Meet Ola Ajala, an Employer’s Agent and Quantity Surveyor at Welling, based in our Southampton office. Since joining us in 2022, Ola has played a key role in delivering a variety of residential projects, from modular builds in Guildford to large-scale developments at Tattenhoe Park in Milton Keynes.
Outside of work, this man has many hidden talents! A former professional tailor and self-taught barber (he swears by his own fades!), he’s also a passionate musician, having performed to crowds of 2,000. And when he’s not playing piano, guitar or singing in a choir, you’ll find him cheering on Arsenal with a Guinness.
What’s your role at Welling?
I’m an Employer’s Agent and Quantity Surveyor based in our Southampton office, working closely with Robert (Bob) Birch and Alex Falconer. I play a crucial role in ensuring projects are completed to high-quality standards, staying within agreed specifications, budgets, and timelines. I get involved in post-contract duties and follow projects through to the end of the Defect Liability Period.
What projects are you working on?
I’ve been lucky to work on a variety of projects across the South. Some of the key ones include Radley Reach in Oxfordshire, delivering 130 homes for Sovereign Network Group, and the latest phases at Stoneham Park in Hampshire, which will deliver 124 homes for VIVID. I’m also involved in modular builds at Beech Lane in Guildford, which is a smaller project of 16 homes, to much larger schemes such as Tattenhoe Park in Milton Keynes, where we’re acting as Compliance Monitoring Inspector for Homes England on a number of their latest phases.
How did you get into the industry?
I studied Quantity Surveying at university in Nigeria where my career started as a Project Quantity Surveyor before transitioning into an Assistant Estimator in Surrey and then as an Employer’s Agent role here. I joined Welling in 2022, and since then, I’ve had the chance to work on a great mix of projects and develop my skills further. I also became a Chartered Quantity Surveyor (MRICS) nearly two years ago and a Chartered Construction Manager (MCIOB) over two years ago.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career?
Experience is the best teacher. You can learn a lot from books and training, but nothing compares to being out on-site, dealing with real-world challenges, and learning from experienced colleagues. Working with Bob Birch has been a great learning opportunity for me. For example, some contract provisions and building legislation are open to interpretation, and Bob has helped me navigate this.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The variety. No two projects are ever the same, and there’s always something new to learn. I also enjoy working with different clients, contractors, and consultants – it keeps things interesting.
What was your first ever job?
Before I got into construction, my first paid role was as a church pianist when I was 21, back in Nigeria. I did that for three years while I was at university, covering weddings, events, and weekend services.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Music is a big passion of mine. I play the guitar and sing in a church choir, and I’ve even performed in front of 2,000 people before. When I’m not doing that, I like to unwind with my PS5 or watch TV with a Guinness Foreign Extra Stout in hand!
Are you into sports?
Absolutely – I’m a huge Arsenal fan! I’ve been supporting them from a young age and since I lived in Nigeria, when Arsene Wenger was at the helm with legendary players such as Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp. I’ve stuck with them through the highs and lows.
Any hidden talents?
Quite a few! I used to be a professional tailor when I was at university, doing everything from clothing adjustments to making wedding outfits and full suits. I still dabble when I get the time. I’m also a self-taught barber, largely driven by the fact that I got fed up with queuing and waiting at the barber’s, so I now cut my own and my son’s hair. Though I say so myself, I do a great fade!
