Name: Toby Yonge
Job title: Design director at RED Construction Group
What I do: I oversee the design and technical functions of preconstruction and delivering projects.
Why I got into the property industry: I studied civil engineering at university and then became a structural engineer when I finished my degree. My interest in buildings developed from there and I quickly realised that I wanted to get more involved in all elements of design and how all the disciplines come together collectively and into the build itself.
How I did it: Design management was not a well-known requirement when I first joined the industry, but when I eventually realised I was never going to be a great engineer, I managed to get a job with Mansell who gave me a chance as a design and build coordinator. My understanding of design and management grew, moving through the various main contractors that I worked for, which coincidentally all of whom began with ‘M’ for the first 15 years of my career. The role itself then developed further when it became a more recognised and established position in the industry, the role was in demand, fast becoming a requirement through all stages of building work.
My first proper job: It was in banking, but that was short lived. My first job in construction was as a graduate engineer for Mowlem working on a commercial and residential development at Oxford Circus.
My first big break: It was when I moved to Mace (as I said most of my employers began with M!) and I got the opportunity to work on The Shard.
My inspiration(s): I am inspired by others who make a success of themselves through hard work and good decision making.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: The biggest challenge I faced was in my first few years in construction and convincing others of the benefit of design management. Resistance to the role is less now but there are still some main contractors who don’t understand the full potential of the role and don’t see the need.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Successfully delivering The Shard has been a major achievement in my career. Also joining RED as design director and helping the business grow and develop in the way that it has to date.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: That it is straightforward and relatively simple to design and build a building.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: I would like to ensure there is better communication and understanding between client teams and main contractors, so they are fully aligned with the projects and individual parties key objectives, and fully appreciate the value of all parties involved during the build process.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: John Lennon (and all the Beatles actually), Roger Federer, Tiger Woods and Winston Churchill.
What I do in my downtime: Other than spending quality time with my family, I enjoy playing a range of sports including golf, hockey and squash.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: Sports management/administration maybe.
My advice for someone just starting out: Be interested in everything as much as you can. Be a sponge and absorb information, listen to what others are saying and worry about asking questions.
My motto/mantra: Make everything you do as enjoyable as possible.
