GSSArchitecture is celebrating its 140th anniversary as an architectural practice throughout 2019. This month, Paul Vega, Partner at the practice in charge of Quantity Surveying Services, takes the opportunity to reflect on his time at the practice since he joined 21 years ago.
After studying quantity surveying at what is now the University of Northampton, I made my first steps into the construction industry at a regional contractor working as an assistant construction buyer. Whilst I did enjoy the role, I was keen to pursue a career in quantity surveying as that is what I had originally set out to do. Following my move to GSS in 1998, I undertook further part-time study in quantity surveying under the support of GSS.
I was aware of GSS and its excellent reputation from very early on in my studies, as GSS were undertaking a number of key projects at the University of Northampton and were responsible for much of the development on both campuses. As a student, many of my coursework projects were based around projects that had been undertaken at the university by GSS, and as such I felt that I already knew them.
GSS offers a diverse spread of work over all of the key sectors, which makes good business sense, and also keeps the work interesting. Currently, I am working on a number of projects over numerous sectors within the industry. That is one of most enjoyable things about working at GSS.
One project I am working on is a new speculative office development in Milton Keynes. The contract value is around £30m and the building is spread over eight floors, providing in the region of 140,000 square feet of lettable space.
Being born and bred in Northamptonshire, I am most proud of the projects I have worked on within the county. At GSS I have worked on many local schools, colleges and community buildings to help improve the facilities where local people live, socialise, work and learn. Being part of a scheme that improves the lives of local people means a lot, and it makes me proud to be involved.
An example of this is the number of projects I am working on at Kettering General Hospital. The works are part the hospital’s £2.4m refurbishment and relocation programme, with GSS employed as quantity surveyors. All projects at the hospital are particularly interesting as they all come with their own unique challenges associated with working within a busy, live site. GSS’s involvement with the hospital dates back over 100 years and we are delighted to be involved with these new improvements.
GSS has a long and proud history spanning over the last 140 years. It has seen many changes over those years in the way people live and the technology available. Throughout this time it has managed to adapt and thrive, and has maintained its strong position within the market. That achievement is to the credit of all that have worked here in the past, and to all those currently employed. It is now up to me and the other partners to pass on the core values to the next generation, to ensure the company continues to thrive for many more years to come.
I have worked at GSS for the vast majority of my career and most of my life experiences, such as getting married and having children, have all happened throughout the time I have been with GSS. I started as an assistant quantity surveyor over 20 years ago and have worked my way through the practice to partner level, which I feel helps to demonstrate the company’s commitment to nurturing and empowering its staff to progress.
I am looking forward to making the most of my role as a partner, and helping to grow the quantity surveying and project management services we offer. I am keen to coach and empower our current staff in order for them to grow and develop with us to make our position in the market even stronger and to continue to offer our clients and future clients an exceptional service.
For more information about GSSArchitecture and to keep up to date with its latest projects and activities visit www.gssarchitecture.com