Career Profiles
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Lilly Gallafent BSc (Hons), MRICS Project Manager |
I joined Gardiner & Theobald in 2001, following completion of my degree in Ancient & Modern History at The University of Oxford. As a result of my ‘non-traditional’ choice of degree, I was required to undertake a 2-year Masters degree at The University of Reading in Construction Cost Engineering starting in October 2001. Studying for this degree was part of the requirements of the Assessment of Professional Qualification, for which I also begun studying at the same time. Gardiner & Theobald were very supportive in terms of the MSc and the APC through both formal and informal support structures and although it was certainly hard work there was also plenty to enjoy, particularly in terms of the away-weeks at The University of Reading!
At the same time as all this studying, I was also learning the ropes as part of the site-based Cost Consultancy team on the 30 St. Mary Axe new-build office building in the City of London. Better known as the ‘Gherkin’ this was a fantastic project to be involved in. It was interesting, challenging, exciting and high profile.
I was involved on this project full time for my first 2 years at Gardiner & Theobald, but once I had passed both my MSc & APC (Sept/Nov 2003), I felt it was time for a change. My experiences on 30 St. Mary Axe had also made me aware that there is much more to the construction process than just cost issues. So, in May 2004 I requested a move over into Gardiner & Theobald’s Project Management division – Gardiner & Theobald Management Services. Since joining my experience & knowledge of the Construction industry has significantly widened. I have been involved in the refurbishment of a private residential property on Park Lane in Central London for a very wealthy client, as well as the refurbishment of the Grosvenor House Hotel also on Park Lane. I have also been involved in the refurbishment of a worship hall for the Salvation Army. Recently, I have begun to be involved in the development of the planning application for a new-build office building in Soho, Central London.
Over the last 3 years at Gardiner & Theobald, I have learnt a great deal about the construction process through involvement with all kinds of exciting projects, at all kinds of stages of development. Gardiner & Theobald continue to offer me exciting opportunities to learn more about the industry and progress within the partnership.