The original 40 under 40: 10 years on

Ten years ago Building profiled 40 of the construction industry’s most promising stars who were under 40 years old. Now we’ve tracked almost all of them down to discover what they’ve been up to over the past decade. We asked them whether they have achieved what they had hoped to by now, and what their plans are for the next 10 years.

Some of our original talents now feature among the industry’s biggest names. Others have different stories to tell, such as the architect who became a sexual health nurse and the materials supplier who ended up marrying the man she named as her hero in Building’s first set of questions back in 2000.

Here we ask some of the best known of the “40 under 50” what they have learned over the years and what their advice is for the next generation.

Della Popkin - Left Fluid Design, now a lead nurse at NHS Pulse, Islington

Ten years ago you said that you hoped Fluid Design could still work in the same way and come up with fresh ideas. Have you achieved this goal?

I left Fluid Design to go back to what I started out doing - being a nurse. As a co-founder of Fluid I feel very proud that the business is still going. Now I am a lead nurse in sexual health at Pulse, an NHS practice, working with young people aged between 13-21, who are of high risk. I have helped to build this up since 2005 and we are now a multi-agency practice and help hundreds of young people before it is too late.

Where do you see yourself in another ten years?

Hopefully management of what I am doing now. I want to continue changing young people’s lives dramatically, which is what we do at Pulse.

What is the biggest change in construction you have seen in the past decade?

I’m not really involved in the area anymore but I suppose what is different is how big a part the computer plays in design, when I was studying we were still using pens and drawing boards. I never enjoyed being strapped to a computer so it does worry me sometimes how people can design this way.

What has been your career highlight since 2000? And the lowpoint?

The low point was making the decision to leave Fluid after spending years building it up but it was the right thing to do. I am so proud of the achievements and expertise we have made at Pulse. I have such a laugh and a great team around me which makes my job really fun. It suits my personality and sometimes you have to make a change and not just do something because you are talented at it. You need to choose a career which also suits you as a person and your temperament.

Ten years ago your hero was the architect Rem Koolhaas. Is this still the case?

I would say someone who influences me more so today is Francis Bacon, not just his work but also his beliefs.

Gill Riley, GGR Glass

Ten years ago you said you wanted to make GGR multinational. Have you achieved that goal?

Yes, we now sell equipment all over the world and import to 42 different countries, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Where do you see yourself in another 10 years?

Hopefully retired, stuck on a beach without the kids!

What is the biggest change in construction you have seen in the past decade?

Health and safety has improved.

What has been your career highlight since 2000? And the lowpoint?

My highlights have been winning Business Woman of the Year and seeing the company grow from strength to strength, entering into new markets and meeting the new people who have joined us. No low-points!

In 2000 your hero was Craig Parkin of SM Murdoch. Is this still the case?!

No, not anymore, I married him! He used to be one of my customers before we got married and as a joke I said that he was my hero. His boss read what I had said to Building and showed it to Craig. Luckily he saw the funny side. Unfortunately he has given me four horrible children!

Gareth Hoskins, Gareth Hoskins Architects

Ten years ago you said you wanted to keep your base in Scotland but work in London and further afield. Have you achieved that goal? What are you doing now?

Yes, we are still in Glasgow but have now worked on projects in London, Venice, Toronto and more obscure places in Scotland like the Shetlands.

Where do you see yourself in another 10 years?

Hopefully having survived the recession! I see myself in the same place, continuing to work on prominent projects and hopefully developing our involvement even further afield.

What is the biggest change in construction you have seen in the past decade?

The growth in computer technology which has enabled us to model and realise buildings in a virtual sense allowing architects to communicate their ideas better.

What has been your career highlight since 2000? And the lowpoint?

One of the most exciting moments was in 2008 when we build Scotland’s first pavilion in Venice, the Biennale. It was a relatively small project but we got the chance to represent our country’s architecture. Also when we won the UK’s architectural practice of the year. A low point has been seeing colleagues and friends in the industry whose practices have suffered.

In 2000 your hero was Stephen Hodder. Is this still the case? If not, why and who is your new hero?

Probably less of a hero, our horizons are looking further abroad, to the likes of Peter Zumthor - a Swiss architect, and RCR architects in Spain.

Mike Tonkin, Tonkin Architects

Ten years ago you said you wanted to be in King’s Cross, the city was moving east so you wanted to be in the middle of London. Have you achieved that goal? Where are you now?

Yes, we are in King’s Cross, the city has been moving our way, we have changed our working environment.

Where do you see yourself in another 10 years?

The same place but hopefully affecting more of England rather than just London, we have recently been working our way towards the edges, completing projects in Dover. More work abroad would be our future aim.

What is the biggest change in construction you have seen in the past decade?

Pre-fabrication is much more important now. Building sites are much less medieval.

What has been your career highlight since 2000? And the lowpoint?

Our practice becoming more unique to itself. We are moving in one direction now, with the ability to choose nice projects that we really want to work on. It has been a difficult decade though, at first we seemed to be riding a wave which has now gone a bit flat. We are hoping for a surge in the next couple of years.

In 2000 you heroes were Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe. Is this still the case?

Yes, they are still dead and your heroes can never disappoint you if they are dead!

Roger Black, Roger Black Developments

Ten years ago you said you wanted to make a major contribution to the urban mosaic of British cities. Have you achieved this goal?

No, my focus has completely changed. Rather than urban property, my emphasis is on residential and looking at property from a different perspective - as a consumer product, the cultural and fashionable aspects. I am running my own business and we have just recently changed our name to Stirling Black - just to freshen things up, we now have a more meaningful approach to property.

Where do you see yourself in another ten years?

I see my role continuing in the evolution of property as a desirable creational product. I hope that residential property has a greater involvement in the industry.

What is the biggest change in construction you have seen in the past decade?

Increasingly, industry is becoming much more professional, it used to be unsophisticated but now people in the industry are better trained, many have university degrees, people have attained higher educational qualifications. Thus we have greater certainty in the outcome of projects, tighter time-frames etc.

What has been your career highlight since 2000? And the lowpoint?

I have found working in this industry a particularly rich and rewarding experience, I had two years working with Stan Hope where I gained a vast amount of knowledge. I would not regard the recession as a low point, but more of an exciting one. A friend said to me “Never waste a good crisis,” you need adversity to create opportunities and we certainly built on this.

In 2000 your hero was David Goldstone. Is this still the case?

He is long retired now. I would say Sir Stuart Lipton is particularly inspiring, he has done it all. He is one of the UK’s great visionaries and has an amazing track record.

Josephine Pletts, Brown & Pletts

Ten years ago you said you just wanted to be designing beautiful buildings. Have you achieved that goal?

It’s a lot more pragmatic since then! Sometimes yes but I’ve realised that beauty is not always the most important thing. I have moved on from the practice I was at ten years ago and have worked on several different projects. I am now working by myself at Brown and Pletts, where I work on individual one-off commissions mostly in London.

Where do you see yourself in another ten years?

Hopefully living somewhere more tranquil than London, I will always be an architect though.

What is the biggest change in construction you have seen in the past decade?

Definitely the use of computer communication, I bet everyone will say that! But it really has helped to develop the industry enormously.

What has been your career highlight since 2000? And the lowpoint?

Overall, the uncertainty of learning new things in the industry has been a low-point over the past ten years, and the lack of guidance when going it alone. But I love my work.

In 2000 your heroes were the artist Bruce Nauman and architect Dan Graham. Is this still the case?

They are still my heroes but I have added a few. One is a Japanese author, called Huruki Murakami. His work is so inspiring.

Eloy Mazon, 4 Global

Ten years ago you said you wanted to be on the board of a plc. Have you achieved this goal?

No, I took a slightly different path. I did an MBA and then started up a business with the people I did my MBA with. I am now Managing Director of 4 Global - a specialist consultancy for program management in UK sporting events. Construction is still a large part of what I am involved in though.

Where do you see yourself in another ten years?

Retiring on a Caribbean island! No, hopefully just continuing the venture and expanding it further, although we are already international. I am really enjoying it so hopefully it will continue to be a success.

What is the biggest change in construction you have seen in the past decade?

It is a hell of a lot more professional nowadays, it is a lot more complex from a business point of view - now longer just a matter of bricks and mortar.

What has been your career highlight since 2000? And the lowpoint

There have been no low points! Starting up the venture - 4 Global - was the highlight, and our involvement in major sporting events. Our first event, the Olympics London 2012, was a good time.

In 2000 your hero was your father. Is this still the case?

I would probably say that now it is my wife - for putting up with me for all these years! But obviously my father is still a big influence in my life.

Adam Glover, Gardiner & Theobald

Ten years ago you said you wanted to be in amore managerial position. Have you achieved this goal?

Yes, I now head up one of the managing groups within Gardiner & Theobald.

Where do you see yourself in another ten years?

Continuing with what I am doing now.

What is the biggest change in construction you have seen in the past decade?

Sustainability. There is more of an emphasis on reductions in waste and use of renewable resources, combined with improvements in performance. We have a much more efficient industry now.

What has been your career highlight since 2000? And the lowpoint?

A highlight was the completion of the £100m Merrill Lynch project, which I was working on during the interview ten years ago. It took us 5 years, up to 2002, and we won a BCO award for it. No low points.

Ten years ago you said your hero was Tiger Woods. Is this still the case?

Up until 3 months ago I would have given the same answer but I suppose it isn’t politically correct for me to say it now! I haven’t yet found a replacement.

Luke Wessely, Allan Roofing

Ten years ago you said you wanted to be the unique provider of top quality envelope systems. Have you achieved this goal?

No, we dropped glass as it wasn’t compatible, and now work with aluminium instead, making rain screens.

Where do you see yourself in another ten years?

In a yacht off the Caribbean. Realistically, I can see myself running a horticultural business.

What is the biggest change in construction you have seen in the past decade?

The loss of home-grown, experienced project managers. These days people in the business don’t know their onions.

What has been your career highlight since 2000? And the lowpoint?

Highlights were selling the business successfully and making in excess 10% net profits.

Ten years ago your hero was Ian Wylie at Mace. Is this still the case?

He is retired now, so I would say my hero is my grandfather. He is a real inspiration.

John Lee, Arca

Ten years ago you said you hoped Arca would be doing a major public project. Have you achieved this goal?

Yes, in 2007 we updated Tate Liverpool.

Where do you see yourself in another ten years?

Broadening Arca and particularly our ideas regarding sustainability. Hopefully we would be taking a lead in this area. I still hope to be working on more major projects.

What is the biggest change in construction you have seen in the past decade?

Sustainability. Construction methods have changed so much, now manufacturers, architects, developers all face new challenges to create sustainable projects.

What has been your career highlight since 2000? Any low points?

It’s got to be Tate Liverpool, but I hope there’s even better things to come. As for low-points they are just the general day-to-day problems that occur when running a business.

Ten years ago you said your hero was Steve Jobs of Apple. Is this still the case?

Yes, he is amazingly resilient, he has fought cancer and is still commissioning great work and designs.

David Crookes, Fluid Structures

Ten years ago you said you hoped to have the first technical design studio. Have you achieved this goal?

Absolutely, we now provide engineering solutions for architects and designers for high-profile projects.

Where do you see yourself in another ten years?

Hopefully still here, continuing to build relationships with bespoke designers. Our reputation continuing to grow and being innovative engineers using new materials: concrete, timber, aluminium.

What is the biggest change in construction you have seen in the past decade?

The recession, no one knows when it’s going to end and it’s been a horrific reality trying to keep up a business during the past few years. The press have covered it a bit but there’s been absolute murder going on in the industry.

What has been your career highlight since 2000? Any low points?

Winning awards for technical innovation, the Selfridges’ project was particularly enjoyable, building up the practice to 30 people and finally writing my book ’Adventures in Engineering’ which will hopefully be published next year.

Ten years ago you said your hero was designer Mark Newson. Is this still the case?

No not really….There are an awful lot of quiet heroes, for me they are the engineer Bill Curtin, the Uruguayan architect Eladio Dieste, who has designed some amazing churches and architect John Outram.

Roger Ridsdill Smith

Ten years ago you said you wanted to be building different structures, such as yachts. Have you achieved this goal?

Not exactly. I’ve carried on designing different structures; however I’m focusing more on sustainability and usage of energy than just being “different”. I recently worked on both the Faustino Winery in Spain and Citibank’s London HQ. I’m currently working on the Urban Sustainability Centre for Siemens in East London, and the Commonwealth Institute beside Holland Park. These projects, and others, resulted in me being awarded the Royal Academy of Engineering Silver Medal in 2010.

Where do you see yourself in another ten years?

I and my fellow engineers have all found the issue of producing energy to be a highly important point of focus, both now and in the years to come. We’re focusing on how the new methods of producing energy are going to affect not only the construction industry, but also the way the Western markets operate. We believe that changes in energy are going to produce significant changes in the economy, and we’re preparing for when those changes come.

What is the greatest change in construction you’ve seen in the last ten years?

I can safely say the greatest change has been how we look at construction in terms of both energy and effects on the environment. Ten years ago the word “sustainable” meant “effective given the current parameters”, now it tends to mean “long lasting” or “consistently effective”. I am worried however, that the term is now being used as a catchall for any good or positive aspect, and I believe people should focus more on the true meaning of the word, rather than applying it wherever they see fit.

What has been the highlight of the last decade? And the low point?

I’m afraid that my most famous project falls into both categories. Designing the Millennium Bridge was one of the most enthralling and intriguing points in my career, however when the issues of the bridge presented themselves, it was a severe blow to my faith in its design. However the bridge has given me a unique opportunity to learn and the research produced by the bridge is still in use all across the world.

Ten years ago you said your hero was architect Pier Luigi Nervi. Is this still the case?

Absolutely, however I’ve found German designer Dieter Rams to be particularly inspiring thanks to his simplistic and somewhat beautiful vision of design. I believe that his “Ten Principles of Good Design” ultimately point towards integrity, something I find extremely important when designing structures.

Clinton McCarthy, McCarthy & Stone

Ten years ago you said you wanted to be racing yachts. Have you achieved that goal?

No I stopped racing yachts some time ago. Nowadays I play polo, the same as my brother Spencer.

Where do you see yourself in another 10 years?

I hope to be selling 2000 units and having a strong consistent company behind me.

What’s the biggest change in construction in the last 10 years?

Regulations and the attitudes towards sustainability have greatly changed over time.

What has been the highlight of your career? And the lowpoint?

As many people would say, the lowpoint of the last ten years has been the recession, however the highlight was the fact that my company, Churchill Retirement, survived and emerged still strong out of the recession.

Ten years ago you said your hero was your father. Is this still the case?

This has definitely stayed the same, I admire my father for all the advice and support he gave me during the early stages of my career.

Eloy Mazon, 4Global

Ten years ago you said you wanted to be on the board of a plc. Have you achieved this goal?

No, I took a slightly different path. I did an MBA and started up a business with the people I did my MBA with. I am now Managing Director of 4 Global - a specialist consultancy for program management and security for major sporting events. Construction is still a large part of what I am involved in though.

Where do you see yourself in another ten years?

Retiring on a Caribbean island! No, we have just started the international expansion at 4 global and i would like to see us making that a success. I am really enjoying it so I hope to look back in 10 years time and see that we made a success of it.

What is the biggest change in construction you have seen in the past decade?

It is a hell of a lot more professional nowadays, and it is a lot more complex from a business point of view - no longer just a matter of bricks and mortar.

What has been the highlight of your career since 2000? And the low point?

There have been no low points, i am very fortunate to love what I do. Starting up the venture - 4 Global - was the highlight, and our involvement in major sporting events. Our first event, the Olympics London 2012, was a good time.

In 2000 your hero was your father. Is this still the case?

There are three people in my life to whom I look up to and whom have seen me through all the good and bad times; my father, my sister and my wife.

Josephine Pletts, Brown & Pletts

Ten years ago you said you just wanted to be designing beautiful things. Have you achieved that goal?

I’ve realised that sometimes you have to be a lot more pragmatic since then! Sometimes yes, but I’ve realised that beauty is not always the only important thing. I have moved on from the practice I was at ten years ago and have worked on several different projects. I am now working by myself at Brown and Pletts, where I work on individual one-off commissions, mostly in London.

Where do you see yourself in another ten years?

Hopefully living somewhere more tranquil than London. I expect I will always be an architect though.

What is the biggest change in construction you have seen in the past decade?

Definitely the use of computer communication, I bet everyone will say that! But it really has helped to develop the industry enormously.

What has your career highlight been since 2000? And the low point?

The lack of guidance when learning new things about the industry because I’m going it alone has been a low point. But I love my work.

In 2000 your heroes were the artist Bruce Nauman, and architect Dan Graham. Is this still the case?

They are still my heroes but I have added a few. One is a Japanese author, called Huruki Murakami. The use of imagery in his writing is inspiring.

Suzie Dickens, Blue2

In 2000 you said your goal was to be undertaking innovative developments. Have you achieved that goal?

I’m still involved in innovative developments, and I regard being innovative as a key part of Blue2 (the firm I run alongside my husband), which is why the company focuses primarily on bringing innovative and legal solutions to our clients. But by far my greatest achievement is my little boy, who was born in 2004.

Where do you see yourself in another 10 years?

I hope to carry on running a thriving business alongside my husband, backed up by loyal clients and continuing to grow. I also hope to undertake some developments of our own.

What is the biggest change in construction you’ve seen in the past decade?

By far the biggest change in construction I’ve seen is the change in attitudes towards being environmentally friendly. Ten years ago taking the environment into consideration when designing projects was seen as innovative; nowadays it has become the norm.

What has been your career highlight since 2000? And the low point?

The highlight for me has been watching the business I set up grow over the past ten years. That first invoice was a godsend! Also having my husband join the business full-time was also a highlight of the last 10 years. As for the low point, realising that I had no IT department to fall back on when my computer crashed was terrifying!

In 2000 your hero was Tom Bloxham of Urban Splash. Is this still the case?

I believe the definition of the word “hero” changed the moment the Iraq war began. I believe the men being sent to these places are the true heroes of our time.

Tina Smith, Timpsons Locksmiths

Ten years ago you wanted to be in a job making a difference. Have you achieved that goal?

Yes I think so, but I’m not in the construction industry anymore. I have widened my horizons to areas like manufacturing.

Where do you see yourself in another 10 years time?

Having successfully sold my business and retired. I’m looking forward to the future!

What is the biggest change to construction you have seen in the past decade?

In construction we think about the customer and their more clearly, instead of just handing them something out of a box.

What has been your highlight since 2000? And the low point?

My highlight has been a complete change of career. I’ve really enjoyed the last decade. I don’t have any low points.

Cindy Walters, Walters and Cohen

Ten years ago you said you wanted to be designing public buildings. Have you achieved that goal?

Yes, we have. 80% of our work is in the public. We work mainly in education but we also design visitor centres, art galleries, restaurants and museums.

Where do you see yourself in another 10 years time?

In 10 years I would like the practice to have many different areas of work and a perfect balance between private and public sectors.

What is the biggest change to construction you have seen in the past decade?

There haven’t really been any major changes in construction. One of the biggest changes has been that in public sectors the system has changed and our contractors are now our clients, we work much more with them.

What has been your highlight since 2000? And the low point?

My highlight has been looking around at the Walters and Cohen practice and seeing it grow from 2 people to 35 wonderfully talented people from all over the world. The low point has been when the government recently pulled the plug on public sectors spending.

In 2000 your hero was anyone who can manage a practice and keep up a private life at the same time. Is this the case?

Probably yes. I would like to say my hero had changed but I have many heroes. There are lots of inspirational and hardworking people in the industry. I admire anyone that can work their way through the maze of the architecture!

Andrew Scrivener, Aarrkk

10 years ago you said that you wanted to be somewhere where you can add value and have fun. Have you achieved that goal?

I have been part of the creation of a whole host of buildings, created the backdrop for some truly sustainable communities and made some great friends in and around the industry - so yes!

Where do you see yourself in another 10 years?

Working when I want to rather than because I have to.

What is the biggest change in construction you have seen in the last decade?

A realisation by many that there can be bad times as well as good. The recent downturn has led to much more honesty and co-operation.

What has been your career highlight since 2000? And the low point?

My highlight has been helping to build the Grainger Development business. The low point was seeing the poor quality housing stock created by some during the boom.

In 2000 you didn’t have a hero and believed you are your own hero. Is this still the case?

Too right - the recession has taught me that!

Michàl Cohen, Walters and Cohen

10 years ago you said you wanted to have a bigger practice. Have you achieved that goal?

Yes absolutely! We are now a practice of 36 so I would say we have totally achieved that.

Where do you see yourself in another 10 years?

It depends on what happens to the industry in this country. We want to continue to do comples, beautiful buildings which are challenging intellectually as well as practically. We also want to do jobs for the public sector that can be appreciated by all rather than just private jobs which will be appreciated by far less people.

What has been the biggest change in the construction industry in the past 10 years?

Design and build naturally has evolved. Apart from that we do a lot more for a lot less. 15 years ago all that was needed for planning permission was a blueprint and model. That is a thing of the past. Millions are spent ensuring the whole project is green and ideal for everyone, all the while the fees go down.

What has been the highlight of your career?

A while ago, in 2003 we were involved in the Exemplar Schools of the Future Project. It gave us a foothold into a sector which was new to us in 2003 and it was also for a good cause - education.

In 1999 you said your business partner Cindy Walters was your hero. Is that still the case?

Yes definitely!

JP Cartz

Ten years ago you said you wanted to be working on projects where the boundaries have been blurred between architecture and engineering. Have you achieved that goal?

Yes I would say that I have achieved that goal. The Centre Court roofing is a perfect example of this blurring between engineering and architecture.

Where do you see yourself in another ten years?

(Laughs) Good lord! With the experience that I have gained in the last 10 years, I would like to go on to do jobs in future that are even bigger than before, merging markets. I don’t want to specialise by only doing roofs, or hospitals or schools, I find it much more interesting to do a large mixture. I want the projects to continue to get bigger and more complex.

What is the biggest change in the construction business in the past decade?

Definitely one of the biggest changes has been the increases in the pace of projects, as well as the complexity and expectations. With the advances in the computing logistics are resolved much faster than before. This means that activities in a project can overlap and that construction techniques are readily available.

What has been your career highlight since 1999?

It may come as a surprise but it isn’t actually the Centre Court Roof job! My actual highlight was the job we did on Muja House in Africa. Everything was ideal. The whole team was friendly and had a good, hard working ethos. This was still back at BDP and the House was beautiful and more importantly sustainable which was really fitting for the area. It all culminated in us winning an Institutional Award in 2004.

In 1999 you said that you did not have a hero but were inspired by people such as Stirling, Fosters and Rogers. Is that still the case?

Yes, overall I would say that they are still my heroes.

Building has been unable to track down Jeff Kirby, Phil Borwn, Ciron Edwards, Spencer McCarthy, Joe McNulty, Helen Garthwaite or Chris Nasash.
Sadly Clare Edwards, who was director of legal affairs for the Construction Conferdaration in 2000, passed away in March 2004. The Clare Edwards Award was set up in her memory by the Technology and Construction Solicitors Association and the Construction Confederation and awarded to her posthumously in 2004.
Anna Stewart is now group finance and commercial director at Laing O’Rourke. Laing O’Rourke declined to comment.