Pulse

Dillon Carson, MRICS

Associate Director

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

I began my career after a placement year as an assistant Quantity Surveyor and completed my final year of university part-time through the Circle Apprentice Program. I have a depth of experience in pre- and post-contract activities, having worked on various projects in the commercial, residential, and education sectors. My expertise lies in managing costs and budgets from feasibility to tender and reporting on post-contract expenditure.

Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?

My role covers a range of pre and post contract management activities, overseeing Circle’s role as QS / EA and PM on a range of Residential, Commercial and Education projects. Specialising in providing clients with feedback on cost movements, which may be influenced by design changes, market feedback, and legislative amendments. I take full ownership of managing cost plans and contribute to the design ensuring that the client’s budget and buildability being maintained as a priority for clients.

I maintain close communication with clients, working closely with the design team to assist with decision-making, producing risk and opportunity trackers, movement trackers, and cost exercises. My role also involves tendering various projects, advising clients on the most suitable tender and procurement strategy based on the clients’ specific requirements.

Following my success in Circle’s APC Chartership Programme, I aim to support and guide upcoming employees in achieving their APC Chartership through one-on-one Q&A sessions, mock APC interviews, and reviewing their experiences to ensure they have a wide range of expertise heading into APC interviews.

Describe your experiences and growth?

I started with Circle through the Circle apprentice program following two years at university and a placement year. I graduated from university with a First-Class Honors degree and immediately joined the Circle APC Chartership Program. With close support and guidance from Circle, I successfully obtained my RICS accreditation a year and a half after graduating. Throughout my time at Circle, I played a key role in completing various projects, including a 245-unit BTR scheme in Abbey Place, the refurbishment of Westminster School Cricket Pavilion, and refurbishments of multiple offices around the UK, including Birmingham, Glasgow, and South West London. I’m now proud to have progressed to Associate Director.

At Circle, the opportunities for growth are endless, and I’m thrilled to be part of a culture that empowers people to reach their full potential.”

What is your favourite project?

My favourite project was Snow Hill, where I served as the lead QS from feasibility to a successful planning application in Q2 2023. The 48-storey BTR scheme in the centre of Birmingham brought complexities that I managed by working closely with a team of leading UK design consultants. I kept the client well-informed about the estimated project cost and advised the client on key value engineering opportunities. This landmark project expanded my expertise and experience in construction technology and buildability, involving the use of a bespoke unitised façade due to height restrictions.

What brings you joy outside of work?

My interests revolve around participating in and watching sports. I enjoy playing golf when the weather allows. I also took part in the Royal Parks half marathon, raising money for charity alongside several Circle employees. I am a fair-weather cyclist, having recently cycled in Mallorca and completed the London to Brighton ride with Circle colleagues. I love traveling abroad, with my favourite holiday consisting of a road trip around the Canadian Rockies, which included whale watching, kayaking, and hiking around the turquoise lakes of British Columbia.

Joe Cutler, FRICS

Managing Director

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

I originally started my career as an apprentice site Quantity Surveyor with Tier 1 main contractor Laing O’Rourke, all while pursuing a Quantity Surveying degree. During this time, I gained hands-on experience delivering large, complex projects in aerospace, residential, large-scale commercial regenerations, and healthcare.

I shifted my focus to client-side project delivery, specialising in tendering, procurement, and contract administration. I was at the forefront of the UK build-to-rent sector, overseeing the delivery of one of the first institutionally funded schemes in North Acton.

In 2018, I founded Circle with a clear mission: to simplify the project delivery offering available to clients. I aimed to remove multifaceted teams and instill a detail-focused mindset across all team members. My focus is on continuous improvement and staying ahead of industry advancements, such as the Building Safety Act, while also investing in Circle’s development and positioning in the Carbon Management sector. I proudly received fellowship from RICS in 2022.

Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?

As the Managing Director, my role includes overseeing all Circle functions, managing people, business planning, conducting project reviews, and engaging with the supply chain. I also enjoy actively managing projects at key stages, including initial feasibility and procurement, alongside the expert teams within Circle. I take an active role in Life Cycle Carbon Assessments and Life Cycle Costing studies, as I have a deep passion for this emerging sector. My goal is to empower clients with the knowledge they need to make the right decisions for the future.

I take an active role in Life Cycle Carbon Assessments and Life Cycle Costing studies, as I have a deep passion for this emerging sector. My goal is to empower clients with the knowledge they need to make the right decisions for the future.

What is your favourite project?

I don’t have a clear favourite project, but I have recently enjoyed the conversion and repurposing of the Beech Street project in the City of London. I presented Circle’s work to the planning officers, highlighting the analysis, benefits, and comparison of design options. The One Maidenhead BtR project is where I call home, and as a result, I have experienced firsthand the positive impact that this large-scale regeneration can have on town centres. The brickwork looks great from the station platform each morning!

What brings you joy outside of work?

At home, my main hobby is keeping up with two babies and a cockapoo! I have a keen interest in motorsports, having spent over ten years racing superbikes at club level around the UK circuits, starting in the junior 125cc classes and progressing to 600cc before transitioning to off-road trials riding. More recently, I’ve traded big engines and high speeds for the occasional half marathon and coastal walks with my family and fluffy dog.

Josh Broughton, MAPM

Assistant Project Manager

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

My background is predominantly practical. Coming from within the Military, I have managed multiple projects in dynamic environments. I also hold a qualification from the APM and am a recognised member, demonstrating both practical experience and a well-rounded understanding of project management. I bring strong skills in communication, problem-solving, and collaboration, which I apply in my current role as an Assistant Project Manager.

What excites you about joining Circle, and what are your goals for the future?

I am thoroughly looking forward to building my career with Circle. The opportunity to develop and grow within a supportive team is something I greatly value. I am particularly interested in working towards gaining my RICS accreditation with the support and guidance of the Circle team. I am also keen to develop strong, lasting working relationships with both colleagues and clients.

What brings you joy outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy playing sport, particularly squash and tennis. It’s a great way to stay active with friends and provides a welcome opportunity to switch off and unwind.

Will Brock, MCIOB

Senior Project Manager

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

I am a Chartered Construction Manager with nine years’ experience delivering complex construction projects. I bring a delivery-first approach grounded in live site experience and strong project controls. I’m used to coordinating multi-disciplinary design and construction teams, developing long range logic-linked programmes, managing risk and change, and translating complex technical issues into clear decisions for project success. I focus on building momentum early by clarifying scope, interfaces and responsibilities, so projects stay compliant, predictable and buildable from concept through delivery and handover.

As a Senior Project Manager I take ownership of project delivery for our clients by setting direction, building alignment across stakeholders, and driving progress at every stage. I chair key meetings, coordinate consultants, and manage governance, reporting and decision-making so that issues are dealt with early rather than on site. During construction I work closely with the contractor and the client team to maintain programme, safeguard quality and compliance, and manage change in a controlled, transparent way. The goal is simple: predictable delivery and a strong outcome for the client.

What excites you about joining Circle, and what are your goals for the future?

I’m excited by Circle’s clear direction, challenging the industry by simplifying complexity, realising client visions, and delivering carbon-conscious outcomes. That aligns strongly with my approach, bringing structure, clarity and momentum to projects so teams can make good decisions quickly and deliver confidently. I’m also looking forward to being part of a business with an integrated offer across project delivery disciplines, backed by a strong culture of learning and professional development, and a track record of delivering significant residential and mixed project portfolios.

What brings you joy outside of work?

Outside of work, I’m happiest either with my family or training for my next challenge. Marathons and ultra-marathons keep me grounded and give me something to aim at. I also love travelling whenever we can, from quick weekend breaks to bigger trips.