Name: James Graham MCIOB
Employer: Bovis Lend Lease
Project: New Bute School of Medicine, St Andrews University, St Andrews, Scotland
Contract: JCT 2005
Jim Graham’s calm and composed approach to construction issues was a real asset on this challenging project.
He moulded a fine team to manage a complex design solution for a highly serviced building that required strong technical skills for the many multi-trade interfaces. He melded the fresh thinking of new staff with the strength and experience of maturer colleagues. He allowed his team to take responsibility and ownership for key aspects of the project and they responded enthusiastically.
By monitoring vibration from construction activities, and rejigging works, he ensured the site did not impact the client’s ongoing operations. His consideration won the appreciation of the client’s staff, and he promoted their familiarity with the new building through regular site tours.
During construction the client decided to double the capacity of the planned CHP system so it could serve the wider campus. Jim funded it from the existing budget by tweaking the curtain walling, facade and roofing specs, removing the floor screeds while rigorously checking level and finish criteria, and replacing ceramic floor tiles with marmoleum.
The same approach earned respect from the consultants, and the professional team showed a willingness to make the right decisions for the good of the project. He supported design development in a proactive manner, derisking design to the benefit of all parties. Jim developed plant room layouts to ensure the spatial design could be achieved. He worked up the facade interface details into workable solutions. And his early approval of the mechanical plant ensured programme-compliant delivery.
Value: £33.7m