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, AICWCI

Senior Clerk of Works

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

I began my career on the construction site, starting as a general labourer and progressing through various site-based roles before achieving the position of Site Manager on large-scale residential new-build projects across London. During my time as a Site Manager, I delivered major residential developments for Tier 1 contractors, overseeing projects through most phases of construction. My experience includes managing all trades and coordinating works from groundworks and structural construction through to final finishes and handover, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.

Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?

My role 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?

Since beginning my career as a Clerk of Works in 2020, I have continually developed my technical knowledge, professional competence and commitment to quality assurance within the construction industry. This progression has included becoming registered with the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate of Great Britain (ICWCI), one of the most respected professional bodies in the quality control sector, and enrolling on the Clerk of Works course at the University of Wolverhampton.

These achievements culminated in May 2026 when I was named Overall Winner of the ICWCI Building on Quality Awards, recognised for my involvement in the successful delivery of Mountbatten House in Basingstoke, One Maidenhead in Berkshire, and Wembley Link Phase Two. The award represents a significant milestone in my professional development and reflects my dedication to maintaining the highest standards of quality, compliance and workmanship across complex construction projects.

Commenting on the award, Head Judge Meredith Whilden FICWCI stated:

Before we even looked around the projects, Dan was ready to enlighten us, and did so on his roles, his skill set, his challenges, his professionalism and commitment for his projects inside and out. He told us everything we wanted to hear without much need to question his ability as an extremely competent Clerk of Works. His passion, his commitment and his professional approach was second to none. His quality focus and compliance monitoring was above and beyond, and he is a credit to the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate and the construction industry as a whole.

Winning the Building in Quality Award as Overall Winner is a huge honour. This recognition reflects all the hard work, passion, and dedication invested across the projects I have been involved in. The award has not only brought me recognition, but also even more motivation to continue striving for excellence, and performing to the best of my knowledge under such a prestigious institute as the ICWCI.

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!

Sheri Ajibike

Assistant Clerk of Works

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

I bring strong attention to detail to quality inspections, ensuring all works meet the highest standards. My background includes thorough site monitoring, documentation, and supporting project teams to deliver consistent and compliant workmanship.

As an Assistant Clerk of Works, my responsibilities include monitoring construction activities to ensure compliance with design requirements, quality standards, and project specifications. I conduct regular site inspections and produce clear, detailed reports to accurately record progress and any issues identified. I am responsible for identifying defects and ensuring that they are rectified in a timely manner. In addition, I support senior site staff and contribute to quality assurance procedures to help to maintain safe, efficient, and well-documented site environments, while liaising with contractors, consultants, and project teams to support smooth and effective project delivery.

What excites you about joining Circle, and what are your goals for the future?

I am excited to see the outcome of the St John’s Wood project, as it is a prestigious, high-end development. Being part of such a significant project from the early stages through to completion aligns perfectly with my ambition to grow within the industry, and I look forward to contributing to Circle’s reputation for excellence.

What brings you joy outside of work?

I have a passion for travelling, wellness, and living life to the fullest. Exploring new places and prioritising wellbeing keeps me grounded and inspired.

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.