Talking to: Nick Lowe, Quantity Surveyor
In this age of social distancing, we’re asking members of the STEM Construction team some questions so you can get to know them a little better. We spoke to Nick Lowe, Quantity Surveyor.
So Nick, tell us what your job is at STEM Construction
As QS, I’m responsible for pricing for tenders and any work we’re planning. I also oversee the commercial running of our ongoing projects.
How did you find yourself working in Civil Engineering?
I was born into it! My Dad drove machines for Dew Construction, and my Mum was Nanny to the firm’s family owners. My first Tonka toys had ‘N Lowe Plant Hire’ written on them so I couldn’t really have grown up to be in any other business!
How would your best friend describe you?
‘The best wingman to go through life with’ were his exact words. I’m happy with that!
When you’re not at work, what can we find you doing?
Riding and building mountain bikes for my family and myself – I’m getting a couple of my sons into helping now, which is great fun. I love craft beer and sometimes I think I’m keeping Preston’s Beer Brothers in business! I like to drive my Smart Roadster which is totally impractical but a fantastic machine to enjoy.
What are your favourite shows on TV or radio?
I’m listening to G.F. Newman’s ‘The Corrupted’ on BBC Sounds. It’s a crime drama looking at a family of villains from the 1930s onwards, and how their lives of crime have changed over the years up to present times. It’s fascinating.
If you weren’t a QS here, what do you think you’d be up to?
Based on my upbringing I couldn’t work in any other sector, so I think I’d be out on site as a Setting Out Engineer.
What’s the best thing about working at STEM Construction?
Never having a day where I wake up and don’t want to go to work.