About David Hayes
I'm a first year student at the University of Bath studying Civil Engineering

Property will always be an expensive, long term and illiquid investment opportunity unless we significantly alter how and what we build.
Advances in prefabrication have the potential to slash the cost of construction and dramatically reduce build times, as demonstrated by companies such as Broad Sustainable Buildings; the Chinese firm which constructed a 15 story building in just 48 hours in 2010. However, there are problems that currently exist in prefabrication techniques that are not inherent and have halted its ubiquity.
Furthermore, there are numerous inefficiencies that exist on conventional building sites which, if resolved, could significantly reduce the cost of property.
Examples of inefficiency include current surveying methods, which involve measuring a single distance at a time using a total station. Advances in multi-rotor drones and 3D sensors lend themselves to a new, far faster, cheaper and automatic measuring system.
Building Information Modeling also has the potential to significantly reduce error, build time and cost on construction sites, however it is poorly realized and needs significant investment and innovation before benefits will be seen.
With this in mind, I propose a construction efficiency investment fund, which will support UK start up businesses and research schemes which aim to eliminate these inefficiencies using recent technological improvements. This could dramatically reduce the cost of construction in the UK and make investors turn their money towards property rather than other wealth generating options.
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.