The Good, The Bad & The Ugly of Design & Build - Matt Watts - EP9

SQ.FT Stories welcomes Matt Watts, the CEO of MWA Projects and a highly skilled leader with a multi-faceted background in the Design & Build industry.

With a career spanning all sectors of the industry, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on the evolution of Design & Build. From managing projects for global brands like Jimmy Choo and Bally Shoes to specializing in facility management and co-working spaces, Matt has seen it all—and has a lot to say about how the industry has changed, for better and for worse.

In this episode, Matt shares his insights into how the Design & Build landscape has transformed over the years and what that means for project management in today’s fast-paced environment. His practical experience and deep understanding of the industry make this a must-listen conversation for anyone in the sector.

We explore:

- How the Design & Build industry has evolved—what works & doesn't.

- The challenges and opportunities in project management today.

- Lessons learned from working with some of the world’s most prestigious brands

- Why understanding client needs and fostering collaboration are more critical than ever.

Whether you're a project manager, a facility manager, or someone curious about the behind-the-scenes of global Design & Build projects, this episode offers invaluable insights into the shifting dynamics of the industry.

Tune in to hear Matt’s reflections on the past, present, and future of Design & Build—and why innovation and adaptability are key to success.

0:00 - Intro

6:51 - How not to run a D&B company.

15:30 - Start of MWA Projects

24:38 - Corrupt Project Managers?

29:41 - The good side & bad side to D&B.

36:37 - What Coworking was then, and what it is now.

42:09 - Future of MWA Projects

46:49 - Is there a Lack of talent in D&B?