Celebrating Paul’s and Lee’s journeys at Ashford Homes

At Ashford Homes, we believe that our people are the foundation of our success. Many of our team members have grown with us over the years, developing their careers while contributing to the high standards we are known for. To celebrate these incredible milestones, we recently took the opportunity to reflect on Paul’s and Lee’s journeys with Ashford Homes.

Paul Northeast – 10 Years at Ashford Homes

Paul, our Technical Manager, has been with Ashford Homes since 2015. Starting as a CAD Technician, he progressed to Senior CAD Technician before being promoted to Technical Manager last year. With a decade of experience at Ashford Homes, Paul has built an extensive knowledge of technical details and oversees the delivery of precise drawings and information to our sites. His role ensures that our developments meet Ashford Homes’ exacting standards, current Building Regulations, Warranty requirements, and manufacturers’ recommendations.

Lee Dutton – 15 Years at Ashford Homes

Marking an impressive 15 years with us, Lee Dutton has played a vital role in our company’s journey. From starting as a subcontractor to becoming a Project Manager, Lee has gained vast experience in different roles within Ashford Homes. We recently sat down with him to reflect on his journey, the most memorable moments, and why Ashford Homes has been the right place for his career, here’s what he said:

1. Can you tell us about your journey at Ashford Homes? What roles have you held during your 15 years here, and how has your career evolved over time?

My journey with Ashford Homes began when I was subcontracting as a carpenter and joiner on several projects. After working with the company in that capacity, I was offered a full-time role as a carpenter, which quickly evolved into an Assistant Site Manager position. My first project in this role was Berryfield back in February 2010, where I gained valuable experience in site management.

Following the completion of that development, I transitioned into a newly created role as Client Liaison Manager, based in the company’s head office at the time in Bowerhill, Melksham. This position involved inspecting completed plots, working closely with site managers to ensure homes met Ashford Homes’ high standards, and personally walking clients through their new homes. Handing over the keys on move-in day was always a privilege – seeing how happy clients were with their beautifully crafted homes made all the hard work worthwhile.

A pivotal moment in my career came when I visited a site in Keynsham, where six dilapidated barns were due to be converted into homes. Being someone who loves the outdoors and nature – particularly birds – I was originally there to install a barn owl box, but as I stood on-site, I had a moment of realisation: this was going to be a stunning project, and I wanted to be the one to manage it! I went back to the directors, expressed my interest, and was given the opportunity to oversee the two-year transformation of those barns into amazing homes.

From there, I went on to manage four more sites and assist with several others, which ultimately led to my promotion to Project Manager, a role I have now proudly held for over three years. My journey at Ashford Homes has been one of continual growth, and I’ve been fortunate to take on a variety of roles that have given me a deep understanding of the company and its commitment to excellence.

2. What initially drew you to Ashford Homes, and what has kept you motivated to stay with the company for so long?

What initially drew me to Ashford Homes was my experience working with them as a carpenter subcontractor. I was already familiar with their high standards, the quality of their workmanship, and the excellent materials they used. That reputation for excellence made the decision to join them as an employee an easy one.

What has kept me motivated over the years is the variety of roles I’ve had within the company. Having held four different positions, I’ve gained a broad range of experience and been able to see the company from multiple perspectives. This has kept my work both engaging and challenging, ensuring that I’m always learning and growing within the business.

3. Over the years, you’ve likely seen the company grow and change. What are some of the most memorable moments or milestones you’ve experienced here?

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of seeing the company grow and evolve, and there have been many memorable moments along the way. One standout milestone was the move from our original premises in Melksham to the purpose-built offices in Bradford on Avon – a clear sign of the company’s progression and ambition.

Attending award ceremonies and winning the accolades we were nominated for has also been a highlight. Most recently, winning the national LABC Building Excellence Award for the Best Medium Volume new housing development was particularly special, as it was the first project I managed as a project manager. Seeing that hard work recognised on such a scale was incredibly rewarding.

A pivotal moment for me personally was when the directors invited me into the office to discuss the transition from Site Manager to Project Manager. Being offered and awarded that role was a huge step in my career, and one that I’m incredibly proud of.

That said, one of the most fulfilling aspects of my time here has been my involvement in every build as a Site Manager. I took great pride in every project, ensuring they were completed to the highest standard. Seeing those developments come to life and knowing I played a part in their success is something I will always value.

4. What is it about the culture at Ashford Homes that stands out to you, and how would you describe the team dynamic?

The culture at Ashford Homes is one of the things that truly stands out to me. It’s a friendly, encouraging, and highly supportive environment where everyone works together to achieve the best results. The company is forward-thinking, always striving for improvement and innovation, which makes it an exciting place to be.

What really makes a difference is feeling appreciated in my role. Knowing that my contributions are valued gives me a strong sense of purpose and motivation to stay and continue growing with the company. The team dynamic is collaborative and driven, with everyone willing to support one another to ensure we deliver the highest standards in everything we do. The directors take great pride in our brand and the homes we build, ensuring they stand out above the rest.

5. What’s been the most rewarding or impactful project you’ve worked on, and what made it special for you?

All of the projects I’ve worked on have impacted me in some way, but my last site as a site manager – an 11-plot development in Sparkford – stands out as the most rewarding. It was the project where I felt at my most confident, having taken all my experience to date and applied it to become the best site manager I could be.

What made it even more special was the team dynamic on site. I genuinely felt that all the trades enjoyed working with me, and together, we created a friendly and safe environment. That sense of mutual respect and teamwork made a real difference, ensuring the project ran smoothly and to a high standard. It was a great experience to be part of, and one I’ll always look back on with pride.

6. For someone considering joining Ashford Homes, what would you say makes this company a great place to build a career?

Notwithstanding everything I’ve mentioned above, Ashford Homes is a very supportive place to work, where you’re encouraged to grow and develop in your role. Plus, you get to work with me – which is a bonus in itself!

What really speaks volumes about the quality of our homes is the fact that I’ve actually bought one myself. I’ve not just built Ashford homes; I’ve bought into the Ashford lifestyle, which says a lot about the trust and pride I have in what we do. If you’re looking for a company that values its people, builds exceptional homes, and offers a great environment to develop your career, Ashford Homes is the place to be.

Join Our Team!

At Ashford Homes, we are always looking for talented individuals to join our growing team. If you’re interested in building a career with a company that values expertise, innovation, and a supportive work environment, we would love to hear from you.

Check out our current vacancies and become part of our journey.