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Design, Plan & Consult: Project Management News

Association for Project Management (APM) calls for employers to invest in project management skills through apprenticeships

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

Survey by APM reveals that 77 per cent of project managers working in organisations offering apprenticeship programmes say they benefit project work Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered body for the project profession, is calling on employers to invest in the better delivery of projects through project management apprenticeships

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Latest Issue
Issue 341 : Jun 2026

Business : Project Management News

Nemetschek Group Announces Vision for Artificial Intelligence Layer to Amplify Creativity across the Building Lifecycle

Nemetschek Group Announces Vision for Artificial Intelligence Layer to Amplify Creativity across the Building Lifecycle

Kenneth Booth October 8, 2024

The Nemetschek Group, a leading global provider of software solutions for the AEC/O and media industries, today announced the launch of an artificial intelligence layer to be embedded in all of the Group’s major solutions from 2025. The AI layer is set to revolutionise creativity and productivity in architecture, engineering and construction as well as management and operation. It will offer tools to simplify complex tasks and empower professionals to focus on innovative design and project execution. Yves Padrines, CEO of the Nemetschek Group, comments: “Our goal is to empower architects, engineers, contractors, and building managers by providing them with tools that expand their expertise. We believe that human intelligence, paired with advanced artificial intelligence, can push boundaries. By integrating the new artificial intelligence layer into our key solutions, we aim to unlock new possibilities and revolutionise workflow efficiency.” Nemetschek Group’s AI layer will leverage secure cloud technology to process user requests efficiently, whether they are making simple inquiries or conducting complex tasks. By managing users’ input quickly and delivering precise responses, the AI layer will support a large range of use cases, from design ideation to task automation. The layer is modular and can understand natural language, enabling fast and accurate responses while transforming and optimising the way users work with Nemetschek products. The AI layer is designed to integrate seamlessly and enhance a wide range of functions: Intelligent automation plays a central role by offering automated task execution, adaptive project management, and natural language interaction, simplifying even the most complex workflows. Insight-driven decision-making is achieved through AI-powered data insights, which guide design processes and optimise decision-making. Additionally, design augmentation allows AI to assist in design iterations, pattern creation, and scenario simulations, enabling more innovative and creative project outcomes. Those features ultimately enable better planning and execution for a more sustainable building process and a better built world. A key focus is on the user experience, making the interactions and engagements with the user more intuitive and efficient. The modular AI layer will also include collaboration tools that drive more effective communication between parties in the construction lifecycle; they will continue to improve based on user feedback. Julian Geiger, VP Head of AI Product & Transformation, Nemetschek Group, says: “We are excited to introduce an AI-powered layer that will be integrated across all our brands and products, bringing new levels of intelligence and automation to our entire ecosystem. Our intention is simple: We aim to make creativity more creative and productivity more productive. By embedding AI into our offerings, we are enabling more efficient workflows, more precise decision-making, and more personalised experiences that empower professionals to do their best work.” Nemetschek’s Vision of Ethical AI Nemetschek’s vision for ethical and trustworthy AI focuses on transparency, data privacy, and reliability. AI decisions should be understandable to users, with clear explanations provided. Stringent data security measures are in place, including user consent and anonymisation where possible. Before deployment, AI models will undergo rigorous testing and validation, with human oversight in critical areas. Clear accountability needs to be established within the organisation. Additionally, AI is used to promote sustainability and the well-being of our society as well as to help its users adjust to new realities, and therefore adapt to evolving job roles and expectations. “As a leading software provider in the AEC/O industry, we are dedicated to ensuring that our AI technologies are developed ethically, prioritising transparency, fairness, and accountability. We are committed to creating AI systems that are explainable and free from bias, promoting inclusivity for all users. Privacy and data security are at the core of our AI initiatives, and we implement strong safeguards to protect sensitive information”, adds Charlie Sheridan, Chief AI and Data Officer, Nemetschek Group. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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APM President celebrates women in project profession at 2024 Women in Project Management Conference

APM President celebrates women in project profession at 2024 Women in Project Management Conference

Kenneth Booth September 2, 2024

On 26 September 2024, over 700 project professionals will come together to network, interact and learn about the topics that really matter to women in the project profession. Hosted by the Association for Project Management (APM), the Women in Project Management Conference 2024 is one of the biggest dates in APM’s calendar. This year’s Women in Project Management Conference 2024: Leadership Unpacked will feature keynotes, speeches, and sessions on a variety of topics, including the three key streams; Women in Leadership, Celebrating Differences, and Career Develop Tools and Techniques. Additionally, the event will see APM’s new President Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE DL give her first major speech since being appointed to the role. Dr Thompson is the founder of the WinTrade Global Women in Business Network Summit and Awards and is part of a powerful network supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for greater gender and race equality and equity. Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE DL, APM President, said: “It’s an honour to have been appointed as the new President for the Association for Project Management. Not only is this an extremely proud moment for me personally, but it’s an important step for females in the project profession. “Currently the gender pay gap in the project profession is 16% higher than the national average and the number of females in leadership roles is at risk of stagnation. There are plenty of opportunities to improve the equality and diversity across the industry. “I can’t wait to hear from some of the many inspirational individuals at the conference and see so many project professionals come together to celebrate women in project management. “One of my main goals as APM President is to combat this issue of stagnation and break down barriers for women in the project profession. APM’s Women in Project Management Conference is a great opportunity to learn more about exactly what matters to women in the project profession.” The day includes a busy programme of speeches, panel sessions and workshops hosted by a wide variety of speakers from across the project profession and beyond. These sessions promise to provide attendees with the skills and behaviours required for their own personal and professional development. Most notably, the conference will feature keynotes from social entrepreneur and broadcaster Natalie Campbell MBE and England rugby world cup winner Maggie Alphonsi MBE. The event is concluded with a drinks reception that provides attendees with further opportunities to network and meet with like-minded individuals. APM is committed to improving the equality and diversity of those within the project profession in order to deliver improved project outcomes for the benefit of society. It supports businesses and individuals of all sizes with memberships, qualifications, chartered status, events and its online community hub. To learn more, visit apm.org.uk/apm-wipm-conference. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Savills boosts BPC London project management team with living sector specialist

Savills boosts BPC London project management team with living sector specialist

BDC News Team July 8, 2024

Savills has expanded its London project management team, part of building & project consultancy (BPC), with the appointment of Steven Brown who joins as a director at the firm’s Margaret Street head office in London. Steven has over 20 years’ experience in project management, planning and delivering projects across a wide range of sectors and disciplines in the UK, Middle East and Australian markets. More recently he has specialised in multifamily build to rent (BtR) developments, working with clients including British Land, Get Living, Grainger and Grosvenor Estates. Steven joins from Arcadis, where he was a senior project director within the firm’s property and investment business. At Savills, Steven will lead the division’s London living sector team, focusing on residential, built to rent, hospitality and purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) asset classes. Steven Brown comments: “I am delighted to have joined Savills to head-up this exciting new growth area for the division. As we know, confidence is returning in the living sector after a period of sustained cost inflation, constraints on finance and regulatory uncertainty. I believe Savills, as a market leader in residential asset advisory services, is the ideal platform to support investor and developer clients through the project feasibility, design and construction phases of their developments. I look forward to working with colleagues from across the business to bring together in-depth real estate expertise and best-in-class project management services.” Paul Davies, head of London project management at Savills, adds: “We are very pleased to welcome Steven to Savills. The living sector is a huge area of growth for the BPC division and with Steven’s knowledge and expertise we will considerably increase our capability to service these clients moving forward. It is fantastic that the team continues to go from strength to strength and we look forward to further expansion imminently.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Savills boosts BPC’s London office project management team with two new joiners 

Savills boosts BPC’s London office project management team with two new joiners 

BDC News Team May 29, 2024

Savills has expanded its London office project management team, part of building & project consultancy (BPC), with two new appointments. Rekha Mistry who joins as a director and John Capper joining as an associate director, who will both be based at the firm’s Margaret Street head office in London taking the overall team headcount to more than 30. Rekha has over 20 years’ experience in consultancy project management, contract administration and design and architecture. Her specific focus is on leading large scale, complex commercial occupier fit-out projects, having worked with clients such as the Government Property Unit and Transport for London. Rekha joins from Seven Projects where she was head of project management, having previously worked at both T&T and BNP Paribas. She is also a qualified architect and has recently been a Mixology Awards judge and mentor for the Wilmott Dixon Women in Leadership Programme. John has over 11 years’ experience in construction project management, delivering high-end complex Cat-A and CAT-B projects. He specialises in the office sector, primarily delivering refurbishment and alteration schemes for clients including Oval Real Estate, Pontegadea and Savills Investment Management. John joins from his previous role as Operations Manager at Neilcott Construction and prior to this he was a project manager at Overbury. At Savills, Rekha will complement the firm’s capability in the occupier fit-out market, a key growth area for the business. Whilst John’s construction background will bring a wealth of expertise to complex building projects in the expanding refurbishment market. Rekha Mistry comments: “I am very excited to have joined Savills market leading team. Occupiers are continuing on their flight to quality, along with a focus on both attracting and retaining staff. As a result we are seeing a significant increase in the number of businesses seeking to provide the best possible space for their employees. With this in mind, I look forward to working with colleagues from across the business on a wide variety of projects.” Benjamin Cottle, co-head of London office project management, adds: “We are very pleased to welcome both Rekha and John to Savills. This continues our strategic growth in  project management with further plans to expand our life science team and develop opportunities in the living market in central London over the course of 2024.” Richard Eyley, co-head of London office project management, says: “The appointments of Rekha and John underscore our ongoing commitment to expanding our team with a diverse range of expertise. Our recruitment targets are robust, positioning our team of project managers strongly within the London market.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Greyfriars Project Management celebrate growth at opening event for new larger offices

Greyfriars Project Management celebrate growth at opening event for new larger offices

BDC News Team May 15, 2024

Project management specialists, Greyfriars, have relocated to new offices in Norwich city centre – and marked the occasion with an opening event attended by colleagues, friends and clients. The move is a result of the company’s rapid growth and the need for a bigger space to accommodate its expanding team – and expanding client portfolio. Held on Friday 19th April, the event welcomed guests to the firm’s new Queens Road offices to celebrate their move. “It’s brilliant to bring everyone together and mark the start of a new chapter in our company story! It seems like just yesterday that we moved to our previous offices, but having expanded to a team of 15, this move is much-needed!” says Jon Barnard, Director of Greyfriars Project Management. Greyfriars Project Management – who work with big name clients in the public, private and charity sectors – have quadrupled in size in just four years and aim to target sustainable growth of 50% over the next three years. Their new office provides ample space to accommodate the company’s increasing staff and support its commitment to providing top-tier project management services to its clients. Since the business was founded in 2018, the project management specialists have worked with big names, including National Highways, National Trust and Norfolk County Council. But, Greyfriars’ director Jon Barnard is keen to state that none of this would have been possible without the dedicated support of the Greyfriars team. “The excellent support of the Greyfriars team has been instrumental to the business’s success! This office move is part of our continued commitment to investing in our people. We’ve invested in a bigger space, as well as the equipment and infrastructure needed to support a growing team and provide everyone with the tools and training they need to do a fantastic job for our clients and the community!” adds Jon. Greyfriars Project Management are unique in that they only work on projects which deliver genuine community value.  “The central location of our new office is perfectly situated to allow us to get even more involved in community-engagement activities. Plus, it means we’re easily accessible on foot and via public transport, which is not only good for staff and visitors, but kinder to the environment too” concludes Jon. Greyfriars Project Management provide independent, professional project management support services for all types of building, transport and placemaking projects. They’ve successfully delivered projects throughout the UK and pride themselves on their flexible approach to providing services which suit their clients’ requirements. To find out more about Greyfriars Project Management, visit https://greyfriarspm.com/   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions’ Head of Engineering & Project Management outlines 2024 goals

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions’ Head of Engineering & Project Management outlines 2024 goals

BDC News Team February 2, 2024

Steven Cunningham, Head of Engineering and Project Management at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, has outlined ambitions for 2024 and beyond, focussing on enhancing customer engagement and developing people. With a wealth of experience in many facets of the business including estimating, trade, sales, and project management, Steven is now responsible for the design function of the business. He said: “As we look ahead to our ambitions for 2024, customer engagement is a key business driver for us, as well as ensuring a smooth operation from the design to stage all the way through to manufacture and delivery. “The experience I have gained from my various roles in the business has given me a greater understanding, allowing me to see things from many different stakeholder’s perspectives – both customers and internally – to be able to improve processes and the quality of our offering. “As we are part of the wider ASSA ABLOY group, it gives us the ability to provide a more comprehensive solution than competitors, offering both the door and additional hardware as well.” The company’s Building Information Modelling (BIM) application, Openings Studio™, remains a key focus, with Steven keen to promote the benefits of the platform. “Openings Studio™ integrates with design software to create and visualise openings for complete door, frame and hardware schedules and specifications. “This enables seamless extraction of door design intent and all relevant interfaces to assist fabricators to develop complete door requirements that meet building regulations.” In addition to solutions such as Openings Studio™, Steven believes great people are at the heart of the company’s success. He adds: “We’re keen to develop staff, grow the design function, and increase collaboration across departments. We have a very capable design team with different age ranges, some with many valuable years of experience and some newer team members. “This blend helps vastly when it comes to innovation, and I’m always learning new things from younger colleagues and looking at ways we can improve and do things better.  “Teamwork is crucial to reach our goals and exceed all expectations, and we are confident we have to tools in place to make 2024 a year to be proud of.” For more information on ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions, please visit bit.ly/3OpVQRa. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Association for Project Management appoints acclaimed business leader Yvonne Thompson as new President

Association for Project Management appoints acclaimed business leader Yvonne Thompson as new President

BDC News Team January 25, 2024

Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered membership organisation for the project profession, has today announced the appointment of Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE as its President-elect. Dr Thompson will commence in the role in July, taking over from outgoing APM President, Sue Kershaw, who has served in the role since 2019. As President, Dr Thompson will advocate for the project profession, host APM’s high-profile events and facilitate discussions that will drive forwards project, programme and portfolio work around the world. Her professional background includes roles as Music Editor of Root magazine, Managing Director of marketing and PR company ASAP Communications, and President of the European Federation of Black Women Business Owners. In addition, she is a founding member of radio station Choice FM. She has four Fellowships including from Kings College London, along with honorary doctorates from London Metropolitan University and the University of Plymouth. She is also a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London and a successful author, speaker and influencer. Commenting on the appointment, Milla Mazilu, Chair of APM’s Board of Trustees, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Yvonne Thompson as APM’s incoming President. She is a hugely respected leader, role model and campaigner. These qualities make her the ideal choice to represent APM, the chartered membership organisation for the project profession. “Yvonne joins APM at an exciting time for the project community, but also at a time when many face challenges in their work to deliver projects and programmes that will benefit society. Yvonne’s experience in spearheading innovative and groundbreaking projects will be invaluable in this role. I speak for everyone associated with APM when I say I am greatly looking forward to working with her. “I would also like to thank our outgoing President, Sue Kershaw, who has served APM, our members and the wider project profession with tireless dedication since 2019. With Sue’s support, APM has successfully navigated challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and introduced new innovations and offerings for our members. Her work has helped cement APM’s reputation as an outstanding professional body.” Dr Thompson said: “I am honoured to have been appointed into the prestigious role of APM’s President. I now look forward to getting started in the coming months, and to help promote APM’s vision, mission and strategy. I’m also keen to help shape the future of the sector and drive professionalism. “I look forward to working with APM’s Board of Trustees in helping to shape the project profession’s direction, along with Chief Executive Adam Boddison, and all those associated with APM and its work.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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£200m scheme sees railway arches undergo transformation in Greater Manchester

£200m scheme sees railway arches undergo transformation in Greater Manchester

Kenneth Booth January 3, 2024

BOOSTING regional regeneration efforts, work has commenced on the redevelopment of previously derelict railway arches in Greater Manchester, which will be transformed into new destinations for food and drink, leisure and retail businesses. The arches on Norton Street, Salford, are located in Greengate, an area of the city currently experiencing a period of intensive development activity and growth. The scheme forms part of Project 1000, The Arch Company’s £200m plan to bring a thousand empty or derelict spaces into use across England and Wales by 2030. Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is behind the project on Norton Street, delivering mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP), and civil and structural engineering services in partnership with Stephen George + Partners (SGP), operating closely with main contractor Triton Construction. Improvements will include new glazed frontages, new services and drainage, and an internal lining to make the spaces dry and ready for occupation. Matt Barron, associate structural engineer at Pick Everard, said: “After investigating the existing arch structures and local ground conditions, we developed a structural design and drainage scheme. “Our building services team then coordinated with utility providers to provide sufficient utility connections to the new development, and has designed the necessary ventilation, power and lighting solutions for the new arch fitouts. “We look forward to seeing the completion of this project and its contribution to the regeneration of the local area.” SGP studio director, Alan Soper, said: “We are excited to see work commence on thetransformation of these historic arch structures on Norton Street into spaces for businesses to develop and thrive. “The development is located in a key area of regeneration and renewal within Greater Manchester and The Arch Company’s investment will help to create a vibrant destination for Salford’s new neighbourhoods, while also supporting local businesses and the wider community.” The design for the scheme also incorporates high-quality materials that will generate an attractive appearance to the elevations on Norton Street, creating a ‘street’ of arches that will appeal to potential occupiers in the current marketplace.  Danny Joss, director of capital programmes at The Arch Company, added: “We are really pleased to be investing in transforming these arches. We anticipate strong demand given their location, and we look forward to seeing new businesses move in, supporting the local economy and creating jobs for this growing community.” Norton Street is just one of several projects Pick Everard has worked on with The Arch Company. Other projects include the regeneration of four dilapidated railway arches on America Street in Southwark to deliver vibrant new spaces for restaurants, cafés, bars, and other leisure businesses, as well as the transformation of six vacant railway arches on Witan Street, in Bethnal Green, to create a range of new commercial spaces. Pick Everard also worked with The Arch Company on the redevelopment of ten derelict railway arches on Corporation Street in Manchester. To view the full range of services Pick Everard provides, please visit www.pickeverard.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Jacobs wins Sustainability Award at Association for Project Management Awards 2023

Jacobs wins Sustainability Award at Association for Project Management Awards 2023

Kenneth Booth November 28, 2023

The winners of the annual Association for Project Management (APM) Awards 2023 have been announced at a prestigious awards ceremony taking place in London on Monday 20 November. The awards, sponsored by RPC UK Ltd, celebrate excellence within the project profession – from project organisations, projects, programmes and individuals working across a broad range of industry sectors in the UK and internationally.  Jacobs has been name winner of the APM Sustainability Award, a new award launched this year, to recognise organisations or individual projects that demonstrate environmental sustainability practices in the development and delivery of their projects.  The award recognises the commitment of organisations, project managers and their teams to run more sustainable, ethical, and environmentally friendly projects. Jacobs which provides a range of engineering, technical, professional and construction services, was selected as the winner by awards judging panel for its approach to embedding sustainability into every project. Sustainability is a critically important priority for Jacobs, it’s embedded from the way the organisation operates its business to the sustainable solutions it co-creates with clients and partners. Jacobs continues to seek ways of making positive environmental, societal and economic differences for businesses, governments and communities around the world.  To ensure every project is a climate response opportunity the company embeds sustainability through its global sustainability strategy, PlanBeyond 2.0. This is the foundation of what sustainability means to Jacob’s people, clients and the planet — integrating sustainability objectives throughout operations and client solutions in alignment with the UNSDGs.  Will Masters, Sustainability Lead at Jacobs, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled for me this is a shared award. This is not just about thousands of people delivering projects in Jacobs. When you look at the list of finalists, not only have we won the award but three of the projects listed as finalists are our projects. “For me, sustainability is something we need to be thinking about in the same terms as safety and quality, so it’s fantastic that APM is recognising sustainability as it is.” Professor Adam Boddison OBE, Chief Executive of APM, said: “I would like to congratulate Jacobs for its outstanding commitment to excellence in sustainability and project delivery.  The company clearly showcases a commendable commitment to sustainability, integrating it into every aspect of operations, project management, and client solutions. “Our awards are all about celebrating the outstanding successes of the project profession, and I would like to congratulate all of this year’s winners and finalists for their incredible achievements over the past year.” For a full list of the APM Award 2023 winners visit apm.org.uk/apm-awards/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Association for Project Management (APM) calls for employers to invest in project management skills through apprenticeships

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

Survey by APM reveals that 77 per cent of project managers working in organisations offering apprenticeship programmes say they benefit project work Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered body for the project profession, is calling on employers to invest in the better delivery of projects through project management apprenticeships schemes for their staff and new apprentices. The call comes ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, taking place from 7-13 February 2022. This follows a recent APM survey of over 1000 project professionals (with research company Censuswide), which reveals that of the respondents who say their company runs project management apprenticeships, the majority (77 per cent) consider apprenticeships to be beneficial to project work within their business1. In the construction sector*, of the respondents who said their company runs apprenticeship programmes for project professionals, 55 per cent said they help the whole team develop themselves, 50 per cent say they bring new ideas into the organisation and 45 per cent who say that apprenticeships are a good way to recruit and retain talent. Commenting ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, Jackie Martin, director of education and lifelong learning at APM, says: “Now more than ever, businesses and communities depend on talented project professionals, as projects and project‑based working are here to stay. We would urge employers to invest in developing skills through apprenticeships for the value they can bring and for the long-term benefits to project delivery. “As the chartered body for the project profession, we are committed to promoting and encouraging better skills development and training. The growth of the “projectification” of work means more project professionals will be needed to help organisations succeed. Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to help plug the gap since they blend a professional qualification with supported learning and development while in a full‑time role.” For further details about project management apprenticeships, APM has a dedicated page on its website apm.org.uk/qualifications-and-training/apprenticeships/national-apprenticeship-week APM also offers free Student membership to students and apprentices aged over 16. Student members can benefit from a range of online resources, networking opportunities and events. Visit apm.org.uk/membership for further details. 40 per cent of survey respondents working in the construction sector stated that their company runs project management apprenticeships ​

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