Next up in our series of interviews profiling construction project leaders is Richard Ellis MCIOB from Tilbury Douglas, who talks to Will Mann about his complex work managing the demolition of a RAAC-riddled school and rebuilding a new education facility
Tell us about your latest project. Where the big technical challenges were and how did you approach them?
My most recent project was St John’s Catholic Primary School in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, a two-storey school for the Department of Education. The project is the first school to be rebuilt to permanently remove reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) through the government’s School Rebuilding Programme.
The greatest challenge surrounded the demolition of the school, where RAAC was discovered in 2022, following an immediate evacuation of the pupils and staff due to structural risks. The building also contained asbestos which further complicated the demolition works. The entire building was scaffolded and wrapped in ‘shrink wrap’ polythene to contain the outbreak of dust.
Following removal of the concrete planks, the asbestos-cased beams were lowered and “tented” for the controlled removal of the asbestos. This phase of work was planned to take eight weeks, although we completed it in only six. Uniquely, we invited the HSE to attend throughout the process for both agreement on the safest means of executing the work and for ongoing monitoring and adherence to the plan.
We employed an Oculo 360-degree head mounted camera during the construction phase of the project. This enables 360-degree “scenes” to be compared against the 3D model for clash identification, progress reporting and general monitoring.
What are the key skills and experience you need for that kind of project?
The St John’s project was different because of the urgency created by the RAAC issue, the asbestos risk and the need to progress demolition and rebuilding safely while maintaining confidence with the customer, school, local authority and wider project team.
It required a detailed understanding of Department for Education standards, particularly the CF21 Output Specification, alongside strong control of temporary works, asbestos management, demolition sequencing, building safety, quality assurance and handover requirements.
“Project managers now need to demonstrate not only technical knowledge but also strong evidence of leadership, compliance and accountability”
How have you found getting to grips with big industry issues like building safety, quality, competency?
I embrace these changes, as they provide surety for the end user, but also an onus on the contractor to raise standards and demonstrate compliance. There is now more up-front planning during the construction phase, but this pays dividends thereafter.
In terms of competency, I believe project managers now need to demonstrate not only technical knowledge but also strong evidence of leadership, compliance and accountability. I have embraced this by keeping up to date with changes in building safety, quality management and sustainability expectations, and by supporting a culture where standards are checked, recorded and challenged throughout the project rather than only at completion.
Tell us about an innovation you’ve seen or used recently that really excites you.
I have used LiDAR scanners on a London residential scheme for 3D modelling of existing buildings and for terrain modelling, including scanning via drone. These tools provide accurate information and save weeks when compared against traditional measurement and modelling.
I have an active interest in new technology, and I am always willing to adopt new tools which help improve the way we work and possibly save us time and cost.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve read or been given that has helped you in your job as a construction project manager?
“If you wouldn’t be happy to have it in your house, don’t do it in someone else’s.”
What made you want to be a CIOB member and how has it helped you?
I wanted to be part of a knowledge-sharing platform and be part of a group of like-minded individuals.
Being part of CIOB also supports my continued professional development and helps demonstrate to clients, colleagues and supply chain partners that I am committed to high standards, ethical practice and ongoing improvement within the construction industry.
