We’ve been catching up with a number of finalists shortlisted for this year’s RICS Young Surveyor of the year awards.
As proud sponsors of the Building Surveying category, GoReport are privileged to find out more about the career path of these inspirational young professionals and share valuable insights into how they got to where they are today and what they believe is the future of surveying.
It was great to catch up with Joanne Williams from Historic England.
How did you begin your role as a surveyor?
Having worked in various sectors at the age of 25 I realised that I wanted a profession with a purpose. I’d been brought up visiting historic places and appreciating the skilled labour involved with built assets and collection items, so I decided to focus my efforts towards building conservation.
I got a job as Facilities Co-ordinator at the National Trust, as my background had been in risk management, COOSH awareness and operational planning.
Getting the opportunity to work with a variety of specialists from Surveyors, Engineers, Archaeologists, Conservators and many others, I found my passion was in defect diagnosis and solving problems, which led me to do my MSc in Building Surveying.
How do you feel about being shortlist in the building surveying category?
To be honest shocked and very honoured. I’m lucky to have had such a varied Building Surveying career. I’ve met some fantastic people along the way who have taken me under their wing and taught me about the work they do, being shortlisted is more a credit to them than me I think.
What do you do to stay relevant in the industry?
Working at Historic England in the climate change adaptation team means I work across a wide spectrum of subjects and with a variety of professionals, government bodies and Universities, so I’m always learning. Which is important, as part of my role is to produce guidance, sit on steering groups, and support the development of British standards and training opportunities.
What advice would you give to individuals who are pursuing a career in surveying?Learn from others outside your profession. The first Building Surveyor I met told me “There is no such thing as a stupid question, only a stupid answer.”
So that’s my motto. I ask a lot of questions, but to be a great Surveyor you have to ask questions and you have to be ready to learn, even if you’ve been doing this role for 30 years.
What do you believe is the future of surveying?
We’re going to have our work cut out for us. We will be dealing with a new more intense climate that our buildings and the people who use them aren’t used too. This means learning about new materials and technology, identifying new issues such as foreign pests and fungi we’ve not experienced before and learning from one another.
What motivates you as a surveyor?
What motivates me as a surveyor is the opportunity for collaboration across a broad sector and to finding the best solution to a variety of problems.
What is your ultimate career goal as you see it today?
Ultimate career goal, wow that’s a big one. I wouldn’t say I have an end goal, as long as I’m always learning, supporting the next generation of surveyors, and continuing to challenge inappropriate measures that damage heritage buildings then I will be happy. Becoming IHBC conservation accredited and then FRICS are my next goals.
How has the adoption of digital solutions in surveying benefited your career so far?
Digital solutions will never replace being on site and following your nose to identify a problem. But saying that 3D imagery, data modelling, drones, geospatial planning all have a place in the work I do. I have to use a lot of digital solutions for assessing climate change hazards particularly when future forecasting the impact on buildings.