Baltic Street

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

Associate Director

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 and post contract management activities, overseeing Circle’s role as QS / EA and PM on a range of Residential, Commercial and Education projects. Specialising in providing 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 ensuring that the client’s budget and buildability being maintained as a priority for clients.

I maintain close communication with clients, working 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, advising clients on the most suitable tender and procurement strategy based on the clients’ specific requirements.

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.

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. I’m now proud to have progressed to Associate Director.

At Circle, the opportunities for growth are endless, and I’m thrilled to be part of a culture that empowers people to reach their full potential.”

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.

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.

Chloe Brierton, MCIOB

Assistant Project Manager

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

I started within the construction industry as a year out student studying Construction Management. Once I completed my studies at university, I moved on to become a Graduate Site Manager working within a Main Contractor before I became a Site Manager. I have previously worked on projects such as Student Accommodation, Hotel builds, and a build-to-rent scheme. I am keen to progress within the Construction Industry and learn about the future of construction, having recently obtained my MCIOB.

Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?

My role includes managing all stages of a project’s lifecycle from planning all the way through to the end of the project while working alongside Quantity Surveyors to ensure that clients receive the best possible product. My week typically includes a number of meetings, including internal catch-ups, design team meetings, and meetings with clients. I also have visits to the site between these meetings to walk through projects with contractors, designers, and clients. A site visit can open up people’s minds to what may not have been seen on paper, and I am keen to do these sorts of site visits to help everyone gain an understanding of projects.

My role includes managing all stages of a project’s lifecycle from planning all the way through to the end of the project while working alongside Quantity Surveyors to ensure that clients receive the best possible product.

Describe your experiences and growth at Circle?

I recently started as an Assistant Project Manager. I have been welcomed into a friendly and great learning environment at Circle Development. I am currently working on two projects: Bristol Canon’s House, an office refurb project spanning over two large buildings with Heritage status, and Westminster Under School, a school expansion from an office building to a school building.

What is your favourite project?

My favourite project is Westminster Under School. This project consists of a 1990’s office building conversion to a school. This comes with its own complex needs from planning and design aspects. Seeing the planning process and the first steps of the RIBA stages is completely new to me and requires me to read and learn every day. This project will be rewarding to see through all stages, and I will gain valuable knowledge for future use.

What brings you joy outside of work?

I enjoy playing football for my local ladies’ team. I train each week while also playing matches and tournaments most months. I am also a keen football supporter and attend matches as and when I can. I enjoy travelling to different countries and experiencing different cultures and scenery, most recently visiting Brugge in Belgium where I visited the Belfort (Belfry) and enjoyed the architecture. I also enjoy spending time at home with my family and my cat Meetz.

Dan Orban

Senior Clerk of Works

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

I started my career based on site to operational side, initially providing general labour, progressing through the various site levels eventually achieving the position of Site Manager on large new build residential projects across London. During my time as a Site Manager, I have delivered large scale residential projects for Tier 1 contractors across London being involved in majority of the construction stages and overlooking all trades from groundworks through to the finishing touches.

Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?

My role includes is to work across multiple projects raising quality standards and the expectations of contractors and sub-contractors of what is and isn’t acceptable. Also, demonstrating and making sure the works are in line with both design and specifications, and British Standards.

Describe your experiences and growth?

I started as a Clerk of Works in 2020 and I progressed in this time by developing new competences being registered with the most prestigious institution within the quality control sector and the reputation spans far and wide, The Institute of Clerk of Works and Construction Inspectorate of Great Britain (ICWCI), enrolled onto the Clerk of Works course with Wolverhampton University.

What is your favourite project?

My favourite project is One Maidenhead, a build to rent development in Maidenhead consisting of 429 apartments, ground floor shops and restaurants over four buildings. Having been involved from the very start, overseeing quality and compliance through the project on daily and weekly site visits to undertake inspections and rise observations concerning Health, Safety & Welfare, Temporary Works, Quality, Environmental or Design and reporting to the Employer’s Agent. Also, being involved in façade inspections from the first fix up to final inspection prior mast climber dismantle.

What brings you joy outside of work?

As an active social individual, I enjoy going to gym, running and play football on weekly basis because these sports keep me in shape, challenge my physical limits and strengthen my team work skills as I use to do in early days when I played rugby for my local team. Also, in my spare time I enjoy to socialising and cooking delicious dishes for family and friends. Another passion which relaxes me is photography and videography, sometimes creating memorable pictures and videos for those around me.