St John’s Wood Square

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.

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.

Lewis Walker, MCIOB

Associate Director – Quality

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

I am an award-winning Construction Manager with a distinguished career in building and construction. My passion for construction and meticulous attention to quality detail have shaped my experience in both domestic and commercial environments. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills in strategic planning, multitasking, and diplomacy. I have a proven ability to quickly grasp complex concepts, identify and resolve problems, innovate, and implement systems to address challenges and ensure quality outcomes.

I have a proven ability to quickly grasp complex concepts, identify and resolve problems, innovate, and implement systems to address challenges and ensure quality outcomes.

Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?

My role involves conducting site inspections to assess and report back to clients, funders, and main contractors on issues related to workmanship, quality, and health and safety. During these inspections, I also perform quality assurance reviews and benchmark assessments, and I compile detailed weekly progress reports for all relevant parties. I typically visit sites on a weekly basis, with some requiring inspections every two weeks. In addition to these tasks, I compile monthly reports that document all pertinent information for my assigned sites, which are then shared with relevant client-based personnel.

Describe your experiences and growth at Circle?

I joined Circle as a Clerk of Works in 2022 and have had the opportunity to be involved in multiple projects at various stages of construction. These stages have ranged from excavation to snagging and completion. Currently, I am enrolled in the MCIOB PR pathway and am on track to submit my PR review by the end of December 2023 to attain my MCIOB status.

What is your favourite project?

My favourite project to date is the Arbor Hotel in Aldgate. This project involved the strip-out and remodel of an existing hotel, along with the removal of the existing car park, which was replaced by a new RC frame extension. Overcoming the challenges posed by the site’s small footprint and the strip-out and refit works made this project particularly rewarding. I’ve been involved in this project since the 1st fix stage of the existing building and the excavation stage for the extension. The existing building has achieved practical completion, and the extension building is set to be handed over at the beginning of December.

What brings you joy outside of work?

I’m a food enthusiast who enjoys exploring different cuisines. My passion extends to motors and mechanics, and I keep active with a daily gym and weightlifting routine to balance out my love for socializing, traveling, and my fascination with tasting cocktails!

Svetlana Tulgara

Quality Manager

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

If I had met young Svetlana and told her she would be working in Construction, she would be very surprised. You see, my journey into this field was completely accidental.

I’ve specialised in interior design and project management for residential contracts, which has given me extensive experience in overseeing the design and construction of high-end residential properties. This experience has honed a sharp eye for details, a skill that’s absolutely crucial when inspecting properties.

What I’m naturally very keen on is furthering my education to become an LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) specialist. I’m not pursuing this goal just as a checkbox exercise, but because I’m deeply committed to driving the necessary changes for our planet.

Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?

My role might appear mundane to some, but I find it quite fulfilling. I spend my days inspecting various properties, meticulously checking if the quality, quantity, and technical specifications have been met. It’s all about ensuring that everything is up to the mark. I work closely with the main contractor team on site to maintain consistently high quality and keep the schedules on track. It’s a critical aspect of my job.

Another significant part of what I do involves logging every single issue or defect I observe during these inspections. This information is logged on various platforms chosen by the contractor. This process ensures that any necessary rectifications are made efficiently and quickly, ultimately leading to quality delivery and, most importantly, happy clients.

Describe your experiences and growth at Circle?

When I joined Circle it marked a significant turning point in my career. I had previously struggled to strike a balance between work and family in my former firm. So, when I was offered a part-time role at Circle, it felt like the ideal solution for my family situation.

Fortunately, I have a wonderful colleagues, who are incredibly experienced and highly professional. They played a pivotal role in helping me navigate the learning process and adapt to all the novelties within the company.

The journey so far has been incredibly smooth. The team at Circle is more like a family. We share constant laughter, maintain a stress-free attitude, and, at the same time, form a conglomerate of hardworking professionals at the top of their game.

What is your favourite project?

My best project, without a doubt, was Taberner House (Queen’s Quarter) – maybe because it was my first experience with such a tall building, reaching the 35th floor.

Some days, we faced elevator outages, which meant climbing to the top floor multiple times a day was the only option. Despite the challenges, I found myself thoroughly enjoying every aspect of the project. This included overseeing the End of Defects process, which we successfully completed after a year of the building’s operation.

What brings you joy outside of work?

I must admit, I have too many hobbies, and yes, it can be a bit tough on my bank account, but they bring me so much joy!

Dancing has been a big part of my life. I studied ballroom dance for 10 years. Looking back, I was involved in every sport practiced in school, be it short, long-distance running, gymnastics, tennis. While I never pursued any of them at a professional level, sports always felt like something I was naturally inclined toward.

More recently, I’ve delved into painting, inspired by reading a book of Van Gogh’s letters. His influence led me to explore the lives of the greatest artists in human history. I’ve come to appreciate that life, with all its aspects, including buildings, is a form of art.