Each month Middle East Consultant (MEC) sits down with an executive from the built environment to get to know them better from a professional and personal standpoint. Through the ‘Day in the Life’ focus, we learn more about their role, achievements, how they progress through their work days, how they handle stress, advice for the next generation and more. Here, MEC sits down with Olivia Taylor, Senior Consultant, HKA.
Share a brief about yourself and your role.
I am a Senior Consultant at HKA working in quantum and construction disputes, and I have been with HKA for coming up 7 years, based in the Dubai office.
I did not start out in this field; I trained and chartered as an Architect and worked as a Project Architect for several years at a leading practice in London before moving into claims and disputes in the UAE. That background still shapes how I think. I tend to visualise problems first, often sketching or mapping things out before getting into the detail. I am usually trying to understand what actually happened on a project, not just what is recorded, which is often where the difference lies.
In your current role what is the achievement you are the most proud of and why?
The moments I feel most proud are when something initially feels unclear and you are able to give it direction and arrive at a coherent view.
That has been a consistent thread throughout my career, from completing my first project as a Project Architect through to more recent work in construction disputes. On a recent project involving a large claim, the information was fragmented and difficult to navigate. I rebuilt the sequence of events, mapping out what had actually happened before forming a position.
There is usually a point where everything aligns, and that shift from uncertainty to a clear position is probably the most rewarding part of the work.
Outside of being driven/self-motivated, what drives you forward and motivates you to do better?
I have always been drawn to problems where there is no obvious answer. Construction disputes tend to sit in that space, with competing views and a lot of noise. I enjoy working through that and getting to something that feels clear and grounded.
Over time, what motivates me more is having a greater role in shaping the outcome rather than just contributing to it. That sense of ownership changes how you approach the work.
What is your ethos on life/work balance? How do you balance the two and ensure you make the most of each day?
I do not think balance exists neatly day-to-day, particularly in this role. There are periods where work is more intense, and I think it is better to accept that than fight it. What matters more is being able to switch off properly when you can.
I have a young family, which helps create that boundary whether I plan it or not. For me, it is less about perfect balance and more about making sure things feel sustainable over time.
How does your day begin at the office? What does your first hour look like?
Coffee, always. After that, the first part of my day is usually about understanding what matters before reacting to everything that has come in overnight. That means going through emails, but more importantly deciding what genuinely needs attention.
If there is something complex or important, I try to tackle it early while things are still quiet. Once the day fills up with calls and meetings, it becomes much harder to think clearly, so that first hour tends to set the tone.
What does your lunch hour look like? How do you spend it?
It depends on the day. Some days lunch is at my desk, particularly if things are busy, but I do try to step away where I can.
I also have a 2-year old daughter, so on days I am working from home, lunch usually involves a “cup of tea” she has made for me. It is entirely imaginary, but she takes it very seriously, so it tends to be non-negotiable. It is a surprisingly effective way of forcing a break from my desk.
What do you to refocus yourself and maintain productivity as the day progresses?
When things feel large or complicated, I try to break them down into something workable quite quickly. I often map things out visually at the start, which helps create a route into the detail. It is easy to get lost in the volume of information otherwise.
A big part of the role is deciding what deserves attention and what does not, which makes a noticeable difference to both clarity and productivity.
How do you wind down your workday? Take us through your last hour at the office.
The last part of the day is about pulling things together and making sure there is a clear plan for what comes next. I try not to leave things mid-thought, as that makes the following day harder.
Where possible, I also take a wider view and sense-check whether the overall direction still makes sense. It is easy to get caught up in individual tasks, so having that moment of perspective helps create a cleaner break into the evening. Recently, I have taken to the habit of writing a list of tasks for the following day and it has been game changing.
The construction industry can be quite stressful – how do you handle stress? What tips can you share with our readers on the healthiest way to deal with stress?
There are definitely periods where the pressure is higher, particularly around deadlines or complex submissions. Most situations feel more overwhelming at the start than they do once you begin to organise them.
I often find that mapping things out on paper helps bring clarity quite quickly. Breaking things down and focusing on what you can control makes a big difference. I have also learnt that stepping away briefly, even when it feels counterintuitive, often helps you come back with a clearer head.
How do you make big decisions for your business – take us through your process.
I usually start by asking what really matters in the context of the problem. It is easy to get pulled into technical detail too quickly, but most decisions hinge on 1 or 2 key issues.
From there, I work through the information and form a view, even if everything is not completely clear. In this type of work, waiting for perfect information is not realistic, so it is about making a reasoned judgement and being able to stand behind it once you have taken a position.
Share one aspect of your role that you like, and conversely, one aspect that you dislike.
I like the point where something stops feeling abstract and starts to make sense. There is usually a moment in a claim where the direction becomes clear, and that is probably the most satisfying part.
What I find more challenging is the volume of information. There is often a lot of it, and not all of it is useful. A big part of the role is learning where to direct your attention, rather than trying to absorb everything.
Name a person that inspires you personally and professionally, and share 2 or 3 things that you most admire from that person and try to emulate in your own life?
I tend to be inspired by people I have worked with rather than one specific individual. In particular, those who combine technical knowledge with calm judgement and clarity.
I admire people who can simplify complex situations without losing accuracy, and who remain measured under pressure. That ability to think clearly and communicate simply is something I try to emulate in my own work.
What smartphone do you use and what are your top 3 most used applications and why?
I use an iPhone 16 Pro, although I do miss my old Nokia 3210. It was less efficient, but it also meant there were far fewer distractions.
My most used apps are Audible, FT Edit and Outlook. Audible is for my growing selection of audiobooks, which I tend to listen to throughout the day, particularly when I may not be able to set aside time to read.
FT Edit is useful because it curates a small number of the top Financial Times articles, so you stay informed without getting overwhelmed. Outlook is where most of my day is coordinated, so it is nearly always open. I try to keep it simple and focus on what is useful.
What’s one thing that you want to be known for personally in the construction industry?
I would like to be known as someone who makes complex situations feel manageable and easier to navigate. Construction disputes can feel quite overwhelming, and I think there is real value in being able to bring clarity without adding to that complexity.
Having started in architecture, I also tend to see things slightly differently, and I would like that to be part of what I am known for. If anything, I would rather simplify than overcomplicate.
Above all, I would like to be known as someone who is kind and approachable. These are qualities I think matter most, particularly in an environment that can often feel high pressure.
What advice do you have for fresh graduates and up and comers in your own organisation?
Be patient with the process and focus on understanding how projects actually work, not just the theory behind them. That depth comes with time and should not be rushed.
Always ask questions, stay curious, and try to see the bigger picture rather than just the task in front of you. Also, do not underestimate the importance of communication. Being able to explain your thinking is just as important as the analysis itself.
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