Finalist |
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Category: Projects £7-10m Name: Graham Gibbs MCIOB Company: Willmott Dixon Construction Project: Windsor Building, Royal Holloway University, London Contract: JCT 1998 with quantities and contractor's design |
Throughout this contract, Graham Gibbs demonstrated outstanding project management skills. Overwhelmingly enthusiastic and committed to getting everything right first time, he expertly assessed what was needed to deliver.
Graham managed risk superbly, swiftly identifying solutions to problems that developed as the design progressed. A number of design changes – which affected such major elements as the curtain walling – during the project put severe pressure on the budget and the programme, but Graham was always able to minimise their effects.
His success in leading the project as a partnership owed a great deal to his interpersonal skills. In particular, his non-confrontational approach to problems ensured the team remained motivated and supported to cope with the numerous changes. Graham's professionalism, attention to detail and enthusiasm were of the highest order.
Because of the complex design of the external envelope and the unusual copper roof, which had 30 different pitches, Graham chose specialist subcontractors with proven ability for the steel frame, external wall, curtain wall and scaffolding. He gave the roofing subcontractor complete control of its package with total success.
Graham delivered the regular progress reports transparently, factually and concisely, further strengthening client relations. A leader of obvious integrity, he clearly indicated where costs were going at the monthly meetings and offered cost-estimated options as soon as possible so the client could make an informed decision on how to proceed.
Despite incorporating design changes worth more than £1m during the construction period, Graham handed the project over only two weeks later than the original completion date, and still in time for the new academic year.
The client's delight can be gauged from its awarding Willmott Dixon a separate £2m project to refurbish its catering and dining hall facilities, largely on the strength of the quality of Graham's work on this superb new lecture theatre building.
