Name: Steve Bullen ACIOB
Employer: Kier Wallis
Project: UK Supreme Court, London
Contract: JCT 2005
Large restoration projects often throw up nasty surprises and Steve Bullen’s was no exception. But by using the construction programme as a management tool, he successfully overcame some serious problems.
Shortly after Steve arrived onsite, the cleaning of the ornate Portland stone facade uncovered extensive cracking. He immediately halted all repairs. An investigation revealed that the facade’s embedded steelwork had corroded, with the resulting movement cracking the stone dormer windows and turrets.
Steve arranged design and engineering workshops, which identified the best solution as resin encapsulation of the steel. The remedial works would take 14 weeks to carry out, would need scaffolding around the entire building perimeter, and had associated delivery and craneage requirements that risked jeopardising the fit-out. Given the prestigious nature of the project the client would entertain no extension of the programme.
Having first persuaded the client of the urgency of the remedial works, Steve then patiently negotiated a programme with the design team and the masonry subcontractor. He absorbed the works and maintained the original completion date.
He also achieved exceptional value management. For example, he saved around £250K by persuading the client to reduce the scope of refurbishment of the glazed brickwork in the lightwells. Cosmetic repairs to 40% of the damaged bricks, rather than replacements, avoided damaging more bricks through cutting out the ones to be replaced, and the repairs were indistinguishable from the originals.
Steve’s drive and enthusiasm ensured the project was completed as planned. And his determination did not compromise a management style that engendered trust and friendship.
Value: £29.5m