Matt Kember, Class of 1990

After his undergraduate degree, Matt studied for an MSc in Historic Building Conservation and learned about the evolution of architectural style through the ages, looking specifically at the works and influence of Palladio. He joined Paye Stonework & Restoration in 1994, was made a Director in 2008 and Managing Director in 2018. His experience includes the restoration, conservation and repair of many important historical buildings, including award-winning projects that include Battersea Power Station, St Pancras Station, The Mithras Temple, Eton College, Windsor Castle, The Old War Office, The National Gallery, Dover Castle, Reculver Fort, The Palace of Westminster and Pugin’s former home, The Grange, in Ramsgate. We caught up with Matt to hear about his journey from Trinity to where he is today.

What are your memories from your time at Trinity back in the 1980s? How do you think your experiences there influenced your career choices?

My overriding emotion when I look back at my time at Trinity is happiness! My first form class, 3P, was full of characters from a variety of backgrounds. We had lots of fun and it was great to see some of them at our recent reunion.

Ian Jardine was my history teacher and form master, and it was his passion for history that sparked my love of the subject, resulting in me considering careers with historical links. I remember talking to archaeologists and antiquity companies at the Trinity careers evening.

Sport was my other passion. I represented the school at cricket, rugby and hockey, which I thoroughly enjoyed. After leaving school, I continued to play cricket and some rugby at The Trinity Old Boys Club, where I’ve made many friends over the years.

The theme of our alumni magazine is architecture, design and construction, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Shaw Building. Could you tell us about a favourite architectural or design-related project that you’ve worked on?

Battersea Power Station jumps out. After seven years of cleaning and repairing the external envelope of the façade, it’s fantastic to see this iconic building restored to its former glory and become a great destination to visit after sitting derelict for so long.

Paye Stonework & Restoration is known for its work on historic buildings and iconic structures. Could you elaborate on a particular conservation and repair project?

Perhaps our most unique project was the reconstruction of The Temple of Mithras in the City of London. Discovered in 1954 on a WWII bomb site, the Temple ruins are considered to be one of our most important Roman finds. We worked with the Museum of London Archaeology and conservation consultants to make reputation for high-quality projects? drawings of each wall that recorded and identified the location of each stone, brick, tile and the mortar joint pattern. We then took each piece of masonry forming the ruin walls and dry laid them at our warehouse.

We used the drawings to reconstruct the Temple in its original location, beneath the Bloomberg Building near Cannon Street Station. It is well worth a visit!

Can you describe your journey to Managing Director? What were the key milestones?

My opportunity came in 1994 following a conversation with Paye’s Estimating Director and fellow Trinity old boy Peter Lloyd.

I had completed diplomas in building construction and building science and joined as a Contracts Manager, before working my way up to Senior Manager, Associate Director, Director and then Managing Director.

I was the fifth member of a team that now numbers 130! I am very proud to be a big part of the growth and success of the business over 30 years.

What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them to maintain the company’s reputation for high-quality projects?

The skills gap is a hot topic. There is a shortage of craft skills, knowledge and competency to deliver the workmanship required to undertake specialist work. We are working hard to recruit, train and sponsor apprentice stonemasons and encourage young people to consider a career in stonemasonry.

We have an internal training programme for graduate site, project and contract managers so that they can develop the talent, skills and expertise required to deliver the high-quality projects that we are involved with.

The conservation of historic buildings requires a balance between preserving the past and meeting modern needs. Can you tell us about projects that demonstrate this?

The balance between preserving the old and adapting a building to suit a new use and meet modern standards and regulations is extremely challenging. The intent is always to retain as much of the building’s original fabric as possible. This has been a particular challenge at Smithfield General Market, which will become the new home of the Museum of London. Described as the last ruin in London to be saved, we’ve followed a process of evaluation, salvage, repair and reuse of existing materials. Despite major adaptations, we’ve retained 70% of the building’s existing fabric.

What advice would you give current Trinity students about career choice?

Choose a career in something you enjoy and have a passion for. I’ve been fortunate enough to land a career doing something I love. I recognise how important job satisfaction is – it has made getting up for work in the morning over the past 35 years much easier!