He will be taking on responsibility for the BCO Scottish Awards in 2013, so we spent 60 seconds quizzing him about his judging experiences to date:
How long have you been a member of the BCO and what do you see as a key benefit?
I
have been a member for approximately six years and have been involved with the
Scottish Chapter Committee for the last four years. I also represent the BCO on
the Scottish Property Federation’s Policy Committee for Building Standards and Sustainability.
There
are many benefits of membership but learning through the research portal and
attending tours are a great way of keeping abreast of the ever changing
challenges of good office design.
You have been on the Scottish judging panel for three years, what do you see as the biggest challenge of becoming Chairman?
The
judging process has been well-honed over the years and, in my experience,
provides a great deal of rigour to what otherwise could be quite a subjective
process. The biggest challenge is to ensure that there is a healthy
competition. Last year’s regional results demonstrated that competent well
delivered schemes win awards – not necessarily the most expensive projects.
What is the hardest part about being a BCO judge?
The
most difficult element is having to select only one winner in each category. I
can recall on a number of occasions wishing to recognise more than one scheme.
Timing can be the key to success and a number of schemes have not been awarded
due to the number of entries in a category in that particular year. There is no
enjoyment in seeing some great developments going unrewarded.
What is the best part about being a BCO Judge?
The
best part has to be the license to see and hear what the best in the industry
is doing. It is tantamount to industrial espionage! I also really enjoy the
open debates between judges hearing what appeals to each member of the panel.
The Entry Guide asks entrants to describe how the office lifts spirits, is there a past awards entry that made a particular positive impact on you? And if so, why was this?
I
think this is one of the most important questions which we ask. The
office environment has seen many changes from the drab grey interiors of the
70’s. We are witnessing a transformation in office design with offices becoming
colourful – even fun spaces which encourage communication and enhance
productivity. Virgin Money’s award winning refurbishment on Charlotte Square in
Edinburgh last year was of particular note where a respectable St Andrew Square historic and listed building was transformed into a contemporary space
which the client, staff and visitors clearly enjoy. Hard
Rock Cafe style Virgin branded memorabilia adorn the main staircase and
visitors lounge, which looks more akin to a boutique hotel.
What advice would you give someone planning to submit an entry for the 2013 Awards?
Go
for it! The application process has been streamlined this year and we are
working to give more prominence and publicity to those who participate. Given
the current economic climate, the number of entries is expected to stabilise so
there has never been a better opportunity to win a coveted cube!
What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out as a BCO Judge?
Be
yourself. Each judge is picked to bring their own particular knowledge and
experience to bear and this is the key to ensuring that the review is as broad
an assessment as possible. (My other advice would be get in training – four
days in a van with little time to eat, drink or check emails can be punishing!)
Who/what has most inspired you in the Commercial Property Sector?
There
are many great sources of inspiration that we see through judging or attending
tours. Design teams are using more sophisticated simulation packages to deliver
low energy or fire engineered solutions whilst architects and interior
designers are constantly raising the bar delivering more flexible and creative
environments.
What couldn’t you live without in your daily routine?
I
am lucky with a very understanding wife and two teenage children who still have
some time for me! We endeavour whenever possible to catch up over our evening
meal together – although that seems to be getting later and later these days.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I
am a terrible Karaoke singer but that doesn’t stop me giving the odd and very
bad rendition of Kenny Roger’s Ruby!
