How did you get into construction?

I was destined for a degree in medicine or geology at Durham university. I come from a family of academics. They're all doctors, as in PhD. But I didn't do very well in my A levels. So my dad sat me down and I told him that I was really interested in construction. I ended up at South Bank University, doing a degree in construction management. And I've never looked back. I've been with Mace for 10 years and before that Trollope & Colls.

What is the best thing about construction?

The variety, the people, the comradeship. The tangible demonstration that you have done something: when you leave work you've got two more floors. The enjoyment of people using what you have built. And it's honourable. You can say what you feel and people respect you for that.

What is the worst thing about construction?

The hours. And the insecurity; as in job insecurity.

Who has had the most influence on you?

Bill Hill was my project manager at Trollope & Colls. He was very inspirational. Sadly he was taken away early: he died of a brain tumour.

Then there's Steve Pycroft [CEO of Mace] my current boss. He is very inspirational, very hard, very driven. I aspire to meet his expectations. I think I am of a similar ilk.

What has been your favourite project?

City Hall. It was completely different, it had not been done before. There was a great feeling of solidarity. The kick you get when you deliver that sort of job is immeasurable.

Do you know any good jokes?

You've put me on the spot there. I can't think of one, at least not a clean one.

Source

Construction Manager

Postscript

Mace won the title of the Most Considerate Site at the Considerate Constructors Scheme 2006 Awards on 30 March for the Wellcome Trust Genome Project in Cambridge. Mike Barford was the project manager.