Karolina Hernandez, Senior Project Manager – Corrigan Gore
June 2023 -
Karolina, you came to London when you were 18 from Poland. In a very short space of time, you have had a diverse career working client side and contractor side. Describe the value someone with your expertise brings to a residential project?
“Engaging me as a project manager allows the client to focus on their aspirations for the property and other life priorities. Purchasing a new home is such an exciting time, whereas often without the right people around you the refurbishment becomes a bit of a nightmare. The technical and industry expertise is a given, but the true value of a good project manager is getting the best out of a team of experts, whilst safeguarding the client’s interest through managing risk, costs, and of course, programme. A project without curveballs simply does not exist, so having someone who will help navigate these will remove a lot of stress and save considerable amounts of money in the process.”
Often the properties we find for our clients have complex planning protocols and might even be listed, so costs for renovations can be considerable. How best can clients manage these and what would your recommendations be?
“The key to managing cost on a complex or historical project is eliminating as much of the risk early doors. That can be through assembling a very experienced team and doing early exploration surveys, whilst always keeping a close eye on the project changes. A listing or complex planning does add considerations; however, it may also allow for more thorough planning of site activities, a more detailed design that will be delivered more efficiently and most importantly an exceptional, second-to-none result.”
How do you assist your clients with vetting the supply chain they procure for their projects?
“This is one of the key areas where I can help. Aside from the due diligence on the contractor’s finances, insurances and health and safety records, I interview the contractors and project teams to ensure all members of the team will be an asset to the project but also work well together as a team. We hear about many construction companies not being able to meet the pressures of operating in the current market, having an ear to the ground and examining not just the main contractor but also their supply chain is more important than ever.”
Lastly, here at Aykroyd & Co, we love what we do and feel Prime Central London is the best market to work in. What do you love about your work?
“I love seeing my clients beam with joy when they see the finished product for the first time with all the protection removed and their beautiful home unveiled. I also like nothing more than working with top quality talented designers and proud tradesmen who deliver stunning projects in the most beautiful locations in London.”