Team

What led you to this career?

My passion for building started whilst assisting my father on building sites during the school holidays.  I began my professional career as an Architectural Technician predominantly assisting in the conversion of many barns and churches.  This subsequently developed into a professional Building Surveying career within various organisations, leading teams in delivering quality services to clients in varied areas such as the financial, social housing and private high-end residential sectors.

What energises you about working at APA?

Managing my own company allows all sorts of freedoms and opportunities to streamline my expertise and knowledge.   Creating a hardworking but more importantly supportive environment for others to develop and prosper.  I’m able to change and adapt as necessary and this keeps me enthused about the continued development and growth of APA.

What keeps you busy outside of work?

Away from the office, I can often be found either training for, or participating in events such as triathlons and cycling events around Europe, or a leisurely hike in the hills.  I also enjoy a strange gig or ten, art events and a lovely meal in a fine restaurant.

What led you to this career?

Initially unsure of a career path and with an interest in IT, an opportunity arose to become a trainee GeoMetrics surveyor. This soon developed my interest in the world of surveying and what it had to offer, which resulted in obtaining a Building Surveying degree from Sheffield Hallam University.

What energises you about working at APA?

Having worked with two of the APA team before, a relationship was already formed, which gave the ability to work on developing a newly created business and focus on quality and service. For me it is important to work somewhere which has an enjoyable yet hardworking environment, and APA has delivered on this.

What keeps you busy outside of work?

If a film has won a golden raspberry, it’s a good chance that I’ve seen it, is what the APA team seem to believe. If I’m not in London, you’ll either find me with a banana daiquiri on a Jamaican beach or walking the dog on a Suffolk beach.

What led you to this career?

For me it’s important to have some freedom and variation within the role, a respectful team and an appreciation of the work involved. I find working within Building Surveying fulfilling as peoples’ homes and their environment are everything to them and we get to play a part in helping and keeping things in check.

What energises you about working at APA?

From the very beginning I have been involved and responsible for many different aspects of the company.  I’ve been given many opportunities to get involved and use my initiative.  The company also believes in the team which I appreciate and feel very much part of.

What keeps you busy outside of work?

I love music and going to gigs with friends. Good food, film & walks in town or countryside are a must. I love fine art, paint in my spare time and enjoy visiting the odd art show

What led you to this career?

Given my educational background, you would not have expected me to be working as a Building Surveyor, it was not until the 2021 lockdown where I was able to evaluate myself, I decided to undertake an MSc in Building Surveying. The interest comes from watching lots of Grand Designs and the hands on approach a building surveyor is required to take.

What energises you about working at APA?

APA have provided me with the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects, which helped me achieve my chartered status.  This not only helps me gain a large amount of experience but also means the job doesn’t get boring… not to mention the regular staff and client outings!

What keeps you busy outside of work?

I am an outdoorsy kind of person, I play hockey, enjoy skiing/snowboarding, and you’ll occasionally see me running a 5k around Hyde Park, I also enjoy attending music festivals and events.

What led you to this career?

I have had a keen interest in buildings since working on building sites at the age of 16. Through gaining experience by achieving a BSc Building Surveying degree and working with large developers/ consultants within the industry, I have developed a keen interest in building pathology and surveying.

What energises you about working at APA?

From the start, APA provided excellent opportunities and support in order to develop my experience and skills which enabled me to recently achieve my goal of becoming a chartered building surveyor.  I also enjoy the variation of work; working on a range of different projects in several sectors.

What keeps you busy outside of work?

I am a big Manchester United supporter, so I regularly travel up to Manchester to watch the home matches and watch us get beat! In my spare time I also enjoy playing football, golf, going to the gym and enjoy going out with friends.

What led you to this career?

Having always appreciated the Built Environment, I had always known that I wanted to work within the industry. However, it wasn’t until I had a mentor during Sixth Form that opened the world and opportunities of being a surveyor could offer, which led me to graduating with a BSc Building Surveying degree and starting my journey as a surveyor.

What energises you about working at APA?

Since joining APA, they have been able to provide the support and opportunities to develop my skill and knowledge as I work on my chartership. The variety of projects means I’m learning something new every day, and not to mention the great team dynamic and feel.

What keeps you busy outside of work?

I’m a big foodie, so I spend a lot of my spare time trying to find the hidden gems of London and a permanent restaurant for my recommendations list (they say ‘good food = good mood!’). I also like long walks with the dogs and a light romcom to read.

What led you to this career?

Some of my greatest childhood memories include making magic wands in grandad’s carpentry, spending hours disregarding Barbie whilst I was busy arranging her timber furniture (finely crafted by dad!!), or helping dad with the house and family vehicles’ maintenance. Unsurprisingly, when I started studying at the Interior Design & Furniture Making Institute in Milan, I was in my element! The real challenge started when I arrived in London, fell in love with it and it’s unlimited opportunities. 

Amongst all, I managed a small restaurant, had a market food stall, worked as a librarian, and finally landed a role as a Theatre Building Maintenance and Automation Technician. I then casually stumbled upon a Building Surveyor job description and thought “that’s a great career path to combine my studies and practical skills”, did my MSc, and here I am!!

What energises you about working at APA?

What keeps me motivated is the variety of a Building Surveyor’s duties and the opportunity not to be desk-bound, APA is involved with a wide range of projects which guarantees my continuous knowledge and practical growth towards the achievement of my chartership. 

Even better, the supportive, approachable and friendly atmosphere I’ve found in the office from day one made me feel at home… not to mention the team’s dogs and Alan, the local squirrel, who regularly visit the office!!

What keeps you busy outside of work?

If you see someone walking around London looking up at buildings, there’s a good chance that’s me. I also enjoy cycling, sweating at the Crossfit Box, meeting friends to chat, eat and sip on prosecco. Whenever possible, I visit mum and my amazing nieces in Milan which often involves shoe shopping… One can only walk its life-path with the appropriate pair of shoes right!!?

What led you to this career?

My passion for the construction industry was started by my father’s relentless home improvements and his property portfolio in Cardiff. Growing up amidst renovation projects sparked my interest in the built environment.  My journey into building surveying began during my undergraduate studies at the University of Reading, where I completed a BSc in Building Surveying. This experience ignited my passion for the built environment and led me to pursue an MSc in Management at Henley Business School to complement my technical knowledge with business acumen.

What energises you about working at APA?

APA offers me the opportunity to apply my skills to diverse projects while continuing to grow professionally. I’m excited by APA’s supportive environment and hands-on approach, which aligns perfectly with my desire to develop expertise in various aspects of building surveying. The firm’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for continuous learning is particularly appealing to me as I embark on my career and my goal of becoming a chartered building surveyor.

What keeps you busy outside of work?

Outside of work, I’m sports mad. I have a particular passion for golf, rugby, and cricket, having represented Wales at the youth level in cricket. I enjoy meeting up with friends on the weekend and occasionally going for a run.

WHAT LED YOU TO THIS CAREER?

With over six years of experience in a busy people-facing role, I was looking to develop my skills and experience new challenges in a different field.  APA offers opportunities to take on varied tasks and encourages learning which suits my new direction.

WHAT ENERGISES YOU ABOUT WORKING AT APA?

It’s very varied, which means I get to use my initiative and I’m able to develop and adapt my role.  The team is very supportive of each other, I can get involved as much as possible and gain a full understanding of the work I’m part of.

WHAT KEEPS YOU BUSY OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I love sports and regularly coach Netball and other disciplines including athletics, football and gymnastics.