Meet Our MD - Graham Edward

What is the best thing about your job?

Making a client happy. Either by a really good design, overachieving on their expectations in terms of density or just being really helpful and reactive.

 

Where is the opportunity for the business in the next year?

Beds and sheds. These two markets continue to perform well and remain the core of our expertise at both masterplanning and delivery level.

 

What is the big issue affecting your sector at the moment, and how will this make itself felt more widely?

We need to continue to move towards a more socially aware development world. It’s clear from local and central government and our clients that monetary value is only a small part of the design and that community and social & environmental is just as important. To reflect this, we have invested in the Social Value Engine.

 

What has been the biggest change to your sector in the last 5-10 years, and what has been the impact of that?

The increase in desire and availability for offsite construction methods or Modular Building. We have worked on a number of projects over the past few years. Whilst the industry is still learning and evolving, I think the advantages of it will shine through in the long run and those advantages are quality of build, price certainty, speed and zero site waste.

 

Do you have a phrase or motto that you use or rely on, and why does it resonate with you?

Changing people’s lives. Understanding the end user is so important in the design process. We aim to make our buildings life changing in terms of comfort, feel, use and general wellbeing. All our Court of Protection projects which are houses for the disabled have genuinely changed people’s lives.

 

Who has been the biggest influencein your career? / Who inspires you?

It has been my bosses earlier in my career. I have learned so much from them, not just in terms of ability but how to deal with people, situations and business.

 

How do you relax away from work? 

Cycling and running, supporting Leeds United and walking and surfing big waves in Cornwall which is incredibly exhilarating!