Meet The Team: Charlie Smith, Senior Project Manager

Meet Charlie Smith, Dragonfly's Senior Project Manager. With eight years in commercial and residential construction under his belt, Charlie joined us from a larger practice, lured by the prospect of more responsibility, fewer constraints, and the chance to get his hands on everything from project delivery to business development. 

We sat down with Charlie to talk about everything from managing projects in foreign countries and his dream of working in Rio, to why he'd take a carpenter over any piece of kit on a desert island, and why his advice to anyone starting out is simple; get in the office.

What drew you to project management?

No two projects are ever the same, that's what hooked me. Every new project brings a completely different set of challenges, which keeps things fresh. You also get to work with some brilliant people, and if you're good at what you do, construction project management can take you all over the world. That variety is hard to find in a lot of other careers.

Orms HQ - a Dragonfly Project from 2023.

You made the move from a larger firm, what prompted that?

It comes down to breadth of role, really. At a bigger practice you can find yourself in quite a narrow lane, whereas here I get to be involved in everything - project delivery, marketing, business development, you name it. Less structure, more freedom, and a lot more responsibility. It just suits the way I like to work.

What's your favourite part of the project management process?

The early design stage, without a doubt. There's something really exciting about that period when everything is still taking shape - the team is coming together, the brief is being defined, and you're starting to translate a client's vision into something tangible. That journey from conception to completion never gets old.

You're based just off Carnaby Street - if the team is celebrating a milestone, where are you heading?

The Shaston Arms, every time. It's become something of a Dragonfly institution, whether we're meeting a client, welcoming a new consultant, or celebrating a win, that's where you'll find us. And my order never changes, a creamy Guinness!

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one thing from a construction site, what would it be?

A carpenter. Simple as that.

I'd set him to work building my palace while I head off fishing - by the time I'm back with dinner, the hard work's already done. I think that's called good project management.

What's your superpower outside of project management?

I'd say an eye for design.  I really notice when everything is considered and well-coordinated, it's something I genuinely appreciate.

Oh, and I make an excellent cup of tea. Both are equally important, obviously.

The Shaston Arms, Soho

Can you tell us about a time a project threw a curveball at you and how you managed it?

Working in a foreign country where you don't speak the language and you're dealing directly with subcontractors,  that's a real test. 

You very quickly learn to communicate in other ways; through actions, through visuals, through whatever works. It forces you to find a completely different gear and get creative with how you get your point across. Honestly, it's one of the most valuable experiences I've had.

Rio de Janeiro

If you could manage a project anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Rio de Janeiro, without question. The beaches are incredible.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone starting out in project management?

Get in the office. I know that's not what everyone wants to hear, but when you're starting out, being present is everything. Say yes to as much as you can, build your connections, and put yourself in front of the right people. The relationships you build in those early years are invaluable, and you simply can't replicate that over a Teams call.

If you weren't in project management, what would your Plan B career have been?

A war correspondent. My parents talked me out of it fairly quickly - and given the danger involved, I can't really blame them. But the idea of being on the ground, reporting on major world events and conflicts, always appealed to me. Project management is probably the safer choice.

Sustainability is core to how Dragonfly operates. What's the most meaningful sustainable decision you've pushed for on a project?

Reuse over waste, always. On a university project in Australia, the client was ready to throw out a load of furniture and equipment. I pushed to donate it all to a local school instead. It's a small decision in the grand scheme of things, but it's exactly the kind of thinking that should be built into every project from the start.

Quick Fire Questions

Do you have a morning ritual that sets you up for a productive day?

A morning run followed by a sauna and four coffees. 

Favourite app?

Soduko.

What's a hobby or skill you have that people might be surprised to learn about you?

I love to fish.

Coffee order?

lced Long Black.

Outside of work, I’m most likely found…

In the park, kicking a ball about.

Favourite building? 

St Paul's.

Who would you most want to be stuck in a lift with, dead or alive?

David Attenborough - he's just a wealth of knowledge and history and I would love to pick his brains.