What are the current challenges of your role?

The variety of my role – one of the main reasons I was attracted to it – is also one of the main challenges. One day I can be acting as an expert witness in a building dispute, the next I can be working on a dilapidations or defect analysis. As a building surveyor you have to be on your toes and have a well-rounded perspective, but where you can really add value is considering the commercial aspects of instructions to help maximise clients’ investments.

What inspires you?

The people around me. Throughout my career, people have helped me in all kinds of ways without expecting anything in return. As a surveyor, I have been privileged to work with some inspiring people whose knowledge and passion for the industry has had a real impact on me. It’s one of the reasons I became involved with my regional CABE committee – where would we be if we didn’t help one another?

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

I’m not sure I would give my 20-year-old self any advice and I’m not sure he would listen anyway! Like many people, I have learnt so much as part of my journey, and I continue to learn new things most days. I think one of the things I would say is, it is all right not to know. When interacting with clients, consultants and contractors it is easy to think you – especially when acting as lead consultant – should have all the answers, but this simply isn’t true. A good consultant knows when to draw on the expertise and experience of others.

Read Mark Lee MCABE's full article here.