I never planned on becoming a construction project manager. My journey into the field wasn’t driven by ambition but by necessity. Lizzie and I married and started a family in our early twenties and, with a job in retail banking, we found ourselves struggling to make ends meet. I knew I needed a change. When an opportunity in construction project management presented itself, I grabbed it. That decision set me on a path that would shape my career and transform my life.
Career Progression: From Barclays to Iconic Project Manager
I began my career in project management at Barclays, working as an assistant project manager on minor works and specific tasks within larger projects. Over time, I progressed to managing corporate office fit-outs, eventually moving into retail, where I took on increasingly complex flagship branch projects.
Eventually, I reached the role of Head of Construction for Barclays Retail Banking. From there, I transitioned into private practice, working for two London-based consultancies. This role allowed me to deliver projects for blue-chip clients such as Nike, as well as diverse projects with local authorities and private clients. Finally, I decided to take the leap and establish Iconic Project Management, where I now lead a project management team dedicated to delivering high-quality projects on time, on budget and on brief.
A Project That Stands Out
Among the many projects I’ve managed, one that holds a special place in my heart is the Barclays flagship branch in Brighton. It was an ambitious project—implementing a new design in a unique, historic building. To achieve the best results, we used a temporary branch while we gutted the entire building. We took particular care to preserve the building’s historical features, including massive cast iron doors that were repurposed as sliding doors inside. The end result was a beautifully integrated modern design within a historically significant structure—a perfect blend of past and future.
Essential Skills for Success
Construction project management demands a unique blend of skills. Here are the key ones I’ve found most valuable:
Listening: Understanding the needs of clients, stakeholders, and team members is crucial.
Effective Communication: Tailoring messages to different audiences ensures clarity and efficiency.
Emotional Resilience: Not taking criticism personally helps maintain focus on project goals.
Calm Under Pressure: Challenges arise, and staying composed is the best way to navigate them.
A Day in the Life
No two days are the same in project management, but my typical day involves:
Attending project progress meetings
Managing issues and action points
Conducting client calls and site visits
Supporting apprentices and mentoring team members
Preparing reports and business development activities
Favourite Part of the Project Process
For me, the most rewarding moment is at the end of a project—seeing the finished result and knowing we built something tangible that serves a purpose. It’s a deeply satisfying experience.
Keeping Projects on Track
Keeping projects on schedule and within budget comes down to strong people management. It starts with defining a realistic budget that covers the known brief. From there, it’s about managing change and variance effectively while ensuring every team member delivers on their commitments.
Key Lessons Learnt
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is respect. Every individual involved in a project brings a unique perspective, and those perspectives matter. Listening and valuing input from all levels—whether it’s a client, contractor, or site worker—leads to better outcomes.
Building Relationships
When it comes to working with clients, contractors, and team members, my approach is simple: be direct, firm, and fun. Clarity and decisiveness are essential, but so is making the process enjoyable. After all, collaboration should be engaging and rewarding.
Staying Updated
The construction industry is always evolving, and staying informed is key. I make a habit of reading industry publications, actively seeking out knowledge, and dedicating 1.5 hours a week to APM (Association for Project Management) study. Continuous learning is non-negotiable in this field.
What People Don’t Know About Construction Project Management
One of the biggest misconceptions about construction is that the initial price is the final price. In reality, costs are constantly influenced by negotiations, design changes, and unforeseen challenges. My approach to project management focuses on providing clients with clear, accurate, and up-to-date cost information, ensuring they make informed decisions at every stage. I'm incredibly proud of our track record of delivering projects on time, within budget, and precisely to brief.
What Drives Me
At the core of it all, I love helping people achieve their goals. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is seeing the tangible benefits of a project—like helping a local business relocate to a better shop and watching them thrive as a result.
Work-Life Balance
Balancing work and personal life, especially during busy projects, is always a challenge. Fortunately, working with my family makes it easier. I also make time for personal activities, like swimming and going to the gym, which are just for me.
Dream Projects & Personal Interests
If I had unlimited budget and time, I’d build my own dream garage in our new house—because, why not? As for my favourite building, it has to be the Colosseum in Rome. Not only is it an architectural marvel, but it brought joy to my wife when we visited, which makes it extra special.
Outside of work, I have a few passions: I love comics (I’m a big DC fan), canoeing, and, of course, enjoying a good lager.
Alternative Career Path
If I weren’t a project manager, I’d have pursued acting. There’s something about storytelling and performance that has always fascinated me.
Best Advice I’ve Ever Received
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is simple but profound: “I’m better than nobody, and nobody is better than me.” It’s a principle that reminds me to stay humble and respect everyone equally.
Looking Ahead
The construction industry is constantly evolving, and I see it heading towards greater sustainability, digital transformation, and efficiency improvements. At Iconic Project Management, my focus is on stability—ensuring we’re prepared for surprises and ready to respond effectively.
Why I Love What I Do
What I love most about my company is developing people and growing the business. Seeing my team succeed and our projects come to life is incredibly fulfilling.
One Goal for the Next Year
My key goal for the coming year is stability—not avoiding surprises, but being better equipped to handle them.
My journey in construction project management has been unexpected but deeply rewarding. From my first steps into the industry to leading the Project Management at Iconic, every challenge and success has shaped me. And while the projects are important, it’s ultimately about the people—the clients, the teams, and the communities we help build. That’s what makes this work meaningful.
Author
Darren Hewitt
Darren has over 25 years experience in the construction industry. Within this time he has led and delivered construction projects for major blue chip clients.
Darren has held senior roles in both client and consultant organisations. This gives him a full understanding of the construction process and level of stakeholder engagement required to ensure successful project/programme outcomes.
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