With experience spanning education, energy, healthcare, leisure, residential and retail, Mark Rimmer has built a career that combines live project delivery and the resolution of complex construction disputes. We sat down with him to talk about what first drew him to the industry, the projects that have shaped his career, and where he sees the next chapter taking him.
What attracted you to a career in the construction industry? What do you enjoy about it?
I’ve always been fascinated by how ideas on paper can be transformed into physical buildings. Where we work and live can have a positive impact on people’s lives and the communities they live in. I also have family in the construction industry, so in many ways it felt like a natural choice for me.
One of the things I really enjoy is that no two projects are ever the same. Every project brings new challenges and opportunities to learn, which keeps the work exciting and engaging. I also enjoy being part of a team and working collaboratively with different disciplines to achieve a shared goal.
There’s also a sense of pride that comes with being involved in delivering a project. My wife and kids can vouch for that. I make a point of reminding them of projects “I built” every time we drive past one together.
You’ve worked across a range of sectors, including education, energy, healthcare, leisure, residential and retail. What projects stand out the most and why?
Over the last two and a half years, I’ve been involved in a £300m energy from waste power plant. The sheer size of the project, combined with the complexity of the design and logistics, certainly makes it a standout.
Two other projects that stand out were both in my home city of Liverpool where I acted as the commercial lead. The first was an education and sports facility for a university, valued at around £50m. I completed my degree at that university, and the lecture theatres where I was taught, were quite dated. It was particularly rewarding to be involved in delivering first-class facilities for the next generation of students.
There was a £45m hotel at Paddington Village. Paddington Village is a £1bn flagship development for Liverpool, so it was fantastic to contribute to such a significant local project. I’m proud to have been part of something that will have a lasting impact on the city.
Leading the commercial side of complex schemes, which project did you find the most challenging and why?
Each project has presented very different challenges, but the one that comes to mind is the University project. It wasn’t the most complicated in terms of design, but it was over budget, and we had to undertake a significant amount of value engineering post-contract to bring the project back within budget.
This placed immense pressure on the commercial team. We were exploring alternative solutions with the design team and the employer. At the same time we needed to procure subcontract packages on time and maintain site progress. Despite those pressures, we completed the project on time and on budget. It’s a real testament to everyone involved and shows what can be achieved when teams maintain strong relationships and work collaboratively, even in challenging circumstances.
You now work in the resolution of construction disputes. How did you find the transition into this side of the industry?
I’ve found the transition to be quite seamless. Initially, my involvement was focused on live project work and resolving disputes on the energy from waste project.
We have since been retained on site, and my role has evolved into acting as the managing quantity surveyor, with two quantity surveyors reporting to me on site. I currently attend site once a week, which allows me to remain closely connected to the project while also supporting dispute-related work.
You’ve worked under various forms of construction contract. Do you have a favourite?
My preference is NEC contracts, although I do think they only work well when both parties operate the contract correctly. I’ve been involved in too many NEC projects where the employer hasn’t administered the contract properly.
The most successful NEC projects I’ve worked on are those where both parties fully embrace the processes. I particularly like the collaborative nature of the contract and the Early Warning process, which, when used properly, can genuinely help manage risk and avoid disputes.
Where do you see your career evolving next?
When I first joined DeSimone, I saw my career progressing primarily through the adjudication route. Over the last 18 months, however, I’ve been involved in two arbitrations, and I’ve really enjoyed having the time to work through issues in more detail.
I have a strong interest in both adjudication and arbitration and would also like to become involved in mediations. In the near future, I plan to complete the RICS mediation course and formal adjudication training.
Over the last 12 months I’ve achieved my CIArb membership and completed the RICS Expert Witness course. I’m currently working through my CIOB and am planning to start FRICS in the new year. It’s important to me to maintain involvement in live project work, as that practical experience underpins everything I do.
To learn more about our culture and opportunities at DeSimone, visit our career page. Thanks to Mark Rimmer for his contribution.