Ian Fernie

Ian Fernie joined the MCD Heritage Team in January 2023 as a Site Manager. His skill set and experience became apparent early on, and he quickly became one of our go-to site managers for some of the larger construction projects delivered here at MCD Heritage.

Since joining, Ian has supported a number of complex, large-scale projects in central London, including the Shaftesbury Theatre, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the British Film Institute, bringing his expertise and problem-solving skills to every site. Ian thrives on the variety and challenges his role presents: “I enjoy the freedom it gives me to make decisions, backed by a team full of knowledge.”

Ian’s experience working with MCD Heritage

What does a typical day look like for you at MCD Heritage?

A typical day is on site at 7am ready to start at 7.30am, then its go, go, go until 10am due to the buildings we work in and the public entering at 10am. The rest of the day will be inductions, toolbox talks, and ensuring H&S is up to date and adhered to. It’s then on to the working day itself that can be very varied depending on the project.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy the freedom it gives me to make decisions with the back up of a team full of knowledge.

What’s been your favourite project so far – and why?

Favourite jobs would be a cross between British Film Institute which we completed in 9 weeks and Gilbert galleries, completed in 7 months. Both very different but rewarding when you see the finish the team can produce.

What has been your favourite location to work in – and what made it special?

V&A Museum. A great historic building with so much character. Easy for me to travel to and everyone is so accommodating from the client team to the cleaners and the staff in general.

What’s the most challenging part of your work?

There are not enough hours in the day and no two days are the same. Programming and organising specific trades.

How do you approach problem-solving on site?

Look at the problem logically, talk to the specific trades and get ideas. There is a solution to most problems.

What’s it like being part of the MCD Heritage team?

It’s great to be part of a team like MCD, everyone gets on well and even though we are in separate teams, others are always willing to assist where they can.

What’s one thing that sets MCD apart from other companies you’ve worked for?

It often felt like I was just a number at other companies, but here every individual is valued equally. There’s always someone available to talk to, whether it’s about work or personal matters.

Can you share a memorable moment?

After removing the ceilings on one of the sites we were working on, we uncovered a long-standing issue with water ingress, largely due to the building’s position beneath a bridge. During a meeting with the client, the bridge above was being jet washed, resulting in water pouring into the space and soaking most of us!

What are you looking forward to working on next?

I will be based at Shaftesbury Theatre for most of the year to remove and replace the dome ceiling, this will be very challenging but very rewarding when we can look up and say, I was part of that.

How has your role or experience grown since joining?

My role has evolved as I’ve learned about new products and developed more effective ways to carry out my duties. Working in historic and sometimes challenging buildings has been an eye-opener, it keeps me on my toes and ensures I’m continuously learning!

Tea or coffee?

Coffee.

Early start or late finish?

Early start.

Most-used tool on site?

A tape measure.

Best snack on a break?

Heinz cuppa soup/ Double decker.

One thing you can’t work without?

A tape measure.