We’re excited to announce that we are welcoming Duncan Rae to the Dome team as a Senior Project Manager. With excellent academic and professional experience, he has worked on a wide variety of new build and refurbishment schemes across various sectors including Education, Local Government, Healthcare and Residential.
Duncan’s Education
Duncan takes great pride in his academic achievements, having earned a Master of Science in Construction Project Management with a specialised emphasis on Building Information Modelling (BIM), as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Development, reflecting his commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices. These educational accomplishments showcase Duncan’s dedication to acquiring a diverse skill set that combines project management expertise with a focus on cutting-edge technologies and sustainable development principles.
Previous Experience
Duncan has over 10 years experience in the industry, Duncan has actively contributed to a range of notable projects, here are a few noteworthy examples:
PROJECT 1: Sunderland University, Cadaveric Anatomy Building
Duncan managed this flagship project for the Medical School at Sunderland University, which included clearance and demolition of the existing facilities before the new building could be constructed. As part of the preparation for the demolition contract, multiple surveys were conducted to reduce uncertainty around the scope of the contract and associated risk allowance. Surveys included utility scans, asbestos surveys and trial pits to confirm foundation construction type. Duncan led the project from inception to handover, working closely with the University to achieve a successful outcome.
PROJECT 2: RVI Hospital, Main Theatres Refurb
Duncan was Project Manager on this complex multiphase refurb from RIBA stage 2-5, which involved construction of a new rooftop plant room and internal refurbishment of 9 operating theatres in phases. As the operating department was active during the whole project, pairs of theatres were refurbished while operations continued next door. Understanding service connections & isolations was critical, so overnight test isolations and shutdowns were undertaken in advance of the work’s beginning. Due to the many stakeholders involved in running an operating theatre, developing a stakeholder map and management plan was essential to ensuring the right people were informed and consulted on proposals.
PROJECT 3: Newcastle University, Stephenson Building
Duncan provided project management support on this gateway project for Newcastle University from RIBA stages 2-4, which included the development of design for tender and appointing a contractor. For demolition, asbestos was a known risk, but the extent was unclear. Intrusive surveys were conducted in all high risk areas to manage risk and reduce uncertainty. Managing dust, noise and traffic was another key challenge, given the prominent location and proximity to the RVI Hospital and ambulance route. Significant liaison with the Hospital and Council was required to develop an agreeable proposal for a temporary reduction in on street parking, temporary road narrowing and timing of construction traffic to minimise impact on other road users.
PROJECT 4: Durham University, NETPark Enterprise Zone
Duncan managed this refurbishment project for Durham University, which involved refit of an under-utilised research facility as an Enterprise Zone, to facilitate collaboration between University Departments, spin-off enterprises, startup businesses and established partners. Undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual stakeholder engagement was a new challenge, with fabric samples delivered by post to key stakeholders’ homes. Strict grant funding requirements required robust cost estimates and the design was developed with this in mind, alongside securing a risk pot from a separate budget source.
Current Position
In his new role as Senior Project Manager at Dome, Duncan is responsible for delivering projects for a range of clients including Newcastle University, New College Durham and Clear Futures.
Duncan said, “It’s been great to join a small team and I feel right at home straight away. I’m already enjoying working closely with Ross and Andy, having instant access to decision makers is a welcome change.
I’m looking forward to getting stuck in on our projects, working with designers and contractors to get the best outcome for our clients and build lasting relationships.”