5 minutes with … Pendrick Brown at HLW

Why did you choose construction as a career?

My father was a project manager with his own company, so I was introduced to construction and building sites from an early age, which was always intriguing for a kid. After a brief foray into other fields, I joined my father’s company and formally started my career in construction there. I stayed for the people – being on a great project team is hugely rewarding.

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

Our team at the London studio of HLW, which I co-lead with the brilliant Bronte Turner. We have a fantastic, diverse team of design-led creatives, strategists and technical architects who love helping leading tech, legal and financial companies tell their stories through the design of their offices. 

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

I have been very lucky to be surrounded by supportive people and thus far no challenge has been insurmountable. I can think of many challenges that our profession comes up against, from matching expectations of quality to budget, to meeting incredibly demanding programmes. But the biggest and most important challenge is to minimise harm to the planet while delivering these projects. 

At HLW, in conjunction with our in-house sustainability consultancy BEYOND, we have created a healthy materials protocol – a new resource that equips our team with knowledge and access to healthy and sustainable building materials. The protocol encourages designers and architects to think beyond convention, look at the wider picture and consider unconventional alternatives. This way, our clients can be assured that every specified product has undergone careful vetting to ensure its quality and environmental credentials.

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

The unnecessary waste our industry generates must be reduced. We need to come together to find more ways to retain, re-use and then recycle.

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

Stop worrying. If you can’t affect it, there is no point worrying about it. And, if you can affect it, then why worry about it when you can get on and do something about it?

Name your favourite building in the world?

I hate to disagree with George Orwell, but for me La Sagrada Familia is one of the most breathtaking buildings in the world. Hugely ambitious, the design is forever capturing the imagination and the experience changes with the time of day.

From a project management perspective, it might be slightly behind programme, as it started in 1882, and is not due to complete until 2026 – or even 2034 depending upon who you listen to.  

>> Also read: The longest job: Finishing Gaudi’s masterpiece La Sagrada Familia

Which famous building do you most dislike?

I know this might sound controversial, but my least favourite building is the Walkie Talkie. It has always reminded me of a monster called Gossamer, an adversary of Bugs Bunny.

A client, who I will not name, once told me that the best thing about it is being in it and looking out on the view – so that the Walkie-Talkie isn’t in it.  

Which famous building do you wish you had worked on?

Historically, St Paul’s Cathedral. If ever a building has stood the test of time and still looks fantastic, it is St Paul’s.

In more recent time, I would love to have been involved with The Edge in the Netherlands. Named the smartest and greenest building in the world at time of completion, I admire how technology, architecture and design come together to simplify and improve the user experience for employees.    

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

Throw yourself in wholeheartedly, look for opportunities to build your network and enjoy it.

Who do you most admire in the construction industry?

There is a long list of people I admire in the construction industry, as friends and colleagues as well as from afar. Anyone who is great at their job, manages to stay positive, optimistic and keeps a smile on their face is worth admiring in my book.

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

It’s a balancing act of running the London studio of HLW with Bronte, working on business development and being principal in charge on projects, all of which can be exciting, engaging and time-consuming in equal measure! And, on the flipside is family life with two teenage daughters.

Do you have a life philosophy?

Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. If that isn’t too cynical…

What do you think your best quality is?

I think I am calm and approachable, and care about people.

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

I can be impatient. And I dislike slow walkers!

Name three things that you like

Family, friends and sport.

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

Wouldn’t that be telling? I used to be a professional scuba diver, if that counts.

What is your most prized possession? 

A signed cricket bat, given to me as a wedding present by the cricket team I was captain of for many years. 

Early bird or night owl? 

I definitely used to be a night owl, but seem to be evolving.

What is your favourite food?

Living in London, with its amazing food scene, makes it very hard to pick. I am a recent convert to Chinese hot pot, but the best restaurant I have been to recently is Humo, which was superb. As ever, though, it’s not just about the food but also the company!

What would your superpower be?

Teleportation or time travel, ideally both!