Carbon Management

Alex Alba

Trainee 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.

Dillon Carson, MRICS

Senior Quantity Surveyor

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-contract management activities. I provide 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 while ensuring that the client’s budget is maintained, and buildability is a priority for the design team and clients’ decisions. I achieve this by seeking specialist and supply chain input. I maintain close communication with clients and work 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, and I keep clients updated on the progress of tenders. Following my success in Circle’s APC Chartership Program, 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.

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.

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.

Ewelina Wojcik

Practice Manager

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

I began my career in the construction industry as a site administrator and quickly advanced to roles such as office manager and document controller. My specialisation lies in the meticulous organisation and management of critical records and documents for various projects.

Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?

My role demands a keen eye for detail and the ability to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. On a day-to-day basis, I engage in activities such as reviewing contractor documents, ensuring drawings align with the employer’s requirements, preparing practical completion checklists, and assessing handover documents, among others.

Describe your experiences and growth?

My journey with the company has been exceptionally positive. From the very start, I was embraced by a supportive and collaborative team that facilitated a seamless integration. I’ve had the privilege of tackling challenging projects and have witnessed substantial professional growth. The company’s dedication to employee development and its inclusive work culture have made my journey truly rewarding and fulfilling.

From the very start, I was embraced by a supportive and collaborative team that facilitated a seamless integration. I’ve had the privilege of tackling challenging projects and have witnessed substantial professional growth. The company’s dedication to employee development and its inclusive work culture have made my journey truly rewarding and fulfilling.

What is your favourite project?

My favourite project is Mountbatten House in Basingstoke, an office refurbishment located in a beautiful, nature-surrounded area. It holds a special place in my heart as I have a deep appreciation for nature, and this project incorporates abundant greenery on the building, including balconies and terraces.

What brings you joy outside of work?

Since a young age, I’ve had a passion for sports, having achieved success in swimming and ice skating competitions. Even now, I enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors with my family. I’m also a devoted food enthusiast, relishing the meals prepared by my husband.

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.

Ned Smithies

Quantity Surveyor & Carbon Manager

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

I began my career working for a Main Contractor on site as a QS in Purpose Built Student Accommodation, managing subcontractors on a daily basis. I then joined Circle in 2020 to move to client side, taking a focus in carrying out the Employer’s Agent / Contract Administration role and Cost Consultancy within the residential, education and heritage sectors. Recently, I have taken an interest in the way that carbon can be reduced and mitigated by way of carbon management within the built environment, providing advise to clients on how to build greener for their developments.

Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?

I have a blend of both pre and post contract projects at Circle. The day to day role on the pre-contract project includes carrying out tendering and procurement with main contractors, cost exercises and keeping open dialogue with our supply chain to keep control of any materials cost variations. On post-contract projects, I undertake roles such the Employer’s Agent / Contract Administrator on behalf of clients, ensuring the contract is being adhered to by all parties party to it. I oversee the commercial aspects of projects and advise our clients on the best ways to proceed and overcome any obstacles that naturally arise on developments.

Describe your experiences and growth at Circle?

I started Circle as a Graduate QS and has since then progressed to a Quantity Surveyor, I enjoy the daily challenges which are presented to him whilst working at Circle. The Circle team are close knit, which means that opportunity to experience an array of different experience is given, along with the responsibility of making decisions and face to face exposure with clients from early within my career.

What is your favourite project?

My favourite project has been Wembley Link which is a 256 home BtR scheme, I was present for the first pile being installed and will be present when the last tree is planted within the extensive external works, this was also my first project at Circle so it will also be remembered. The opportunity to learn, with the senior team at Circle overseeing the project, but allowing me to take the lead in decision making and advising my client was invaluable to my learning, whilst also ensuring our clients had the best quality service.

What brings you joy outside of work?

I am an avid sports fan, primarily Rugby and Cricket who can often been found on a Saturday at Old Deer Park watching London Welsh play rugby. I am also a keen cyclist which is often how Saturday mornings are spent in and around London with friends. When I am not in London I am often back in Pembrokeshire (where I grew up) on my parents farm, usually causing more hinderance then help.

I enjoy socialising in the evening and on weekends around London making the most of the great pubs and many of restaurants that London has to offer.

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.