An interview in our series, 'Spotlighting Adjudicators'
What were you, professionally, before you started work as an Adjudicator?
Prior to pursuing my interest in construction law and becoming an adjudicator I was for a period of over 25 years the senior partner in a UK to 100 Architect’s practice, shortlisted for the Architects Journal Practice of the Year. The work of the practice was across the world where I was fortunate to have led many award-winning projects working in many different jurisdictions and cultures. I have now sought to channel this experience into my deep interest in construction law.
How in your view has adjudication changed over your career?
Most aspects of the law connected with adjudication have now been settled through the considerable body of jurisprudence in the UK, which I believe gives a high degree of certainty and stability to the industry. Adjudication has now developed and matured to become the default dispute resolution process in the construction industry. It is interesting to see how adjudication continues to develop and evolve in those jurisdictions that have only relatively recently embraced the process, such as in Ireland and Canada.
What advice would you give to 'new' adjudicators?
I would advise ‘new’ adjudicators that the securing of qualification through one of the formal courses is only the beginning. In my view a critical next step is to secure pupillage as there is nothing quite like shadowing real adjudications in real time to gain both experience and confidence together with identifying areas where you need to improve. Finally, new adjudicators need to become part of the dispute resolution community by attending conferences, Seminars and CPD events and meeting other adjudicators – there is always something new to learn.