Inspiring project: Molecular Sciences, University of Birmingham
Molecular Sciences is a new educational research facility, which will be the hub for over 500 scientists across a range of disciplines, including The School of Chemistry and the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES). The building comprises a mixture of specialist laboratory spaces, offices, tutorial space, collaborative spaces, and a new two-storey energy centre. The facility will also enables research to be undertaken on materials for energy applications or healthcare, making plastics recyclable, environmental effects of drugs in the ecosystem and the environmental impact of critical materials such as lithium.
Impact
As Senior Bid Manager, I led the tender and preconstruction process. In the first instance we competed and won a competitive process against four other Tier 1 contractors making sure that we delivered a quality and commercially viable bid that met all of the Client's key requirements
Challenges
- Delivering best value for a client whilst still in a competitve tender scenario
- High points: Submitting a quality tender and being confirmed as the successful contractor. Also seeing the building upon completion (it's fantastic!)
- New technologies: The use of the CarboniCa tool for carbon reduction and some of the innovative digital technology adopted to aid the design process
Reflecting on NTU
How did your studies at NTU enable you to input into this project?
- An understanding of Contract law
- The use of digital technology
- Building methodology
- Project management skills.
What words would you share to inspire current and future students at NTU?
Push yourself to achieve the best that you can. It might not seem it at the time, but hard work pays off.
Why did you choose NTU and your course?
The campus and city had a great feel to it when i visited it and compared it to some other universities that I looked at. I come from a family of surveyors (quantity and estates) and was guided down that route.
What have you done since leaving NTU?
I pursued building surveying for a while and then branched out into a project manager/employers agent-type role. After a few years I was recruited into contracting and have been here ever since.
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