The faces of AIS: Paul Southgate

What inspired you to pursue your current career, and how did you get started in this field? 

From an incredibly early age, I was always fascinated by how things worked and how they were put together. I naturally gravitated toward the construction industry, spending countless hours in the garden building anything I could imagine, using whatever materials were available. I felt a huge sense of pride and fulfilment whenever I created something, and that feeling stayed with me. 

When I left school, I began an apprenticeship at a local joinery manufacturer. This allowed me not only to nurture my interest but to develop the skills of a master carpenter, producing high‑end joinery for prestigious projects, including installations at Buckingham and Kensington Palaces. These early experiences were incredibly formative, exposing me to craftsmanship at the highest level and reinforcing my passion for turning ideas into reality. 

By the age of 21, I was running multiple projects across various sectors, ultimately becoming the youngest project manager in the business. Taking on such responsibility at a young age was challenging, but it accelerated my learning and built a foundation for the career I have today. Looking back, each step, from building in the garden to managing major projects, felt like a natural progression driven by curiosity, hard work, and a genuine love for making things happen. 

What tips would you give to someone just starting in your profession? 

Believe in yourself, trust the process, and always take pride in what you do. Confidence doesn’t appear overnight — it grows with knowledge and experience. We often fear what we do not yet understand, so embrace learning and stay curious. 

Mistakes are inevitable, especially early in your career, but they are one of your greatest tools for development. When something goes wrong, approach it with humility and a problem‑solving mindset. What truly defines a professional in this industry is their ability to learn, adapt, and move forward stronger than before.  

Above all, stay committed and consistent. Each project, each challenge, each conversation adds another layer to your capability. If you put in the effort, the rewards — both personal and professional — will follow. 

What do you like best about our company culture? 

What stands out most to me is how the company culture aligns with my own personal values. The success of any team or business is heavily influenced by the collective mindset, behaviours, and values of the people within it. When everyone is aligned and pulling in the same direction, the momentum that can be created is extraordinary. 

At AIS, the positivity, energy, and shared ambition are evident the moment you step through the door. It’s a culture rooted in collaboration, passion, and a genuine desire to deliver excellence. That environment not only drives high performance but also makes the workplace somewhere people enjoy being, and that’s incredibly powerful. 

What drew you to work at AIS? 

The extraordinary energy and enthusiasm behind a rapidly growing business immediately caught my attention. I was inspired by the vision, the ambition, and the opportunity to be part of something truly exceptional. There is something special about joining a company on an upward trajectory – the sense that your contribution will help shape the future, rather than just maintain the present. 

For me, AIS represented a place where I could bring my experience, grow alongside a talented team, and contribute to building something remarkable.  

How would you describe your team and workplace environment? 

The office has a unique “studio” feel – energetic, creative, and full of momentum. I love that we have background music playing throughout the day; it lifts the mood and helps create a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere. Although I’ll admit, some of the playlist choices can be questionable at times! 

There’s a real buzz in the environment, driven by people who genuinely enjoy what they do. It’s an open, supportive, and lively space where good ideas flow easily and everyone feels comfortable getting involved. 

What is the best thing about your colleagues? 

Everyone is highly motivated, driven, and determined to succeed. There’s a refreshing “can‑do” attitude across the team, and you can genuinely feel the collective energy when a new opportunity, challenge, or tender arises. People naturally lean in, keen to contribute and help however they can. 

What I especially appreciate is the sense of shared purpose — no silos, no ego, just a team united by ambition and a passion for delivering exceptional work. It creates a working environment that is both high-performing and inspiring. 

What’s your favourite office event or team tradition? 

Definitely team‑building and social events. These are essential for maintaining strong working relationships and ensuring we understand each other’s strengths, personalities, and communication styles outside of the formal office setting. 

Spending time together in a different environment allows people to open up, bond, and build trust — all of which translate back into better collaboration and performance. Plus, they’re always great fun and create the kind of stories and memories that strengthen team spirit. 

What advice would you give to new employees? 

Focus, work hard, and enjoy what you’re doing. You only get out what you put in, so take pride in your work, ask questions, get involved, and stay curious. When you give your best, you’ll feel genuinely rewarded by the quality of your output and the progress you make. 

Engage with your team — collaboration is one of the biggest accelerators of success. Those who enjoy their work and stay invested in their development are the ones who thrive here. Bring enthusiasm, stay open to learning, and you’ll do exceptionally well.