Behind the Scenes at Octagon with Simon Amos

Where did life begin for you?

I was born and bred in Dorking, Surrey, and attended local schools, ending up at Guildford technical college with frankly no clear idea of where my career path was going within the construction industry: engineer, site manager, surveyor etc.?

What led you to the house building industry?

After progressing through a number of construction-based courses at college, I soon warmed to quantity surveying and upon completion of my studies I joined a large volume house builder as an assistant surveyor. I really took to the building business, and moved on to become a quantity surveyor there, working on multi-unit sites, including a large 300 home development in Hampshire.

When did you join Octagon?

In 2006, after 12 years with the Camberley-based housebuilder, I joined Octagon as a development surveyor. I was attracted to the company, impressed by their high quality build and success in the luxury sector of the market. I enjoy being part of a multidisciplinary team, working across a wide range of projects from one off ‘made to measure’ homes for Octagon Bespoke clients, to our large, speculative developments, often involving both original period buildings and new build.

No two days are the same, making the job both demanding and stimulating. My responsibilities span subcontractor procurement and material scheduling to programming, project financial management and chairing monthly site meetings.

A favourite project?

One of my favourite developments was Warren Park at Kingswood in Surrey, a former BBC property and estate in a wonderful location. This is where we renovated and converted a Victorian castellated mansion into large apartments, and built some splendid family homes in the 19 acres of private grounds.

When you are not working?

Having been married for 20 years, I love spending time with my wife Nicola and two teenage daughters. But I also have a sporting passion, road and mountain biking. Living close to Box Hill, a cyclist’s paradise, I have plenty of opportunities to build up my strength for some long distance rides. I completed the London to Paris ride in 2014, and just this year, rode from Calais to Amsterdam, which took me through France, Belgium and into Holland.