Name: Kevin Watts
Employer: Laing O'Rourke
Project: Hastings College Station Plaza
Contract: JCT 1998
Kevin Watts knew exactly what his client’s key drivers were. And he didn’t just meet them, he consistently exceeded them. So when the client instituted major design changes partway through the build, he came up with solutions that turned the anticipated five-month programme overrun into a delay of just seven weeks.
And he did so without compromising on quality. He ran the value-engineering workshops with a constant eye for budget and passion to avoid waste. His collaborative decision-making in these forums ensured that the design team didn’t feel railroaded into compromise.
He offered an efficient and methodical approach to the construction. He forged a close relationship with the design team to help in accommodating late changes. And yet he still managed to drive the design information release to keep the build progressing while mitigating the waste that late change can bring.
Every day, Kevin set his own example of commitment by being first to arrive onsite and last to leave. Coming from a trade background, he demonstrated a very practical approach to problem solving. He ensured that work areas were ready and information available for the specialist trades to work profitably while securing the programme dates. It all helped build mutual respect and appreciation.
And he went beyond the call of duty in meeting the client’s non-construction aspirations. He provided CPD training onsite for the client’s staff, offered work experience to students, gave site talks on safety and modern methods of construction to lecturers and students, and hosted open evenings and site visits.
Value: £61.6m