Career combines expertise with public commitment

As an associate director at Anstey Horne and a chartered building surveyor with more than a decade of experience, I have been privileged to work on high-level projects that combine my technical expertise with a meaningful contribution to the communities I serve.

My career was born out of a genuine curiosity about how the structures around us are created and how they shape our lives. As a child, I was fascinated by construction sites and the transformation of empty spaces into buildings.

This early curiosity led me to explore the technical aspects of construction and eventually to study for an MSc in building surveying at London South Bank University. It was here I developed a fascination for the intricate relationship between technical precision and creativity in the built environment. I graduated with distinction in 2017: but that was just the beginning of the journey.

I started my professional career as a graduate building surveyor at Baily Garner. My role involved undertaking condition surveys, assisting in contract administration roles and gaining experience in various aspects of building project works.

Initially, my focus was on performing high-quality work and learning as much as possible from my colleagues. However, I quickly realised that making a difference went beyond technical expertise; it was about engaging with communities, ensuring the safety of residents and mentoring junior team members to develop their skills.

Every project I work on represents people's lives – families, communities and individuals who rely on safe, compliant buildings. I often remind myself of this responsibility when approaching a challenging assignment.

One such development involved an existing complex of five modern student accommodation blocks in the south of England, with the tallest block standing at six storeys and measuring below 18 metres.

My firm was appointed to carry out a fire risk appraisal of external walls (FRAEW) for the development. Following the FRAEW review, a number of fire safety-related issues were identified, requiring remedial works.

Throughout the review process, the guidance set out in Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls and Cladding of Flats – PAS 9980:2022 was followed to ensure that the proposed remedial measures were proportionate to the level of risk presented by the building.

My role involved leading the FRAEW review, overseeing the subsequent remediation works, managing associated risks, and co-ordinating with multiple stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of the project.

Upon completion of the remedial works, an addendum to the FRAEW was issued to update the building assessment, reflecting both the completed works and the current build-up of the external wall systems.

The project required a careful balance of technical precision and fire safety compliance. Initial technical assessments, including intrusive investigations, identified the presence of combustible insulation, sheathing board and cladding panel materials within the external wall construction.

In cases where product manufacturing datasheets were unavailable, material samples were extracted and sent for laboratory testing to determine their fire classification.

As part of the remedial works, the existing wall construction – comprising insulation, sheathing board and cladding materials – was removed and replaced with non-combustible alternatives to meet current fire safety standards.

New cavity barriers were also strategically installed to create compartmentation within the wall system, running along both horizontal and vertical compartment lines, and around window and door openings, as well as service penetrations in order to mitigate the risk of fire spread across the building facade.

The project reinforced the importance of designing student accommodation that is not only structurally sound but fire safe, thereby ensuring the safety and protection of its occupants. Projects such as this highlight the need to put people at the centre of what we do.

In my work, whether assessing external walls to appraise fire risk, advising on recladding projects, consulting on new-build schemes or navigating evolving fire safety regulations, I am constantly reminded of our collective responsibility as professionals.

Grenfell Tower prompted significant changes, including the Fire Safety Act 2021 and Building Safety Act 2022, as well as guidance, such as Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls and Cladding of Flats – PAS 9980: 2022, and updates to Fire safety: Approved Document B of the Building Regulations. Together, these aim to create a robust framework and shift the industry's culture to prioritise safety over cost-cutting.

Contributing to this transformation is both a professional duty and a personal mission. My increasing involvement in fire safety compliance, particularly after Grenfell Tower, prompted me to become an associate member of the Institution of Fire Engineers in 2023.

This required demonstrating my technical knowledge in fire safety and my commitment to continuous learning. This affiliation has allowed me to contribute more effectively to my current workload, particularly in helping with FRAEW assessments, building safety case reports and EWS1 reviews.

However, I believe that, beyond technical issues and regulation, we need to rebuild trust with the public. As professionals, we must demonstrate that safety, competency and accountability are at the heart of everything we do.

Mentorship is about more than passing on knowledge: it is about helping individuals discover their potential. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone you have mentored achieve their goals and come into their own as a confident professional.

These relationships often extend beyond the formal process, building a foundation for a stronger and more resilient industry. Mentorship, to me, goes beyond technical guidance. I strive to provide career advice, build confidence and create opportunities for young professionals to develop leadership skills.

The best advice I share with those I mentor is to stay curious, stay humble and never lose sight of your goals. I try to pass this on by leading by example and empowering others to believe in themselves.

I have learned that leadership isn't confined to titles or position – it's about your ability to listen, adapt and empower others. This philosophy has guided me throughout my career and continues to inspire me at Anstey Horne.

In addition to being a mentor I serve as an RICS APC assessor, helping to shape the future of the profession. Through this role, I ensure that the next generation of surveyors is prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

As an assessor, I play a key role on the interviewing panel, evaluating candidates in their final assessment interviews to become chartered. This involves assessing candidates by reviewing written submissions, conducting professional interviews and ensuring they meet the high standards set by RICS.

I also focus on preparing candidates for the evolving challenges in the profession, such as fire safety and sustainability in construction.

In 2022, I became the first Anstey Horne staff member to be shortlisted for the RICS Matrics Surveyor Awards in the Building Surveying category. I was honoured by the recognition, which reinforced my belief in the power of our work to make a lasting difference.

One of the most significant outcomes of this has been our partnership with an inner-city London school. Together, we have created mentorship, work experience and apprenticeship opportunities for underrepresented sixth-form students, helping open doors that might otherwise have remained closed.

For me, diversity is not a check box but a cornerstone of innovation and progress. When we bring different perspectives to the table, we arrive at better outcomes and ways of working – not just for our projects, but for the clients and communities we serve.

I have had the opportunity to share this vision with young people at schools and universities across the UK, where I have discussed my career and the importance of inclusivity in the built environment, and in a talk to building engineering students in Germany. It is moments such as these that remind me why I do what I do.

I organise Anstey Horne's popular five-a-side football social engagement programme as well, which brings colleagues and clients together in a fun and dynamic environment. This initiative not only promotes physical well-being but also strengthens interpersonal relationships, enhancing the overall workplace culture and business connections with clients.

Whether on the pitch, behind a camera or in a meeting room, I approach every endeavour with the same passion and dedication. My goal is to leave a legacy that reflects not only my professional achievements but also includes meaningful contributions to the community and industry.

This combination of technical expertise, mentorship, advocacy for social causes such as the Black History Month initiative and community engagement through the local school partnership have defined my journey.

I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to pursue their own paths with purpose and determination. Together, we can build not just safer structures but a stronger, more inclusive future for our profession.