What drew your to work at KBS?
KBS felt like the right next step for me. After years as a registered architect delivering high‑end homes and public buildings in a really demanding, quality‑driven environment, I was ready to move into a client‑side role where I could use that experience in a broader way. Being based in my hometown was a big plus, but it was the people that really sold it — a team full of specialists and SMEs all under one organisation. It felt like the kind of place where I could grow, contribute, and keep learning.
What excites you about your role?
What I enjoy most about my role in design management is being involved throughout the full life of a project — from shaping the early strategy to guiding the design through delivery. I like taking complex, high‑level requirements and working out the most effective way to translate them into clear, contractable outputs. A big part of the role is working closely with project managers and a wide range of disciplines, and that collaboration is something I really value. Bringing different expertise together not only strengthens decision‑making but consistently raises the quality of the projects we deliver.
What does your day look like typically?
No two days look the same, which is one of the things I enjoy about the role. My time is usually split between site visits, stakeholder engagement, and developing or refining project requirements. I also carry out ongoing principal duties, such as chairing stage‑gate meetings and making sure governance procedures are followed throughout the project lifecycle. It’s a mix of coordination, problem‑solving, and keeping projects moving in the right direction — which keeps things interesting.
How has your role evolved since you started?
My role has evolved considerably since joining KBS. I began as a Senior Design Manager and later stepped into the Principal Design Manager position for the structural design management team. Taking on this role has broadened my responsibilities, including leading the team of structural Design Managers and overseeing a wider range of project and governance activities.
During this time, I’ve focused on driving up the quality of our Statements of Requirements and strengthening our alignment with the RIBA Plan of Work. My background as an architect has helped me support the team in developing a clearer understanding of the design process and embedding more structure and consistency into how we deliver projects.
What has your journey been within the company?
My time at KBS has allowed me to deepen my knowledge in several areas that sit alongside my architectural background. I’ve completed formal training in project management, asbestos awareness and net‑zero design, as well as management training that offered practical, evidence‑based approaches to leading people and teams.
I now work far more closely with mechanical, structural, and electrical engineers on a very broad range of projects, which has strengthened my understanding of the technical and strategic considerations across disciplines. I’ve also continued to build on my knowledge of embodied‑carbon reduction which was key part in my previous career, and actively look for opportunities to integrate this thinking into our projects.
What do you get up to in your free time outside of work?
Most of my free time is spent with my three young boys, who keep life busy and entertaining in equal measure. When I do have time to myself, I’m a keen cyclist and normally race locally, although this year training has taken a back seat with a new baby in the family. I’ve also recently returned to golf after many years away and now play with the KBS golf society when I have time, which has been a great way to reconnect with the sport.
What are the top things on your bucket list?
Travel is high on my list — there are many places I’d like to explore more fully with my family as the boys get older. I’d also like to take on some longer cycling challenges, ideally multi‑day rides that combine endurance with seeing new parts of the world. I’d love to spend more time sailing with my wife and the boys as well, especially as it’s something she’s particularly talented at and we enjoy doing together.
What did you want to be growing up?
When I was younger, I wanted to be a pilot and seriously considered the RAF. I was always fascinated by aircraft and anything technical, and I never really saw myself as particularly creative. Ironically, I ended up in architecture, where much of the work I did was highly creative. Looking back, the combination of technical problem‑solving and design probably suited me more than I realised at the time.
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