Name: Mark Powell MCIOB
Employer: Wates Construction
Project: Campsmount Technology College, Doncaster
Pulled mid-contract from a successful event hall extension scheme to manage this extremely fast-track and tightly budgeted new-build school, Mark Powell made mincemeat of the challenges.
Appointed just four weeks after Wates was made preferred bidder, and onsite 11 weeks later for a 12-month programme for this PfS pilot, he brought tireless organisation, immense attention to detail and utter determination with him.
With tendering proceeding at such a cracking pace, he drove the extensive co-ordination needed to ensure the designers drew only what was cost-effective and buildable while achieving the client’s aspirations. He quickly steered the design team into focusing on the key areas, step by step, and rigorously checking every detail for compliance.
His cost radar was impeccable. He ensured meetings were held between subcontractors to ensure the expense of interfacing – a notorious area for losing money – was included in packages.
And his value management in such a sharply reduced and budget-conscious procurement period was superlative. He championed the use of fair-faced internal blockwork for its maintenance as well as cost benefits. He eliminated tapered insulation from the roof structure. He installed single-ply feature capping in place of aluminium. He replaced tanks with attenuation ponds.
He meticulously reviewed every package and material for value and life cycle benefits. The money he freed up was redirected into giving the client an artificial multiuse games area at no extra cost to the contract.
Mark’s integrity, humour and sheer hard work set the tone for the team. He completed the express timescale on deadline, delivered the rigorous budget and still handed over a quality of finish that wowed the client.
Value: £10.7m