Vincent Square

Aled Williams, CEng MICE

Director

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

After completing my studies in Civil Engineering, I embarked on my career in the construction industry. I started by taking on various delivery roles with a Tier 1 Contractor, where I gained valuable experience across a range of sectors including Build-to-Rent and Prime Residential, Leisure, and Defence. During my time with the contractor, I had the opportunity to work as a Structural Design Engineer and even had the chance to work on projects in the Middle East, broadening my experience further.

The diverse projects I’ve been involved in have given me a well-rounded expertise in various aspects of built environment projects, including the technical, commercial, and delivery aspects.

Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?

In my role, I have the responsibility of overseeing several key departments within our company, including Project Management, Clerk of Works, and Quality Management. I actively participate in project oversight, offering support to our project teams to ensure that our projects are successful. This often involves attending design meetings and conducting regular site visits to monitor progress and quality.

I play a crucial role in the strategic planning of our projects and our efforts in securing new projects, ensuring our company continues to thrive in the industry.

Describe your experiences and growth at Circle?

I initially joined Circle during the company’s early days as a Project Manager. Over time, I worked towards becoming a Chartered Engineer and have since progressed to the position of Director. Throughout my time at the company, I’ve had the privilege of working on a diverse range of projects. These include residential schemes like Taberner House and Abbey Place, as well as commercial office fit-outs and the restoration of Listed Buildings.

What is your favourite project?

I have enjoyed the experience of working on the Mountbatten House office refurbishment project, due to its unique construction and the sheer scale of the site. Working on listed buildings like Mountbatten House can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. There’s a sense of gratification that comes from being involved in a project from its initial conception all the way through to its successful completion.

What brings you joy outside of work?

As a proud Welshman, it will come as no surprise that I am an avid rugby fan. While my playing days are behind me, my involvement with the sport is now limited to watching from the comfort of the sofa or chasing my son around at Rugby Tots. The rest of my free time is usually spent renovating houses and getting involved in anything construction-related projects. It’s a passion that extends beyond my work and keeps me busy and engaged outside of the office.

Dean Wittering, MCIOB MRICS

Associate Director

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

I am a CIOB-accredited project manager with a delivery background, with experience across multiple sectors. I have worked for Tier 1 Contractors and in recent years, Project management, working closely with Clients to achieve their project aspirations.

I have over 10 years of experience working in the construction industry across multiple sectors. At Circle Development I specialise in residential and commercial projects, delivering high-quality residential buildings and prime commercial spaces across London and in the regions.

Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?

My responsibility pre-contract is to drive the programme, lead the design team and understand, manage and minimise project risks and opportunities for Clients. I prioritise client satisfaction by fostering clear communication, managing expectations, and delivering projects that align with the client’s vision and goals. Client feedback and repeat business are testaments to my client-centric approach.

I have experience in developing project execution plans and monitoring the construction phase plans as the works progress. I establish the project programme and drive the wider team to hit the key project milestones, such as the preparation and submission of planning documentation. Post-contract award, I have a depth of experience administering the contract to make sure the ERs are delivered on time and within budget and to the correct quality.

Describe your experiences and growth at Circle?

I started professional life in the Construction industry working onsite as a trainee engineer, working my way up to a senior construction manager before switching to the client side with Circle in 2020.

This change of direction presented an opportunity to broaden my knowledge of the construction industry. I joined Circle as an Assistant Project Manager in 2020 and have progressed to a Senior Project Manager, during my time with Circle I have Project Managed projects such as Abbey Place, Talgarth Road PBSA and Canons House and have taken a lead role in the development of the Clerk of Works business.

What is your favourite project?

Over the past four years, I have led numerous construction projects, ranging from residential developments to commercial renovations, with budgets exceeding £50 million. In this role, my responsibilities include overseeing project teams, setting objectives, and ensuring successful project delivery. I have worked on projects during each phase of the Construction lifecycle.

I consistently strive to deliver the best results for my Client, meeting or surpassing quality standards. Notably, two of my previous projects Abbey Place and Vincent Square Sports Pitches were completed ahead of the programme and within budget for the Client. These achievements demonstrate my ability to handle complex projects with efficiency and precision. I enjoyed my time working at Abbey Place fostering strong working relationships with the various members of the Client and Contracting teams to deliver some much-needed high-quality housing in a developing area which has recently been connected by the Elizabeth line.

What brings you joy outside of work?

I have an interest in cycling, running and football, playing for my team in London at weekends. I also played a key role in the Circle 5 a-side team which achieved back-to-back relegations in the local league. Recently I have taken on the new challenge of learning to ski, honing my skills regularly in Milton Keynes over the past few years.

Phil Swainston, MRICS

Quantity Surveyor & Project Manager

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

Having spent the past four years at Circle Development, I have developed broad experience across a range of residential and commercial projects while working alongside some of the industry’s most experienced professionals. My work has included Build-to-Rent and Co-Living schemes, covering both HRB and non-HRB developments across pre- and post-contract stages, as well as involvement in large commercial projects. I have also supported fund monitoring roles for major institutional funders on large masterplan schemes. In what has been a challenging market, I have been involved in the successful procurement and delivery of several projects, working with both Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors and gaining experience in the evolving requirements of the Building Safety Act. Prior to moving into the industry, I spent 13 years as a professional rugby player before completing a degree in Business, a Master’s in Real Estate and qualifying as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with the RICS.

Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?

My role involves a blend of Quantity Surveying, Employer’s Agent, Project Management and Fund Monitoring responsibilities across both the pre- and post-contract stages of projects. Day-to-day, I am involved in feasibility studies, preparing pre-tender cost plans and managing the tender process for the procurement of large projects, working closely with clients, consultants and contractors to ensure the process is structured, competitive and runs smoothly. I also collaborate with the design team to ensure the project aligns with the client’s requirements and assist with contract negotiations where required.

Post-contract, my responsibilities include undertaking monthly site valuations, preparing cost reports and cashflow forecasts, and administering variations. I work collaboratively with both the client and contractor to ensure changes are assessed and priced fairly and reasonably in line with market conditions. I also prepare monthly Employer’s Agent reports and undertake fund monitoring duties for institutional funders, providing oversight on cost, programme and development risk. A key part of my role is supporting the team in driving projects through to practical completion in accordance with the Employer’s Requirements. More recently, I have also developed experience in Life Cycle Carbon Assessments, helping clients understand and reduce the carbon impact of their developments.

Describe your experiences and growth at Circle?

During my time at Circle Development, I have gained experience working across a range of large and complex projects which has helped develop my understanding of the full development lifecycle. I have been involved in the procurement and delivery of a major Build-to-Rent residential scheme, supporting both the pre-contract tender process and post-contract Quantity Surveying role. I have also contributed to the early stages of large commercial office developments and central London co-living schemes, building experience in cost planning, procurement and working with multidisciplinary design teams.

Alongside this, my involvement in fund monitoring on a major masterplan development has strengthened my understanding of the relationship between funders and developers, and the importance of clear reporting and collaboration. Working on these projects with experienced colleagues and a range of clients has been a key part of my professional development at Circle.

The high standards across the business and the openness of colleagues to share their knowledge and support my studies created a great environment for me to develop my skills and genuinely enjoy the learning process. Enrolling in the Circle APC Chartership Programme gave me the structure and guidance I needed to progress with confidence, and I’m incredibly proud to now have achieved Chartered Member status with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

What is your favourite project?

One of my favourite projects is Water Lane, a Build-to-Rent development in Leeds with McLaren Living, consisting of 375 apartments. I have been involved since the early RIBA stages and have enjoyed working closely with the design team to help ensure a high-quality and efficient building is delivered. As the project now moves further into the delivery stage, it is particularly rewarding to see the design begin to take shape in an area I grew up in.

Another project I have particularly enjoyed being involved in is a large Co-Living development at Elephant Park in central London. The scheme is set to be one of the largest co-living developments delivered in Zone 1 and presents a number of unique challenges given its scale, complexity and the relatively new nature of the co-living sector in the UK. Being involved in the early stages of such a significant project has provided valuable experience in understanding how these emerging residential models are delivered.

What brings you joy outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active and have a strong interest in a range of sports including rugby, cricket, football and golf. Recently, I have taken up padel, which has quickly become a favourite, although finding a court in London can sometimes be a challenge. I also enjoy travelling when I can, with Canada, Brazil and Japan among my favourite places I’ve visited. Living in London also means there’s no shortage of great food, so I enjoy trying different restaurants and exploring the city’s food scene.