This is Surveying

Send us Fan MailSummary In this episode, Nina Young speaks with Ed Ellis about the human side of residential surveying. From unpredictable site visits to emotional client situations, Ed shares what it is really like working in people’s homes and why communication skills are just as important as technical knowledge in the surveying profession. This is an honest and insightful look at residential surveying in the UK. What we cover  Career journey into surveying  Life on site as a residential surveyor  Managing emotions and difficult situations  Survey vs valuation confusion  Importance of soft skills  Client perception of surveyors  Property documentation challenges  Professional standards and reputation  Industry misconceptions  Future of the surveying professionGuest Links Ed Ellis - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-ellis-15627636Useful LinksRICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors): https://www.rics.orgSAVA (Surveying Training): https://sava.co.ukGuest BioEd Ellis is a registered valuer and experienced residential surveyor with over 14 years in the industry. With a career spanning agencies, corporate firms, and private practice, this breadth of experience offers a well-rounded perspective on surveying and valuation. A strong emphasis is placed on the human side of residential surveying, highlighting the importance of clear communication, professionalism, and delivering a positive client experience. If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailSummaryDrones are transforming surveying, but what does the job actually look like in practice?In this episode, Nina Young speaks with Zara McGregor, Chief UAS Pilot at Plowman Craven. Zara shares how she built a career in drone surveying, the realities of flying drones on construction sites, and the challenges of regulation, safety, and public perception.What We CoverHow Zara became a Chief UAS PilotApprenticeships and alternative routes into surveyingDrone surveying on construction sitesNavigating airspace restrictions and flight permissionsWorking with the Civil Aviation Authority and drone regulationsSafety checks and operational planningThe accuracy of drone survey dataPublic perception of drones and privacy concernsCareer opportunities in drone surveyingEncouraging the next generation into geospatial careersGuest LinksZara McGregor on LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/zara-mcgregor-drone-whizPlowman Craven - https://plowmancraven.comUseful LinksCoptrz – https://www.coptrz.comDrone Pilot Academy – https://dronepilotacademy.co.ukGuest BioZara McGregor is Chief UAS Pilot at Plowman Craven, where she leads drone operations for surveying and construction projects. She began her career through a geospatial technician apprenticeship and developed her skills in land surveying, CAD, and aerial data capture. Zara now specialises in commercial drone operations, managing drone surveys, inspections, and mapping projects while ensuring compliance with Civil Aviation Authority regulations. She is also passionate about sharing her experiences and encouraging more people to explore careers in geospatial technology and drone surveying.If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailSummaryCharlie Crocker, Managing Director of Terracosta Property and an RICS Registered Valuer, joins Nina Young to talk about valuation, starting a surveying firm, and the realities of running a small practice.From his early days at JLL to an unexpected entrepreneurial chapter in Brazil during the Olympics, Charlie shares lessons on pricing, resilience, graduates, and how AI is beginning to support valuation work.What We CoverMoving from town planning into surveyingTraining as a graduate surveyor at JLLEntrepreneurial lessons from working in BrazilLaunching Terracosta PropertyValuation and the complexity of commercial propertyThe challenge of pricing professional servicesAI and its role in surveying todayAutomated valuation models and where they fitSupporting graduates through the APC processCollaboration across the surveying professionGuest LinksCharlie Crocker – https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-crocker-b498bb12Useful Links Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) - https://www.rics.org Guest BioCharlie Crocker is the Managing Director of Terracosta Property and an RICS Registered Valuer and Chartered Surveyor. His career began at JLL after completing a RICS accredited masters, where he trained in valuation and gained experience across commercial property.After several years in London, Charlie moved to Brazil, where he built and ran property businesses during the Olympic years. Returning to the UK, he founded Terracosta Property, a chartered surveying practice providing valuation and building surveying services across residential and commercial property.Charlie is passionate about professional standards, developing graduates through the APC process, and embracing technology responsibly within surveying practice.If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailSummaryProfessor Richard Fitton joins me on the podcast to talk about building performance, EPC reform, and the growing role surveyors will play in the retrofit of UK housing.Richard is a Chartered Building Surveyor and Professor of Building Physics at the University of Salford. He leads Energy House 2.0, a world-leading research facility where full houses are tested inside climate-controlled chambers to understand exactly how buildings perform.We talk about EPC accuracy, the performance gap between modelling and real buildings, and the research behind Richard’s white paper calling for better building data.We also explore the Warm Homes Plan, the debate around fabric-first retrofit, and why surveyors have a major opportunity to expand their role in energy performance, ventilation, and healthy homes.What We CoverRichard’s route into surveying and academiaInside Energy House and Energy House 2.0Why real building performance testing mattersEPC reform and measured building dataThe UK Warm Homes Plan and retrofit fundingFabric first versus technology first retrofitOpportunities for surveyors in retrofit workThe RICS retrofit surveyor pathwayAssessing renewable technologies in homesWhy healthy homes and ventilation matterGuest LinksRichard Fitton on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-fitton-a668a822bUseful LinksRICS Guidance on Retrofit - https://www.rics.org/consumer-guides/retrofitting-improving-energy-efficiency-homeEnergy House - https://energyhouselabs.salford.ac.uk/Warm Homes Plan - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/warm-homes-planGuest BioProfessor Richard Fitton is a Chartered Building Surveyor, Fellow of the RICS, and Professor of Building Physics at the University of Salford.He is the Technical Director of Energy House 2.0. This unique global research facility enables the construction of full homes within climate-controlled chambers to test real building performance under simulated weather conditions.Richard’s research focuses on building performance, retrofit, energy efficiency, and housing sustainability. His work is influencing major UK housing policy and helping shape the design of new homes and retrofit strategies nationwide.Alongside his research, Richard continues to engage with industry and surveying practice. He is also a member of the UK Fuel Poverty Committee, advising the government on policies to reduce fuel poverty and improve housing conditions.If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailSummaryMarine surveying is a fascinating part of the surveying profession that many people never hear about.In this episode, Nina Young speaks with David Pestridge, marine surveyor and owner of White Hat Marine Surveying. David shares what life is really like inspecting yachts, narrowboats, and barges across the UK.From pre-purchase inspections to identifying serious structural defects, David explains the realities of marine surveying and how the role shares many similarities with property surveying.They also discuss the importance of inspection routines, report writing, communication skills, and professional judgement.Along the way, David shares some memorable stories from the field and explains why he is passionate about helping people understand boats and the marine surveying profession.What We CoverDavid’s journey from army engineer to marine surveyorWhat marine surveyors inspect on boats and yachtsThe process of a pre-purchase boat surveyWhy routine and consistency matter in inspectionsCommon defects include corrosion and fatigueWriting clear and defensible survey reportsManaging difficult conversations with clients and sellersThe realities of working outdoors and travelling for surveysAdvice for people interested in marine surveying careersEducating boat buyers through guides and YouTubeGuest LinksDavid Pestridge LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidpestridgeUseful LinksInternational Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) - https://www.iims.org.ukFree ebook: How to Buy Your First Boat https://boatchat.beehiiv.com/products/how-to-buy-your-first-boatGuest BioDavid Pestridge is a marine surveyor and the owner of White Hat Marine Surveying. He specialises in surveys of yachts, motorboats, narrowboats, and barges across the UK.Before becoming a surveyor, David served for 17 years in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as an engineering officer. After leaving the army in 2008, he retrained as a marine surveyor and has since built a successful practice inspecting boats for buyers, owners, and insurers.David is also Deputy Vice President of the International Institute of Marine Surveyors and is passionate about improving standards across the profession. Through his writing, YouTube channel, and educational resources, he helps boat owners and aspiring surveyors better understand marine surveying and boat inspection.If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailSummaryArtificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the property industry.In this episode of This Is Surveying, Nina Young speaks with Christopher De Gruben, chartered surveyor and Head of AI and Property at Artefact. Chris works at the forefront of AI adoption in real estate, helping major property owners and investors implement data and AI strategies across Europe and the Middle East.They explore what AI actually means for surveyors, where the real opportunities are, and why parts of the surveying profession may face major disruption.Chris also shares insights from co-chairing the working group behind the new RICS Responsible Use of AI standard. The discussion covers disclosure, materiality, and how surveyors can safely integrate AI into their workflows.The episode also tackles the debate around AI and the APC process, and why discouraging candidates from using AI may risk pushing the next generation away from the profession.If you want to understand how AI is reshaping surveying, property valuation, and the built environment, this is a conversation you do not want to miss.What We CoverChris’s international career and how he moved into AI and propertyReal-world examples of AI being used in property companies todayThe difference between AI assistants and AI analystsOver 300 potential AI use cases in property businessesThe RICS Responsible Use of AI standardUnderstanding materiality when using AI in surveying workWhy AI should not replace the surveyor’s professional judgementConcerns about AI restrictions for APC candidatesThe impact of AI on junior roles and surveying careersHow the UK property industry compares to Saudi ArabiaGuest LinksChristopher De Gruben on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/degrubenUseful LinksRoyal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – https://www.rics.orgSurveyors UK – https://www.surveyors-uk.comGuest BioChristopher De Gruben is a chartered surveyor and Senior Director and Head of AI and Property at Artefact. He advises major property investors and developers across Europe and the Middle East on large-scale data and artificial intelligence programmes. His work focuses on modernising property operating models and embedding AI into real estate businesses in practical ways.Chris also plays an active role in shaping the surveying profession. He serves as Vice Chair of the RICS Professional Group Panel Board and co-chaired the working group responsible for the new RICS Responsible Use of AI standard. He is also co-authoring new guidance on AI in valuation.If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailSummaryIn this episode of This Is Surveying, Nina Young speaks with Jordan Turner, senior lecturer at the University of the Built Environment. Jordan shares his career journey from residential property to commercial surveying and academia, and explains why sustainability and EPC reform are central to the profession's future.They also explore skills shortages, education pathways, and the need to make surveying more visible to young people.   What We CoverCareer journey from residential agency into commercial estate managementWhy industry experience strengthens surveying educationEPC reform challenges and inconsistenciesRetrofit pressures and Minimum Energy Efficiency StandardsBehavioural impacts and policy gapsHome buying reform and upfront informationSkills shortages and attracting new surveyorsResidential surveying education pathwaysKnowledge transfer from experienced professionalsCollaboration across the surveying professionGuest LinksJordan Turner LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/jordan-turner-50748a17bUseful Links University of the Built Environment – https://www.ube.ac.ukGuest BioJordan Turner is a senior lecturer at the University of the Built Environment with a professional background spanning residential property, estate agency, property management, and commercial estate management. He is currently undertaking a PhD focused on sustainability and energy performance in the built environment. Jordan is passionate about improving EPC frameworks, strengthening educational pathways, and bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world surveying practice.If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailSummaryIn this episode of This Is Surveying, I’m joined by Elliot Goulding, QS recruiter and Director of ProBuild Recruitment.We talk about the current state of quantity surveying recruitment in the UK, why flexibility matters more than ever, and how AI is already reshaping construction businesses.If you’re a quantity surveyor, a hiring manager, or a student looking to enter the profession, this conversation will give you practical insight into what is happening right now and what could be coming next.What We CoverWhy QSs are one of the hardest roles to recruit in constructionThe shift towards freelance and flexible workingHow employers can retain commercial teamsThe risk of a mid-level skills gapAI in surveying and constructionUsing automation to improve efficiencyHard Hat AI and digital transformation in constructionThe impact of regulation and Gateway delaysMarket outlook for 2026Guest LinksElliot Goulding – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliotgoulding/ProBuild Recruitment: https://probuildrec.com/Useful LinksHard Hat AI: https://hardhatai159.com/Guest BioElliot Goulding is a specialist QS recruiter and Director of ProBuild Recruitment. With over 16 years in construction recruitment, Elliot works closely with main contractors and subcontractors across the UK, focusing on quantity surveying and commercial management roles from graduate to director level. He launched ProBuild Recruitment just before COVID and has since built a reputation for strategic hiring advice, market insight, and long term partnerships with construction businesses. He is also the founder of Hard Hat AI, a service helping construction firms use AI and automation to improve efficiency and stay competitive.If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailSummarySuzanne Hill, business strategist for AI and founder of AI for SMEs, joins me to talk about AI at a strategic level. We look beyond shiny tools and explore how AI will change business models, client expectations, and the future of surveying and construction firms.What we coverSuzanne’s journey from construction into AIWhy AI is 80 percent strategy and peopleThe risks of jumping into tools without directionData ownership and client behaviourHow AI could disrupt traditional surveying and construction rolesWhat firms need to be thinking about nowGuest linksSuzanne Hill on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannehill1/Useful linksUCD (University College Dublin) – https://www.ucd.ie/Guest BioSuzanne Hill is a business strategist specialising in AI and the construction sector. She is the founder of AI for SMEs and has over two decades of experience working with construction companies across the UK, Ireland, and internationally. With a background in construction and strategy consultancy, Suzanne helps businesses understand how AI will impact their business models, revenue streams, and long-term competitiveness. She is also a keynote speaker and advisor to senior leadership teams navigating digital transformation.If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailSummaryLewis Denbow, chartered building surveyor at Harris Associates, joins me to share his journey from an electrical apprenticeship into building surveying. We talk about apprenticeships, the APC, communication skills, and why the trades could play a huge role in solving the surveying skills shortage.What we coverAn unorthodox route into building surveyingDegree apprenticeships and accessibilityLessons from the tradesCommunication and client relationshipsProject management and stakeholder managementAdvice for those starting out in surveyingGuest linksLewis Denbow on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewisdenbow/Harris Associates – https://www.harrisassociatesuk.com/Useful linksRoyal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – https://www.rics.org/Guest BioLewis Denbow is a chartered building surveyor at Harris Associates, a national award-winning built environment consultancy. He entered the profession through an unconventional route, starting in the electrical trade before completing a degree apprenticeship and achieving chartership. Lewis now works across building surveying and project management, with a strong focus on communication, stakeholder management, and practical problem-solving.If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailSummarySarah Tanner, associate director at Stanley and Strong, joins me to talk all things party wall surveying. From her unconventional career journey to the realities of fees, disputes, and neighbour relations, this episode lifts the lid on one of the most misunderstood areas of surveying.What we coverHow Sarah became a party wall surveyorWhat triggers the Party Wall ActConsent, dissent, and what they really meanParty wall fees and what “reasonable” looks likeCommunication, conflict, and emotional intelligenceWomen in party wall surveyingAdvice for homeowners and surveyorsGuest linksSarah Tanner on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-tanner-40a57976/Stanley and Strong – https://stanleystrong.co.uk/Useful linksSurvPal software https://survpal.co.uk/Party Wall Surveying – https://fpws.org.uk/Guest BioSarah Tanner is an associate director at Stanley and Strong, a specialist firm of party wall surveyors. With over a decade of experience in party wall matters, Sarah entered the profession through an unconventional route, progressing from PA to surveyor with the support of strong mentorship. She is known for her practical approach, firm views on fair fees, and her emphasis on communication and collaboration in resolving disputes.If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailSummaryIn this episode of This Is Surveying, Nina Young speaks with Rosie Wills, a chartered construction manager and ASSOC RICS surveyor based in North Devon.Rosie shares her journey from over ten years in social housing into private residential surveying. We discuss damp and mould, peer review, Level 2 surveys, estate agent relationships, vendor surveys, pricing transparency, and why collaboration matters across the UK surveying profession.This is a practical conversation about raising standards, reducing complaints, and building trust in residential surveying.What We CoverRosie’s route into surveying and chartered construction managementDamp and mould expertise and building pathologyThe transition from housing to private practicePeer review between surveyorsUnderstanding the RICS Home Survey StandardWorking constructively with estate agentsVendor surveys and pre-sale strategiesTransparent pricing and website improvementsComplaints handling and professional riskCollaboration across UK surveyorsGuest LinksRosie Wills LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-e-wills/Nova Surveyors – https://novasurveyors.co.ukUseful LinksRoyal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – https://www.rics.org/Guest BioRosie Wills is a chartered construction manager and Assoc RICS surveyor based in North Devon. She spent over ten years working in social housing, developing specialist expertise in damp and mould and building pathology. Rosie now works in private practice delivering residential property surveys, including Level 2 and Level 3 home surveys, alongside specialist defect investigations. She is passionate about collaboration, peer review, professional standards, and improving trust in the surveying profession.If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailSummaryIn this episode I’m joined by commercial property surveyor and Property Elite co-founder Rachel Saint. We talk about APC pathways, the Senior Professional route, and why structured support matters so much for UK surveyors at every stage.Rachel shares how she went from secretary to chartered surveyor, built a career in landlord and tenant and retail consultancy, and then pivoted into training surveyors across a huge range of pathways. We dig into the reality of the RICS APC, how to choose the right route for you, and what good mentoring and counselling actually looks like in practice.What we coverRachel’s unconventional route into surveying and early years in residential block managementMoving into commercial property, retail consultancy and mixed use developmentSetting up Property Elite and the surge in demand for support during COVIDHow diverse the surveying profession really is, and why that makes APC complexChoosing the right APC pathway and competencies for your actual workThe role and challenges of APC counsellors and supervisorsWhy structured support is harder in smaller or non-surveying organisationsThe three alternative RICS routes, including Senior Professional, and who they suitSenior Professional interviews, leadership and management-focused competenciesWhy valuation is both science and art, and why you still need to get out and see propertyMarket myths about people “giving up” on APC, and why the picture is more nuancedFree resources and newsletters from Property Elite for APC candidatesGuest linksProperty Elite website: https://www.property-elite.co.uk/Rachel Saint on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-saint-1103b09/Useful linksLionHeart charity for surveyors: https://www.lionheart.org.uk/Guest bioRachel Saint is a chartered commercial property surveyor with over 30 years of experience across landlord and tenant, retail agency, and retail and mixed use development. She started her career in residential block management before moving into commercial work, advising on shops, supermarkets and wider retail strategy. Rachel is the co-founder and owner of Property Elite, a specialist training and mentoring business that supports surveyors through RICS routes to qualification, including APC, Associate and Senior Professional routes. She now spends most of her time helping UK and international surveyors navigate pathways, competencies and assessments, and is particularly passionate about making the process accessible for candidates who do not have structured in-house support.If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I am joined by Ola Alade, a chartered commercial surveyor and RICS Matrics Commercial Property Surveyor of the Year 2025. Ola shares how he went from biomedical science to commercial property, and why he has chosen to focus his work on helping small businesses understand and negotiate their commercial leases.We talk about AI in surveying, from the reality on the ground in property firms to the tools that are already saving time for small practices. We also get into access, diversity and retention in the surveying profession, and Ola’s work as an APC counsellor, assessor and chair.What We CoverFrom biomedical science to commercial surveyingDiscovering property via CoStar and NHS Property ServicesWorking at The Arch Company and negotiating directly with small business tenantsWhy Ola founded Olawill and chose to sit on the tenant sideHow commercial leases and rent reviews really affect SMEsWhere AI tools actually help surveyors and small businesses todayData, hallucinations and negligence risks in AI-assisted professional practiceWhy the word “surveyor” confuses people and how that affects recruitmentDiversity, progression and the reality of representation in senior rolesMaking the APC interview process fairer as a counsellor, assessor and chairGuest LinksOlawill – Lease advisory for SMEsConnect with Ola on LinkedInGuest BioOla Olade is a chartered commercial surveyor and founder of Olawill, a lease advisory practice focused on supporting small and medium-sized businesses. After an early academic path in biomedical science, he retrained in real estate development at the University of Westminster and built his career across roles at CoStar, NHS Property Services, The Arch Company and LCP. Ola has worked extensively in asset management and lease events, particularly with SME tenants in railway arches and neighbourhood parades, which inspired him to focus on redressing the knowledge imbalance between landlords and tenants. In 2025 he was named RICS Matrics Chartered Commercial Property Surveyor of the Year. He also serves as an APC counsellor, assessor and chair, helping the next generation of surveyors navigate the chartership process.If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailSummaryBuilding surveying apprentice and RICS Matrics Apprentice of the Year, Sonya Swaley, joins me to share her journey into surveying and life on a five year apprenticeship. After Covid disrupted her A levels and a year studying economics, Sonya made the leap into professional construction and has not looked back.We talk about the realities of balancing work, university and APC preparation, why she chose building surveying over quantity surveying, and how apprenticeships can unlock a chartered career without student debt. Sonya also opens up about being a young woman in a male dominated sector, developing confidence on site, and why she now prefers heritage and listed buildings to shiny new builds.What We CoverHow Covid, cancelled exams and a year of economics led Sonya to surveyingMoving from full time university into an apprenticeship routeWhy building surveying is less promoted than quantity surveying but more variedWhat it is like to be four years into a five year building surveying apprenticeshipStarting the APC early and building a diary from day oneSonya’s experience of the RICS Matrics Awards and winning Apprentice of the YearWhy she believes apprenticeships are a win for both apprentices and employersGovernment funding support for smaller firms who take on apprenticesLearning to handle difficult conversations with contractors using facts and kindnessBeing a woman in surveying and the role of women in property networksThe joy and challenge of working on heritage and listed buildingsUsing LinkedIn as a portfolio and a way to help others into the professionGuest BioSonya Swaley is a building surveying apprentice currently working with Murray Birrell in London. After Covid disrupted her A levels, Sonya began a full time economics degree before realising that a traditional university route was not for her. She returned home, completed an A level in professional construction and secured a building surveying apprenticeship. Now over four years into a five year programme with London South Bank University, Sonya is already on her APC pathway and building a strong mix of site and office experience, particularly on heritage and listed buildings. In 2024 she was named RICS Matrics Apprentice of the Year, recognising her commitment, technical development and contributions to the profession. Alongside her role, Sonya is active on LinkedIn, mentors prospective apprentices informally, and is passionate about widening access to surveying careers through apprenticeships and better outreach in schools and colleges.Guest LinksSonya Swaley on LinkedIn Murray Birrell Chartered Surveyors Useful LinksAssociation of Apprentices Outer Circle networking group Women in Property London South Bank University built environment apprenticeshipsIf you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I’m joined by registered building inspector and building control surveyor, Jack Calveley. Jack talks through his journey from SAVA residential surveying into LABC’s trainee programme, gaining his Level 4 and 5 qualifications, and moving from local authority into private sector building control.We unpack what building control actually is, what a registered building inspector does all week, why the role is now a protected title, and how the profession is changing with new competency and registration requirements. We also cover training, CPD, career progression, and Jack’s own podcast, Behind the Regs, which shines a light on the building control community.What We CoverJack’s background – SAVA residential surveying, joining professional bodies and discovering building controlHow the LABC trainee programme works, and what Level 4 and 5 training looks like in practiceThe day to day role of a building control surveyor – design stage checks, site inspections and completion sign offIndependence and impartiality – why inspectors cannot design the solution or tell builders exactly what to doRegistration, protected titles and how to look up a registered building inspector on the GOV.UK registerThe shortage of building control surveyors, and why older surveyors left when competency proof was requiredAdvice for trainees and career changers – how to approach the legislation, Approved Documents and CPDSalary bands and progression from trainee to Class 2 inspector and beyond in public and private sectorsBehind the Regs – why Jack started a dedicated building control podcast and LinkedIn groupWhat homeowners need to know about building regulations, re-roofs, knock throughs and social media mythsGuest LinksJack Calveley on LinkedIn Behind the Regs podcast LinkedIn group Useful LinksBuilding Control group - The Surveying Room - join hereLABC – Building control careers and trainee programmes Total Training and Development – Building control qualifications (Level 4, 5, 6) CABE – Chartered Association of Building Engineers If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailSummaryIn this solo episode, I talk about why AI is already reshaping surveying, from residential surveys to professional practice, whether you consider yourself “techy” or not. I look at the new RICS professional standard on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in surveying practice, and what it means for judgement, accountability and how we use AI day to day. I also share details of a live, practical AI session I am running with AI trainer Nick Crawford, designed specifically for surveyors and surveying firms who want a clear, grounded starting point without the hype. What we coverWhy AI is already embedded in everyday tools like search, email and messagingHow this shift in everyday life has finally landed in surveyingWhy AI is not just about faster reports, but a change in the whole operating environmentThe difference between knowledge and judgement for surveyorsWhy AVMs and AI tools cannot replace on site inspection and accountabilityHow client search behaviour is changing, including people asking AI tools to find surveyorsA practical explanation of the RICS standard on responsible use of AI and “material impact”Why responsibility stays with the surveyor, even when AI shapes the workHow smaller firms and practitioners can use AI as a strategic partner, not a replacementDetails of my live AI training session with Nick Crawford, and what we will coverUseful linksAI Explained: A Practical Session for Surveyors and Professionals - book hereRICS: Responsible use of artificial intelligence in surveying practice Nina’s LinkedIn AI and surveying newsletter If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailSummaryIn this episode I’m joined by Layla Davey, a Chartered Commercial Surveyor working in rail freight at Network Rail. Layla looks after a huge patch across the South of England, dealing with sidings, open storage, landlord and tenant issues and day to day commercial surveying on the railway. We talk about what rail freight actually involves, the reality of site inspections, and why “read the lease” has become her professional motto. Layla also shares an honest account of navigating the APC as a dyslexic and autistic surveyor, diagnosed in adulthood, while working full time and raising two young children. We explore processing challenges, distraction, burnout, lone working safety, and how things like quiet spaces, headphones, reasonable adjustments and workplace coaching can make surveying far more accessible. She is now an RICS counsellor and actively supports other surveyors, especially those who are neurodivergent or juggling family life through the APC. Guest BioLayla Davey is a Chartered Commercial Surveyor working in rail freight at Network Rail. Covering a large patch from South East London down to Dorset, she manages sidings, open storage and industrial sites, bringing together commercial surveying, landlord and tenant work, lease compliance and on the ground health and safety. Layla came into surveying via a psychology degree and a role in local authority estates, where she discovered a love of leases and problem solving. Diagnosed with dyslexia and autism in adulthood, she completed her surveying apprenticeship, master’s and APC while working full time and raising two young children. She is now an RICS counsellor, with a particular passion for supporting neurodivergent surveyors and those balancing family life with the APC.Disclaimer The views expressed in this episode are Layla's own and are not representative of her employer.What We CoverWhat a Chartered Commercial Surveyor does in rail freight at Network RailManaging sidings, open storage and industrial sites alongside landlord and tenant workLone working on site, safety apps, procedures and the Suzy Lamplugh storyHow Japanese knotweed, asbestos and other risks show up along the railwayLayla’s route into surveying from a psychology degree and local authority workDoing a surveying apprenticeship, a master’s and the APC while raising two young childrenDyslexia, autism, possible ADHD traits and how they affect processing and focus at workReasonable adjustments for the APC and support available from RICSBurnout, sensory overload and the value of workplace coaching and quiet spacesWhy Layla loves leases, landlord and tenant puzzles, and is now training as an RICS counsellorUseful LinksLayla Davey LinkedIn Suzy Lamplugh Trust If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailA song written just for you - all the incredible surveyors and supporters of Surveyors UK. I want to say a personal thank you for all your support, both on this podcast and across The Surveying Room and Surveyors UK. Wishing you all a well-deserved break, and here's to 2026!Nina YoungFounder - Surveyors UK, The Surveying Room and This is SurveyingIf you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailSummaryIn this episode of This Is Surveying, I’m joined by Peter Monk, an independent damp and timber surveyor based on the Isle of Wight.Peter’s route into surveying is not the typical one. He left school at 16, trained as a baker, moved into management, worked as a contractor, then later qualified and moved into surveying. That mix of hands-on experience and deep technical curiosity shapes how he approaches damp, timber, ventilation, heritage buildings, and building pathology.We talk about: – Why damp and timber surveying can be unfairly looked down on – What PCA membership and auditing actually means in practice – Why “further investigation” in a Level 2 or Level 3 survey is often the right call – How mortgage and lending requirements can drive poor outcomes (even when surveyors advise otherwise) – Better ways for surveyors and specialists to work together – The career pathways that exist for tradespeople, and why more people need to know about themPeter also shares a simple rule for making sense of online arguments: the truth usually lies somewhere in between. Chapters and timestamps (ready for YouTube)– 00:00 Intro and welcome – 00:01 Peter’s background, from leaving school to baking – 00:03 Management, systems, and an “accidental” career – 00:04 Music, then the route into damp and timber work – 00:05 Heritage interest, lime, cob, and building pathology – 00:07 Qualifications later in life, moving into surveying – 00:10 Damp and timber “snobbery” and misconceptions – 00:12 What PCA membership involves, auditing and CPD – 00:15 Why the training is not “a quick certificate” – 00:17 Social media blame culture, and what clients actually need – 00:18 When Peter tells clients to get a contractor first – 00:22 Mortgage requirements and damp proofing pressure – 00:25 Careers, apprenticeships, and alternative routes in – 00:39 Graham Coleman, learning resources, and YouTube – 00:41 Closing mindset, “truth lies somewhere in between”Peter Monk Guest BioPeter is an independent damp and timber surveyor based on the Isle of Wight. His career path spans hands-on contracting, heritage-focused repairs, and later qualification into surveying. Peter is known for his practical, evidence-led approach to diagnosis, with interests including ventilation and condensation, timber defects, traditional buildings, and building pathology.Links mentionedConnect with Peter on LinkedInGraham Coleman - YouTubeProperty Care Associations - PCASAVAIf you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailIn this “My Take” solo episode, I talk about what it really feels like to be a surveyor at this time of year. Not just the technical side, but the human side.I dig into independence vs isolation, the quiet pressure of judgement and risk, and why cross-disciplinary community matters more than ever for the surveying profession. I also share how The Surveying Room is helping surveyors connect, and outline my new introductory AI webinar for January, designed to give surveyors practical, safe first steps with generative AI.What we coverHow surveyors are listening to the podcast in the car, on site and on the treadmillWhy independence is a strength in surveying, but can slip into isolationThe responsibility surveyors carry around risk, judgement and complex decisionsHow silos form across surveying disciplines, even when experiences overlapWhy The Surveying Room was built to be cross-disciplinary, not boxed into pathwaysReal topics from the Weekly Dig: boundaries, retrofit, dyslexia, neurodiversity and moreHow LinkedIn’s algorithm quietly narrows your professional worldWhy AI in surveying is about connection, clarity and context, not hypeDetails of the 2 hour introductory AI webinar in January for surveyorsA light finish with some “did you know” trivia from around the worldImportant linksAI introductory webinar details and waitlist: https://surveyors-uk.kit.com/1893f79a5bIf you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I’m joined by Joe Nelson, a chartered architectural technologist and chartered building engineer working in retrofit. We talk about what is actually happening on the ground in UK housing, from failed external wall insulation schemes and TrustMark action through to new PAS 2035 requirements, BS 40104 and RICS’ emerging retrofit pathways.Joe brings it back to people. We explore how retrofit affects vulnerable communities, the links to Awaab’s Law and the housing crisis, and where UK surveyors and students can step into this space for meaningful work and new income streams. What we coverJoe’s background in construction, energy assessment and retrofit coordinationHow government grant schemes have grown the retrofit industry, for better and for worseEco4 and GBIS failures, phoenix companies and the “missionaries and mercenaries” of retrofitThe impact on first generation immigrant communities and why trust has been damagedPAS 2035-2023, mandatory site visits and moving design work to chartered professionalsBS 40104 and the push for a higher standard of retrofit surveyingRICS’ new retrofit and sustainability pathways and what they could mean for residential surveyorsArchetypes, social housing providers and why surveyors are ideal for first-in-door surveysNet zero, carbon capture, Awaab’s Law and health impacts from damp and mouldTraining routes, bootcamps and practical first steps for surveyors and studentsGuest linksJoe Nelson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-nelson-msc-mciat-c-build-e-mcabe-659284a6/Joe's website https://www.pas2035consultants.comUseful linksRICS retrofit standard and guidance: https://www.rics.org/profession-standards/rics-standards-and-guidance/sector-standards/real-estate-standards/retrofitRISE retrofit masterclasses on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RISERetrofitGovernment retrofit and skills bootcamps: https://energy-trust.co.uk/warm-homes-skills-programmeNational Careers Service: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.ukIf you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailSummary In this solo episode of This Is Surveying called "My Take", I talk about something I see across the whole profession. Surveying is still largely invisible to the public, to young people choosing careers, and even to some of the industries that rely on us. I share my own story, why I stepped away from qualifying as a residential surveyor to build Surveyors UK and The Surveying Room, and how this podcast is part of making surveyors visible and valued. What we coverWhy can most people describe what a solicitor or architect does, but not a surveyorHow my experience training as a residential surveyor during COVID exposed the visibility gapThe “Gandalf in tweed” moment that nearly put me off surveying at schoolWhy I believe the surveying profession is at a crossroads, with an ageing workforce and course closures in areas like building surveying and geospatialThe role of AI, reforms to buying and selling, and low public awareness in shaping the future of surveyingHow a Facebook student community of over 3,000 surveyors showed there was demand for something biggerThe silos between residential, QS, geospatial and other specialisms, and the shared issues of isolation, value, and diversityWhy I chose to focus on building Surveyors UK and The Surveying Room instead of finishing my residential surveying qualificationWhat This Is Surveying is here to do, for both people inside the profession and those outside looking inAn invitation to join The Surveying Room and to be a guest on the podcastLinksConnect with Nina Young on LinkedIn: Join Surveyors UK & The Surveying RoomEmail [email protected] about becoming a guest You can also support the podcast by subscribing in your favourite podcast app, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with someone who needs to hear it.If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailSummaryIn this first episode, I speak with Richard Sexton, Commercial Director at Houzecheck. Richard has worked across the property and valuation sector for more than three decades, including corporate roles at LSL and exposure to major market shifts from the 1990s crash through to COVID. We talk about how desktop valuations have developed, how corporates compare with independent practices, and how technology and AI are shaping everything from reporting to customer experience.This is a grounded, honest conversation about the realities of residential surveying today and the opportunities ahead for the profession.What we cover– Richard’s career path across valuations and property services – The rise of desktop valuations and why they are here to stay – Corporate vs independent surveying models – Houzecheck’s flexible consultant model – How PropTech and AI are influencing reporting and quality control – The impact of legislation on upfront condition surveys – PI insurance challenges and what may change – Career advice for new and experienced surveyors – Why residential surveying still has huge long-term potential00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:33 Meet Richard Sexton00:58 Richard's Career Journey03:38 The Evolution of Desktop Valuations05:52 Corporate vs. Independent Surveying09:47 Houzecheck's Business Model10:55 The Role of Technology in Surveying17:29 Legislation and Upfront Condition Surveys22:41 Professional Indemnity Insurance Challenges27:36 Final Thoughts and Career Advice29:34 Closing Remarks and Contact InformationLearn more about Houzecheck You can contact Richard on LinkedIn or email at [email protected] you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailWelcome to This Is Surveying, the podcast that shines a light on the people, ideas, and stories shaping this incredible profession.Hosted by Nina Young, founder of Surveyors UK and The Surveying Room community, the show goes beyond the stereotypes to explore the real world of surveying, from everyday challenges to the innovations transforming the profession.Subscribe to our podcast today and join us as we bring the surveying profession into the spotlight.If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn