Mark studied architecture in New Zealand and worked in a small design practice in Wellington before heading to the UK. Once here he completed his professional qualifications, and worked in a number of roles, before joining us. We caught up with him to learn more about his experiences.
You’re from an architecture background, but now work as a Design Manager – what’s the story there?
As my career has developed I found, although I enjoy design, my strengths lie in the delivery end of a project’s life-cycle. Design management was a logical next step.
Why did you decide to join Sir Robert McAlpine?
It’s an iconic and well-respected industry leader which provides excellent opportunities and a great foundation for a career in construction. The focus and drive from the business to be the best in class led me to seek out the opportunity.
How is the business different to other employers?
There is an enormous wealth of knowledge in the business. This provides a great opportunity to learn and grow, with accessible support and experience at hand to provide guidance.
What’s involved in your current role?
I see the focal point of my role is to foster the relationships between each of the design consultants and to create a collaborative team approach to developing the design. The end product is obviously a coordinated and buildable set of information, however the journey to get to this point can throw up a large number of challenges.
What has been your most memorable moment here so far?
It will happen very soon when I complete my role on a project as lead design manager on University of Surrey. I think this will mark my successful transition from consultant architect to the world of design management.
What’s your favourite Sir Robert McAlpine project?
Maggie’s cancer support centres. I think it is great that we have such a close relationship with Maggie’s, and I love seeing that a business that has the ability to deliver projects as grand as the Olympic Stadium and the O2 Arena can also deliver such purposeful and beautifully crafted smaller scale projects.
How would you sum up Sir Robert McAlpine in three words?
Driven. Committed. Accessible.
What would you say to anyone thinking of joining Sir Robert McAlpine?
Do it. Come and see for yourself.
Sam is one of the undergraduate students we are sponsoring through their studies. As he is currently on his Industrial Placement year with us, we took the opportunity to chat to him about his experiences and plans for the future.
Ella is undertaking a Planning Apprenticeship, whilst studying Construction Management at London Southbank Uni. We caught up with Ella to learn about her experiences so far.
Jack joined the business in 2014 after two placements with us during his degree in Construction Engineering Management at Loughborough University. We caught up with him to get his take on working at Sir Robert McAlpine.
After graduating in Civil Engineering at Bristol University, Max joined us in January 2018. We caught up with him to find out more about the start of his career with us.
Helen started her career as a Veterinary Nurse and went on to work in Wildlife Conservation and Land Management. After achieving an Open University Human Geography Degree at 38, she joined the construction industry.
Mark studied architecture in New Zealand and worked in a small design practice in Wellington before heading to the UK. Once here he completed his professional qualifications, and worked in a number of roles, before joining us. We caught up with him to learn more about his experiences.
Ciara is studying an accelerated BSc in Quantity Surveying, studying one day a week, every week throughout the year as opposed to having a summer break. This enables her to complete the day-release course in a reduced timeframe. As part of the course she is working towards chartership and completing an assessment of professional competence.
James Roy is finding our open and supportive learning culture invaluable as he settles into his new role as Sustainability Manager.
Join our construction team delivering a state-of-the-art battery cell manufacturing facility for Agratas.
We’re an employer that genuinely stands apart from our peers. Here’s why there is nowhere else like Sir Robert McAlpine to do the job you love.
We offer competitive packages that recognise the value we put on our people.
Keen to take on new challenges and greater responsibility? At Sir Robert McAlpine, you will find the opportunities you need to take your career to the next level.
Explore opportunities for school leavers, students and graduates – start on the path to achieving your career potential.
Meet some of the diverse and talented employees who make our business what it is. Hear their stories and see why they’re proud to be part of the team.
We employ exceptional people and work alongside first-rate partners to build and deliver exemplary construction projects.
To be renowned for our work with clients and communities as we construct a better world for future generations.
Technical excellence. It’s what we are known for. And it's why we attract some of the industry’s brightest talent.
In everything we do, we act with integrity, treat people fairly, and do what we say we will.
'We treat each other like family'. It's the ethos that we live by and that underpins our culture.
As well as the construction of many of its architecturally significant centres, we’ve raised £1m for Maggie's in just six years.
We are committed to leaving a lasting positive legacy as a result of our actions. Considering our impact on the environment and society in all we do. Playing our role in addressing the climate emergency for a sustainable and prosperous future.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing is about people, and nothing is more important to us. We are committed to reducing risk and creating positive working environments.
We pride ourselves on delivering a quality product to our clients on time, every time.
