The EU Commission Offices,

Smith Square, Westminster

Client: The European Commission

Contractor: Wates Interiors Ltd

Value: £5.6m

Role: As Commercial Manager I lead the projects commercial team for Wates Interiors. The project was to convert the old Conservative Party Headquarters that had remained empty since the days of Baroness Thatcher. The project included removal and installation of two new lifts, conference spaces, office space and a brown roof to attract local wildlife.

The project was a challenge, as I was dealing with representatives from all over Europe, so the presence of one or more translators in meetings was a regular occurrence. Also to make things even more challenging was the introduction of a bespoke European Commission contract that was written especially for this project. Both of these challenges as well as others that were experienced day to day throughout the project were overcome to produce a fantastic project for the European Commission.