Project: Lucent

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Project: Lucent

Role: CMT

01 – Technical Expertise

I did not have a design role in this project but was part of the Client Monitoring Team. A key challenge was understanding responsibility for each non-compliant issue within a dual procurement route. The client had two separate Design and Build (D&B) contracts: one for the demolition and basement works, and another for the superstructure construction.

The role involved conducting multiple risk assessments and implementing quality control protocols, most of which I either developed or deemed sufficient. These protocols covered a wide range of areas, including watertight basement construction, fire protection for the steel structure, metal deck installation, and RC core construction.

The excavation utilized sheet piling along all perimeters, combined with top-down basement construction to stabilize the perimeter walls before full excavation. I anticipated that one of the walls would move due to insufficient propping. Unfortunately, the wall did shift, causing a neighboring occupied structure to crack, exposing it to unknown levels of risk.

02 – Leadership and Management Skills

This role required a high degree of responsibility, including navigating economic disputes involving significant financial stakes.

I was responsible for identifying deviations from employer requirements (Stage 3 of the project) and addressing quality issues arising from execution. This required detailed investigations and often managing complex interpersonal dynamics in a "finger-pointing" and blame-oriented environment.

Additionally, I identified potential liabilities to the client, including those related to structural integrity, construction risks, programming, and strategies, as well as crane-related issues.

03 – Communication and Stakeholder Management

Communication was critical in this role, as any documents issued by me had immediate and often significant consequences. The impact of my communications could depend heavily on the framing and tone of the message.

Over time, I developed a forensic communication style that allowed me to navigate sensitive situations and convey technical issues with precision and clarity.

04 – Financial and Commercial Acumen

Although I had no direct team under me, my role carried substantial economic implications. For instance, the ground movement incident mentioned earlier resulted in damages exceeding £1 million, which required careful assessment and management.

05 – Personal Qualities

I am immensely proud of this role, which I fulfilled over four years, including during the COVID period. The exposure and challenges I faced have significantly contributed to my growth as an engineer, offering invaluable insights into construction dynamics that I might not have gained otherwise.