People

Aspec employs extremely professional staff who are specialists in construction and project management, contract administration, quantity surveying, commercial interiors, planning and programming, design and build and preventative maintenance roles.

We work to encourage the career development of our staff and value their skills highly.

Matthew Donaghy

Director / Managing Director

Matthew has been an integral part of Aspec since 1999, starting as a builders labourer then completing his Carpentry apprenticeship, working his way up to Managing Director. With a sharp sense of humour and a positive approach, Matthew brings leadership and experience to the team. His focus lies both internally—supporting staff and fostering a strong company culture—and externally, building and maintaining strong client relationships.

Matthew is also the driving force behind Aspec’s tender methodologies and programming, ensuring strategic and well-executed project bids. He leads business development efforts through lead tracking and networking, regularly hitting the golf course to build connections, develop new opportunities for the company and of course work on his handicap.

Darren Rix

Director / Commercial Manager

With over 28 years in the construction industry, including time in the UK, Darren brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Commercial Manager and Director. Since joining Aspec in 2005, he has done the hard yards as a Quantity Surveyor and managed the Maintenance division. He now plays a key role in managing financial operations, contract negotiations, and project oversight.

Darren works closely with clients, finance teams, and quantity surveyors to ensure projects run smoothly, budgets stay on track, and risks are well-managed. Known for his sharp eye for detail and practical approach, he’s always focused on delivering value and confidence to every client.

Outside of work, Darren is a keen sportsman, always up for a competitive match—whether it’s on the field or out on the golf course.

Jeff Robertson

Director / Construction Manager

With over 14 years of experience in the USA before joining Aspec in 2014, Jeff brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Construction Manager and Director. Specialising in large and complex projects, he has a particular passion for delivering high-quality educational buildings.

Jeff takes pride in his technical knowledge and architectural understanding, working closely with clients and consultants to anticipate challenges and ensure a seamless construction process.

As Construction Manager, Jeff focuses on project delivery, providing leadership on technical and contractual matters while fostering collaboration between clients, consultants, and subcontractors. He also leads Aspec’s Health and Safety initiatives and manages the ECI engagement process.

When he’s not on-site ensuring smooth project execution, you’ll find Jeff in the kitchen—where his attention to detail extends to cooking up a great meal.

Kelvin Billett

Director / Site Operations Manager

With 34 years in the construction industry, Kelvin has been part of Aspec since 2002, starting as a Site Manager before moving up to Project Manager and now leading as Site Operations Manager.

With deep construction knowledge and a hands-on approach, he ensures projects run smoothly, focusing on planning, methodology, and quality. Kelvin also oversees the yard, plant, and labour resources, keeping everything running like a well-oiled machine.

When he’s not onsite, you’ll likely find him on the water—he’s a keen fisherman who knows the best catches require patience, precision, and the right conditions—just like a successful build.

Jason Barry

Director / Estimating Manager

Since joining Aspec in 2010, Jason has been a driving force in estimating and securing construction projects. A skilled Quantity Surveyor and Estimator, he’s known for his positive approach, conscientiousness, and strong relationships with subcontractors, consultants, and clients.

Jason specialises in ECI contracts, guiding projects from early engagement to a fixed price before construction. He also supports the Quantity Surveying team with cost analysis and job summaries. Thoughtful and solutions-focused, Jason brings a steady hand to complex projects — balancing work with a competitive streak on the tennis court and an undeniable sweet tooth that keeps the office well-stocked with treats.

Adam Tyrie

Interiors Manager

Adam joined Aspec in 2021 after a 16-year relationship with the company as a client. With 30 years of experience across construction and development in both New Zealand and the UK, he brings a well-rounded perspective to every project. A Chartered Civil Engineer with an Honours degree in Civil Engineering, Adam values a collaborative approach, working closely with his team and clients to find smart solutions.

As if the construction industry isn’t stressful enough, he also supports West Ham United—proving he thrives under pressure.

Anthony Connolly

Maintenance Operations Manager

Anthony Connolly joined Aspec in 2016 as a Quantity Surveyor and worked his way up to General Manager of the Maintenance Division. With a strong background in estimating and contract administration, he’s known for his sharp attention to detail, productivity, and ability to build great relationships across the project team.

Now leading a skilled team of 20+, Anthony ensures the seamless delivery of maintenance projects while keeping client satisfaction a top priority. When he’s not keeping things running smoothly at work, you’ll likely find him out on the water, fishing and enjoying boat life.