Design & Build

On behalf of University of Strathclyde, I want to take this opportunity to thank you, Stephen, Ryan and the rest of the team for the fantastic effort in getting the Thomas Campbell residences work completed in time for the students occupying this in January. The transformation in such a short space of time is remarkable and what has been achieved is to be commended. Throughout this challenging project there has been a real 'can do' attitude with various contractors and operatives and members of my own team, working together to ensure that the works got done in time and with minimum hassle. The end product is to a high standard of finish considering all the challenges that had to be overcome in what was a very tight deadline. I am delighted with the outcome, and we look forward to continuing to work with you and the team on future projects in the forthcoming year.

Throughout the project Bob demonstrated a high level of professionalism, diligence and approach to problem solving that is rare to find in a site manager. He was always conscientious that the wards would house some of Scotland’s sickest children upon completion and conducted himself accordingly, leading by example for the team he was managing. His assistance on this project was exemplary. With a 2-year programme on site, the scheme commenced prior to the impacts of Covid-19. When the construction industry had to close due to the pandemic, this project was deemed essential NHS infrastructure by the Scottish Government and it was requested that it should continue on site throughout. Bob rose to this challenge, leading on the risk assessments and their implementation to allow the work to continue while ensuring the safety of the workers on site as well as considering the impact on patients and staff accessing in the wider hospital during a time of crisis in Scotland hospitals. Numerous colleagues and our appointed consultants have commented on the level of service provided by Bob as well as noting how friendly and personable he is to work with. I personally have enjoyed my time working alongside Bob and look forward to working with him again on future projects.

Bob was introduced as Site Manager at the pre-start meeting and was instrumental in delivering this challenging project. It was set in the heart of a very sensitive environment (being the upper floor of an acute hospital) with severely ill children of all ages in the surrounding areas. We would note this was truly one of the most complex M&E healthcare installations that we have undertaken in more than 30 years of private practice. The brief and project scope had several twists and turns, some of which had a significant bearing on the overall duration, complexity and value. Throughout the very often stressful project, which was all consuming for those involved at the frontline, Bob managed to carry himself in a manner that belittled the complexity, stress and urgency that accompanied the numerous issues that such a high profile project commanded on a daily basis. He readily conveyed a confident and caring manner along with a depth of understanding on the issue at hand that gave everyone around him the confidence that no matter the subject there would be a way through the issue if we all worked together. His ability to keep a calm head in these often heated and politically charged situations, is an admirable quality, which many would do well to copy. By their very nature modern construction projects are not delivered by a single individual. Bob’s ability to manage the varying personalities on a large site project team that often exceeded 60 staff throughout the Covid pandemic was a key aspect to the successful delivery of the project. Although this is not a tangible piece of the project itself it is nonetheless key to maintaining an efficient and motivated team who he knows how to oversee in order to get the best out of them.