5 minutes with … Tony Hayes at Linesight

Why did you choose construction as a career?

I began my career as a bench joiner. I wanted to learn a craft and see what could be achieved with simple materials like timber, and to understand how they interact with buildings.

As an apprentice, one of my first projects was working on the joinery for The Ritz hotel in London. It was very niche and demanded incredible attention to detail. I felt a great sense of pride when a pile of materials evolved into a functional space for guests to enjoy.

As my career progressed, I worked for some large construction companies and consultancies managing teams, which I realised I quite liked and was quite good at! That started my journey into project management and to Linesight. I love the culture here – I feel like a person and not a cog in a big wheel. It is great to be a part of a team that genuinely wants to make a difference.

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

I don’t think there is one particular moment. I am proud of what I do day-to-day. But, if I had to pick one thing, it would be the work I do mentoring members of our team, passing on the knowledge I have gained throughout my career.

It was a lightbulb moment when I realised how I could help the younger generation coming through the industry to develop and progress their careers.

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

A project manager’s greatest challenge is always understanding how best we can support our clients to optimise their projects and streamline their processes. However, the greater the challenge, the more I enjoy thinking creatively to find the solution.

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

I would like to see more apprentices within the industry gaining site experience, giving them responsibility and ownership, rather than just being given tasks to complete. This would give wider exposure to project challenges and solutions.

Linesight provides varied training schemes for graduates and apprentices in all disciplines of project consultancy, and we are committed to giving opportunities to the next generation of experts.

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

You should never make a decision until you understand the problem and have reviewed all the possible solutions. Keep a level head, don’t panic, be rational and you will make the right decision – this is what our clients rely on us for.

Name your favourite building in the world.

I have two. Firstly, St Paul’s Cathedral because of the incredible vaulted ceilings. From within the basement, you can see how the building load is transferred to the foundations.

My second favourite is the Natural History Museum because of the main entrance brickwork arch. The craftsmanship and skill needed to produce this impressive decorative finish is of such a high level.

What famous building do you dislike?

I don’t really dislike any buildings, but buildings that have a contrasting design of old and modern architecture, are not aesthetically pleasing to me.

Which famous building do you wish you had worked on?

I wish I had worked on St Paul’s Cathedral because it is a modern-day monument and continues to be a major London landmark. It is always a special moment when you see a building that you have worked on. Imagine how the team felt seeing the completion of St Pauls!

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

I would tell them to always think outside the box and have a versatile approach. There are many ways to achieve the same goal.

Who do you most admire in the construction industry?

I have great admiration for the ancient Egyptians, as they invented the first building techniques, which are still being practised today, but with modern devices. For example, string lines have been replaced with lasers and theodolites. Some of the structure sizes were constructed with great engineering and construction methods.

What is it like being you?

I enjoy working with our teams and getting the best out of people. Helping them to see things differently and watching them develop gives me a sense of achievement.

I like to make the working day enjoyable for everyone, so that they stay motivated and look forward to work, which I think is a great ethos to have.

Do you have a life philosophy?

Yes – to laugh at least once a day.

What do you think your best quality is?

I think it’s being a people person. I always try to connect and encourage people to leave any conversation or activity on a positive note.

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

Sometimes, I try to help solve my colleagues’ problems when they are struggling to find the answer. I know it’s best to hang back and let people get there on their own; I suppose I can be a little too keen to get there quickly.

Name three things that you like:

Golf, socialising and … more golf?

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

It has got to be my dad-dancing skills.

What is your most prized possession?

My family, and of course my golf clubs.

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl – it’s the best part of the day. Unfortunately, I am not a morning person.

What is your favourite food?

Vietnamese and Italian.

What would your superpower be?

I would like to be a time traveller. I could either go back into the past to see the ancient Egyptians’ original methods of construction, or fast-forward to the future to see how the construction industry has changed!