Akinwale Okunola, Ph.D.

Senior Cost Manager at Turner & Townsend, leading cost control, commercial management, and financial governance for a major data center project.

• Designed experiments while upholding ethical standards, including managing IRB processes. • Conducted human factors risk assessments using wearable sensing technologies such as EMG, EEG, ECG, IMU, pressure insoles, and eye tracking. • Analyzed complex sensing data to derive meaningful insights and inform scientific decisions. • Coordinated and recruited participants for lab studies. • Engaged in research and academic writing. • Developed machine learning models for classification, regression, data analytics, feature selection, and dimensionality reduction. • Performed signal preprocessing, including processing, filtering, cleaning, analyzing, and extracting large datasets for scientific insights and decisions. • Conducted quantitative and qualitative research using surveys, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups, followed by data analysis. • Researched wearable robotics, focusing on applied biomechanics, range of motion, cognitive load, fall risk, exertion, situational awareness, and trust. • Utilized modeling software such as MATLAB and Python programming language. • Analyzed research papers on exoskeleton studies and formulated methodologies to evaluate the performance of back support exoskeletons in the construction industry.

Key Projects: Mixed-used development (Purple Capital), Ultra-modern shopping complex development program (Market Square, multiple locations across Nigeria); chain restaurants (Kilimanjaro eateries, multiple locations across Nigeria); 24-unit luxury residential building (Amanda project, Lagos); specialist IMAX cinema (Filmhouse, Lagos); major roadway infrastructure project. • Spearhead pre-contract cost planning and estimation for these projects, conducting initial cost appraisals, feasibility studies, and detailed budgeting. Prepared comprehensive BOQs and tender documents, provided advice on procurement strategy, and led contractor negotiations and selections. Leveraged value engineering during design and tender stages to achieve cost savings without compromising scope or quality. • Manage post-contract cost control and reporting through construction: conduct monthly interim valuations and stage payments, monitor expenditures against budgets, and track cash flow to align with client Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) funding. Proactively evaluate and negotiate change orders to minimize cost growth, typically closing change order reviews within 1 week on average. Maintain transparent monthly cost reports, keeping client stakeholders informed on financial status and forecasts. • Prepare final accounts and project close-out documentation: produce final cost statements and ensure all variations, fluctuations, and change orders are reconciled. Provide post-project cost analysis and lessons learned to support continuous improvement for future projects.

Actively involved in project management and construction of data center site development, specializing in grading and utility installation to ensure efficient and sustainable infrastructure.

• Key Projects: Managed end-to-end cost planning and control for large-scale developments, including a 37-story luxury hotel tower, a 13-story Grade-A office tower (Alliance Place, Lagos), a 10-story corporate headquarters (Trustfund Pensions HQ, Abuja), and data center, among others – demonstrating expertise in complex commercial, residential, and mission-critical projects. • Procurement & Bid Management: Managed procurement and bid processes by pre-qualifying vendors, issuing RFPs, evaluating contractor bids and leveling sheets, and attending/leading bid interviews and negotiations. Provided well-founded recommendations to clients for contractor selection, aligning procurement outcomes with project goals and timelines. • Cost Control Systems: Established and maintained robust post-contract cost control systems: developed Cost Breakdown Structures integrated with the project WBS to monitor budgets, track commitments vs. expenditures, and manage contingencies throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring early identification of variances. • Change Management & Reporting: Oversaw change management and cost reporting processes: evaluated contractor payment applications and change order requests, negotiated variations and claims, and prepared periodic cost reports and forecasts. Presented clear cost reports to client stakeholders, highlighting budget status, risks, and value-engineering opportunities to support informed decision-making. • Final Accounts & Close-Out: Managed final accounts and project close-out activities: prepared final cost statements, negotiated and agreed upon final accounts in a timely manner, and facilitated post-project reviews with clients to capture lessons learned. Ensured smooth handover of all cost documentation and developed recommendations to improve cost management processes for future projects.

General site supervision on Infrastructural work such as Road works, street light, culvert and drainage works' preparation of site progress report carryout valuation of sub-contractors work and makes payment. preparation of schedule of materials and labour Quantity take off.

site supervision Daily recording of progress of work prepared material and labour schedule.

Bsc. in Quantity surveying with a first class grade

National diploma in quantity surveying with distinction grade