Name: Hollie Boxall
Title: Project manager, Muse
What I do: I am part of the Muse team in the South focused on supporting the delivery of a strong regional pipeline, which includes a mixed-use regeneration project in Stevenage and the first phase of Manor Road Quarter in Canning Town delivering 355 homes, 50% affordable.
Why I got into the property industry: Growing up I had a real love for art and design. From this I naturally fell into a role within the built environment sector, as it offered me the opportunity to blend my creative skills and passion with practical application. I love seeing designs come to life in the form of physical structures and positively impacting the built environment around me.
How I did it: At university, I studied an undergraduate degree in architecture, before undertaking a masters in construction project management. From here I have become a chartered project manager with the RICS.
My first proper job: My first proper job was working on the meat and fish counter at Waitrose.
My first big break: For me this was working at the Houses of Parliament delivering the fire life safety project across the grounds of the Westminster Estate.
My inspiration(s): My dad.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Revising for my APC.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: After all the hard work I put into it, passing my APC and becoming a chartered project manager with the RICS.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: For me this is the belief that developers are only focused on making money. At Muse we take a long-term outlook to placemaking and are passionate about delivering positive transformation for local communities, with residents at the heart of the vision and decision-making process.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: Slow adoption of digital technologies.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: As a young woman in the construction industry this is very important to me. My passion is driven by several factors:
- Breaking gender barriers by promoting inclusivity. This not only means challenging stereotypes, but also encouraging more women to have the confidence to pursue a career in the construction industry.
- Fostering a culture of belonging and respect for all.
- Enhancing innovation and problem solving. By promoting greater diversity, inclusion, and representation this allows for an increased number of voices to come together in collaboration to share creative ideas and find solutions. As a result of this, it makes the construction industry more adaptable, efficient, and forward-thinking.
- Not only internally, but from an external perspective too, it is important that we engage effectively with local communities and understand the views, experiences, and perspective of others to shape the projects we are delivering.
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: I am extremely passionate about ESG and the areas it covers. First and foremost is the need to create a sustainable future. Climate change is a big test we all face, and as an industry we are working towards a greener future for all. Whether it be through the implementation of innovative approaches or strategic thinking focused on achieving a long-term, sustainable vision, we can play a key role in meeting climate change targets. ESG also places an emphasis on the importance of social responsibility, beyond the minimum standards and requirements to positively impact local communities. Finally, it promotes strong governance practices, such as responsible decision-making and accountability, to create a more trustworthy and equitable industry that fosters integrity and long-term success.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: I would like to be a director at Muse.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Miriam Margolyes, David Attenborough and Queen Elizabeth II .
What I do in my downtime: I enjoy going to the gym and renovating my house.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: Interior designer.
My advice for someone just starting out: There is never a stupid question! We all have to start out somewhere, and you will learn the most through others.
My motto/mantra: Comparison is the thief of joy.
