Building Surveyor - Neil Clubbs

Neil Clubbs MRICS,
Aged 25

Neil is a chartered building surveyor with EC Harris, based in Newcastle.

What have you been doing today?
I'm just driving back from Blackpool. One of my current projects is working on Blackpool market. We are responsible for putting a new roof on the market. It is not a straightforward project though as the owners want to keep the market open while the new roof is fitted. The market has a number of food stalls so we need to ensure the new roof can be fitted safely.

Are you settled in the north east?
I am. I got a First in Building Surveying at Northumbria University and I think the fact that I was in an area that I knew well really helped. I enjoy working in Newcastle and have just bought my first house in Gateshead.

The great thing about surveying is that you can travel as far as your company's projects extend. In a company like EC Harris you get plenty of opportunities to travel as they have projects all over the UK and beyond.

What got you interested in surveying?
Initially, it was through work experience with an estate agent when I was 16. I liked the fact that surveying involved a balance of office and outdoor time. I was also keen to choose a degree course that was vocational and would lead me into a job once I had finished the course.

How did you find the experience of qualifying?
I undertook the final assessment in May 2004 after two and a half years of diary experience. Gaining the required competency levels through experience was enjoyable although it was challenging at times as it involved juggling work commitments and private study.

It was hard work but well worth the effort as I have already benefited in terms of an increased salary and greater responsibility in my day-to-day work.

What interesting projects have you been involved in?
When I list them out there have actually been loads! I've conducted building surveys of many types of properties from modern office buildings to hotels, shopping centres and domestic properties. I've also had a hand in refurbishment projects of offices, schools and a job that involved the design of a scheme to build an extension to a church.

What do you enjoy most about your career?
My initial thoughts that surveying would provide me with a good balance of time in and out of the office has been proved correct. It is nice to be able to spend a 'normal' day in the office and sit at my PC and have meetings. It is also great to be able to jump in my car and drive to a project site and walk around it and meet a variety of people who are all working to complete the project on time and within budget.
On the financial side, my salary has also allowed me to get on the property ladder and to take my girlfriend out once in a while so that helps keeps everyone happy doesn't it?!

What are your future career ambitions?
Over the next few years I want to continue and gain experience as a senior building surveyor at EC Harris. In the future, I would like to move into management and be responsible for leading a team of surveyors.