CIOB 2020 CMYA and Rising Stars Announced

Frank Connelly was recognised for his work on the Centre Building for the London School of Economics, which replaced a ramshackle collection of older buildings and created a moderately sized square in front, currently known as LSE Square.

1 Introduction
2 Construction Manager of the Year 2020
3 Project highlights
4 Rising Star Awards
5 Winner accomplishments
6 Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

[edit] Introduction

On 25 November 2020, the Chartered Institute of Building conducted its 42nd annual awards. Presented online in 2020, the virtual event recognised the accomplishments of several outstanding professionals in the construction industry.

[edit] Construction Manager of the Year 2020

Frank Connolly MCIOB of Mace Construction was presented with the 2020 Construction Manager of the Year Awards (CMYA). He was recognised for his successful delivery of the 13-storey Centre Building for the London School of Economics (LSE). Beating 60 other finalists in nine categories Frank, who’s been Operations Director at Mace since 2012, impressed the judging panel with his ingenuity, problem solving and goodwill.

Taking just over two years, this world-class home for political sciences costing £82 million is the largest building commissioned in the LSE’s 125-year history and the first building on the campus to achieve a BREAAM ‘outstanding’ sustainability rating.

Caroline Gumble, CIOB Chief Executive said:

“Frank Connolly’s work was outstanding, with judges commending his “leadership, passion and commitment. Construction managers are instinctively problem solvers who can juggle conflicting priorities and oversee a huge range of issues, including the maintenance of quality standards, the large investment from a client, the health and wellbeing of their co-workers and the interests of the local community. Frank’s efforts are a shining example for what the best of construction can offer. He’s both hugely talented and humble and an inspiration during this particularly challenging time. My heartfelt congratulations to Frank on winning this prestigious honour."

[edit] Project highlights

Maintaining a ‘business as usual’ campus with students forming their own paths through the site was one of the many challenges facing Frank. Added to that challenge was a healthy level of archaeology issues and a project that was almost at tender stage when Brexit happened - which sent product prices soaring.

Frank remained steadfast, finding solutions that not only saved time but money too. He resolved the archaeology issues that had historically dogged the client’s programme in construction projects by coordinating the digs with demolition activity. All archaeology was signed off before the construction phase began as scheduled.

Some 65 percent of the project was prefabricated, including the steel frame and precast planks, the sprinklers (the UK’s first fully prefabricated system) and reception and cafe pods. This move by Frank reduced site deliveries, labour requirements and improved overall quality.

It also did not escape the media’s attention that two homeless men sleeping adjacent to the site’s entrance inspired Frank and his team to inquire as to their plight. It emerged that these were both skilled construction workers who had not managed to find work upon entry to the UK, and within a week the team had secured them temporary accommodation with CRISIS and employment on Mace construction sites.

Following the announcement, Frank said:

“What a fantastic honour to have received this prestigious award, something I had dreamt about for many years. This was a special project delivered to exacting standards, and something I am very proud of.”

[edit] Rising Star Awards

In conjunction with the CMYA announcement, CIOB also presented its Rising Star Awards, which recognised those at the beginning of their careers. Kelly Attwood and Vasiliki Bowler were presented with gold medals for their accomplishments while Annabel Clark was given the silver medal.

[edit] Winner accomplishments

With just 14 years of experience combined, this year’s winners exemplified the high quality of professionalism exhibited throughout the sector.

Kelly Attwood, a graduate site manager at Morgan Sindall, was praised for her “exemplary attitude” and “inquisitive nature” by colleagues, as well as a true passion for construction. In a little over two years, Kelly has already worked on a number of projects, including leading a £10 million design and build three-storey modular project.

Vasiliki Bowler, who has worked in the built environment for six years and been with Faithful + Gould for the past four, has managed projects including for the London School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), the London Metropolitan University (LMU) and the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). Clients expressed appreciation for Vasiliki’s ability to meet expectations “precisely and consistently”, as well as tackling numerous requests and alterations in light of the current worldwide pandemic.

Annabel Clark, a Senior Consultant in Faithful+Gould’s Strategic Asset Management Team, gained recognition from her employer for her work on the Barnsley Blood Centre Project. Annabel was clear on objectives, always available and fully engaged, which contributed to her positive impact on the project. She showcased the full spectrum of consultancy skills, from technical to commercial, to a high level, with expertise in sustainability, life cycle costing, facilities management and asset management.

Caroline Gumble, Chief Executive of the CIOB, said:

“Our first ever winners of the Rising Star award have exceeded my expectations, truly demonstrating all the attributes of the best and most professional managers in construction. They were praised for their consistency and delivery of quality along with their positive attitudes, passion and commitment. I’m thrilled that we are able to acknowledge the hard work, dedication and professionalism exhibited by some of the future leaders of our industry.”

--CIOB