Hughes, Will

Will Hughes is a Professor in the School of Construction Management and Engineering at the University of Reading, UK, where he has been a central figure in construction management research for decades. His work focuses on procurement, contract management, risk in bidding, and organizational dynamics in construction projects.

His research interests include Construction Management, Construction Procurement, Contract Management, Risk Analysis in Construction, Performance-Based Contracting, and Organizational Behavior in Construction. He has extensively studied how contractors price risk, the role of formal and informal elements in project conflicts, and the evolution of professional institutions in the built environment.

The most recent articles show a consistent focus on performance-based contracting, risk allocation, role conflict, and client engagement in construction. His work combines theoretical frameworks like actor-network theory with practical case studies across international contexts, including the UK, Australia, and Ghana.

• Professionalism and professional institutions in times of change
• Best practice in dispute board appointments
• Weather-aware planning tools

He has supervised several PhD students, including S. Laryea and S. Kabiri, and has collaborated with leading scholars such as Stephen Gruneberg and Patricia Hillebrandt. His editorial roles in major journals and conference proceedings underscore his leadership in the academic community. He has also contributed to policy discussions through reports for organizations like Transport for London and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

He is affiliated with research groups and initiatives focused on construction innovation, West Africa built environment research, and sustainable procurement, indicating a commitment to global and interdisciplinary impact.