The Liberty, Romford

Dillon Carson, MRICS

Associate Director

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 and post contract management activities, overseeing Circle’s role as QS / EA and PM on a range of Residential, Commercial and Education projects. Specialising in providing 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 ensuring that the client’s budget and buildability being maintained as a priority for clients.

I maintain close communication with clients, working 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, advising clients on the most suitable tender and procurement strategy based on the clients’ specific requirements.

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.

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. I’m now proud to have progressed to Associate Director.

At Circle, the opportunities for growth are endless, and I’m thrilled to be part of a culture that empowers people to reach their full potential.”

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.

Scott Wilson

Associate Director

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

With 12 years of experience across both New Zealand and the UK, I have worked as a quantity surveyor for subcontractors, main contractors, and consultancies. The majority of my experience has been gained in consultancy roles. For the past six years, I have been based in the UK, specialising in super-prime residential and commercial office developments. With substantial pre- and post-contract experience, I have successfully delivered a number of projects, managing them from early-stage planning through to the agreement of the final account.

Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?

At Circle, I am responsible for a combination of project delivery, client care, and staff development. As the main point of contact for projects through both pre- and post-contract stages, I ensure our team delivers high-quality work that achieves successful outcomes for both the client and the project team. Client care is a key focus for all senior members of the business, and I take pride in ensuring the client’s objectives and brief are fully understood. We maintain constant communication throughout all stages of the project, ensuring we not only meet but exceed their expectations. Staff development is a vital part of my role, where I provide team members with increasing responsibility on projects to support their growth, offering guidance and direction whenever needed.

Describe your experiences and growth at Circle?

I was appointed Associate Director at Circle Development in February 2025. In this role, I will focus on leading projects, managing the development of staff, and ensuring exceptional client care.

What has been your favourite project?

My favourite project to date has been Trehus, a commercial office building in Maidenhead offering 56,000 sq ft of office space. The design features a carbon-conscious approach, with a CLT frame supporting a stone façade. A key challenge on the project will be managing the interface between the CLT frame and the stone façade, which will require detailed design workshops to ensure efficiency and meet the client’s expectations. Construction is due to begin within the next two months, and it’s an exciting project to be involved in, with a great team and client.

What brings you joy outside of work?

I love travelling and exploring different cultures, and recently spent four months touring South America with my partner. My favourite destination was Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, where the hiking and scenery were truly amazing. Exercise is also a big part of my life; I make it a point to do something every day before work, whether it’s running or lifting weights at the gym. I also like to set myself a goal each year to train for, and this year, I’m aiming for a big PB in the Valencia Marathon. Golf is another hobby of mine, though sometimes my scores don’t reflect the effort I put in! I’m hoping to improve this year and would love to play at St Andrews Old Course, either this year or next.

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.