The Gradient approach is to work with you, not just for you. We’re a friendly, approachable team with years of experience and industry specialisms between us.

Clare Armstrong

Clare Armstrong

Director - BSc (Hons) MSc CIWFM Tech IOSH P405 CIHM

Area of expertise – I am an industry specialist in asbestos management with a particular focus on the housing sector. I work with clients to review their existing service, policies and procedures and develop and implement action plans to achieve compliance and peace of mind. I provide expert advice on legislation and health and safety in construction and workplace and facility management.  Recently, I have led major public sector procurement exercises as technical lead and designed and implemented bespoke asbestos register software.

About me – With a background in social sciences and facility management, I have over 20 years’ experience in the industry. Prior to founding Gradient, I worked in the public sector team at Owen Williams Consultants managing residential and commercial premises for major clients. Since founding Gradient in 2004 I am proud to have worked for some of the UK’s largest social landlords to assist them with their compliance both in consultancy and interim roles.  I really believe that consultancy is all about great communication and making complex information clear, concise and relevant. When I can tear myself away from Gradient I enjoy drawing and painting, getting out into the countryside, eating out and bargain hunting in my home town of Tunbridge Wells.

Memberships – certified member of Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management and a technical member of Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing.

Recent Projects:

  • London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham – Asbestos consultancy and supply chain procurement
  • London Fire Brigade – Asbestos Management Consultancy
  • Optivo – FM review
  • Hyde Housing Group – Interim Compliance Contract Management
  • Octavia – Compliance review
  • Paradigm Housing Group – Asbestos Register Design and Implementation
  • The Courtauld Institute of Art – Policy Development
  • London Borough of Southwark – Contractor Audit
  • Alexandra Palace – Asbestos Consultancy
Richard Garland

Richard Garland

Director - BSc (Hons) DipBldgCons MBA FRICS MIC AaPS

Area of expertise – I am a Chartered Building Surveyor and Management Consultancy Surveyor, specialising in complex residential and commercial property project management.

About me – I am a UK based professional with Global knowledge and insight, with over 30 years in the property industry working for clients, contractors, and private organisations on buildings as diverse as: Listed stuccoed terraces, residential developments, factories, cathedrals, fire stations, stately homes, and the Shard.  My clients include A-list celebrities, Local Authorities, and private developers.  I am regularly appointed as an employer’s agent and development project manager on multi-million pound schemes, as well as advising on party wall, project processes, licences to alter, complex projects and property problems.  Between 2013-2017 I represented my profession as a global trustee on strategic and oversight forums across the world.  I am also a seasoned ultra-runner having completed the Marathon des Sables, Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc and numerous 100-mile single stages races around the UK, Europe, and Africa.

Memberships – Honoured Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Associate Member of the Association of Project Safety, Member of the Institute of Consulting.

NED Roles – Past President & Director of Eastbourne Unltd Chamber of Commerce, Director of Sea Change Sussex, Chair of RICS South East Regional Board and Interim Chair of London Board

Recent Projects:

  • Malling Brooks, Lewes, new £4m specialist pharma, food, and cosmetic factory – project monitor and advisor
  • Ovington Gardens, Knightsbridge, £1.2m residential refurbishment – project manager
  • Affordable Rental Schemes, Eastbourne & Newhaven, over £10m – employer’s agent and cost consultant
  • Retail Park Development, Eastbourne, £1.5m – employer’s agent and cost consultant
Duncan Tibbitts

Duncan Tibbitts

Associate Director - BSc (Hons) MRICS AaPS

Area of expertise – I am an experienced project manager and contract administrator having worked on many residential and commercial projects up to £1m in value. I am also an expert on the CDM2015 Regulations and am currently providing advice on several multi-million new build projects in Sussex.

About me – With over 15 years’ experience as a Chartered Building Surveyor I joined Gradient in 2014 having previously worked for large London firms including Cluttons and CBRE. I have developed a broad range of skills and much of my experience has been with Prime Central London property, primarily in managing projects in multi occupied residential buildings. I am also an experienced Principal Designer and can advise clients on all aspects of construction health and safety. Further, I am an accredited RICS APC assessor. I spend my free time running, reading, exploring London and Sussex with my family as well as enjoying music festivals, gigs and real ale.

Memberships – Chartered Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Associate Member of the Association of Project Safety.

Recent Projects:

  • High Street, Penge, London – Project management of office conversion to residential
  • Chatsworth Strand, Eastbourne – Contract management of external repair of 8 residential apartment blocks
  • St Wilfrid’s Hospice, Eastbourne – Preparation of 15 Year asset maintenance plan
  • Newhaven, East Sussex – CDM principal designer for 2no major residential new-build projects
  • Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne – CDM principal designer for construction of new fishing quay building

 

Luke Maglennon

Luke Maglennon

Building Surveyor BSc (Hons)

Area of expertise – With over 6 years’ experience as a Building Surveyor I have been involved in undertaking complex surveys of residential and commercial buildings and have overseen a number of refurbishment and renovation projects.  I have prepared and served party wall notices and awards, prepared applications for Listed Building consent, planning applications and building regulations, as well as providing contract administration services.  My technical expertise includes 2D and 3D CAD design.

About me – I joined Gradient in February 2022 having previously worked for private practices in Hove and Sussex, providing a broad range of building surveying and employer’s agent services in the residential and commercial sectors.  I am currently working towards gaining my chartered surveyor status with the RICS.  In my spare time I’m a keen footballer, playing regularly for my local team the Sovereign Saints.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jane Armstrong

Jane Armstrong

Finance and Project Administrator

Area of expertise – As Finance and Project Administrator I am responsible for accounts. I also work with the Directors to oversee all major projects.

About me – Having worked in a number of managerial roles in the public sector, including City College Brighton I joined Gradient in 2006. My background is in the education sector and much of my career has seen me working closely with the end users of services as well as managing budgets and resources. I enjoy keeping fit, singing with Rock Choir and spending time with my family including granddaughters at home in Lewes. I am also a member of the Nevill Juveniles Bonfire Society and enjoy spending winter evenings knitting their green and white jumpers.

 

 

Julia Johns

Julia Johns

Office Manager & ESG Lead

Area of expertise – I am responsible for the day to day running of the office and supporting the Directors.

About me – I have an administrative background in the education sector, predominantly working in Higher Education. I have experience of implementing effective systems and processes, coordinating conferences and events and providing support to senior management. I am currently engaged in Social Value training with Social Value UK in order to provide an informed service to our clients that delivers the latest thinking and up to date advances in social value provision. Outside of work I enjoy reading, searching for hidden gems in charity shops and spending time with friends and family.