The firm’s head of design and technical services on modular challenges and solutions, why people make all the difference in construction, trusiting his instincts and his love of (particularly) Gaelic football
Why did you choose construction as a career?
I was always drawn to the technical side at school – woodwork, metalwork and problem-solving. I started as an architectural technologist, then moved to England for more experience and was introduced to offsite.
When I came back to Ireland, McAvoy was moving from product to solution. There was strong demand, particularly through the Department for Education in England, and it felt like the right place to be.
What are you most proud of in your career to date?
We delivered modular hospital theatres to a local health trust more than a decade ago. I visited them last year and they looked as good as the day they were installed, which says a lot about the McAvoy product and the clinical teams using and maintaining them.
What has been the biggest challenge of your career to date?
One of the biggest challenges has been helping people to understand and embrace modular. There is still a degree of misunderstanding in parts of the industry, but that also presents a real opportunity to lead, educate and demonstrate the value that modular can bring. It is a constantly evolving area, and being part of that progression is rewarding.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
Greater education and awareness of offsite manufacturing. The more people understand it, the more they see its potential. Better awareness leads to better solutions, and to an industry that is more open to innovation and change.
Focus on people. The technical issues can be worked through, but the people make the difference
What is the most helpful advice that you have been given?
Do what you say you are going to do. Rely only on facts. Pay close attention to detail.
Name your favourite building in the world?
A small Italianate Romanesque-style church close to where I live. It was built around 1909. It is simple and understated, with thoughtful, layered detailing.
Which famous building do you most dislike?
There are plenty of buildings that are not to my taste, but I assume the designers were aiming at a specific audience. It may not be for me, and that’s fine.
Which famous building do you wish you had worked on?
The Colosseum in Rome. Not only is it hugely impressive architecturally, but the inner workings of the amphitheatre are an engineering masterclass.
What single piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your profession?
Focus on people. The technical issues can be worked through, but the people make the difference.
Who do you most admire in the construction industry?
The people in factories and on sites day in, day out building what we are designing. Nothing would get built without them.
What is it like being you (and doing your job)?
Challenging and rewarding. I am very self-critical, but this is what pushes me to improve and strive to get better at what I do.
Do you have a life philosophy?
Treat people well and approach every situation with empathy, being considerate about what others might be going through.
What do you think your best quality is?
Technical awareness.
What trait do you most dislike in yourself? And in other people?
I find it hard to say no and sometimes take on too much at once. With others, I try to encourage balance and help them avoid the same pitfall.
Name three things that you like
Gaelic football comes first for me, but I enjoy following all kinds of football – from the Premier League and Championship to the Scottish Premiership. Outside of that, I also like cooking.
Tell us about a secret skill that we don’t know you have
Trusting what my gut tells me. I know it is something I don’t always follow myself, and I think that is true for most people. But, when I do, it often leads to the right decisions.
What is your most prized possession?
I am not overly material. Holidays and travelling experiences are what I look forward to most.
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird.
What is your favourite food?
Italian.
What would your superpower be?
The ability to get all the work done on time!
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