5 minutes with … Chris Wright at Avison Young

Why did you choose construction as a career?

I have always had a problem-solving mentality and been inquisitive as to how the world works. As an engineer you have an ability to innovate and shape the future for the better. I have always lived by the mantra, “engineering should be why we can do something, not why we can’t”.

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

Building and delivering Tesco’s scope 1 and 2 decarbonisation plan, when I was head of energy and engineering there. Its target for net zero is 2035 and, when I left the business in September, we had achieved a 63% reduction, which is fantastic progress for a business of its scale.

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

During the pandemic and while at Tesco, it was listed as an “essential” retailer,  which led to some exceptionally long days, and significant pressures over a two-year period that almost morph into one now.

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

The current lack of available power from the grid. Many of the technologies we need to decarbonise our estates (heat pumps, fleet electrification etc) currently exist, but the power conundrum impacts innovation and investment in these, which in turn slows progress.

Once the power issue is resolved, we will see technologies and markets mature, leading to more competition and more affordable solutions.

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

Don’t take yourself too seriously. Your authenticity will endear you to many more people.

Name your favourite building in the world?

I am lucky to have the historic Aynhoe Park a few miles from me. It was acquired by American furniture brand RH England in 2020, and brought back to its former glory – by day and night it’s a sight to behold. 

Which famous building do you most dislike?

When I left university I spent a year delivering engineering projects in the MI6 headquarters at Vauxhall Cross. Even after all these years, it still fails to endear itself to me.

Which famous building do you wish you had worked on?

Battersea Power Station. The project delivered rejuvenation and placemaking on a grand scale while adding some fantastic sustainability and decarbonisation initiatives into the mix.

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

Be inquisitive – the world around us is evolving faster than ever before.

Who do you most admire in the construction industry?

Very few people have shaped the built environment like Sir Norman Foster. He has delivered everything from Apple stores to skyscrapers, bridges and viaducts, and most of us will have come into contact with his architecture at some point in our lives.

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

In a word, varied! After 12 years on the client side, I am adapting to the exciting new world of delivering for our clients, while also having countless conversations across the business about developing our services and capability.

Do you have a life philosophy?

Shoot for the stars. If you fall just short, you are still doing well.

What do you think your best quality is?

I am always calm under pressure, which helps those around me when we are dealing with tight timescales or deliverables.

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

My attention to detail. It can often go into overdrive and become a hindrance rather than a help.

Name three things that you like

Guinness, travel and a night out with friends.

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

I am a pilot and could fly a plane before driving a car.

What is your most prized possession?

My watch collection, as every one of them has sentimental value.

Early bird or night owl?

Somewhere in between the two!

What is your favourite food?

Nothing beats a fabulous Italian with a good glass of red wine.

What would your superpower be?

Time control – the ability to speed it up or slow it down.