Daryl Parker MCIOB, Kier Construction
CMYA Healthcare winner 2022, Somerset Diagnostics Centre

Why did you decide to enter the 2022 CMYA award?

I’ve followed the prestigious awards for many years, having worked closely with some of the previous winners. The project I had just completed was interesting and had been delivered successfully, so the timing felt right for me to challenge myself further and put together a submission.

How did you find the application process?

I found the application process to be really straight forward. It was all online based, and I could keep going back to it in order to progress, without it affecting my day job. Whilst the initial application covers a lot of ground, I found it quite rewarding, reflecting on our accomplishments on the project and all that I achieved personally.

Construction is a team game, and we all know that many people from many differing facets of the industry that have to collaborate to deliver our schemes, thus I did find it difficult in upselling myself and talking about my achievements personally. However, the CIOB really do want to hear about how the individual made a difference, and how their contribution really did play a factor in the project’s successes.

How did you find the judging process?

The judging process was decided by a site visit from a member of the judging panel, then the interview at the CIOB headquarters in London.

Visiting the project again and being able to show it off to the judge was great. Being there enabled me to highlight the complexities of the build, where the challenges were and how we overcame them. It was also great to see it in operation, so that the judge could see the overall impact the facility was having.

The interview took a good deal of preparation, and as I find those situations particularly unnerving, I didn’t look forward to it at all. Thankfully the judges really did put me at ease and whilst they asked some challenging questions around my management of the scheme, they were only asking questions on a subject I knew like the back of my hand, as I had lived and breathed the project for a year! The interview flew by, and I really enjoyed the conversation had with the judges around the questions.

Do you think winning the awards has given your career any sort of boost or improved your future prospects?

Winning the award has definitely put a spotlight on my career and has put my name out in the wider industry. Having recognition from the CIOB absolutely bolsters the recognition that the company gives for the project and can only help with recognition for future prospects.

What is your message to anyone considering entering but wondering if the rigorous submission and judging is worth it?

The process is a great way for some reflection and self-awareness of your own achievements, which is worth it itself. Taking yourself out of your comfort zone is great for your own confidence and growth, and whilst putting yourself in a vulnerable position where you are being judged is daunting, the judges are there for you to showcase your achievements and aren’t there to catch you out. Whether you make it as a finalist, winner or not at all, you will personally gain a lot from the process and will likely compile some great evidence to support a CIOB Membership application too.