AECOM has appointed Brian Smith to lead a new combined cost and project management team in London as the infrastructure consultancy looks to strengthen its offering to clients across the capital.
The engineering firm has a strong presence in the London healthcare market, and across the country. This year at the Building Better Healthcare Awards in London, AECOM won the Gold Award for CDC of the Year.
Smith, who has more than 30 years of experience in the London property market, will now take on the expanded leadership role while continuing to oversee AECOM’s cost management discipline.
He will work alongside Alex Hammerton, who will remain responsible for leading the company’s project management function.
The new team comprises approximately 230 professionals based at AECOM’s Aldgate office and brings together the two disciplines under a single leadership structure.
Smith is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and has spent more than 20 years with AECOM, working on major building projects in the UK and internationally.
His portfolio of projects includes The Leadenhall Building, 80 Charlotte Street and One London. He has particular experience in cost consultancy for mixed-use commercial developments and tall buildings.
“What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to work closely with clients, understand their ambitions, and help them navigate complex challenges,” said Smith.
Smith said combining the two disciplines would allow AECOM to take a more holistic approach to project delivery, drawing on its benchmarking data and market intelligence to help clients manage costs and achieve value.
The team also produces a quarterly market intelligence report tracking performance, tender prices and building costs across the UK construction and engineering industry.
Smith will focus on strengthening client relationships and supporting the growth of AECOM’s London business, balancing commercial and cost considerations with design quality and placemaking.
