Name: Ryan Williams MCIOB
Employer: Kier Construction
Project: Ysgol Gyfun Maes Yr Yrfa, Llanelli
This project to overroof and refurbish the elevations of a 1960s teaching block in a live environment was a tricky one, involving asbestos removal and selective demolition. In Ryan Williams it had a proactive and confident leader with a wide range of skills and knowledge. He gave the client and the school the reassurance it needed through precise planning, accurate direction and excellent communication.
His value engineering was about understanding client needs rather than cost cutting. He changed the insulated render to Trespa cladding for its simpler installation and greater durability in a school environment. He upgraded the curtain wall spec to a BREEAM-compliant product with a higher U value that was cheaper to buy. He passed on a single-ply roof membrane in favour of Kingspan roof panels, gaining a programme acceleration and the risk management bonus of installation in the holiday period as well as lower maintenance and higher U-value.
Nothing was left to chance, no loose ends were left unresolved. His attention to detail, willingness to micromanage when it was necessary, and awareness of the critical raised his project above the mere satisfactory. Ryan showed enthusiasm and foresight, clear leadership, design awareness, and programming and technical appreciation. His in-depth knowledge of contractual, financial and compliance issues was always tempered by common sense.
He handed over the scheme three weeks early, to budget, and with zero defects. From the delighted client he received a perfect 10 for satisfaction.
Value: £1.4m