Leadership.
The Special Projects Co. is lead by Matt Grey.
Matt is a design and build consultant with over 30 years’ experience delivering complex, one-off projects across a diverse range of industries, with a particular focus on art and temporary architecture.
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His practice is grounded in a deep understanding of process, fabrication, and the realities of making ambitious ideas happen. Having occupied senior leadership roles for more than two decades, Matt brings strategic oversight alongside hands-on delivery expertise, guiding projects from early concept through to completion in demanding public and commercial contexts.
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Matt has delivered projects internationally, working with multidisciplinary teams across varying cultural, technical, and regulatory environments. He is known for his ability to translate creative vision into practical, buildable outcomes while managing risk, logistics, and programme with clarity and confidence.
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He maintains long-standing relationships with designers and fabricators worldwide, most notably with Stage One Creative Services, a trusted collaborator over many years. These partnerships, combined with his extensive experience, enable him to act as a critical bridge between design ambition and fabrication reality.
Fees & Engagement Structure
Every project is different. Fees are structured to reflect scope, complexity, risk exposure, and the level of responsibility required. Services can be engaged on a day-rate, fixed-fee, or retained basis depending on the nature of the work. Outlined below are our day rate tiers which reflect varying levels of engagement and responsibility.
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Senior Design & Technical Consultancy
£650–£800 per day
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Suitable for:
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Concept feasibility reviews
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Design development and technical input
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Buildability, fabrication, and detailing advice
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Design risk identification and mitigation
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Short-term advisory or review roles
This level is appropriate where strategic insight and technical clarity are required without full delivery responsibility.
Lead Consultant / Delivery Strategy
£800–£1,000 per day
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Suitable for:
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Project-wide design and build oversight
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Risk management and delivery planning
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Complex temporary architecture or public art projects
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Coordination between designers, fabricators, and producers
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Programme, logistics, and installation strategy
This tier reflects senior responsibility, decision-making authority, and direct influence on project outcomes.
Executive-Level Consultancy & Project Leadership
£1,000–£1,200+ per day
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Suitable for:
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High-risk or high-profile projects
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International or multi-site delivery
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Senior client-side representation
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Programme leadership and critical decision-making
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Projects requiring deep fabrication and process expertise
This level is appropriate where experience, judgement, and leadership significantly reduce risk and protect creative intent.
Alternative Fee Structures
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Fixed Fees
For clearly defined scopes, fixed fees can be agreed based on anticipated time, responsibility, and risk. This is often suitable for:
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Early-stage concept development
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Feasibility studies
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Defined design development packages
Retainers
For longer engagements or ongoing advisory roles, monthly retainers provide continuity, responsiveness, and embedded support throughout the project lifecycle.
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Minimum Engagements & Practicalities
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Minimum engagement: Typically 2 days
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Specialist consultancy, for example: engineering, electrical, fire, acoustics, some CAD/CAM services and photo-realistic rendering are commissioned separately and incur additional fees.
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Travel & accommodation: Charged separately where applicable
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International work: Rates adjusted to reflect travel, duration, and local conditions
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VAT: Charged where applicable
Contact
If you are developing a temporary structure or public artwork, we can help. Please use the contact form below, or contact Matt directly via email: matt@specialprojectsco.com