Danielle Gillespie

"My personality types include intuitives and sensors. I am quite realistic in my approach to work and life in general. I like to focus on the facts and the details to find practical solutions to problems by using common sense and not over complicating the issue."

"The part I enjoy most about my job is the constant learning and working as a team to deliver the project. In construction everyday really is a school day and there is no better place to learn and gain experience than on a construction site. Working as Design Manager I work closely with the consultants; the architect, the engineers; structural, civils, mechanical and electrical. I also work closely with our team; the Contracts Manager, the Quantity Surveyor, the Site Manager and our Procurement Manager and our trusted supply chain."

"From very young I had always wanted to be an architect and in my 5th Year at school I completed a work placement with an architect who worked for himself which completely put me off architecture however it is key to note I probably should have completed my placement with a larger firm to get a wider understanding on architecture and I probably would have ended up becoming an architect but however I changed school to complete my A Levels and in lower 6th I had another opportunity to complete a weeks work experience and did this with an office interior designers in Belfast. I loved the job and the people - this made me decide to go to the University of Dundee to study a BDes(Hons) Interior and Environmental Design. This was a 4 year course and University of Dundee and Dundee in general was brilliant. After graduating I stayed in Scotland for a year and worked as a Kitchen Designer for a year which I loved, being able to design and be on site. I then returned home and worked for Mivan as a Design Technician working on some world renowned construction projects but this job role wasn't for me so I went back to kitchen design for 2 years. The economic crisis of 2008 hit and the company I worked for unfortunately closed and I found myself redundant so I worked for Next Home for about 6 months before meeting my future husband and moving to the other side of the world Macau which is SAR China. In Macau I worked for international architect Aedas based on site at the Sands Cotai Central development; I was responsible for monitoring all interior design and fit out works across the 2 Sheraton Hotel Towers. I started as an assistant resident designer and was promoted to resident interior designer within 6 months. The construction area was approx. 1.3million sqm and construction value was in excess of US$3.5 billion. After the project completed I changed companies to work for a developer on the client side; Galaxy Entertainment and changed roles to work as a Design Manager managing all aspects of the interior design for the hotel brands Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott. I managed a team of 6 started as design manager and was promoted to senior design manager less than1 year in April 2014. The construction value was in excess of US$2.5 billion. After the project completed and 5 years being away from home we made the decision to move home. When I returned home I worked for a luxury design and architecture consultancy, leading a team of designers providing detailed drawings and specifications for tender and construction packages for London projects. In July 2016 I joined Gilbert-Ash as Design Manager were I am responsible for managing the overall design of my projects. The projects I am currently involved in have a combined construction value in excess £70 million. I ensure the design is progressed to achieve all contracted deliverables, whilst maximising commercial opportunities and ensuring that all design information is released in line with the requirements."

"As well as working in the fast paced and challenging construction industry my other and first role is mummy to my 2 boys and wife to my partner. I will say the balance is challenging but it is possible to have both a brilliant career and a family. We spend our weekends at the park, riding bicycles and eating ice-cream in all weathers. My husband and I enjoy good food and wine and hopefully once the pandemic is over we can begin to enjoy a few evenings out at Northern Irelands great restaurants and pubs. Also in my spare time over the past 2 years I have been studying for a part-time Masters in Construction and Project Management at Queen's University Belfast which I just finished in December 2020."

"Currently we work every other week in the office and alternate weeks at home. Due to my role I also fly to London and Manchester to our project sites. A typical day for me in the office would be drive to work after leaving my son to school. I would spend time reading through and responding emails, I would then normally have a few calls on Microsoft Teams with our design team or a contractor design workshop to progress certain elements of design. On the days I fly to London my day would start a little earlier, normally around 6am. I drive to the airport, catch my flight and then when I land in London I walk to the train station and take the underground train into central London. When I arrive on site I like to start by having a walk around the site with our Site Engineer or Contracts Manager to understand all changes. Then the design team normally attend site and we will have a walk to review and discuss. "

"A Levels in Art, English Literature and Business StudiesBDes (Hons) Interior & Environmental DesignMCIOB Chartered Membership through CIOBMSc in Construction and Project Management"