Project: 20 Fulham Broadway

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Project: 20 Fulham Broadway

Role: Project Lead [RD]

01 – Technical Expertise

This medium-sized refurbishment project involved extending an existing building with two additional levels on top and a side extension across all floors. The existing foundation was validated while new piles were constructed at the building's front to support the extension.

Key technical challenges included designing RC slabs to fit within the height constraints imposed by the existing structure and validating the existing slabs for increased loading and updated fire safety requirements. Additionally, the traditional construction system required revalidation to ensure compatibility with the new design and regulatory standards.

02 – Leadership and Management Skills

This project began during the COVID-19 pandemic, marking my first experience managing a team remotely. Fortunately, the team had worked with me for several months before the lockdown, ensuring a strong foundation for effective communication and coordination. Construction progressed without interruptions, and I oversaw the structural works through biweekly site visits.

At the outset, COVID-related disruptions impacted coordination with the architect, leading to challenges that were resolved through collaborative team efforts and proactive problem-solving.

03 – Communication and Stakeholder Management

Adapting to the client’s requirements was critical to this project. Program pressures necessitated structural changes, including a shift from hammer drilling operations to saw-cutting existing slabs, allowing new slabs to be cast around existing rebar.

However, the client did not approve my initial proposal, requiring a switch to rebar cutting. Although this was not my preferred solution, I mitigated the associated risks by increasing my site presence and ensuring the modified approach was implemented without issues.

04 – Financial and Commercial Acumen

The additional effort required to address client-driven changes was not fully recognized or compensated. Nonetheless, the project achieved the desired quality and was delivered within an acceptable profit margin. This outcome underscored the importance of flexibility and resource management in navigating client expectations.

05 – Personal Qualities

I am particularly proud of my commitment to meeting the client’s needs and delivering the project with minimal disruptions despite the challenges posed by COVID-19. The team's full engagement and adaptability were instrumental in ensuring the project’s success, demonstrating the value of cohesive collaboration during unprecedented times.