Name: Steve Roome
Employer: BAM Construction
Project: Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College, Birmingham
Contract: JCT 1998
Steve Roome’s clear understanding of the project brief won this contract for BAM. And as soon as it had been awarded, he rapidly established himself as the prime motivator to ensure all aspects were delivered on time and within budget.
His team selection was impeccable. With a fast-track programme and fixed end date, he engaged a dedicated planner and design manager to set the site up, ensuring there was a workable delivery framework from the outset. And given the short procurement period and complicated building requirements, he also insisted on a dedicated building services manager.
Steve formulated a clear management plan. He used ground radar, trial pits and probing to find all obstructions in the ground. He took early soil samples to understand levels of ground contamination. He 3D-modelled the cut and fill to find the most efficient levels and to limit spoil removal.
He fully detailed and co-ordinated all service routes so they could be installed before work on the frame began. He used prefabricated plant rooms and service runs on the roof to limit cranage and access requirements. And he took the brickwork facade off the critical path by changing the internal blockwork to a structural framing system.
His early moves got the project off the blocks and into a high tempo that it never lost. And he supplemented them with a set of quality initiatives that delighted the client and the users.
For example, he created high ceiling levels by turning the ceiling voids into plenums, with ductwork omitted. He changed the shape of the structural columns to circular, and used cardboard formers to make the as-struck concrete appear fair-faced so it required no painting. And he procured non-painted doors and hard-wearing laminate floors.
Steve’s non-contractual and co-operative style helped integrate the client and the design team. Every issue was openly discussed and samples of all materials were always available for inspection. His fine management and excellent co-ordination resulted in an outstanding building that satisfied the client’s needs and aspirations.
Value: £28.7m