DARREN KEMP
As Projects Director, Darren overseas all of K2’s cost management commissions, managing the team and delivery of our services to ensure our clients expectations are not only met but exceeded through the implantation of innovative solutions wherever possible.
Starting his career at one of the big cost management houses, and in more recent years at smaller niche consultancies, Darren has a developed a passion for delivering better solutions to clients and more certainty of outcome via progressive methods of commercial management, harnessing the best of consultancy and contractor expertise and underpinned by the philosophy of construction management.
What’s your career story?
I was very fortunate when I started my career in construction to be surrounded by a group of great mentors and be able to work on a wide range of exciting projects whilst attending college and university as a day release student. This gave me a great grounding and deep understanding of my professional from a very early stage.
Before too long I found myself running a number large and exciting projects, working in, and leading cost management teams for large programmes of work.
Having spent nearly two decades delivering traditional cost management services I became increasingly aware of the problems clients face within the industry and was keen to explore a more progressive cost management solution and service offering, this has led me to where I am now at K2, and as a team we’re really excited about the future!
What are you passionate about outside of work?
I’m a country lad at heart so love the great outdoors, especially winter hiking and mountaineering, although I’m becoming increasing conscious of the heights as I get older!
If your teenage self could see you now what would you think?
Wow, you’ve aged well!
What’s your best career advice?
The construction industry is so varied, so I’d say “surround yourself with great people and mentors, spend time to learn your strengths, find your passion, and be part of the solution.
What motivates you?
Two things I would say,
Being an integral part of professional design teams that change the built environment for the better is really rewarding.
The second, we work in a great industry but it does need to change, I find being part of that change and breaking down the accepted norms in the way we deliver construction projects exciting in an effort to delivering better and more certainty of outcomes for clients.
Who are your inspirations?
I couldn’t name one so, firstly, both Sir Michael Latham and Sir John Egan in equal measure for championing collaboration and attempting to a to apply reforms to the industry, looking back they have both contributed to my passion for a more progressive approach.
Secondly, and all too often overlooked, skilled craftsman. Ultimately our industry is about improving our built environment and its always inspiring to see amazing architecture come to life as a result of their acquired knowledge and skills, acquired through years of dedication to their trade.
What are you most proud of?
My family, (although I’m struggling to convince my daughters Quantity Surveyor is fun!)
What characteristics and skills do you look for in people?
As quantity surveyors we are all about attention to detail but always need to keep sight of the bigger picture, teamwork and collaboration!
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