10 YEARS at MWA Projects

By Charlotte Hughes, Pre Con Manager

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As I reflect on a decade with MWA, I still can’t quite believe how much has changed since walking into the office as a graduate temp in Feb 2015. There I found a tight-knit team: Mo in Finance, Mark & Adrian in Space Planning, Emma in H&S, David - the only “IT guy” we’ll ever need -& Matt - doing pretty much everything else. I remember wondering how this small company, hidden away in a corner of Henley-on-Thames, was working with some of the UK's most prestigious brands.

Starting in admin, I supported Matt as he managed the projects, before moving into facilities with Nike, one of our biggest clients at the time. Those days were equal parts stressful & exciting - from last-minute furniture hunts for next-day events to convincing my dad to make a same-day round trip to York for building materials for a project at the HQ!

Through Nike's Bex, Suzanne Barnes, & Rachel Hunter, we connected with Girl Effect - my first “project”. Working alongside like-minded women; Jane Pinfold (Architect), Emilie Vanpoperinghe, Niamh McGahern & Ashley Casey, we created something spectacular on a conservative budget across two Soho floors.

Then came Jimmy Choo & Thomas Pink, where Maud Alvarez & Julieka showed me that kindness still thrived in the fast-paced fashion industry. The journey continued with a Converse showroom alongside the brilliant architect Tom, & assisting on projects in Paris for Nike &ASOS (with the one & only Alex Keates).

A shift to the beauty industry saw me managing two different nail salons - one in Chiswick, another in Soho - both led by fiercely passionate women. I even returned to my uni roots helping on a project in Bath with our long-standing client, Jeremy Woolcock.

UKTV's Hammersmith HQ, opposite our London office, holds a special place in my heart, with their FM Dan Hayes always taking the time to make me a cup of herbal tea!

The London chapter brought such joy - our small but sleek office for four (including my forever favourite Carolina - one of whom I’ve come to think of as the 'C Team' 😉) with those incredible city views. I'll never forget surprising Matt on his big birthday up there with our favourite clients and suppliers (Sue, I think we actually managed to keep that secret!)

Those London days were filled with thousands of steps between meetings & pitches - usually in the rain, but always with gratitude for where I was & what I was doing.

The IDEO project was the pinnacle - working with Feilden Fowles and Lorraine Clarke to create a truly timeless and stunning space. Just as Matt always spoke of having one project you throw everything into, this was mine. Every early morning, late night & weekend on site was worth it.

Then came Sister Pictures, thanks to Jane's introduction to Emily Potter - another project I'll never forget, with my partner in crime, Kieron, on site. Working with Rhiannon Jones & Emily, alongside our incredible, long-standing suppliers SCJ, KTJ & KSL, we created something magical (with special thanks to my mum for her final pre-completion snagging!)

When Covid arrived, I took a leap of faith (#forAmore)- moving to Padova, Italy, catching the last flight before lockdown. What could have been a career-ending move in any other “ordinary” business, became a testament to Matt and Sue's unwavering support - "we'll make it work," they said, & we did!

My first remote project for Daily Paper proved it, coordinating between Amsterdam, Italy & London, creating an innovative space with a dream team, Floor Hoeke, Nathalie Robberse & Bas Koets.

Then came a baby! After nine months of maternity leave, little sleep & feeling somewhat lost though utterly in love, I returned… wondering if I still 'had it'.

Finding my feet again in our rapidly expanding company took time, but familiar faces like Alex Keates & Steveo Russell helped light the way.

Working remotely & part-time, juggling work with nursery hours, trying to do it all (& sometimes accepting that I can't!)has been a challenge. But it's all worth it to be part of what is - completely impartially, of course! - the most incredible company with the best team yet.

My deepest gratitude goes to Matt & Sue for making it all possible & for being there through the highs & the lows of the past decade.

Here's to the next chapter - & another decade of doing what I love 🎉

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