INTERVIEW: Alicia Bush, Greenway Associates
Meet Alicia Bush, our new detail - driven Project Manager who brings a strong focus to delivery and collaboration.
Alicia Bush - Project Manager at Greenway Associates.
GA: Alicia, we warmly welcome you to GA! What drew you to Greenway Associates, and what made you feel it was the right next step for you?
Alicia: The opportunity to work in cultural environments such as the V&A and the Barbican was an incredibly exciting prospect for me. I also love commuting into London from my countryside home. I’ve joined what is already a well-oiled machine. The team is highly focused and skilled, so I’ve been able to get stuck in straight away.
GA: You started out gaining hands-on experience on construction sites. How does that practical background shaped the way you work today?
Alicia: It’s definitely helped me to view jobs in a more realistic light in terms of how they actually transpire, not just as contracts and paperwork.
GA: You previously ran your own interior design business? Are you still practising as an ID?
Alicia: I am, but it’s just for pleasure now, to keep the creative part of my brain active. In this industry, it’s important to keep building your knowledge base, and to keep your skills sharp! Understanding the creative side of a project helps me to support efficiency of a programme as a PM.
GA: You’re currently working on some of the exhibitions that GA are involved with at the V&A, like the renovation of the South Asia Gallery, as well as helping with the extensive workload for the Barbican Renewal project. How is it going?
Alica: It’s going really well! I’ve loved getting to work with the design teams at the V&A and the Barbican, and I’ve really enjoyed attending some of the events and launches. The teams and the deliverables are very structured, so I’ve been able to get stuck in straight away.
Alicia Bush, Warren Lisher & Liam McFaul of Greenway Associates, having fun at the opening of V&A East.
GA: How would you describe your approach in a fast-paced environment?
Alicia: I’ve always believed in the idea that you give a job to a busy person. I like to get ahead early so I’m not constantly catching up. I also believe in trying to establish a real connection with the people you work with - it’s vital to thriving in a fast pace!
GA: How do you balance design ideas with the realities of a project? And what skills do you think you will be transferring into your new role at GA?
Alicia: It’s important to leave enough space for design and creativity, while bringing structure to the team environment, so that everyone is satisfied with the part they play in the project. Balancing budget and programme, while maintaining design intent, is something I enjoy the challenge of. Otherwise, there would be no project at all.
GA: You recently treated us to a little concerto at Waterloo station! What kind of music do you enjoy, and do you find it influences your mindset or way of thinking?
Alicia: Yes, I love playing classical piano, as I find it very calming to listen to and to play. But I enjoy most genres of music. I like to listen to house music when working, as I find it motivates me while still allowing me to focus.
GA: We also heard you enjoy a good martini! In your opinion, what makes a good one? Can you give us a London recommendation?
Alicia: I would say a good martini is all in the temperature. I was recently treated to the Martini experience at The Connaught - it was definitely an experience, as it’s made table side by not 1, but 2 bartenders! Rita’s in Soho also does a pretty incredible martini and a delicious gilda too.
Connect with Alicia on LinkedIn here.