James Poole
Taunton,Somerset
Summary
A seasoned professional with expertise in stone masonry and traditional building techniques, complemented by strong project management and leadership skills. Demonstrates proficiency in architectural analysis, cost estimation, and HR management, driving business strategy and budgeting initiatives. Adept at supplier negotiation, procurement, and ensuring health and safety compliance within luxury residential development projects. Skilled in digital content creation, investor relations, branding proficiency, and financial literacy. Committed to continuous improvement initiatives and strategic planning to enhance organisational performance.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Founder & Director
Underwood Homes
2020.01 - 2026.04
- Development, Leadership & Strategic Management
- - Leads the full strategic direction and operational management of Underwood Homes, overseeing business growth, development planning, and long-term company vision.
- - Skilled in analysing architectural drawings, interpreting structural requirements, and planning complex builds from concept to completion.
- - Experienced in cost forecasting, budgeting, and profitability analysis, ensuring each development meets financial and operational targets.
- - Manages the HR and recruitment function, identifying talent, interviewing candidates, and selecting employees who meet the company’s high standards of craftsmanship.
- - Acts as the primary contact for suppliers, subcontractors, and specialist craftsmen, negotiating pricing and ensuring timely delivery of materials.
- - Highly knowledgeable in health and safety, UK building regulations, planning permission, permits, and compliance requirements.
- - Skilled in deadline management, project scheduling, and coordinating multiple teams across different sites.
- - Has built a strong professional network with architects, engineers, suppliers, and local authorities.
- - Successfully managed over 20 contracted employees.
- - Positioned Underwood Homes for international expansion.
- Landmark Projects
- - Georgian-style home constructed using Blue Lias and Bath stone
- - “Great Wall of Tintinhull” — complex Hamstone boundary structure
- - Modern country home replacement build with full site transformation
Founder & Director
J Poole Construction Ltd
2012.01 - 2026.04
- Client-Focused Construction & Project Delivery
- - Founded J Poole Construction Ltd in 2012, delivering high-quality building work directly for private clients.
- - Managed residential projects including extensions, renovations, structural works, stone masonry, and full property transformations.
- - Built a strong reputation for reliability, craftsmanship, and client satisfaction.
- Business Operations & Workforce Leadership
- - Oversaw project planning, budgeting, procurement, and workforce management.
- - Successfully managed in excess of 15 employees and contracted workers.
- - Led apprenticeships and employee development programmes.
- - Provided company benefits including pensions and private healthcare.
- Distinct Focus Compared to Underwood Homes
- - J Poole Construction Ltd specialises in client-service construction.
- - Underwood Homes focuses on property development and investor-backed projects.
Self-Employed Builder
2008.01 - 2012.01
- - Delivered construction services for private clients, managing projects independently.
- - Developed strong client-facing skills and hands-on craftsmanship.
Apprentice
S Pledger Developments
2005.01 - 2008.01
- - Completed a multi-year apprenticeship in bricklaying, masonry, structural work, and general construction.
- - Learned traditional British building techniques and high-standard workmanship.
Education
Level 3 Diploma - Bricklaying
SCAT Taunton
GCSE-level Secondary Education - undefined
Skills
- Stone masonry expertise
- Traditional building techniques
- Project management and leadership
- Architectural analysis and cost estimation
- HR management and development
- Business strategy and budgeting
- Supplier negotiation and procurement
- Health and safety compliance
- Luxury residential development
- Digital content creation
- Investor relations and strategy
- Branding proficiency
- Financial literacy
- Continuous improvement initiatives
- Problem-solving skills
- Strategic planning
Specialised UK Construction Techniques & International Value
- - Expertise in Blue Lias, Bath stone, and Hamstone masonry., - Skilled in Roman-style arches, structural stonework, and heritage restoration., - Techniques uncommon in the US construction industry.
- - Developing educational video modules for students and apprentices., - Creating curriculum-aligned content to inspire the next generation of tradespeople., - Producing a successful online docu-series showcasing real-world construction techniques.
Business Strategy & Vision
- - Develop family-sized homes to meet UK housing demand.
- - Restore and renovate properties using traditional British craftsmanship.
- - Preserve local architectural heritage while integrating modern sustainability standards.
- - Expand operations internationally.
Affiliations
- crossfit
- swimming
- reading
- family time
Accomplishments
The trades awards 2022
Certification
Vehicle licence
Trailer licence
Waste Carrier licence
NHBC licence
Timeline
Founder & Director
Underwood Homes
2020.01 - 2026.04
Founder & Director
J Poole Construction Ltd
2012.01 - 2026.04
Self-Employed Builder
2008.01 - 2012.01
Apprentice
S Pledger Developments
2005.01 - 2008.01
GCSE-level Secondary Education - undefined
Level 3 Diploma - Bricklaying
SCAT Taunton