Aberfeldy Village

Peter Christmas, MRICS

Director

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

Having started my career working for a Tier 1 main contractor working within the education, retail and rail sectors, I offer a range of experience from various sectors within the industry and specialise in the tendering and procurement of forward-funded construction projects. I work closely with clients to ensure the delivery of their vision is realised. I have significant experience in setting and managing project budgets, starting from acquisition through to project completion. Additionally, I possess an astute understanding of contract administration, with several years of experience in carrying out the Employer’s Agent/Contract Administrator role across multiple projects.

Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?

In my role at Circle, I have a hands-on approach to managing the commercial team. I ensure that the team maintains high standards at all levels of the business. On a day-to-day basis, I am actively involved in the delivery of projects, with a constant focus on ensuring that the clients’ key KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are at the forefront of the project team’s priorities. Additionally, I manage our key supply chain members and maintain critical relationships to facilitate project delivery and keep the Circle team ahead of industry advancements.

Describe your experiences and growth at Circle?

I have been a part of the Circle journey since the very beginning, contributing to multiple sectors and focusing on delivering commercial services from pre-acquisition all the way through to project completion. My background as a Quantity Surveyor and Employer’s Agent, managing complex forward-funded developments, has positioned me to take a leading role in Circle’s commercial team.

What brings you joy outside of work?

I’m a keen sportsman, spending my weekends trail running and getting out to enjoy the weekends either on two feet, or two wheels alike. I also love exploring the UK and Europe whenever I get the chance on camping trips, usually not too far away from my Wirehaired Vizsla! Skiing is also among my other hobbies, making Circles annual trip a personal highlight of the year!

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.

Phil Swainston

Quantity Surveyor & Project Manager

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

I started my career as a professional rugby player, representing teams like Wasps, Harlequins, and finishing in Rouen, France. During my rugby career, I pursued higher education, earning a business management degree from Northumbria University and a Masters in Real Estate. My interest in the property industry grew during my playing days, and I undertook work experience roles with companies like JLL and Berkeley Homes during the off-season.

I specialise in various aspects of the property industry, including cost planning, tender/procurement management, employers agent roles, and valuations. My experience spans across residential, commercial, and education sectors. I also have a keen interest in Carbon Quantification and its potential impact on the construction industry.

Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?

My role involves a blend of Quantity Surveying, Employer’s Agent, and Project Management, both in the pre-contract and post-contract phases. In the pre-contract phase, I conduct feasibility studies, create pre-tender cost plans, collaborate with design consultants to ensure the project aligns with the client’s needs, assist with contract negotiations, and engage in problem-solving. In the post-contract phase, I handle monthly on-site valuations, cost reports, and cash flows. I issue change orders and provide an Employer’s Agent report to the client on a monthly basis. Ensuring practical completion of projects in accordance with the Employer’s Requirements is also a vital part of my role. Recently, I’ve expanded my knowledge in Life Cycle Carbon Assessments, which allows me to assist clients in planning and reducing carbon emissions from their developments.

Describe your experiences and growth at Circle?

I joined Circle in August 2022 as an assistant Quantity Surveyor and Project Manager and have played a key role in the Aberfeldy Village redevelopment, which will provide 1,582 new high-quality homes. I’ve also been involved in the Talgarth Road PBSA, the UK’s largest forward-funded purpose-built student accommodation. Since then, I’ve worked on numerous other projects, gaining exposure to all stages of the construction process and accelerating my development. I’m currently enrolled in the Circle APC Chartership Programme and aim to become MRICS by Autumn 2024.

I’ve worked on numerous other projects, gaining exposure to all stages of the construction process and accelerating my development. I’m currently enrolled in the Circle APC Chartership Programme and aim to become MRICS by Autumn 2024.

What is your favourite project?

My favourite project is Water Lane, a build-to-rent development in Leeds with McLaren Living, consisting of 375 apartments. I’ve been involved since the early RIBA stages and have enjoyed collaborating with the design team to ensure a high-quality, efficient building is constructed. As the project enters the delivery stage, I’m excited to see the design come to life in an area I grew up in. Another favourite project of mine is Beech Street in the City of London, on the edge of the famous Barbican Estate. It’s set to become a Co-Living development, a new concept in the UK rental market that focuses on community living.

What brings you joy outside of work?

I have a passion for various sports, including Rugby, Cricket, Football, Golf, and Tennis. However, I’ve recently taken up padel tennis, which has become my new favourite. Finding a court in London can be a challenge, but it’s worth it. I love to travel and explore less-traveled areas across the globe, with my favourite destinations being Canada and the Philippines.