Women in Build Awards 2017

2017 Women in BUILD Awards 2017 Build 23 Company: St William Homes LLP Contact: Rachel Darvall Contact Email: [email protected] Address: Elmswater Project Office, Wharf Lane, Rickmansworth, WD3 1HA, UK Phone: 01923 715 180 Website: www.berkeleygroup.co.uk/property-developers/st-william t William aims to unlock some of the most technically complex regeneration sites at the heart of communities across London and the South of England, creating homes for everyone. Rachel discusses the firm’s latest project and how this will help the firm to achieve this aim. “Since May 2017 I have been working on a development of 48 luxury apartments in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire known as Elmswater. Elmswater has been a fantastic project so far and as the first person on site I have seen it transform from a derelict piece of land into the beginning of two apartment blocks which are due to be completed in early 2019. Elmswater is the second St William project to begin following the launch of the joint venture between Berkeley Group and National Grid in 2014.” “Across our first 18 sites St William will deliver over 13,500 homes in- cluding 4,400 affordable homes by transforming 201 acres of brownfield land into communities that are sociable, sustainable and safe. St William want their homes to be renowned for the quality of the landscape and open space and are following a landscape-led approach which enables us to transform former industrial sites into welcoming, beautiful places whilst providing the homes that people desperately need.” Ultimately, despite operating in an incredibly male dominated market, Rachel has achieved exceptional success over her time with St William. She explains how this success has been achieved and the ways that other women in the industry can emulate her. “As an Assistant Site Manager for St William my role is to manage our contractors and ensure that our development is being built according to the design and to the highest quality. Every day is different for me on site and I thoroughly enjoy the fast pace at which the work progresses and the site develops, as well as the challenges that each day brings.” “Since beginning on site, I have been responsible for ensuring the reme- diation strategy is followed, the piling is completed and the groundworks and reinforced concrete frame are constructed according to the design. Winning this award is a huge honour and I hope that it will inspire other women who are considering a career in the construction industry to follow their dreams and go for it.” St William Homes LLP Rising Star in Site Management 2017 - UK St William Homes LLP, part of the Berkeley Group, is an innovative property developer based in London and the South East. We invited Site Manager Rachel Darvall to talk us through her role in the firm’s success. S WIB17013