Good wine, dog walks and outdoor activities.

Tell us about a secret skill that we don’t know you have

I started playing the harp when I was 14, although I am not sure I could play anything now… 

What is your most prized possession?

Either my border terrier or a sentimental piece of jewellery.

Early bird or night owl?

Early bird. 

What is your favourite food?

Anything Italian. 

What would your superpower be?

Being able to fly so I could see all my projects from above.