05.11.2013
D&G Councils Member Honoured for Professional Achivements and Civic Contributions
Glenageary parishioner and member of Dublin and Glendalough Diocesan Councils, Michael Webb, has been honoured for his professional achievements throughout his career as well as his contribution to civic society.
Mr Webb, who holds a number of positions in the RCB, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy by Dublin Institute of Technology at their graduation ceremony in St Patrick’s Cathedral on Saturday November 2.
The citation read during the ceremony tribute was paid to him stating: “In a career spanning almost fifty years, Michael Webb is a leader in industry, is widely respected for his contribution to our built environment, and has made a significant impact in society through his life–long commitment to civic engagement.”
After leaving Mountjoy School in 1959, he joined the firm of quantity surveyors, Patterson & Kempster, having been offered articles by its principal, Gordon Aston. Having completed his professional training and gaining chartered surveyor status, he then spent two years working in London.
He returned to Ireland to take up a position as partner in Patterson Kempster & Shortall (PKS). The partnership grew and Michael oversaw the opening of offices in Galway, Limerick and Cork. He developed a link with the UK & Global Davis Langdon Construction Consultancy group and became Managing Partner, and ultimately Chairman, of Davis Langdon PKS in Ireland. His international standing within the Davis Langdon group was recognised with his appointment to the Global Board of Davis Langdon Seah International.
Throughout his professional career he has been committed to developing the profession of quantity surveyor, and played an active part in the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Education committee, including serving as chairman for many years. He was a frequent guest lecturer in colleges around the country, including DIT, particularly addressing cost implications of design, and also acted as external examiner in DIT.
He has played a leading role in the construction industry in Ireland serving as President of the Society of Chartered Surveyors and as Irish representative and ultimately President of the European Committee for Construction Economics.
Outside his professional career he has spent a lot of time working with young people. He was chief commission of the Scout Association of Ireland and the National Youth Council. He was a member of the National Economic and Social Council of Ireland – a national body that provides advice to the Taoiseach of the day on strategic issues for Ireland’s economic and social development. He helped develop a Common Basic Training Programme for Youth Leaders and was chairperson of Gaisce – the President’s Award.
He is a member of the Synod of the Church of Ireland and chairperson of the RCB Library. He is also chairman of the Irish Architectural Archive.
Photo Caption: Michael Webb is pictured with Professor Roger West of TCD and Professor Brian Norton, President of DIT.