Name: Darren Cook
Employer: GB Building Solutions
Project: Staybridge Suites, Newcastle upon Tyne
Contract: JCT 2005
Those early promises of contractor accountability can lose some of their shine by the time the build is in full swing. Not so with Darren Cook. A straight-talking Geordie with a knack of making relationships work at every level, he simply took every problem that arose on this scheme out of the client’s hands and dealt with it effectively.
A seasoned project manager with a wide knowledge of construction techniques, Darren made one valuable contribution after another. The building was planned with separate flashing around the windows: Darren changed it to an all-in-one EDPM system that was more cost-effective and had a far better finish. He redetailed the plant room, the top of the hotel lift shaft and all external works to speed up the programme and save money. When doubts arose over whether the building would pass its air test, he introduced the client to EPDM window seals.
Learning that the client was looking at paying £30K for oversail rights, Darren immediately moved in to help. His amicable consultation with the landowner led to the crane operating without fuss or oversail fee.
As the project neared completion, the client asked for its fit-out team to be granted access. Despite a construction sequence that finished the front-of-house works last, Darren simply reprogrammed the remainder of the works to hand over the area early.
Darren could focus his efforts on the client because he knew how to let go and give autonomy to other people. By selecting the right colleague for each task, he freed himself up to work on the right things for his role. He built the team around himself, and made sure the jigsaw fitted.
Value: £13.1m