Westminster Sports Pavilion

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.

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.

Karen Perry

Quality Manager

Lloyd Thomas, CEng MICE

Associate Director

What expertise and background do you bring to the table?

While studying Civil Engineering at University, I began my career as a placement student site engineer for a Tier 1 Contractor. Working on a police training facility in Yorkshire, which included the construction of indoor ballistic fire-ranges. This initial experience kick-started my journey in the construction industry. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, each with its own intricate design details. These projects have included a 35-storey residential tower, commercial factories spanning over 120 acres, secondary schools, and petrol filling stations located within residential developments. My work has taken me to various locations across the UK, and I’ve also gained valuable overseas experience in Qatar.

Can you outline the responsibilities of your role?

In my role as Associate Director, I’m responsible for overseeing part of the project delivery function within Circle, including Construction Contracts from RIBA Stage 3 through to RIBA Stage 6. This involves managing of a diverse number of individuals through varied communication methods, to align Consultants/Contractors in obtaining the Client’s brief. I set key project deliverables, manage project risks, and address critical issues to facilitate the success of collaborative schemes. I particularly enjoy my role during significant project milestones, such as successfully concluding tendering negotiations between a contractor and client, as well as issuing ‘Practical Completion’ certificates at the conclusion of construction projects.

Describe your experiences and growth at Circle?

I began my role as a Project Manager in 2019 at Circle. During my time here, I achieved my Civil Engineering Chartership with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in 2020. The invaluable support and technical knowledge shared by my colleagues during Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions played a crucial role in helping me attain my Chartership and advance into the role of Senior Project Manager.

What is your favourite project?

My favourite project at Circle has been ‘The Fox.’ It was a significant opportunity for me to lead a construction project from cradle to grave. While the project presented its fair share of challenges, including a suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it provided me with the chance to build relationships with both the client and contractor teams, which will last a lifetime. The project’s intricate design required me to utilise my on-site experience, which was instrumental in successfully delivering a traditional reinforced concrete frame building, hidden behind a locally listed historic pub and included facilities catered to both private and affordable housing residents. The project’s complexity and the teamwork involved made it a particularly rewarding experience.

What brings you joy outside of work?

I’m a keen sportsman, even though I might not excel in any particular sport, I enjoy the competitive element and camaraderie that sporting competition brings. In my free time, I like to use my holidays as an opportunity to explore countries all over the globe. The rest of my time is spent on my own construction project at my home in South London.