Karyn has a keen interest in office culture and, as Head of Social Value, promotes an open learning environment that supports people’s wellbeing, pushes their skill sets and brings teams closer together.
Through her Fun4Five initiative and regular workshops, Karyn has inspired our offices around the country to adopt this approach. It’s been so successful that she is now helping clients and other companies run similar activities to improve their own culture. She also works on the technical delivery of projects, with a focus in education and healthcare.
Karyn is the current Chair of CIAT Wales Regional Committee.
What is the best building in your city?
My favourite building in Cardiff is at St Fagan’s Welsh National History Museum. Their new courtyard atrium scheme was completed by Kier and is a fantastic example of the museum’s ethos and passion for breathing life back into buildings; rejuvenating and making spaces relevant again.
Do you have a favourite networking event you’ve been to?
I love networking, especially in Cardiff because it is a close knit community of construction professionals. It’s our experience that the most popular events are always those where you challenge people out of their comfort zone. We have recently held a cycling event in the Newport Velodrome which proved popular and it was great to see everyone taking part and having fun. I particularly enjoy karting events; racing your colleagues and other consultants always brings out the competiveness in you.
What is your favourite project you’ve worked on to date?
I was lucky enough to run the interior fit out for Cardiff Library. It’s a landmark building and I feel incredibly proud walking past it, knowing that I’m part of something that’s in the heart of the city.
Interesting fact that nobody knows about you?
I’ve got a huge passion for photography. I adore taking portrait pictures, watching faces of all ages and how they change with lighting or emotion. In my spare time, I enjoy photographing my son’s junior rugby team and I get great delight when my photographs bring other people pleasure.
What advice would you give your 20 year old self?
Be more confident, but I think that comes with age. With hindsight, I’d encourage myself to take on new challenges with more self-belief because others already have confidence in you. Construction is a high pressured industry, regularly dictated by cost, programme and design deadlines. Focus on what you can change and the rest will follow.
Industry Bodies:
- CIAT
Awards:
- WICE Best Architectural Technologist 2019 – Winner
- CIAT Architectural Technologist of the Year 2019 – Finalist
- Design & Build UK – Women in Construction Awards 2020 – Winner
- Social Value Champion – Social Value Portal Awards 2022 – Highly Commended