Quantity Surveyor
oliver@circledevelopment.co.uk
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. Since joining Circle, I’ve worked on new build residential, co-living, and office projects in the capacity of a Quantity Surveyor.
Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?
As a 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. This work includes monitoring changes to the contract, negotiating costs, tracking progress on-site, and conducting monthly valuations of work.
Describe your experiences and growth at Circle?
I joined Circle in 2023 as a Quantity Surveyor. As the newest team member, I’ve quickly settled into my role and adapted well. I’ve been assigned as the Quantity Surveyor for a significant build-to-rent residential scheme in Maidenhead and manage the pre-contract phase of a co-living scheme that also involves building housing for a charity.
What is your favourite project?
My favourite project is One Maidenhead. This £95 million scheme comprises four towers of build-to-rent apartments atop two floors of amenity space and commercial units. It’s set to revitalise Maidenhead town centre by adding over four hundred units and ample commercial space. The surrounding area has been redesigned and will feature green space for the local community. Private gardens for residents are nestled between the blocks at the mezzanine level. The scale and impact of the scheme make it stand out as the tallest development in the area.
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. In September, I completed the London to Brighton cycle for charity, despite not having much prior long-distance cycling experience. I believe I need more stamina training before joining the Circle Cycling Club!
