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Alumni Inspiration Showcase - Louise Caller

Louise graduated from the BSc (Hons) Construction Management course in 2004 and is now Head of Design at Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure Ltd.

Project background

The National Centre, formerly known as the National Breeding Centre located just outside of Leamington Spa, is where Guide Dog puppies begin their journey to become life-changing guide dogs. The centre has room to breed up to 1,500 puppies a year and, since opening their doors in 2011, they have bred almost 11,000 puppies - that's a lot of life-changers!

I was part of the team that successfully delivered the new National Guide Dog Breeding Centre in Warwickshire.

The project was a constructed from scratch and designed to meet the needs of the Guide Dogs, their support staff and end users.

Impact

I was the Site Manager on the scheme on behalf of Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure and played a key role in the successful management of the construction process.

Project highlights included:

  • The scheme has made a huge positive impact on the Guide Dog Breeding programme.
  • The building and its component parts are bespoke to the needs of the Guide Dogs.

Challenges

  • We found a significant quantity of buried asbestos we had to manage on the scheme.
  • There were some budgetary pressures on the scheme which we had to help manage with the client.

Reflecting on NTU

How did your studies at NTU enable you to input into this project?

My degree in Construction Management helped prepare me for life on site as a Site Manager.

What words would you share to inspire current and future students at NTU?

Follow your heart... I was advised by my parents that the Construction Industry was not a woman's career and I would regret signing up for a Construction degree, I ignored them after falling in love with the course and I haven't looked back since. They have since apologised and acknowledged that it is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

I had always had an interest in the Built Environment and attended an open day showcasing the BSc Construction Management Course, I instantly fell in love with both the university and the city and couldn't wait to sign up.

What have you done since leaving NTU?

I have worked for Morgan Sindall since leaving University some 22 years ago, moving from a Graduate Site Manager through to my most recent appointment as Head of Design.