In Conversation with Steven Marshall, Changemaker Board Interview

As we launch the Offsite Alliance’s brand-new Changemaker Board, I had the pleasure of sitting down with our first official member: Steven Marshall, Technical Director at Galaxy.

Steven’s reputation precedes him — a sharp technical brain, a people-first leadership style, and a calm confidence that makes even the most complex challenges feel possible. We talked about what drives him, what the industry gets wrong (and right), and why he said yes to being one of our founding Changemakers.

Gaynor: Steven, you’ve worked across a wide spectrum of technical delivery. What keeps you energised about construction after all these years?

Steven:There are three things that keep me energised. First, the sheer scope of the industry — I’ve been in construction for two decades and I’m still learning new things every day. That really feeds my active mind.

Second, the scale of the challenge. Whether it’s fire safety, sustainability, unlocking MMC and digital construction, inclusivity, or skills — there’s still so much work to do, and that excites me.

And third, the people. I feel incredibly lucky to work in a sector where people come first. I’ve made some great friends over the years and I’m constantly inspired by those around me.

Gaynor: What’s one myth about offsite or modern methods of construction that you’d love to bust?

Steven:That it will never work at scale. We’ve all seen a few high-profile volumetric companies go into administration recently, and while that’s discouraged some, I believe the issues that led to those failures are solvable — with hard work, collaboration, and standards.

That’s why Galaxy joined the Offsite Alliance. I now co-chair the Technical Workflow with Matthew Egan, and together we’re working with BSI to develop MMC standards that help remove technical blockers. The benefits of MMC — speed, quality, sustainability, reduced waste, and cost certainty — are just too good to ignore.

Gaynor: Galaxy is an employee-owned business. How does that shape the way you work and lead?

Steven:It changes the culture completely. In an employee-owned business, we all feel a responsibility for long-term sustainability. Everyone is more invested — not just financially, but emotionally.

As a leader, I try to be democratic. I treat everyone as a stakeholder, and I welcome ideas from the team. We discuss, critique, and improve ideas together before acting. I don’t have a monopoly on good ideas — having a trusted team of collaborators makes us all stronger.

Gaynor: People often describe you as someone who "gets it done, but keeps it real." What’s your secret?

Steven:That’s a lovely thing to hear! Honestly, I just try to be myself. I’m happy to admit when I don’t understand something. I take on challenges even when they scare me, because that’s how I grow. Every challenge is a chance to learn something new — and to meet good people along the way.

Gaynor: What’s a moment in your career that still makes you smile?

Steven:Chairing my first panel for the Offsite Alliance at UK Construction Week. I was really nervous — full of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. But I did it, and it led to more opportunities.

At Galaxy, I’m also proud of helping set up our Technical Services department — we’ve built an amazing team. We also became the first Carbon Neutral Distributor, and we’re hopefully about to achieve CCPI status too.

Gaynor: If you could redesign any part of the traditional construction process, where would you start?

Steven:BIM. If we could properly embed Building Information Modelling into the traditional sector — the way it’s used in MMC — we’d see massive efficiency gains.

In offsite, you have to design thoroughly up front, before manufacturing. In traditional construction, too many decisions are made on-site, with design clashes and oversights happening mid-build. It’s inefficient and costly. BIM could fix that.

Gaynor: What made you say yes to joining the Changemaker Board?

Steven:I’ve been involved with the Offsite Alliance for years, and I’ve always loved the energy and positivity in the community. It’s a space full of people who want to shake up the status quo and do things better. So when you asked, it was an easy yes.

Gaynor: What kind of voice do you hope to be on the board – the fixer, the challenger, the collaborator?

Steven:I think I’m naturally a collaborator. But if a bit of fixing or challenging is needed — I’m up for that too.

Gaynor: How do you keep learning? Who or what do you learn from?

Steven:I’m an auditory learner, so I love podcasts and YouTube lectures. At work, we have regular CPDs and training, but outside of work I take in a huge range of topics — psychology, history, physics, archaeology. I like having a broad, curious mind.

Gaynor: Final question – tell us something most people don’t know about you. A party trick, hidden talent, or guilty pleasure?

Steven: OK, here goes:

·       Party trick – I host a radio show every other week, so I could DJ at the after-party!

·       Hidden talent – I play chess competitively at a local club.

·       Guilty pleasure – I’m a Star Wars superfan.

Gaynor: Well Steven certainly sets the tone for everything we want the Changemaker Board to stand for — sharp thinking, practical leadership, and a genuine commitment to making things better.

He’s not here for the title. He’s here to do the work. And that’s exactly the kind of energy we need if we’re going to drive real change across construction.

I’m so proud to have him as one of our top changemakers— and I can’t wait to introduce you to the next one soon.

If you’re reading this and something’s stirring, maybe you’re meant to be part of it too.

Get in touch. No fluff.