Name: Eddy Tipping ICIOB
Employer: Rydon Construction Ltd
Project: Bishop Ramsey School, Ruislip
Contract: Design and build
It says something about Eddy Tipping’s project that, after two years as the liaison with the construction team, the school’s deputy head felt more at home in a hi-vis vest and hard hat onsite with Eddy than in the classroom in his customary suit, lab coat and goggles.
It was a uniquely tight level of integration that stemmed from Eddy’s determination from the outset that a live school site required a collaborative approach and excellent user relationships. As a result, Eddy understood and could therefore meet the users’ needs, while the deputy head’s detailed understanding of the project allowed him to adapt the school curriculum and activities to the works.
Eddy had the will to deliver the design vision to the highest standard possible. He offered the design team full and open collaboration, adding huge value in developing the detail as the project progressed.
When it became clear that additional drainage for the sports pitches would push the project over the budget, Eddy reviewed the design. By altering the site levels and reducing the amount of spoil removed, he effectively offset the extra costs.
It was the kind of initiative that was crucial for the school, whose governors were liable for any cost overrun on the project. Likewise, as the contingency was eroded to cover additional works or unforeseen circumstances onsite, Eddy undertook a full cost risk analysis that led to Rydon agreeing a fixed price at an early stage for completion of the works. The initiative was extremely well received by the client and a clear manifestation of Eddy’s partnering ethos.
Eddy showed the professionalism and flexibility to eliminate problems. When great crested newts were discovered, delaying the first construction phase by six months, he resequenced the works − and did so around the school’s complex exam timetable − to deliver the original programme with minimal cost inflation. Likewise, when the curtain walling and M&E subcontractors hit difficulties, he accelerated works out of sequence to get back on track.
Few construction managers can get as close to the user as Eddy did. It was because of that proximity that he learned that personal circumstances were preventing one student from attending all his studies. He then took him on part time in the construction office while the student completed his studies and subsequently joined Rydon full-time.
Value: £16.3m