This is Surveying

Nina Young - Surveyors UK
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🎧 This Is Surveying Because surveying matters, and so do the people behind it. This Is Surveying lifts the lid on the real world of surveying, the highs, the hurdles, the geeky details (yes, even AI and emerging tech), and the humans driving it all. We go beyond the stereotypes to explore how surveyors shape both the built and natural environment. You’ll hear honest, down-to-earth conversations about work, business, and life, from seasoned professionals to those just starting out, plus fresh perspectives from guests outside the profession who bring valuable insight into leadership, innovation, and change. Powered by Surveyors UK, the independent platform connecting and promoting the profession, and The Surveying Room, its free online community bringing surveyors together, breaking down silos, and making surveying visible. If you’re a surveyor, a future surveyor, or simply curious about this brilliant and often overlooked profession, you’re in the right place. Hosted by Nina Young, Founder of Surveyors UK. Visit www.surveyors-uk.com to join The Surveying Room and learn more. We are also on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@SurveyorsUK

  1. 2D AGO

    Marine Surveying Explained with David Pestridge

    Summary Marine surveying is a fascinating part of the surveying profession that many people never hear about. In this episode, Nina Young speaks with David Pestridge, marine surveyor and owner of White Hat Marine Surveying. David shares what life is really like inspecting yachts, narrowboats, and barges across the UK. From pre-purchase inspections to identifying serious structural defects, David explains the realities of marine surveying and how the role shares many similarities with property surveying. They also discuss the importance of inspection routines, report writing, communication skills, and professional judgement. Along the way, David shares some memorable stories from the field and explains why he is passionate about helping people understand boats and the marine surveying profession. What We Cover David’s journey from army engineer to marine surveyorWhat marine surveyors inspect on boats and yachtsThe process of a pre-purchase boat surveyWhy routine and consistency matter in inspectionsCommon defects include corrosion and fatigueWriting clear and defensible survey reportsManaging difficult conversations with clients and sellersThe realities of working outdoors and travelling for surveysAdvice for people interested in marine surveying careersEducating boat buyers through guides and YouTube Guest Links David Pestridge LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidpestridge Useful Links International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) - https://www.iims.org.ukFree ebook: How to Buy Your First Boat https://boatchat.beehiiv.com/products/how-to-buy-your-first-boat Guest Bio David Pestridge is a marine surveyor and the owner of White Hat Marine Surveying. He specialises in surveys of yachts, motorboats, narrowboats, and barges across the UK. Before becoming a surveyor, David served for 17 years in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as an engineering officer. After leaving the army in 2008, he retrained as a marine surveyor and has since built a successful practice inspecting boats for buyers, owners, and insurers. David is also Deputy Vice President of the International Institute of Marine Surveyors and is passionate about improving standards across the profession. Through his writing, YouTube channel, and educational resources, he helps boat owners and aspiring surveyors better understand marine surveying and boat inspection. If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room   Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

    34 min

  2. MAR 31

    AI, Surveying, and the New RICS Standard with Christopher De Gruben

    Summary Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the property industry. In this episode of This Is Surveying, Nina Young speaks with Christopher De Gruben, chartered surveyor and Head of AI and Property at Artefact. Chris works at the forefront of AI adoption in real estate, helping major property owners and investors implement data and AI strategies across Europe and the Middle East. They explore what AI actually means for surveyors, where the real opportunities are, and why parts of the surveying profession may face major disruption. Chris also shares insights from co-chairing the working group behind the new RICS Responsible Use of AI standard. The discussion covers disclosure, materiality, and how surveyors can safely integrate AI into their workflows. The episode also tackles the debate around AI and the APC process, and why discouraging candidates from using AI may risk pushing the next generation away from the profession. If you want to understand how AI is reshaping surveying, property valuation, and the built environment, this is a conversation you do not want to miss. What We Cover Chris’s international career and how he moved into AI and propertyReal-world examples of AI being used in property companies todayThe difference between AI assistants and AI analystsOver 300 potential AI use cases in property businessesThe RICS Responsible Use of AI standardUnderstanding materiality when using AI in surveying workWhy AI should not replace the surveyor’s professional judgementConcerns about AI restrictions for APC candidatesThe impact of AI on junior roles and surveying careersHow the UK property industry compares to Saudi ArabiaGuest Links Christopher De Gruben on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/degruben Useful Links Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – https://www.rics.org Surveyors UK – https://www.surveyors-uk.com Guest Bio Christopher De Gruben is a chartered surveyor and Senior Director and Head of AI and Property at Artefact. He advises major property investors and developers across Europe and the Middle East on large-scale data and artificial intelligence programmes. His work focuses on modernising property operating models and embedding AI into real estate businesses in practical ways. Chris also plays an active role in shaping the surveying profession. He serves as Vice Chair of the RICS Professional Group Panel Board and co-chaired the working group responsible for the new RICS Responsible Use of AI standard. He is also co-authoring new guidance on AI in valuation. If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room   Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

    57 min
  3. Jordan Turner on EPC Reform, Sustainability and Educating the Next Generation of Surveyors

    MAR 24

    Jordan Turner on EPC Reform, Sustainability and Educating the Next Generation of Surveyors

    Summary In this episode of This Is Surveying, Nina Young speaks with Jordan Turner, senior lecturer at the University of the Built Environment. Jordan shares his career journey from residential property to commercial surveying and academia, and explains why sustainability and EPC reform are central to the profession's future. They also explore skills shortages, education pathways, and the need to make surveying more visible to young people.    What We Cover Career journey from residential agency into commercial estate managementWhy industry experience strengthens surveying educationEPC reform challenges and inconsistenciesRetrofit pressures and Minimum Energy Efficiency StandardsBehavioural impacts and policy gapsHome buying reform and upfront informationSkills shortages and attracting new surveyorsResidential surveying education pathwaysKnowledge transfer from experienced professionalsCollaboration across the surveying professionGuest Links Jordan Turner LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/jordan-turner-50748a17b Useful Links University of the Built Environment – https://www.ube.ac.uk Guest Bio Jordan Turner is a senior lecturer at the University of the Built Environment with a professional background spanning residential property, estate agency, property management, and commercial estate management. He is currently undertaking a PhD focused on sustainability and energy performance in the built environment. Jordan is passionate about improving EPC frameworks, strengthening educational pathways, and bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world surveying practice. If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room   Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

    55 min

  4. MAR 17

    Elliot Goulding on QS Recruitment, AI in Construction and the Future of Hiring

    Summary In this episode of This Is Surveying, I’m joined by Elliot Goulding, QS recruiter and Director of ProBuild Recruitment. We talk about the current state of quantity surveying recruitment in the UK, why flexibility matters more than ever, and how AI is already reshaping construction businesses. If you’re a quantity surveyor, a hiring manager, or a student looking to enter the profession, this conversation will give you practical insight into what is happening right now and what could be coming next. What We Cover Why QSs are one of the hardest roles to recruit in constructionThe shift towards freelance and flexible workingHow employers can retain commercial teamsThe risk of a mid-level skills gapAI in surveying and constructionUsing automation to improve efficiencyHard Hat AI and digital transformation in constructionThe impact of regulation and Gateway delaysMarket outlook for 2026Guest Links Elliot Goulding – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliotgoulding/ ProBuild Recruitment: https://probuildrec.com/ Useful Links Hard Hat AI: https://hardhatai159.com/ Guest Bio Elliot Goulding is a specialist QS recruiter and Director of ProBuild Recruitment. With over 16 years in construction recruitment, Elliot works closely with main contractors and subcontractors across the UK, focusing on quantity surveying and commercial management roles from graduate to director level. He launched ProBuild Recruitment just before COVID and has since built a reputation for strategic hiring advice, market insight, and long term partnerships with construction businesses. He is also the founder of Hard Hat AI, a service helping construction firms use AI and automation to improve efficiency and stay competitive. If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room   Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

    36 min

  5. MAR 10

    AI, Strategy and the Future of Construction and Surveying with Suzanne Hill

    Summary Suzanne Hill, business strategist for AI and founder of AI for SMEs, joins me to talk about AI at a strategic level. We look beyond shiny tools and explore how AI will change business models, client expectations, and the future of surveying and construction firms. What we cover Suzanne’s journey from construction into AIWhy AI is 80 percent strategy and peopleThe risks of jumping into tools without directionData ownership and client behaviourHow AI could disrupt traditional surveying and construction rolesWhat firms need to be thinking about nowGuest links Suzanne Hill on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannehill1/Useful links UCD (University College Dublin) – https://www.ucd.ie/Guest Bio Suzanne Hill is a business strategist specialising in AI and the construction sector. She is the founder of AI for SMEs and has over two decades of experience working with construction companies across the UK, Ireland, and internationally. With a background in construction and strategy consultancy, Suzanne helps businesses understand how AI will impact their business models, revenue streams, and long-term competitiveness. She is also a keynote speaker and advisor to senior leadership teams navigating digital transformation. If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room   Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

    46 min

  6. MAR 3

    From the Trades to Chartered Building Surveyor with Lewis Denbow

    Summary Lewis Denbow, chartered building surveyor at Harris Associates, joins me to share his journey from an electrical apprenticeship into building surveying. We talk about apprenticeships, the APC, communication skills, and why the trades could play a huge role in solving the surveying skills shortage. What we cover An unorthodox route into building surveyingDegree apprenticeships and accessibilityLessons from the tradesCommunication and client relationshipsProject management and stakeholder managementAdvice for those starting out in surveyingGuest links Lewis Denbow on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewisdenbow/Harris Associates – https://www.harrisassociatesuk.com/Useful links Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – https://www.rics.org/Guest Bio Lewis Denbow is a chartered building surveyor at Harris Associates, a national award-winning built environment consultancy. He entered the profession through an unconventional route, starting in the electrical trade before completing a degree apprenticeship and achieving chartership. Lewis now works across building surveying and project management, with a strong focus on communication, stakeholder management, and practical problem-solving. If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room   Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

    26 min

  7. FEB 24

    Inside Party Wall Surveying with Sarah Tanner

    Summary Sarah Tanner, associate director at Stanley and Strong, joins me to talk all things party wall surveying. From her unconventional career journey to the realities of fees, disputes, and neighbour relations, this episode lifts the lid on one of the most misunderstood areas of surveying. What we cover How Sarah became a party wall surveyorWhat triggers the Party Wall ActConsent, dissent, and what they really meanParty wall fees and what “reasonable” looks likeCommunication, conflict, and emotional intelligenceWomen in party wall surveyingAdvice for homeowners and surveyorsGuest links Sarah Tanner on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-tanner-40a57976/Stanley and Strong – https://stanleystrong.co.uk/Useful links SurvPal software https://survpal.co.uk/Party Wall Surveying – https://fpws.org.uk/Guest Bio Sarah Tanner is an associate director at Stanley and Strong, a specialist firm of party wall surveyors. With over a decade of experience in party wall matters, Sarah entered the profession through an unconventional route, progressing from PA to surveyor with the support of strong mentorship. She is known for her practical approach, firm views on fair fees, and her emphasis on communication and collaboration in resolving disputes. If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room   Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

    51 min

  8. FEB 17

    Rosie Wills on Residential Surveying and Rethinking Estate Agent Relationships

    Summary In this episode of This Is Surveying, Nina Young speaks with Rosie Wills, a chartered construction manager and ASSOC RICS surveyor based in North Devon. Rosie shares her journey from over ten years in social housing into private residential surveying. We discuss damp and mould, peer review, Level 2 surveys, estate agent relationships, vendor surveys, pricing transparency, and why collaboration matters across the UK surveying profession. This is a practical conversation about raising standards, reducing complaints, and building trust in residential surveying. What We Cover Rosie’s route into surveying and chartered construction managementDamp and mould expertise and building pathologyThe transition from housing to private practicePeer review between surveyorsUnderstanding the RICS Home Survey StandardWorking constructively with estate agentsVendor surveys and pre-sale strategiesTransparent pricing and website improvementsComplaints handling and professional riskCollaboration across UK surveyorsGuest Links Rosie Wills LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-e-wills/ Nova Surveyors – https://novasurveyors.co.uk Useful Links Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – https://www.rics.org/ Guest Bio Rosie Wills is a chartered construction manager and Assoc RICS surveyor based in North Devon. She spent over ten years working in social housing, developing specialist expertise in damp and mould and building pathology. Rosie now works in private practice delivering residential property surveys, including Level 2 and Level 3 home surveys, alongside specialist defect investigations. She is passionate about collaboration, peer review, professional standards, and improving trust in the surveying profession. If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room   Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

    47 min
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About

🎧 This Is Surveying Because surveying matters, and so do the people behind it. This Is Surveying lifts the lid on the real world of surveying, the highs, the hurdles, the geeky details (yes, even AI and emerging tech), and the humans driving it all. We go beyond the stereotypes to explore how surveyors shape both the built and natural environment. You’ll hear honest, down-to-earth conversations about work, business, and life, from seasoned professionals to those just starting out, plus fresh perspectives from guests outside the profession who bring valuable insight into leadership, innovation, and change. Powered by Surveyors UK, the independent platform connecting and promoting the profession, and The Surveying Room, its free online community bringing surveyors together, breaking down silos, and making surveying visible. If you’re a surveyor, a future surveyor, or simply curious about this brilliant and often overlooked profession, you’re in the right place. Hosted by Nina Young, Founder of Surveyors UK. Visit www.surveyors-uk.com to join The Surveying Room and learn more. We are also on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@SurveyorsUK

Information

  • Creator
    Nina Young - Surveyors UK
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 This is Surveying
  • Show Website
    This is Surveying

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