In a series celebrating Building’s Building Awards finalists, we look at the Construction Consultant/Surveyor of the Year (fewer than 100 staff) shortlist
Earlier this year Building announced all the firms who made it on to the shortlists for our prestigious annual Building Awards.
Now we are shining the spotlight on each category in turn and publishing a selection of the images that impressed the judges.
Today’s shortlist is for Construction Consultant/Surveyor of the Year (fewer than 100 staff).
B&CO
In 2023, B&CO undertook a complete rebrand, aligning its strategy with core business pillars to enhance client service. The firm successfully managed high-profile projects such as the sustainable transformation of grade II-listed department store Arding & Hobbs in London’s Clapham, and the work on 110 Queens Walk, London’s former City Hall. The consultant secured 70%-80% of its work through repeat business. The company also invested in innovation, sustainability and employee wellbeing, becoming an employee ownership trust and fostering a diverse and engaged workforce.
Cahill Design Consultants
Cahill Design Consultants delivered exceptional results for its clients across various sectors, including education, healthcare and commercial developments in 2023. The firm’s innovative approach to project management and sustainability has led to the successful completion of key projects, such as a state-of-the-art university campus and a flagship hospital redevelopment. CDC’s focus on client collaboration, continuous improvement and cutting-edge technology has strengthened its market position. The firm’s commitment to its staff is evident in its employee development programmes and dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Join us for the 30th edition of the Building Awards
This year’s event will take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel on 5 November.
There are 21 categories to enter, so make sure you are in the room for construction’s night of nights and to celebrate excellence.
Tickets are selling fast, so secure your place today.
Circle Development
Circle Development has rapidly established itself as a leader in project delivery since its founding in 2019. Known for simplifying complex challenges, the firm has led high-profile, carbon-conscious projects, including a £30m co-living space in London’s Barbican estate and the £151m Latitude residential towers in Leeds. The firm’s innovative use of technology, such as an in-house quality app, has enhanced efficiency and client satisfaction. The firm sees contributing to education as a responsibility, and has developed an association with St Andrews School and Loughborough university.
exigere
Exigere has demonstrated exceptional business growth and innovation over the past year. The firm expanded its life science sector and opened a new office in Cambridge, enhancing its regional presence. Its commitment to digital advancement is evident in the development of bespoke software and apps that streamline cost reporting and benchmarking. Exigere’s dedication to sustainability is showcased in projects such as the Hackney New Homes Programme and Vitrum in Cambridge, where the firm integrated cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices.
Keegans
Keegans has continued to make significant progress this year, with a focus on retrofit and fire safety services. In 2023/24, the firm successfully retrofitted over 6,000 homes, enhancing thermal comfort and reducing energy bills for residents. Notable projects include the Durham Retrofit Programme, Hull City Council Retrofit Programme, and the Netherfield Estate in Milton Keynes. In fire safety, Keegans trained surveyors through the RICS Level 6 External Wall Systems Assessment Programme. The company has completed more than 170 fire safety projects, showcasing its expertise in the field.
This year’s judges
- Yetunde Abdul, director of industry transformation, UKGBC;
- Bola Abisogun, founder, Digital Twin Skills Academy CIC;
- Brian Berry, chief executive, Federation of Master Builders;
- Rachel Bell, director of partnerships, Stride Treglown;
- Anna Clarke, director of policy and public afffairs, Housing Forum;
- Mark Cleverly, partner, CPC;
- Joanne De La Porte, senior sirector - project management, Gleeds;
- Katy Dowding, CEO and president, Skanska UK;
- Karen Gidwani, partner, Fenwick Elliott;
- Kay Hughes, design director, HS2;
- Ellie Jenkins, partner, Akerlof;
- Félicie Krikler, director, Assael;
- Doris Lam, development director, EcoWorld London;
- Liz Male, founder, LMC;
- John Marland, chief development officer, Bruntwood;
- Flan MacNamara, construction director, Sellar;
- Kamran Moazami, executive managing director, property & buildings, WSP;
- Robin Nicholson, fellow, Cullinan Studio;
- Iain Parker, director, T&T Alinea,
- Simon Rawlinson, head of strategic research and insight, Arcadis;
- Mark Robinson, chief executive, Scape Group;
- Veronica Senior, senior manager global captial projects, Lloyd’s;
- Scott Sanderson, partner, PRP;
- Neal Shasore, head of school | CEO, London School of Architecture;
- Trudi Sully, UK & Europe lead - industrialised design & construction, Mott MacDonald
- Lynne Sullivan, chair, National Retrofit Hub;
- Gauri Talathi-Lamb, chief executive, FHP ESS;
- Martha Tsigkari, senior partner and head of the applied R+D group, Fosters + Partners,
- Jo Wright, director, Perkins&Will
Magnitude Quantity Surveyors
Magnitude Quantity Surveyors operates across diverse sectors, including residential, commercial and education. Having played a significant role in more than £400m worth of projects since April 2023, the firm demonstrated expertise in quantity surveying, project management and contract administration. The company has innovated by developing in-house software for real-time cost data monitoring and a carbon cost calculator. Magnitude also prioritises professional development, evidenced by its 100% employee retention rate and support for apprenticeships.
MESH Construction Consultancy
MESH Construction Consultancy has maintained its reputation for delivering high-quality services across various sectors, including healthcare, life sciences and education. The firm’s work on more than 1,000 projects, such as the complex diagnostic imaging project at 79 Harley Street, London, and multiple retrofitting initiatives, highlights its innovative approach to cost management and sustainability. MESH is also committed to professional development, with 35% of employees receiving a promotion in the last 12 months, while 100% of clients recommend its services.
Plan A Consultants
Plan A has demonstrated exceptional growth and innovation over the past year, achieving a 22% increase in staff and working on 30 new projects across multiple regions. Notable initiatives include the introduction of a technical director role, a dedicated in-house AI team, and the development of sustainability tools that align with stringent environmental standards. The firm’s commitment to diversity, sustainability and continuous learning is evident through various partnerships, training programmes and community engagement activities.
Twin & Earth
Twin & Earth offers a real alternative to the big industry players, using a sustainability-first approach to create beautifully designed buildings. The firm has a portfolio of high-profile, prestigious projects including large-scale masterplans, refurbishment projects and category A and B fit-outs for blue-chip clients, providing tailored engineered solutions that help address climate change.
Zerum Consult
Zerum Consult has established itself as a leader in multidisciplinary services, particularly excelling in complex city-centre projects where viability is a challenge. The firm’s expertise in cost and project management is showcased through landmark developments such as Talbot Mill and St Michael’s in Manchester, and Limelight in Liverpool. Zerum’s proactive approach to market trends, strategic planning and sustainability ensures that it consistently delivers high-quality, innovative solutions. Zerum also actively supports non-profit academy Regeneration Brainery, with two students each year undertaking work placements. The firm employs summer interns and funds university courses for its trainees.
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