Grant James

I am a detail-driven and analytical Quantity Surveyor as well as a Senior Architectural Designer with 15 years experience in delivering astute cost control, detailed designs and contract management in residential, commercial and infrastructure projects.An adaptive professional with a proven track-record of driving down costs and executing exceptional project delivery for multiple dwelling projects. A leader in all aspects of the design, documentation and management. Able to quickly assess cost discrepancies and manage variations in order to avoid disputes.

Skilled in cost planning, procurement, tendering and value engineering. Experienced with JCT and NEC contracts and proficient in ArchiCAD and MS Office.

Senior Architectural Designer & Building Regulations Designer at Border Oak (2014-07 – Present)

• Lead a team of designers across multiple projects, improving the design quality and team performance through structured mentorship
• Lead experience design strategy for residential and commercial sectors
• Collaborate with architects, PMs, QS, site teams and construction leads to align with customer experience and construction feasibility
• Develop road maps and strategies to enhance user satisfaction
• Facilitate co-creation and design review workshops for clients and stakeholders
• Manage design documentation and deliverable across RIBA stages, ensuring compliance, innovation and quality assurance
• Partnered with engineers, consultants and clients to reshape the design and performance
• Design and detail bespoke oak frame structures
• Produce Building Regulation drawings for Building Control
• Produce SIPS designs, 3D models and visuals to illustrate the intend design
• Created Softwood drawings for manufacture and liaised with various members of the manufacture, sales and procurement teams
• Managed projects up to £20m

Project Manager & Quantity Surveyor at Glosford (2011-07 – 2014-06)

• Provided accurate estimates for small extensions to large schools, hospitals and multi-story flats and multi-unit projects
• Produced connection detail drawings, panel optimisation and ordering of products
• Presented and demonstrated construction methods in open house projects
• Presented bids and tenders from simple to complex jobs including a multi-company project for Stonehenge Visitor Centre
• Managed the design team, engineers, orders, site operatives and contractors as well as leading client meetings

Interior Designer at Taskworthy Ltd (2011-01 – 2011-06)

• Designed and detailed bespoke high profile office fit-outs and retail environments from briefs
• Implemented design thinking methos to understand user needs within spacial contexts, leading to increased client retention
• Managed external consultants and internals teams to meet tight budget and programs requirements
• Produced detailed designs, cutting lists and material requisition for quantities and costings

Work Experience at Hereford Council (2007-01 – 2007-01)

6 Weeks work experience

• Experienced Building Regulations with proposed projects
• The Forward Planning Dept., Building Control Dept. and Planning Dept.
• Coordinated with Building Control Officers over sustainability issues
• Attended meetings with Planning Authority and Building Control

Work Experience at Hook Mason Architects (2007-01 – 2007-01)

• Worked alongside Architects and Architectural Technologists
• Attended meetings with Architects, Clients and English Heritage
• Attended CPD meeting and delivered findings to other Architects within the company

Barista at Left Bank Village (2004-09 – 2007-09)

Employed part-time in an upmarket coffee/patisserie shop

• Proficient in assisting with customers from wide-ranging backgrounds
• Dealing with more than one order at the same time
• Delegated jobs to other members of staff as part of a team

BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology and Design – University West of England, Bristol (2007-01 – 2010-01)

BTEC National Diploma in Construction – Worcester College of Technology (2005-01 – 2007-01)