More favourite books

Simon Rawlinson, partner, Davis Langdon

Principles of Building Economics – John Rafferty
Sort of book you read as an undergraduate. It expanded the thinking of what buildings are about. It's more than costs, and it's more than the buildings themselves.

The World Atlas of Wine
It has fantastically detailed topological maps of wine areas and stories of the wines themselves. It got me thinking about wine in my early years - much to the detriment of my later years.

John White, head of project management, Turner & Townsend

The 7 Habit of Highly Effective People – Steven R Covey
The habits are things I can personally see the benefits of reminding myself about. The book's a little bit evangelical at times bu the principles are great

A Short History of Nearly Everything – Bill Bryson
nThis really is a history of the world, but from a different perspective to what you learned at school. It gives you little known facts throughout, which constantly surprise you.

David Meghen, associate, RLF

Eagle Strike – Anthony Horrowitz
I am not a great book reader. I normally read the technical magazines and the Times each day. I am currently reading Eagle Strike (one of the books in the Alex Rider series) for my 11-year only son at bed time.

Bernard Williams, founder, Bernard Williams Associates

Estimating and Cost Control – James Nisbet
Nisbet was one of the pioneers of cost planning and his late 1960s book introduced the prospect of a new, more proactive, role for QSs. Although I did not slavishly follow the processes Nisbet suggested for using historical B of Q cost data as a template for new similar projects, I did made extensive use of elemental cost analysis in conceptual estimating over the years and also in the 'journal’ system of cost control which I developed in the 1970s.

Robert Klaschka, co-founder of Markland Klaschka architects

The strange last voyage of Donald Crowhurst – Nicholas Tomalin and Ron Hall
This man was a competitor in the first solo round the world yacht, and he set out completely unprepared. It contains excerpts from his journal - he hides in this river in Argentina as he was afraid his boat would fall apart. He basically goes mad. It’s a fascinating example of someone in a difficult situation and how they can go to pieces.

Stuart Earl, partner, Gleeds

The Rainmaker – John Grisham
I think this is his only book that’s about an insurance firm. The message of this book is that if you feel knocked back, just carry on. When I had whiplash from a car crash, I had this book in the back of my mind, and this is how I’ll tackle insurance companies in the future.

Peter Dampier, partner, Gleeds

Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China – Jung Chang
Very enlightening and informative depicting the changes in China over three generations through the personal stories of the author, her mother and grandmother. Ok trust me, it’s far better than it sounds!