Finalist |
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Category: Projects under £4m |
Put forward for this job by Brymor as its best construction manager, Gary Edmonds emerged with credit and a reputation that stands even higher than it did. He successfully pushed through a bold and daring design in the teeth of a restricted programme, punishing site constraints and a charity-funded budget that simply could not stretch any further.
What made Gary's job of converting and fitting out this 200-year-old Grade I-listed dockyard armoury substantially harder was the landlord's refusal to let the project use any of the areas outside the building lest it cause disruption for the high-paying residents in and around the development.
He enterprisingly helped resolve the problem by setting up a meeting room and welfare facilities within the existing building, moving them around as works progressed. However, restrictions remained on when materials could be delivered, and noise controls were in force during certain times of the day and at weekends. Gary worked hard to strike up a particularly good relationship with suppliers, to precision-time deliveries and to speed up their lead-in and installation times.
With many works being undertaken simultaneously, Gary focused on making sure all the subcontractors worked especially well together. He held daily meetings for them to air problems, ensuring the tight working conditions did not lead to delay or disputes.
Gary 's vast experience came into its own when the construction drawings were issued. He immediately spotted potential problems and produced an accurate schedule for the design team to address. Not only did he point out where the jointing details would not work, but also offered practical solutions.
The design team quickly recognised and trusted his ability to make the right design judgement calls, so neither programme nor budget was jeopardised. His constant pursuit of design information and feedback also helped keep the project on track.
Gary also recognised early on that the gallery's operations director was not necessarily getting what she wanted from the project, and ensured she was brought more fully into the design loop. As a result, the client ended up with the contemporary display spaces it wanted, and with price and programme intact.
