The Space Between: Building with Integrity in a Cut-Throat Industry, Dan Evans on Redefining Success

In this episode of The Heald Approach, I sit down with Dan Evans, co-founder of Arcitile, to talk about doing business differently in construction. We cover everything from lessons learned the hard way, to cherry-picking projects based on values rather than turnover, to what real sustainability looks like beyond the buzzwords.Dan opens up about his unconventional route into the industry, from painter and decorator to trainer in prisons, to founding a business that refuses to compromise on integrity. We talk about the power of long-term relationships, the myths around growth, and why doing the right thing when no one's looking is the ultimate leadership move.We also lift the lid on Arcitile's ground-breaking vending machine installation for Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 — a creative collaboration with Solus, Italgraniti and Simon Astridge — bringing high design and high values to the heart of London.If you're sick of box-ticking culture, tired of surface-level sustainability and ready for some real talk on mental health, leadership and the future of construction — this one’s for you.🔥 Key topics:Why Dan refuses to grow for the sake of growthIntegrity over easy wins , choosing the right way, not the cheap wayThe emotional toll of the industry and the mindset shift that changed everythingCreating “The Space Between”: how Arcitile fills the gap between supplier and siteThe untold truth about sustainability in constructionClerkenwell Design Week’s most creative concept yet — and why it matters🎯 Mentioned in this episode:SolusItalgraniti GroupSimon Astridge Architecture Workshop