How I moved from trainee to trailblazer

When I left school in 1985 with just a grade 1 CSE in art, I knew I needed to make a change, so I went to college to study O-levels in English, maths, sociology and economics.

I found myself in a series of low-paid, unfulfilling jobs with little direction and, despite my creative abilities, a career in the built environment seemed out of reach – until I joined a two-year training programme with Leicester Housing Association (LHA).

Over time, I progressed to producing detailed drawings, compiling specifications and managing small refurbishment projects on site. Then I secured a role as a trainee architectural technician at Leicester City Council.

I climbed the ranks to become a senior architectural technician while studying part-time for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in building studies. Although I enjoyed architectural design, I became increasingly fascinated by how buildings function, why defects occur and how to resolve them.

This curiosity led me to pursue a building surveying degree at De Montfort University. Thanks to my HNC, I entered directly into the third year of the five-year part-time course. I self-funded my studies and used annual leave to attend classes, as the qualification exceeded the requirements of my role.

However, the long commute and the demands of a young family prompted me to seek opportunities closer to home. After some searching, I joined a small Leicester-based practice focused on schools and churches – a perfect fit that allowed me to consolidate my architectural and surveying experience.

I continued to grow professionally, working with EC Harris – now Arcadis – CBRE, and Pick Everard, until after 25 years in the industry, I felt ready to take the next step and in November 2015, I founded One Building Solution.

From day one, my vision was to deliver high-quality, community-focused consultancy services. Over the past ten years, we've worked across the education, heritage, commercial and community sectors, building a reputation for integrity, quality and collaboration.

One of the most meaningful projects has been our ongoing work with Leicester Nirvana Football Club – a place close to my heart, where I once played as a boy. Today, I'm proud to support the club as both a sponsor and building consultant, helping to improve facilities for the next generation.

I've also joined the RICS Register of Expert Witnesses, providing impartial, evidence-based advice in legal and dispute resolution matters. As an RICS Assessor, I help candidates navigate the final stages of their journey to chartered status – a role I value deeply, knowing how transformative professional recognition can be.

As an RICS Inspire Ambassador, I've proudly led and supported Future Talent initiatives – from school outreach and employability events to mentoring programmes. These efforts are about more than recruitment; they're about visibility, representation and creating pathways for young people who may not yet see themselves reflected in the profession.

I've mentored aspiring surveyors, supported internships and spoken at events aimed at demystifying the built environment for students from diverse backgrounds. These initiatives are vital to ensuring that the next generation of professionals is inclusive, representative and empowered.

I'm also honoured to have been named a finalist for the RICS Ambassador of the Year 2025 – a recognition that reflects the passion and commitment I bring to this work. It's a privilege to help shape a profession that welcomes and celebrates talent from all communities.

For me, this time is about honouring the mentors who believed in me, the communities that shaped me and the resilience that carried me through. It's also about looking forward, challenging the status quo and imagining a more inclusive future.

The built environment has long struggled with diversity. While progress is being made, there's still much to do. I believe that talent exists in every community, and it's our responsibility to seek it out, nurture it and create space for it to thrive.

Black History Month may be over, but the commitment to equity, representation and opportunity must continue every day. Let's keep the conversation going and keep building a future that reflects the richness of all our communities.

Running a small business has its challenges, from managing cash flow and compliance to building a sustainable pipeline. But the rewards are immense. I've built a career that reflects my values, supports my community and inspires others to believe in their potential.

To those just starting out: your background does not define your future. With the right support, belief, and opportunity, you can build a career – and a legacy – that has a lasting impact.

A version of this article was originally published on 31 October 2019.