Senior Quantity Surveyor | Currie & Brown

What does a typical day look like for you? 

The age-old cliché, no two days are the same apply to me! My role involves both Quantity Surveying and Independent Monitoring Surveying, therefore at any point I could be on one of a number of construction sites, at a project meeting or in our office. The first thing I do each day is check my diary to see when and where I need to be!

How did you get your job? / What training, degree, education do you need? 

Initially I undertook an RICS accredited degree in General Practice Surveying at the University of West of England. When Currie & Brown offered me a position as a Quantity Surveyor, I was enrolled 2-year distance learning Post Graduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying through the College of Estate Management. From here I then undertook my Associate RICS qualification and am presently undertaking study towards my Chartership under the Currie & Brown national APC programme. 

What are the most important skills needed for your role/job? 

Being in Client facing role excellent communication skills are paramount! My role involves me conversing with a number of industry members on a daily basis including, Clients, Developers, Funders, Design team members and Contractors.

Great attention to detail and understanding of construction contracts, construction costings and construction technology are also essential to the day-to-day success of my role. 

Are there any future skills you will need to learn for your role? 

The construction industry evolves at speed with new techniques, the creation of new construction products and amended construction legislation, therefore even when I am Chartered, I will be constantly learning, it is very much a job where I learn something new everyday!

What is the best part of your job? / What motivates you in this role?

The best part of my job is successful project delivery with significant emphasis on bringing a project to completion on time and on budget!

Many of the projects I work on impact the Jersey community, including my involvement in the health sector, namely at Jersey General Hospital. These projects include the current multi-phased refurbishment of Maternity Ward and upgrade Robin Ward. It is great to hear publics positive feedback when the facilities are brought back into use. 

What advice would you give someone interested in a career in your profession? 

Talk to your career advisors. Although I took the university route off island this is not the only way to become a Quantity Surveyor, as although a degree is required to become an RICS member, companies such as Currie & Brown offer apprenticeships and training programmes to support young people through their studies, via distance learning or through the Highlands courses offered, as well as provide practical on the job experience. 

Who inspires you and why? 

This is a bit cringe, but I would say my Director Brian Rennison, Brian started as a Graduate in the company and is now a national head of the business. Nonetheless, he always finds time to help me achieve my career goals and respond to Clients alike, and still has a smile on his face around 99.9% of the time!