Meet the commissioners: Andrew Mellor

Building magazine is 180 years old this year. What lessons about the built environment should we take from the past?

The focus on quality control, the oversight the architect used to have on traditional projects which ensured construction quality and that the design was delivered as intended.

The use of natural and local materials, then its was due to not being able to access wider materials, today it is about reducing environmental impact. Constructing durable buildings which last 100+ years (or 100s of years would be even better), not the disposable in decades buildings we construct today.

Who or what has had the most positive impact on construction in the past couple of decades?

The Grenfell tragedy. It has focussed the mast majority of the industry onto quality, competency and risk management. It took a tragedy to do this.

What does the construction industry do well and why?

It builds some high-quality buildings, both from an architectural and construction perspective.

This typically works, when collaborative working has been successful on a project It needs an engaged client, enthusiastic and talented design team and a contractor who is focussed on quality and not just profit.

What does the construction industry do badly and why?

It builds some very poor-quality buildings. This happens typically where the client and contractor are more focussed on reducing costs than quality. We have seen that improve post Grenfell but will a recession reverse that progress?

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen during your career in construction?

Using computers, software and AI for design and analysis. Progression has been rapid in recent years and we must all embrace it otherwise we will be left behind.

What do you think will have changed by the time Building celebrates its 200^th anniversary?

A change of government (at least one). So, we may see policy and legislation change again and again. It is difficult for the industry to keep track of all the recent and forthcoming changes and to respond to them. Further change is inevitable, lets hope its for the good of the industry, environment and those who occupy the buildings we design and construct.

If there is one thing individuals and firms could do to improve construction and the built environment what would it be?

Improve knowledge and competency. This is about upskilling individuals, having robust processes for delivery and checking the quality of that delivery as well as continual assessment of the individuals and organisation.

What is the best thing government can do to support the industry?

Provide worthwhile and robust competency schemes with accreditation. Leaving it to industry alone will only allow multiple competency routes which will dilute the benefit as the industry will not know which is the better to use and to select when appointing third parties.

What do you hope the Building the Future Commission can achieve? And what role can you play?

I hope it can raise wider awareness of Building Safety issues and how the industry should respond to them. Too many do not know what the immediate legislation is and how to respond to it, never mind what is coming in 12 months or beyond. It should also explore and communicate safety issues beyond fire, such as structure, overheating, mould etc.

>>See also: Full Building the Future Commission line-up unveiled

>>See also: Click here for more about the project and the commissioners

What is your favourite building/piece of infrastructure and why?

St Paul’s Cathedral, I studied at sixth form and at the time the exterior was being conserved so I had the opportunity to climb all over it and get inside the dome. I have always been fascinated by it. It was obviously born out of a previous building safety crisis.

Tell us one thing you are passionate about outside of work

Environmental matters. Sustainability is key part of my job but I use outside of work to practice what I preach (including retrofitting my own home) and learn about environmental matters outside of my core discipline so I can use that knowledge within my work at PRP.

Andrew Mellor, partner at PRP