Trehus Timber Office

Alex Alba

Assistant Quantity Surveyor

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

I joined Circle in 2021 after completing my sixth form education. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects, both in the pre and post-contract phases. These projects include new build BTR schemes like One Maidenhead, refurbished commercial buildings such as 43 Brook Green or Mountbatten House, and demolition projects like Marlow Demolition, to name a few. I am currently working towards my degree as part of the apprenticeship scheme and am set to graduate in 2025. Following that, I will be working towards my APC in 2026.

Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?

My role encompasses a blend of pre and post-commercial work, with a focus on assisting the Quantity Surveyor team in key projects throughout the week. A typical week involves engaging in cost exercises, measurement tasks, conducting interim valuations on-site, and dedicating one day per week to attend university during term time. Recently, I’ve taken on a role supporting Carbon Managers in compiling data for Life Cycle Carbon Assessments and assisting in bringing them together. As an apprentice, I work with the Quantity Surveyor team across all projects to develop a comprehensive skillset in all aspects of the field.

Describe your experiences and growth?

I embarked on my professional journey with no prior experience but have since accumulated a diverse range of experiences across various projects. My time at Circle has exposed me to different situations on different projects, allowing me to collaborate with various consultants. I’m currently an apprentice at Circle as part of the degree apprenticeship scheme, which is equipping me with the necessary skills for the industry. This unique opportunity provides me with both in-depth knowledge through key projects and a broad understanding by involving me in various tasks.

My time at Circle has exposed me to different situations on different projects, allowing me to collaborate with various consultants. I’m currently an apprentice at Circle as part of the degree apprenticeship scheme, which is equipping me with the necessary skills for the industry. This unique opportunity provides me with both in-depth knowledge through key projects and a broad understanding by involving me in various tasks.

What is your favourite project?

My favourite project is One Maidenhead, a build-to-rent development in Maidenhead comprising 429 apartments. I’ve been involved with this project from its inception, and it’s rewarding to witness the progress of each element as I visit the site for valuations. Since I’m learning on the job, I find this project particularly valuable for my development. I can analyse and learn specific elements of the work, which, when I’m in the office costing a new project, enables me to provide a more accurate cost.

What brings you joy outside of work?

I’m a passionate tennis player, having previously worked as a tennis coach. I enjoy engaging with the sport both as a player and an enthusiast. Running is another interest I’ve taken up, with half or full marathons on the horizon. I’m also a football lover, always keeping up with the weekend fixtures and results.

Alex Hudson

Assistant Quantity Surveyor

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

I started my career in a quantity surveying consultancy, focusing on Commercial Fitout’s and Residential Schemes for private Clients, I then joined a Circle as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor. Schemes I have worked on have been in the following sectors: Prime Residential, Commercial, Education and Biomedical Facilities.

I have experience in both pre contract & post contract duties.

Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?

As an Assistant Quantity Surveyor at Circle, I support in managing and executing the financial and contractual aspects of Projects through Pre-Construction to Post-Construction. I assist in cost estimation, budgeting, and the preparation of tender documents. I collaborate closely with the senior surveyors to ensure accurate project cost control and timely financial reporting, supporting the delivery of projects within budget and to the highest quality standards. I take pride in a good eye for detail and maintaining strong Client and Contractor relationships which contributes to the successful completion of each project.

Describe your experiences and growth at Circle?

I started as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor in 2024 at Circle, currently delivering Chapter House and Adrian House in Westminster. I am actively working towards becoming a member of the RICS with the support from Circle’s APC Programme.

What has been your favourite project?

My favourite project has been Chapter House, working with the Westminster Under School to refurbish and expand their existing building. Having been involved from the Pre-construction phases of the project, I am excited to be involved in this project as it offers high-quality landscaping, educational facilities and a mix of engaging communal and amenity space, focused on the student experience.

What brings you joy outside of work?

Outside of work, I’m passionate about cycling and often spend my free time on two wheels, discovering new routes. I also love connecting with friends over a cup of coffee. When I’m not working, I’m likely exploring new countries and cities, embracing different cultures, or diving into my vintage car restoration project.

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.

Oliver Grindle, MRICS

Senior Quantity Surveyor

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

I began my career as an estimator for a regional main contractor in Derbyshire while pursuing my Master’s in Quantity Surveying. Upon completing my course, I relocated to London and joined a Tier 1 Main contractor, focusing on residential, commercial, and healthcare sectors. With Circle, I’ve worked on new build residential, co-living, and office projects in the capacity of a Senior Quantity Surveyor and Employer’s Agent.

Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?

As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, I combine technical and soft skills to provide commercial services to my clients. My role is diverse, covering both pre and post-contract duties. Pre-contract, I prepare cost estimates for projects, monitor design progression, handle procurement, and negotiate build contracts. The cost estimates can be produced from feasibility stage to Stage 4 design. Post-contract, I manage the client’s commercial interests and administer contracts on live projects, acting as the Employer’s Agent. This work includes monitoring changes to the contract, negotiating costs, tracking progress on-site, and conducting monthly valuations of work. I also manage a team of QS’s and Assistant QS’s, overseeing their workload and monitoring their performance against their targets. This also includes tracking and reviewing their process on the APC pathway to chartership.

Describe your experiences and growth at Circle?

I joined Circle in September 2023 as a Quantity Surveyor. The company gave me responsibility from day one, where I began a negotiated tender of a c.£50m Co-Living scheme in White City. I also acted as the Quantity Surveyor for a significant Build-to-Rent residential scheme in Maidenhead. Since then, the scheme in Maidenhead has reached practical completion and the co-living scheme in White City is now underway and out of the ground allowing me to take on two more tenders as well as acting as a Fund Monitor on some single-family home schemes. I now manage a Quantity Surveyor and two Assistant Quantity Surveyors, having been promoted to Senior Quantity Surveyor. In 2024, I also achieved chartered status with the RICS with thanks to Circle who we’re incredibly supportive throughout the process.

What is your favourite project?

My favourite project is Wood Lane. The £49m scheme involves the construction of a 16-storey tower with two 6-storey wings. The 16-storey tower will house 209 co-living units with the ground floor, level 7 and level 16 offering communal amenity spaces for residents including masterchef-style kitchens, a gym, working spaces and lounges. The 6-storey wings are being built for a woman’s charity that will have 60 apartments for patrons and a new office for the company. The project involves some technical groundworks due to the elevations on the site along with the added complexities of working alongside the London Underground Central Line and a busy TfL highway. It’s exciting to see the project come out the ground, with the basement and concrete frame commencing at the end of 2024.

What brings you joy outside of work?

Outside of work, I stay active by going to the gym a few times a week and occasionally returning to Derbyshire for long walks in the Peak District. I make the most of my annual leave by traveling, most recently visiting old university friends in Jordan and experiencing one of the seven wonders of the world. I’m an avid skier, having done a season when I was younger. I also enjoy festivals (attended Glastonbury six times), playing golf and tennis, and have recently taken up cycling.

Ollie Cuss

Project Manager

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

I started my career after studying Construction Management and Surveying at university as a Graduate Project Manager with an organisation in the nuclear fusion industry. I loved the exposure to complex projects and managing multiple stakeholders that came with the role, and I moved on to consultancy work in 2022 to gain experience in the residential sector.

I have since worked for a wide variety of public and private clients on projects across the UK, with particular experience in the role of Employer’s Agent and Project Manager on affordable housing schemes for various London boroughs.

I work across RIBA Stages 2 to 6, ensuring that projects progress through the lifecycle within agreed parameters, while staying true to the client’s vision. My role involves developing coordinated programmes, managing stakeholders and overseeing contract administration, all of which are essential to maintaining momentum and alignment across the project team.

I’m also responsible for project team meetings, driving progress through key gateways and making sure that risks and issues are identified early and managed proactively. Communication plays a big part in what I do, whether it’s reporting to clients, liaising with contractors or coordinating with local authorities and consultants. Ultimately, I act as the main point of contact for the client throughout delivery, helping to turn a brief into a built outcome that meets their needs and expectations.

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

I joined Circle in September 2025. I’m excited to gain more experience in technically complex projects. I’m particularly keen to work on projects that reflect my personal values around sustainability, as I have always been conscious of the role the built environment plays in our impact on the planet.

What brings you joy outside of work?

I love going to the gym and try to go as often as possible. I also enjoy going to the cinema, learning German, going to the pub and exploring new places on foot. Last year, I hiked to Everest Base Camp, which was an incredible experience. Any other spare time usually goes into looking after my two dogs or working on home renovations.

Rupert Pelly

Quantity Surveyor & Carbon Manager

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

I began my career in Construction in November 2021 when I, during lockdown, took on the role of Site Carpenter/Site Foreman, working on several home renovations in the south of England. This experience ignited my passion for property development and a strong desire to work in the sector. Building on this, I combined my Accounting and Finance Bachelor’s Degree with my on-site experience, transitioning to a role as a Quantity Surveyor in both residential and commercial sectors. I also have a keen interest in Carbon Quantification and am working towards my BREEAM accreditation. I firmly believe that carbon optioneering is essential for a successful project and strive to make clients aware of more carbon-friendly construction methods.

I have a keen interest in Carbon Quantification and am working towards my BREEAM accreditation. I firmly believe that carbon optioneering is essential for a successful project and strive to make clients aware of more carbon-friendly construction methods.

Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?

As a Quantity Surveyor, my responsibilities span financial, contractual administration, and project coordination, ensuring that construction projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. I have a significant role in Life Cycle Carbon Assessments at Circle, overseeing the production of assessments throughout the company. This role is crucial in mitigating the environmental impact of building projects by considering carbon emissions at all stages, from material extraction to end-of-life. Additionally, I take pride in organising the annual Circle ski trip, managing budgets and delivering on expectations.

Describe your experiences and growth at Circle?

I joined Circle in May 2022 as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor and Project Manager. Over time, I have evolved into a more prominent Quantity Surveyor and Employers Agent role. I appreciate the flexibility offered by Circle, allowing me to explore and experience various roles within the company. I have gradually taken on more responsibilities in the two post-contract projects I am involved in and aim to continue my development with the company.

What is your favourite project?

Mountbatten House holds a special place as my favourite project for various reasons. The uniqueness of the building itself, the challenge of renovating an existing frame while reducing its carbon footprint, and the rejuvenation of the fantastic garden terraces are all sources of excitement. I envy those who will have the opportunity to work there upon completion. Nonetheless, I hold great respect for my other projects as well.

What brings you joy outside of work?

I’m always eager to dive into various activities, whether it’s sports, dinners, festivals, or nights out. When I’m not dining out or cooking, you’ll find me cycling for outdoor fun or enjoying a few drinks with friends. I’m enthusiastic about using my holidays to explore new countries and cultures. However, there’s nothing wrong with a cozy night in with a takeaway curry to recharge.