I first joined Stephen George & Partners in 1983 and, following a 10 year period working with other practices in London on commercial and industrial projects, moved to Yorkshire in 1995 to establish our Leeds office. I have extensive experience of commercial developments, in particular offices, workspace planning and working with existing buildings. I particularly enjoy rising to the design challenges that existing and often unpromising buildings present and getting the very best value out of projects. It is often the most challenging brief and project circumstances that yield the most satisfying results.I like working with clients and building users and regard client participation and good communications as the fundamental building blocks of successful projects. It is only by listening to clients that I can understand what they need and from there develop imaginative and practical solutions.I have experience of working in both private and public sectors and was Stephen George & Partners’ key contact with their government clients. With the Department of Work and Pensions, I was principal on more than 1,000 projects over 20 years through framework supply contracts working with them on rationalisation and smarter working programmes. I regard the development of enduring business relationships based on good service as central to our business success.Previously, I led SGP’s workplace and fit-out design group and haver been responsible for numerous workplace design projects in UK and Middle East. I was also SGP’s health and safety champion and led the practice’s activities pursuant to CDM2015, including provision of Designer and Principal Designer services.Most recently, I have channelled my technical, investigative and communication skills working with clients on developing robust remediation proposals for buildings possessing a range of design and construction defects. Projects included those with fire safety and cladding defects, structural and building defects, each requiring investigation, technical reporting and development of remedial solutions and design proposals. In these projects, I have coordinated the activities of the technical and professional teams to ensure key outputs are delivered to meet the requirements of challenging programmes.