MGAC acquires Stonemark.  Click here to learn more.

News + Ideas

MGAC Impacts: Paul Davis on the Harlequins, a 32-Year-Old Calculator, and Working With Some of the World’s Biggest Cultural Institutions

Tags

The Impact Blog is a spotlight series that highlights and celebrates the diverse employees that make MGAC tick. Beyond their day-to-day schedules, we want to know how they have a greater impact on their colleagues, their company, and the communities in which they live and work. We want to know what makes them get out of bed in the morning, what led them to their current role, and what they hope their lasting impact will be.

 Today, we get to know Paul Davis, Director at MGAC.

MGAC: Hello and welcome to the Impact Blog, Paul!

Paul Davis (PD): Thank you! Good to be here.

MGAC: What is your role here at MGAC?

PD: I am a London-based Director with a multifaceted role. As a Cost Manager, I oversee projects both locally and beyond. I am also actively involved in business development and supporting the career growth of our cost management team. It’s a dynamic and varied position that keeps me engaged!

MGAC: Sounds like it!

PD: Yes, there’s always something new! We have just moved into a new office here in London, which is a great space for our team and for meeting with clients.

MGAC: And how did you find your way to your role?

PD: I’ve been a Cost Manager for 32 years. I started as a graduate at Davis Langdon & Everest and then AECOM before joining up with Peter Flint and Radhika Sathy to create Flint + Partners. We were acquired by MGAC in September, so I’m still very much a newbie!

MGAC: And how have you settled in?

PD: Quite well so far!

MGAC: Glad to hear it! What initially led you to the world of cost management?

PD: When I was doing my A levels, a cost manager spoke at the school. It was quite an uplifting and motivational talk about the role and the profession, which resulted in me and four or five of my friends deciding to be cost managers. I went on to study for a degree at the University of Reading and then joined Davis Langdon & Everest.

MGAC: What do you think your younger self—pre-A levels and learning about cost management—would think of your role today? 

PD: It’s funny, because when I was about 15 or 16, I wanted to be in the Navy. I’d been in the sea cadets at school and was always interested in being outdoors. I am glad that I didn’t go down that route, and looking back, I realised that I always wanted to pursue something that I had an interest in – and that’s no longer the Navy! I love working in the construction industry and I get up in the morning with a real sense of purpose as I quite like what I do and don’t have to do the same thing every day. I meet loads of new people, and it’s not as strict an environment as the Navy would have been!

MGAC: Very true!

PD: People outside of the construction industry don’t really know what cost managers do. They think it’s counting bricks, right? But we’re actually helping to shape entire projects. That means looking at briefs, the physics of a building, the size, shape, and orientation. We’re filling in the blanks beyond drawings to understand how much a building will cost. It’s much more varied and interesting than most people realise, especially as you gain experience and build your knowledge base — something invaluable in this line of work.

MGAC: You’ve lucked out with a pretty fun project portfolio throughout your career as well, right? 

PD: Yes! Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work within the arts and culture sector. It’s been brilliant to work with clients like the Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert Museum, The Barbican Centre, the National Theatre, the Royal Festival Hall, and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Projects of that profile often result in you working with “iconic” architects, and I have had the pleasure of working with practices including Herzog & de Meuron, Foster + Partners, and Diller Scofidio + Renfro. Arts clients are very rewarding. They are passionate, and as they aren’t familiar with the construction world, they really appreciate your expertise. Several of those were also historic buildings, challenging but always fun.

MGAC: Speaking of projects, what’s keeping you busy at the moment?

PD: I touched on the arts sector, but currently, I’m working on three hospitality projects for Park Plaza Hotels in London. I’m also working on the mixed-use 318 Oxford Street project in London’s Oxford St and a few data centres in London and Amsterdam. I am also assisting some of my U.S. colleagues on a large campus project in Nashville. It’s a huge project which also includes a hotel and an exhibition space. Beyond those, we are constantly bidding for new projects, and we have a number of very exciting prospects in the pipeline. The UK market is a competitive space, so that definitely keeps me busy!

MGAC: Lots going on! Do you travel often for those projects that are outside of London?

PD: Sometimes! I go to the Amsterdam project once a month and was just there this week. I haven’t visited Nashville yet, though!

MGAC: We’ve touched on some of your favourite projects. Now, how might you describe your ideal workday?

PD: It’s probably heading into the office and grabbing time with the team. I often get out and talk to existing or new clients or visit a site. Interacting with people is always the best part of the day.

MGAC: Where do you find the energy to tackle each day?

PD: Who doesn’t like a bit of London? I live about 15 miles outside of London, so coming into the city, meeting with the team, and learning what they’re all up to really gives me energy!  I’ve also got two daughters, one is at University, and one is sitting her A-level exams this year. I enjoy skiing when I can, and I’m into watching sports as well. Particularly rugby—I played when I was younger, now I watch, as that’s a young man’s game!

MGAC: What’s your rugby team?

PD: I am a big Harlequins fan! I have a season ticket, and I can walk to their matches from my house, which is great.

MGAC: And how are they doing right now?

PD: Not that well at the moment! They’re middle to lower end of the table. I’d give them a C grade for the time being. Must try harder!

MGAC: Sounds like you keep a busy schedule! Do you have a preferred routine for winding down after a busy day?

PD: We have a dog called Monty, so I love taking him out for walks. At the end of the day, I also enjoy cooking and reading.

MGAC: Any books or authors you’d like to recommend to our readers?

PD: I quite like a bit of science fiction, something that takes you out of your every day.  I am a big fan of a Scottish author called Iain M Banks, who’s absolutely brilliant. If you’ve not come across any of his stuff, you’ve got to read it! All his books are really interesting but start with Consider Phlebas if you fancy a read.

MGAC: Noted! When you think broadly about your work and career, what kind of impact do you hope to have?

PD: I really want to make sure that as I’ve developed as a professional, I can pass on what I have learned to the next generation coming through the business. I’ve mentored lots of young people through their early careers, and I’ve learned from them as well along the way. Getting to teach and learn is something that’s so important to me and keeps things interesting. Of course, when it comes to legacy, I’ll always enjoy being able to work on some big, high-profile schemes, too—the kinds you can tell your grandchildren about before they get too bored!

MGAC: Here’s to that! Now, are you ready for some rapid-fire questions?

PD: I think so!

MGAC: You’re starting your workday. What’s the first thing you do?

PD: Grab a coffee and turn the computer on. Always coffee, then emails.

MGAC: And the last thing? 

PD: Review everything I’ve done to see what needs to be picked up tomorrow.

MGAC: What’s the first item on your to-do list right now?

PD: Send a cost report to a client.

MGAC: What’s the most interesting thing on your desk right now?

PD: In 1992, when I was a graduate, I got this calculator. It still has my name written on the back of it. My 32-year-old calculator still works!

MGAC: What can you not get through the workday without?

PD: Lunch.

MGAC: What’s your go-to weekday lunch?

PD: We’re quite lucky in London and there is so much choice close to the office. We have an Italian deli around the corner and there is street food close by.

MGAC: What’s the most-used app on your phone?

PD: The BBC News app.

MGAC: How might you describe your job in five words or less?

PD: Cost and procure buildings.

MGAC: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

PD: Believe in yourself, don’t be scared to ask questions, and get out and find your own luck.

MGAC: What would your dream project look like?

PD: Well, I won my dream project four years ago! It was a new build international concert hall in London by a signature architect. Unfortunately, it got cancelled because they couldn’t raise the funding for the project.  It was a fabulous scheme though, and a real shame it was not realised.

MGAC: Where might we find you if you’re not at work?

PD: Either watching Harlequins or, if I am lucky, at my local pub, the Three Kings.

MGAC: What are you known for around the office?

PD: Oh dear me, I hope people think I’m approachable!

MGAC: What’s something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?

PD: I have two artificial hips, but I can still get out on the dance floor—especially for some ’90s club classics.

 

Contact Us

Want to learn more about how we can help bring your project to life, or get in touch with one of our many experts? Send us an email with how we can help, and we will be in touch.

Contact Us