Canons House

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.

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.

Aled Williams MEng 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.

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.