How did you get your start in the industry? 

I took a joinery apprenticeship in a workshop and fell in love with the trade. I crafted carpentry, furniture, bespoke joinery and kitchens for around 15 years. When I was 21, I started my own joinery business, which was very successful for nine years. Then I got an opportunity to join the management of a company specialising in retail fit-out joinery. 

Ready for a new challenge, I accepted a job at a high-end fit-out company. I worked on prime and luxury hospitality projects in Mayfair, such as The Savoy and The Dorchester hotels in London. One of my first projects involved delivering a joinery package for 57 super prime luxury apartments in Mayfair over 18 months. It was a very successful project, and the end results were exceptional. After that, I was responsible for delivering the hotel and residential spas and pools at The Peninsula Hotel in London for another 18 months. 

Subsequent roles have allowed me to continue creating super prime residential interiors and hotel fit-outs. I looked forward to joining DBSJ as a growing business that is redefining the fit-out industry. Their values and ambitions deeply resonate with me. 

What are you most passionate about in your role? 

Pre-construction is the phase that I enjoy the most. I’m very methodical, so I like planning ahead and preparing all the pre-construction elements. Organisation before the start of the projects sets you up for success. I believe it’s key to be involved in the whole process, from conception to completion, or ‘from cradle to grave’ as we say in the industry. It gives the project manager more control over it as a whole. Personally, I live and breathe all my projects. 

My experience as a tradesman provides me with a deep understanding of processes, how different elements are built, how various elements interact, as well as what results are to be expected throughout the different phases of the project. Such a comprehensive knowledge helps me set realistic timelines and handle complex, practical aspects that differ from what’s on the books, ensuring a successful completion time and time again. 

What is the most important aspect for you and your team when delivering a project? 

Quality. There is no doubt about it. It needs to be done correctly. Programme and timeline must be realistic to achieve the high level of quality required to meet customer’s expectations. A very strong supply chain is essential to deliver high-quality prime and luxury interiors. You need to trust your contractors. Trust only develops over time when contractors have made the delivery experience in the past as comfortable as they possibly can. You need to work with people who manage the inevitable challenges and deliver to the level of quality you want them to deliver to. They are a very important piece in creating exceptional interiors. 

What’s your experience delivering prime and luxury interiors in the hospitality sectors? 

I’ve got a wealth of experience in the luxury hospitality industry. A couple of examples that come to mind are The Peninsula hotel in Hyde Park Corner and the Chancery Rosewood. I spent 12 months working on the latter, dealing with very demanding expectations. 

The challenges on these multi-million-pound projects revolved around quality and delivery. If the established timings aren’t respected, the fit-out quality may be impacted. That’s why I always insist on setting realistic timelines and managing customer’s expectations. At the end of the day, honest communication and transparency are the pillars to build a long-lasting relationship with our partners. All these factors need to be discussed from the outset so the framework to create stunning and iconic prime and luxury environments is well defined. 

What role does sustainability play in your project management approach? 

Sustainability plays a very important role when managing projects. We need to reduce our carbon footprint within the industry as quickly as possible. It’s very positive to see that fit-out companies across the country are working towards a greener future. The procurement of sustainable materials and an adequate management of waste are essential. DBSJ is leading the way towards an ESG-driven mindset, championing a more sustainable fit-out industry and working towards B-Corp status. 

What does your future look like at DBSJ? 

DBSJ has received several accolades for the exceptional work they’ve been doing. They are reshaping the fit-out industry, and it’s exciting to be part of that change. 

The DBSJ team has set ambitious goals for the future and a well-defined plan to achieve them. It’s the perfect company to grow in as a professional and individual. After seeing how they look after their team, I’m certain I will develop long-lasting relationships in such a close-knit environment. My next projects are a CAT A fit-out in Cardiff and some super prime projects that I can’t wait to take part in.