Kerim Copeland

£150m+ Infrastructure Renewal Programme (Phase 1: Art Gallery, Concert Hall & Theatre) Phased renewal of the Barbican Centre, delivering sustainable infrastructure upgrades, major plant replacement, and energy efficiency improvements across a live, high-profile cultural venue.

• Managing mechanical works from Stage 4 design through Stage 6 handover, leading technical delivery across complex building services systems in a listed, operational environment.
• Directed validations of existing plant to inform new selections, collaborating with design consultants and suppliers to deliver compliant, efficient AHU and ASHP systems.
• Led AHU procurement for the Art Gallery, resolving spatial and static pressure constraints while ensuring full compliance with UK Building Regulations and CIBSE Guides.
• Addressed acoustic compliance for roof-mounted ASHPs adjacent to residential windows to meet strict City of London noise limits.
• Produced Stage 4 coordination drawings using BIM, identifying and resolving plantroom clashes, maintaining access clearances, and incorporating consultant feedback.
• Prepared technical submittals and managed full procurement process for major plant, ensuring timely approval and specification compliance.
• Attended design meetings, raised technical risks, and updated stakeholders on progress, decisions, and constraints throughout design development.
• Oversaw Stage 5 installation on-site, managing subcontractor coordination, installation quality, and programme milestones in a live public venue.
• Organised and witnessed system commissioning to ensure performance targets, compliance, and readiness for Stage 6 handover.

10-year, £70m phased plant replacement programme including 40 AHUs, 12 boilers, 4 chillers, cooling towers, LTHW/CHW pipework, MCC panels, and renewable technologies.

• Progressed from apprentice to Mechanical project engineer, taking responsibility for mechanical works from Stage 5 design coordination through to Stage 6 handover.
• Led mechanical procurement, preparing technical submittals, managing supplier negotiations, and maintaining procurement trackers for major plant packages.
• Managed subcontractors on-site, chairing pre-start meetings, coordinating activities, and ensuring works were delivered safely, on programme, and in compliance with specifications.
• Utilised BIM (Navisworks, Revit, Asite/Autodesk CDE) to coordinate services, resolve clashes, produce sequencing drawings for phased plant replacement, and ensure COBie data accuracy for digital asset handover.
• Oversaw commissioning activities for multiple mechanical systems, including re-commissioning to 100% fresh air operation during COVID-19, minimising disruption to critical court functions.
• Delivered sustainable plant solutions including solar thermal hot water installation, achieving listed building consent and reducing boiler load/emissions.
• Liaised with consultants, client, and stakeholders through monthly progress meetings, providing technical updates and resolving operational challenges such as chiller failures by accelerating programme delivery.
• Produced and reviewed risk assessments, RAMS, and permits, ensuring compliance with CDM 2015, Building Regulations, and City of London standards.
• Provided client training on BMS head-end systems, improving facilities team capability in plant monitoring, optimisation, and fault diagnosis.
• Supported business initiatives through KPI monitoring of supply chain, mentoring apprentices, and contributing to Future Leaders and Emerging Talent programmes.

£100k Smart Metering & EMS Integration – Stage 3 Decarbonisation Project surveying 20+ buildings to enable accurate tenant billing, improved energy efficiency, and support the UK Government’s smart metering rollout.

• Conducted detailed building services surveys to identify pipework locations suitable for smart meter installations across multiple properties.
• Produced schematics and technical drawings to illustrate proposed smart meter positions and integration points with existing systems.
• Collaborated with the commercial department to prepare costed proposals for each installation, aligning technical feasibility with financial planning.
• Recommended smart metering solutions compatible with the client’s Energy Management System (EMS), ensuring centralised monitoring and real-time data access.
• Provided strategic input on how metering would support the Crown Estate’s sustainability and decarbonisation goals by improving energy visibility and accountability.

£2m Stainless Steel Riser Install within an occupied corporate office building, ensuring minimal disruption to critical operations.

• Oversaw mechanical services installation across multiple riser shafts, managing logistics and phased working in a secure, live environment.
• Coordinated with design consultants and BIM teams to validate service routes, resolve spatial challenges, and ensure maintainable access.
• Directed subcontractor works, holding progress meetings, reviewing RAMS, and enforcing compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Chaired daily interface meetings with other trades to ensure alignment of works and avoid disruption to business-critical operations.
• Supervised commissioning and testing of riser pipework systems, preparing handover documentation and ensuring seamless client acceptance.
• Provided clear communication to stakeholders through progress reporting and client walk-throughs, ensuring transparency and confidence in project delivery.

Major upgrade programme replacing 40 Air Handling Units and undertaking a full boiler house replacement within a live retail environment.

• Gained hands-on project experience by supporting the delivery of an Air Handling Unit (AHU) replacement, building a strong foundation in HVAC systems and project execution.
• Assisted in the supply chain selection process, evaluating AHU options and liaising with suppliers to support procurement decisions.
• Coordinated subcontractor activities on-site, ensuring works were carried out safely, to programme, and in line with project requirements.
• Utilised BIM tools to review and coordinate building services layouts, identifying and resolving potential clashes before installation.
• Contributed to project planning and programme management, supporting the successful delivery of mechanical works within agreed timelines.
• Maintained a safe working environment, contributing to team well-being.