Talgarth Road

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.

Dan Orban

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.

Dean Wittering, MCIOB

Senior Project Manager

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.

Toby Inskip

Project Manager

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

I have over 6 years of experience working as a client-side project manager across various sectors, including super prime residential, commercial, and hospitality. My experience spans from master planning to overseeing works on-site and managing defects.

Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?

In my current role, I handle contractor and professional team procurement, monitor cashflows and fees, and take on the responsibility of managing key stakeholder relationships. I’m known for my eye for detail and strong team management skills. I swiftly identify issues and bring enthusiasm to create a robust and enjoyable environment for each project to build upon. I carry out the role of both Project Management and Employer’s Agent on my live projects. I’ve helped clients overcome challenging planning issues and recently assisted in agreeing Licence to Alters with Grosvenor and Portman Estate.

I’m known for my eye for detail and strong team management skills. I swiftly identify issues and bring enthusiasm to create a robust and enjoyable environment for each project to build upon.

Describe your experiences and growth at Circle?

I joined Circle in 2022 as a Project Manager. Since joining, I’ve shown enthusiasm for learning and a passion for construction. I regularly join Circle’s Clerk of Works team to progress my site knowledge and technical understanding. I’ve been an integral part of the Mountbatten House development, where I managed the procurement of the main contractor and now oversee the site works at Mountbatten House. I’m enrolled in the Circle APC Chartership programme and aim to become MRICS by Spring 2024.

What is your favourite project?

My favourite project is Mountbatten House, a 240,000 sq ft Grade II Listed office refurbishment which is set to become one of the most iconic buildings in Basingstoke. The client values sustainability, and it’s been fantastic to work on a project that brings this amazing building back to life with a new sustainable lease of life.

What brings you joy outside of work?

I enjoy searching for hidden restaurants and discovering amazing places to eat and drink around London. Meeting passionate and talented chef’s has inspired by love for home cooking; I’m happiest infront of barbecue laughing with my family and friends. Golf is another hobby I enjoy; I played off a handicap of 1 when I was 16, but now I prefer hacking it around with a couple of cheeky cold beverages. Additionally, I have a passion for DJ’ing and have played at clubs across the country during my time at university.

Phil Swainston

Assistant 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.