Phil Swainston, MRICS
Quantity Surveyor & Project Manager
What expertise and background do you bring to the table?
Having spent the past four years at Circle Development, I have developed broad experience across a range of residential and commercial projects while working alongside some of the industry’s most experienced professionals. My work has included Build-to-Rent and Co-Living schemes, covering both HRB and non-HRB developments across pre- and post-contract stages, as well as involvement in large commercial projects. I have also supported fund monitoring roles for major institutional funders on large masterplan schemes. In what has been a challenging market, I have been involved in the successful procurement and delivery of several projects, working with both Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors and gaining experience in the evolving requirements of the Building Safety Act. Prior to moving into the industry, I spent 13 years as a professional rugby player before completing a degree in Business, a Master’s in Real Estate and qualifying as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with the RICS.
Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?
My role involves a blend of Quantity Surveying, Employer’s Agent, Project Management and Fund Monitoring responsibilities across both the pre- and post-contract stages of projects. Day-to-day, I am involved in feasibility studies, preparing pre-tender cost plans and managing the tender process for the procurement of large projects, working closely with clients, consultants and contractors to ensure the process is structured, competitive and runs smoothly. I also collaborate with the design team to ensure the project aligns with the client’s requirements and assist with contract negotiations where required.
Post-contract, my responsibilities include undertaking monthly site valuations, preparing cost reports and cashflow forecasts, and administering variations. I work collaboratively with both the client and contractor to ensure changes are assessed and priced fairly and reasonably in line with market conditions. I also prepare monthly Employer’s Agent reports and undertake fund monitoring duties for institutional funders, providing oversight on cost, programme and development risk. A key part of my role is supporting the team in driving projects through to practical completion in accordance with the Employer’s Requirements. More recently, I have also developed experience in Life Cycle Carbon Assessments, helping clients understand and reduce the carbon impact of their developments.
Describe your experiences and growth at Circle?
During my time at Circle Development, I have gained experience working across a range of large and complex projects which has helped develop my understanding of the full development lifecycle. I have been involved in the procurement and delivery of a major Build-to-Rent residential scheme, supporting both the pre-contract tender process and post-contract Quantity Surveying role. I have also contributed to the early stages of large commercial office developments and central London co-living schemes, building experience in cost planning, procurement and working with multidisciplinary design teams.
Alongside this, my involvement in fund monitoring on a major masterplan development has strengthened my understanding of the relationship between funders and developers, and the importance of clear reporting and collaboration. Working on these projects with experienced colleagues and a range of clients has been a key part of my professional development at Circle.
The high standards across the business and the openness of colleagues to share their knowledge and support my studies created a great environment for me to develop my skills and genuinely enjoy the learning process. Enrolling in the Circle APC Chartership Programme gave me the structure and guidance I needed to progress with confidence, and I’m incredibly proud to now have achieved Chartered Member status with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
What is your favourite project?
One of my favourite projects is Water Lane, a Build-to-Rent development in Leeds with McLaren Living, consisting of 375 apartments. I have been involved since the early RIBA stages and have enjoyed working closely with the design team to help ensure a high-quality and efficient building is delivered. As the project now moves further into the delivery stage, it is particularly rewarding to see the design begin to take shape in an area I grew up in.
Another project I have particularly enjoyed being involved in is a large Co-Living development at Elephant Park in central London. The scheme is set to be one of the largest co-living developments delivered in Zone 1 and presents a number of unique challenges given its scale, complexity and the relatively new nature of the co-living sector in the UK. Being involved in the early stages of such a significant project has provided valuable experience in understanding how these emerging residential models are delivered.
What brings you joy outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active and have a strong interest in a range of sports including rugby, cricket, football and golf. Recently, I have taken up padel, which has quickly become a favourite, although finding a court in London can sometimes be a challenge. I also enjoy travelling when I can, with Canada, Brazil and Japan among my favourite places I’ve visited. Living in London also means there’s no shortage of great food, so I enjoy trying different restaurants and exploring the city’s food scene.
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