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

    Your Surveying Career Needs a Strategy, Not Just a CV

    Send us Fan Mail Recruitment isn't just about finding the next job. Roger Dunning has spent 24 years placing surveyors, and he's noticed the same pattern every time. The ones who get furthest aren't chasing the next job, they're building what he calls "career capital." In this episode, Nina Young talks to Roger, founder of HD Surveyors, about why broad experience beats early specialism, why chartership is a non-negotiable badge to employers, and why Roger sees the best recruiters as career advisers, not CV distributors. A grounded, practical look at building a surveying career on purpose. What We Cover Roger's recruitment journeyCareer strategy versus job hoppingWhy breadth of experience creates opportunityCandidate-led recruitment in surveyingCommunication skills that employers valueGraduate recruitment and first impressionsAI and recruitmentChartership and APC supportCareer capital and long-term planningWhat good recruiters really do Guest Links  Roger Dunning: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/rogerdunning HD Surveyors: https://hdsurveyors.com/ Useful Links  Salary & Career Satisfaction Survey: https://survey.hdsurveyors.com/2026-salary-survey Guest Bio  Roger Dunning is the founder of HD Surveyors and has worked in recruitment for more than 24 years. He specialises in recruiting building surveyors, quantity surveyors and project managers across the UK. Throughout his career he has helped hundreds of professionals build successful careers by focusing on long-term strategy rather than short-term job moves. Roger is passionate about career development, chartership, mentoring and helping surveyors make informed decisions that increase their long-term value in the 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

  2. Jun 30

    Why Residential Surveyors Need to Know What They’re Walking Into

    Send us Fan Mail Rebecca Freeman nearly became a lawyer. A clearing phone call changed that, and she ended up in residential surveying instead. It turned out to be exactly the right fit. She built a career that now sits at senior leadership and risk at Legal & General Surveying Services. But the most important parts of that journey aren't on the CV. In this episode, Nina talks to Rebecca about what residential surveying is really like to do. You're going into people's homes, often alone, navigating situations that no training manual fully prepares you for. She speaks openly about lone working, personal safety, and why the profession needs to take both more seriously. She also talks about emotional intelligence as a practical skill, not a soft one, and what it actually takes to do this job well over a long career. This is the kind of conversation the profession needs more of. What We Cover How a clearing phone call led Rebecca into surveying instead of lawWhy residential surveying suited her from the startStarting out at Countrywide and learning the job in BathMentorship, MRICS and building a long-term career in the professionHow the 2008 crash reshaped day-to-day working lifeThe shift from paper to digital and early surveying technologyWhat residential surveying reveals about people and how they liveLone working, personal safety and the support surveyors actually needEmotional intelligence and handling difficult situations on siteWhat AI and technology might change, and what will always need a human Guest Links Rebecca Freeman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-freeman-frics-98312019/ Legal & General Surveying Services: https://www.legalandgeneral.com/surveying-services/ Women in Residential Surveying: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13733915/ Useful Links LionHeart: https://www.lionheart.org.uk/ Guest Bio Rebecca Freeman is a residential surveying leader with more than 20 years’ experience in the profession. She is Risk Director at Legal & General Surveying Services and previously spent 22 years with Countrywide Surveying Services, building her career from graduate surveyor through to senior leadership. Rebecca is also the founder of Women in Residential Surveying, where she has been championing better support, visibility and practical conversations around the realities of working in the profession. Her background spans residential valuation, surveying operations, risk, training and professional development, with a particular interest in lone working, resilience and the future of residential surveying. 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

  3. Jun 9

    From Hobby to High Stakes: What Gets Surveyors Using Drones in Trouble

    Send us Fan Mail Adam Bailey was there when drones first entered the built environment, and he's watched the entire industry evolve around him. As Head of Specialist Surveys at Earl Kendrick, Adam joins Nina Young to talk about how drone technology has transformed the way surveyors work, why regulation and professional standards are being outpaced by poor practice, and what AI actually means for the future of the profession. From photogrammetry and thermal imaging to the very real risks of cutting corners with technology, this is a conversation about where surveying is headed and what it takes to do it properly. What We Cover How Adam Bailey became one of the first drone surveyors in the UKThe evolution of drone surveying technology since 2013Drone regulations and CAA requirementsInsurance, compliance and operational riskWhy professional surveying knowledge matters in drone inspectionsAI in surveying and the future of automated inspectionsDrone photogrammetry and measured surveysCommon mistakes surveyors make with dronesThermal imaging, building performance and retrofit surveysThe importance of education and professional standards in surveying tech Guest Links Adam Bailey: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/adambaileydronesurveyor Earl Kendrick: https://earlkendrick.com/ Useful Links Air Safety Map: https://airsafetymap.com/ CAA Drone Guidance: https://www.caa.co.uk/drones/ Atoll Done Management System: https://atollds.com/ Moonrock Drone Insurance: https://www.moonrockinsurance.com/ Global Drone Training: https://globaldronetraining.com/ Geo Business: https://www.geobusinessshow.com/ Digital Construction Week: https://www.digitalconstructionweek.com/ Guest Bio Adam Bailey is Head of Specialist Surveys at Earl Kendrick and has been working in the drone surveying sector since the early days of commercial drone use within the UK built environment industry. Originally coming from a background in block management and surveying, Adam founded one of the first specialist drone surveying businesses focused on property inspections and building surveys. He has also been involved in shaping standards and industry discussions around drone operations, safety, and regulation. Adam specialises in drone inspections, photogrammetry, thermal imaging, and surveying technology, with a strong focus on professionalism, compliance, and education within the sector. 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

  4. Jun 2

    Can AI Replace a Chartered Surveyor? A Professor Answers Honestly

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Nina Young speaks with Adrian Tagg about the changing world of building surveying education, the growing impact of AI, and why surveying remains one of the most future-proof professions. The conversation explores how universities are adapting to AI, why practical learning still matters, and what makes building surveying such a resilient profession in an increasingly automated world. Nina and Adrian also discuss outreach, attracting younger people into surveying, and the importance of developing evidence-based judgement that technology simply cannot replace. What We Cover Moving from the military into surveyingWhy building surveying is so diverseSustainability and energy efficiency in practiceThe shortage of surveyors across the industryOutreach work with schools and young peopleCareer changes and mature students in surveyingAI and its impact on educationWhy surveying still relies on human judgementProfessional accountability and client responsibilityThe future of surveying educationGuest Links Adrian Tagg’s Email – a.tagg@reading.ac.uk Useful Links University of Reading Building Surveying page – https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/2026/surveying-and-construction-management-ug/bsc-building-surveying Guest Bio Adrian Tagg is an Associate Professor in Building Surveying at the University of Reading and a practising chartered building surveyor. Alongside academia, Adrian continues to work within industry and has extensive experience across building pathology, professional practice and surveying education. He also served as lead author for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors guidance note on Planned Preventative Maintenance. Adrian is passionate about professional standards, applied learning, and encouraging more people into 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

  5. May 26

    From Bronze Sculptor to Building Surveyor with Victoria Collins

    Send us Fan Mail Summary Victoria Collins joins me to share her journey from working in a bronze foundry to becoming a chartered building surveyor at Ridge & Partners. We talk about changing careers, studying later in life, and what it really takes to qualify in surveying. Victoria also shares her passion for historic buildings and her current path into building conservation. This is a brilliant example of how varied the routes into surveying can be. What We Cover From fine art to surveying Working in a bronze foundry Health challenges and career decisions Studying a master’s alongside work Passing the APC and becoming chartered Day to day life in commercial building surveying Project work and site experience Moving into building conservation Apprenticeships and supporting new entrants The importance of problem solving in surveying Guest Links Victoria Collins - linkedin.com/in/victoria-collins-670719195 Useful Links  Ridge and Partners LLP - https://ridge.co.uk/ Guest Bio Victoria Collins is a chartered building surveyor at Ridge & Partners with a growing specialism in building conservation. She began her career in a fine art bronze foundry, working on large scale sculptures for internationally recognised artists. After eight years in the industry, she retrained in building surveying, completing a master’s degree while working and going on to achieve chartership through the RICS. Vicki is now undertaking a further master’s in historic conservation and is working towards professional accreditation in the field, combining her hands-on background with a passion for historic buildings. 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

  6. May 19

    David Coplin-Chard on building a modern surveying brand and why soft skills matter.

    Send us Fan Mail Summary David Coplin-Chard, a founder & director of Landview Surveyors, joins me to share his journey from estate agency into residential surveying. We talk about branding, communication, and why soft skills are just as important as technical knowledge.  A practical and honest conversation about building a business, standing out, and improving the home buying experience.  What We Cover  Moving into surveying from estate agency Soft skills and communication in surveying Managing difficult situations on site Survey timing and the buying process Building a brand in surveying The importance of reviews Social media for surveyors AI and the future of surveying Career advice for new surveyors Guest Links:  David Coplin-Chard -  linkedin.com/in/david-coplin-chard-827599203  Useful Links:  Landview Surveyors-  landviewsurveyors.co.uk  Guest Bio David Coplin-Chard is a founder & director of Landview Surveyors. He is a residential surveyor and business owner with a background in estate agency. He transitioned into surveying through the Sava route and has since built a growing brand in the residential surveying space. Known for his strong communication skills and presence on social media, David focuses on improving client experience, modernising how surveyors present themselves, and building a recognisable brand in a traditionally low-visibility 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

  7. May 12

    Dilapidations, Lease Risk and Protecting Value in Commercial Property by Tim Clarke

    Send us Fan Mail Summary I’m joined by Tim Clarke, Managing Director of Harrison Clark, to talk all things dilapidations. We break down what they are, why they matter, and how surveyors help both landlords and tenants navigate risk. This is a practical and honest conversation about commercial surveying, lease liability, and the real impact of good advice. What we cover Tim’s journey into surveying Public vs private sector experience What dilapidations mean in practice Why landlords protect asset value How claims are assessed and negotiated Lease wording and risk exposure Schedules of condition explained Tenant and landlord strategies Real examples from practice The human side of surveyingGuest Links Tim Clarke  –  linkedin.com/in/tim-clarke-bsc-hons-msc-mba-mrics-cmgr-fcmi-88064432 Useful Links Harrison Clarke - harrisonclarke.co.uk Guest Bio Tim Clarke is the Managing Director of Harrison Clark, a chartered surveying firm specialising in commercial property advice, including dilapidations, technical due diligence, and lease consultancy. With experience across both public and private sectors, Tim has built a reputation for practical, clear advice and a strong understanding of property risk. He is also passionate about making surveying knowledge more accessible through education, content, and industry engagement. 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

  8. May 5

    Ed Ellis on residential surveying, people, and the reality of walking into someone’s home.

    Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, Nina Young speaks with Ed Ellis about the human side of residential surveying.  From unpredictable site visits to emotional client situations, Ed shares what it is really like working in people’s homes and why communication skills are just as important as technical knowledge in the surveying profession.  This is an honest and insightful look at residential surveying in the UK.  What we cover   Career journey into surveying  Life on site as a residential surveyor  Managing emotions and difficult situations  Survey vs valuation confusion  Importance of soft skills  Client perception of surveyors  Property documentation challenges  Professional standards and reputation  Industry misconceptions  Future of the surveying professionGuest Links Ed Ellis - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-ellis-15627636 Useful Links RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors): https://www.rics.org SAVA (Surveying Training): https://sava.co.uk Guest Bio Ed Ellis is a registered valuer and experienced residential surveyor with over 14 years in the industry. With a career spanning agencies, corporate firms, and private practice, this breadth of experience offers a well-rounded perspective on surveying and valuation. A strong emphasis is placed on the human side of residential surveying, highlighting the importance of clear communication, professionalism, and delivering a positive client experience.  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

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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

Information

  • Creator
    Nina Young - Surveyors UK
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 This is Surveying
  • Show Website
    This is Surveying

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