HJ Collection Interview Series Sitting Down With Nestor Lisbey, Project Manager

Nestor Lisbey

1. Can you share with us your journey in the construction industry and what led you to become the Construction Project Manager at HJ Collection?

My passion for construction arose from following in the footsteps of my dad, who built our home in the Caribbean when I was a child. From the age of 6, I knew the construction industry was the one I wanted to be in, so I have worked towards that through school and started in the industry at 16 to gain experience. Through my connections within the industry, an opportunity arose with HJ Collection, which intrigued me due to the company's concept and forward-thinking mindset and goals. I believe my ambitions and those of HJ Collection align, which makes us a great fit for each other.

2. HJ Collection has a reputation for innovative property investment solutions. How do you ensure that the construction projects align with the company's vision and investment strategies?

The company vision aligns with the direction I see the construction industry taking. In designing our projects, we consider current and new sustainable materials, design concepts, and construction methods to provide innovative solutions that reduce time and cost.

3. How does HJ Collection ensure that construction projects adhere to timelines and budgets, and what measures are in place to manage any unforeseen challenges?

For all construction projects, we develop initial programs and cost plans to negotiate fixed-term contracts with our supply chain. We closely monitor each contract against these programs and costs, intervening where contractors fall behind to create mitigation programs. We aim to negotiate lower costs with our supply chain for all elements, thereby creating a risk pot for the project. Additionally, we establish a risk pot for unforeseen circumstances through the production and review of a risk register.

4. In what ways has the construction industry evolved since you began your career, and how has HJ Collection adapted to these changes?

Throughout my career, there have been significant changes in how the industry has evolved regarding health, safety, well-being, innovation, efficient construction, buildability, and sustainability. The industry is always finding new energy-efficient and sustainable ways to aid in providing low to zero-emission construction and building use. Many things, such as local resourcing of materials, local resourcing of labour and use of materials, all aid in reducing carbon emissions and improving sustainability; all things that we implement here at HJ Collection through the design and construction phases. At HJ Collection, we also aim to look at the re-development of existing spaces from commercial to residential, thus reducing carbon emissions by the reuse of existing structures.

5. Collaboration is key in any project. How do you foster a collaborative environment between the various professionals involved in a construction project at HJ Collection?

To foster a collaborative environment within a construction project, it is important to set clear and achievable project targets, which are communicated to all those involved with the project. To do this, there must be clear communication between all parties, including all external stakeholders in the project. “The door is always open” initiative is a great initiative to foster a safe and open idea-sharing environment within a project. That is why we aim to implement that within all our projects.

6. Can you describe the steps you take from the inception of a new construction project to its final handover at HJ Collection?

In all our projects, we create a milestone tracker to set stages from RIBA 2 to RIBA 4 design, covering concept design to Building Regulations approval. This ensures we capture all required work and minimise risks. We then invite tenders from our supply chain and commence construction, monitoring progress, cost, safety, and environmental aspects weekly to align with our company values. This process leads smoothly to project completion and the formulation of our project asset register.

7. How does HJ Collection ensure the highest quality standards are met in construction, and what role do you play in this process?

To maintain the highest quality standards on our construction projects, we implement several measures. We thoroughly vet all contractors before appointing them, reviewing case studies and conducting site visits to ensure alignment with our standards. Quality Plans are produced for each project, outlining material selection and work quality requirements, enforced through checklists and hold points. Additionally, our consultants review works to ensure compliance with specifications.