Welcome to the latest edition of ‘An interview with…’, where we sit down with Leslie Clark team members to explore their insights and experiences.

Today, we feature James Messinger, a partner and senior leader who has played a pivotal role in shaping our approach to construction consultancy. With a career rooted in both design and rigorous project management, James brings invaluable experience in delivering high-profile projects across retail, hospitality, and commercial sectors. Join us as he discusses his journey into the industry, his perspective on building strong client relationships, and what makes Leslie Clark a trusted partner in an evolving market.

Can you tell us about your journey into the construction consultancy field and what inspired you to choose this career path?

I was interested in design at an early age and Computer Aided graphics, but have a more mathematical mind, a family friend of ours suggested I going into to surveying. At the age of 16 I shadowed him for a couple of days surveying buildings, and what an eye opening experience it was doing condition surveys of social housing in central London. I then applied to University to read Quantity Surveying and the rest is history.

What standout projects have you managed, and how have they contributed to the company’s reputation and success?

Over the years, I have worked with and delivered many Hotels for easyHotel, both New Build and Conversions, this was my biggest insight into the operation and requirements for branded Hotels and has allowed Leslie Clark to use the brand as evidence of our success in the market place.

Another standout project was the Victoria’s Secret in Grafton Street, Dublin. This huge five-floor store involved heavy structural alterations to accommodate the grand staircase and wrap-around TV wall, which at the time was the largest in Europe. My knowledge of this project has helped me market the Retail and Leisure Team as experts in the sector.

How does Leslie Clark’s culture promote innovation and high performance among its senior partners and staff?

We encourage all our team members to take client-facing roles, which allows them to build their working relationships as much as the Partners do, thus obtaining valuable skills they can use in more senior roles within the practice.

What makes Leslie Clark a preferred partner for clients in the construction consultancy sector?

I strongly believe our clients and design team partners prefer working with us due to the care and attention our partners give to individual projects, which gives clients the feeling of being valued. We are passionate about what we do, and I believe this shows in the fact that clients come back to us.

What advice would you give someone aiming for a senior position in the construction consultancy industry?

I would recommend they look to add value by not just doing the day job but identifying functions to support the wider business. I did this by becoming an RICS Assessor and taking the role of supporting all Leslie Clark’s RICS APC Candidates on their journey to becoming Chartered.

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If you want to learn more about Leslie Clark and how we can support your construction consultancy needs, don’t hesitate to contact James Messinger directly or connect with him on LinkedIn. James is always eager to discuss our work, share insights and explore how we can help bring your projects to life.