Expertise
Lydia has a wealth of experience in managing and delivering both pre- and post-contract projects, from feasibility, tendering, value engineering, managing the build stage to final delivery, ensuring the design team work efficiently to deliver the project and ensuring to bring out the best of the team to achieve and exceed the client’s requirements and budget. Lydia also produces and manages reports for Homes England.
Lydia was previously a part of the residential team within Gateley RJA, where she headed numerous affordable housing projects and the team to handover a superior product, in budget and on time, for Sage Housing, Vale of Aylesbury and others.
Previously to this, Lydia was a quantity surveyor for a developer, working on projects that included restoring listed buildings, new build housing and apartment blocks and industrial units, delivering developments of £4m+ and up to 900 units.
How do you help clients?
I take pride in helping our clients navigate the complexities of their projects with confidence and clarity. One of the key ways I support them is by proactively managing risk – identifying potential challenges early and offering clear, actionable options to mitigate them. My goal is always to deliver outcomes that not only meet expectations but exceed them, ensuring every project is a success story.
I enjoy being a trusted adviser to our clients, guiding them through every phase of their project journey. Whether it's budget planning, risk assessment, or strategic decision-making, I make sure they feel informed and empowered. I’m committed to keeping projects within budget while maintaining high standards of quality and innovation. Transparency and collaboration are central to my approach, and I strive to make the process as smooth and rewarding as possible for everyone involved.
Working closely with design teams is another aspect of my role that I truly value. I actively encourage open dialogue and welcome all ideas and suggestions, believing that the best outcomes come from collective creativity and shared expertise. By fostering a collaborative environment, I help ensure that each project is not only well-executed but also thoughtfully designed to reflect the client’s vision and goals.
Experience
- Acting as lead employer’s agent to multiple affordable housing schemes.
- Reviewing initial designs and recommending alternative options to be explored to achieve client’s goals.
- Acting as quantity surveyor on multiple projects (new building, bespoke, listed and industrial).
- Producing and managing project programmes and ensuring projects are delivered within agreed time parameters.
- Taking on complex developments and getting the client into contract.
- Maintaining team relations amidst frequent changes, causing confusion and delays. Utilised delicate project management skills to build trust and act as a ‘translator’ between parties. Ultimately improving communication and relationships leading to contact success.
- Managing extensive information and data requirements, ensuring planning conditions are met, and coordinating approvals, all under high pressure from developers’ and clients’ targets to complete successful handovers. Applied project management skills focused on organisation, communication, and relationship-building to streamline handovers, ensuring timely completion and stakeholder satisfaction.