David Sweales
Capital Projects Manager
David has accumulated 12 years of experience in the construction industry. As a qualified and registered Architect, he has been involved in various projects across higher education, commercial, residential, and industrial sectors, ranging in values from £1m to £200m. He is an experienced Project Lead and actively promotes sustainability within the construction field.
In 2024, David commenced his role as the Capital Projects Manager at the University, overseeing a collection of significant refurbishment projects including most recently the new clinical teaching centre.
Wil Kent
Capital Projects Manager
Wil has worked as a Landscape Architect for over 15 years and became a charter member of the Landscape Institute in 2009. Wil has previous design, project management and contract administration experience of working in the private, charitable and public sectors. Wil is a keen advocate of sustainable, inclusive developments that places people and community at its heart. As a Landscape Architect Wil has experience of working on a wide range of projects from small scale residential schemes to larger parks and open space developments to town centre master planning and large-scale public realm projects. Wil has been a judge for the prestigious Green Flag Awards, which are given to the very best public green spaces throughout the UK, since 2012.
Wil joined the University as a Capital Projects Manager in 2021 and currently looks after a wide range of refurbishment projects across the University’s campuses.
Miles Bates
Capital Projects Manager
Miles is a Project Manager specialising in construction, with a focus on science, engineering and research, with a background that bridges technical expertise, applied innovation, and the delivery of complex built‑environment projects.
Originally trained as a Building Surveyor, Miles brings a detailed understanding of building pathology, materials performance, and lifecycle considerations to every project, ensuring that research objectives align seamlessly with practical construction realities.
He joined UoN in 2023, and his portfolio includes managing laboratory refurbishments, specialist research facilities, and infrastructure upgrades, as well as coordinating externally funded research projects.
He is particularly focused on evidence‑based decision‑making, risk‑aware planning, and ensuring that project governance supports both academic excellence and operational efficiency.