4D AGO

AI, Leases and Small Business Power in Commercial Surveying

In this episode I am joined by Ola Alade, a chartered commercial surveyor and RICS Matrics Commercial Property Surveyor of the Year 2025. Ola shares how he went from biomedical science to commercial property, and why he has chosen to focus his work on helping small businesses understand and negotiate their commercial leases. We talk about AI in surveying, from the reality on the ground in property firms to the tools that are already saving time for small practices. We also get into access, diversity and retention in the surveying profession, and Ola’s work as an APC counsellor, assessor and chair. What We Cover From biomedical science to commercial surveyingDiscovering property via CoStar and NHS Property ServicesWorking at The Arch Company and negotiating directly with small business tenantsWhy Ola founded Olawill and chose to sit on the tenant sideHow commercial leases and rent reviews really affect SMEsWhere AI tools actually help surveyors and small businesses todayData, hallucinations and negligence risks in AI-assisted professional practiceWhy the word “surveyor” confuses people and how that affects recruitmentDiversity, progression and the reality of representation in senior rolesMaking the APC interview process fairer as a counsellor, assessor and chairGuest Links Olawill – Lease advisory for SMEsConnect with Ola on LinkedInGuest Bio Ola Olade is a chartered commercial surveyor and founder of Olawill, a lease advisory practice focused on supporting small and medium-sized businesses. After an early academic path in biomedical science, he retrained in real estate development at the University of Westminster and built his career across roles at CoStar, NHS Property Services, The Arch Company and LCP. Ola has worked extensively in asset management and lease events, particularly with SME tenants in railway arches and neighbourhood parades, which inspired him to focus on redressing the knowledge imbalance between landlords and tenants. In 2025 he was named RICS Matrics Chartered Commercial Property Surveyor of the Year. He also serves as an APC counsellor, assessor and chair, helping the next generation of surveyors navigate the chartership process. 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

JAN 27

Inside A Building Surveying Apprenticeship - Sonya Swaley - RICS Apprentice of the Year

Summary Building surveying apprentice and RICS Matrics Apprentice of the Year, Sonya Swaley, joins me to share her journey into surveying and life on a five year apprenticeship. After Covid disrupted her A levels and a year studying economics, Sonya made the leap into professional construction and has not looked back. We talk about the realities of balancing work, university and APC preparation, why she chose building surveying over quantity surveying, and how apprenticeships can unlock a chartered career without student debt. Sonya also opens up about being a young woman in a male dominated sector, developing confidence on site, and why she now prefers heritage and listed buildings to shiny new builds. What We Cover How Covid, cancelled exams and a year of economics led Sonya to surveyingMoving from full time university into an apprenticeship routeWhy building surveying is less promoted than quantity surveying but more variedWhat it is like to be four years into a five year building surveying apprenticeshipStarting the APC early and building a diary from day oneSonya’s experience of the RICS Matrics Awards and winning Apprentice of the YearWhy she believes apprenticeships are a win for both apprentices and employersGovernment funding support for smaller firms who take on apprenticesLearning to handle difficult conversations with contractors using facts and kindnessBeing a woman in surveying and the role of women in property networksThe joy and challenge of working on heritage and listed buildingsUsing LinkedIn as a portfolio and a way to help others into the professionGuest Bio Sonya Swaley is a building surveying apprentice currently working with Murray Birrell in London. After Covid disrupted her A levels, Sonya began a full time economics degree before realising that a traditional university route was not for her. She returned home, completed an A level in professional construction and secured a building surveying apprenticeship. Now over four years into a five year programme with London South Bank University, Sonya is already on her APC pathway and building a strong mix of site and office experience, particularly on heritage and listed buildings. In 2024 she was named RICS Matrics Apprentice of the Year, recognising her commitment, technical development and contributions to the profession. Alongside her role, Sonya is active on LinkedIn, mentors prospective apprentices informally, and is passionate about widening access to surveying careers through apprenticeships and better outreach in schools and colleges. Guest Links Sonya Swaley on LinkedIn Murray Birrell Chartered Surveyors Useful Links Association of Apprentices Outer Circle networking group Women in Property London South Bank University built environment apprenticeshipsIf 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

37 min

JAN 20

So… What Do Building Inspectors Actually Do?

In this episode, I’m joined by registered building inspector and building control surveyor, Jack Calveley. Jack talks through his journey from SAVA residential surveying into LABC’s trainee programme, gaining his Level 4 and 5 qualifications, and moving from local authority into private sector building control. We unpack what building control actually is, what a registered building inspector does all week, why the role is now a protected title, and how the profession is changing with new competency and registration requirements. We also cover training, CPD, career progression, and Jack’s own podcast, Behind the Regs, which shines a light on the building control community. What We Cover Jack’s background – SAVA residential surveying, joining professional bodies and discovering building controlHow the LABC trainee programme works, and what Level 4 and 5 training looks like in practiceThe day to day role of a building control surveyor – design stage checks, site inspections and completion sign offIndependence and impartiality – why inspectors cannot design the solution or tell builders exactly what to doRegistration, protected titles and how to look up a registered building inspector on the GOV.UK registerThe shortage of building control surveyors, and why older surveyors left when competency proof was requiredAdvice for trainees and career changers – how to approach the legislation, Approved Documents and CPDSalary bands and progression from trainee to Class 2 inspector and beyond in public and private sectorsBehind the Regs – why Jack started a dedicated building control podcast and LinkedIn groupWhat homeowners need to know about building regulations, re-roofs, knock throughs and social media myths Guest Links Jack Calveley on LinkedIn Behind the Regs podcast LinkedIn group Useful Links Building Control group - The Surveying Room - join hereLABC – Building control careers and trainee programmes Total Training and Development – Building control qualifications (Level 4, 5, 6) CABE – Chartered Association of Building Engineers 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

33 min

JAN 16

AI, RICS And The Future Of Surveying

Summary In this solo episode, I talk about why AI is already reshaping surveying, from residential surveys to professional practice, whether you consider yourself “techy” or not. I look at the new RICS professional standard on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in surveying practice, and what it means for judgement, accountability and how we use AI day to day. I also share details of a live, practical AI session I am running with AI trainer Nick Crawford, designed specifically for surveyors and surveying firms who want a clear, grounded starting point without the hype. What we cover Why AI is already embedded in everyday tools like search, email and messagingHow this shift in everyday life has finally landed in surveyingWhy AI is not just about faster reports, but a change in the whole operating environmentThe difference between knowledge and judgement for surveyorsWhy AVMs and AI tools cannot replace on site inspection and accountabilityHow client search behaviour is changing, including people asking AI tools to find surveyorsA practical explanation of the RICS standard on responsible use of AI and “material impact”Why responsibility stays with the surveyor, even when AI shapes the workHow smaller firms and practitioners can use AI as a strategic partner, not a replacementDetails of my live AI training session with Nick Crawford, and what we will coverUseful links AI Explained: A Practical Session for Surveyors and Professionals - book here RICS: Responsible use of artificial intelligence in surveying practice Nina’s LinkedIn AI and surveying newsletter 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

15 min

JAN 6

Navigating Rail Freight, Neurodiversity and the APC Journey with Chartered Surveyor Layla Davey

Summary In this episode I’m joined by Layla Davey, a Chartered Commercial Surveyor working in rail freight at Network Rail. Layla looks after a huge patch across the South of England, dealing with sidings, open storage, landlord and tenant issues and day to day commercial surveying on the railway. We talk about what rail freight actually involves, the reality of site inspections, and why “read the lease” has become her professional motto. Layla also shares an honest account of navigating the APC as a dyslexic and autistic surveyor, diagnosed in adulthood, while working full time and raising two young children. We explore processing challenges, distraction, burnout, lone working safety, and how things like quiet spaces, headphones, reasonable adjustments and workplace coaching can make surveying far more accessible. She is now an RICS counsellor and actively supports other surveyors, especially those who are neurodivergent or juggling family life through the APC. Guest Bio Layla Davey is a Chartered Commercial Surveyor working in rail freight at Network Rail. Covering a large patch from South East London down to Dorset, she manages sidings, open storage and industrial sites, bringing together commercial surveying, landlord and tenant work, lease compliance and on the ground health and safety. Layla came into surveying via a psychology degree and a role in local authority estates, where she discovered a love of leases and problem solving. Diagnosed with dyslexia and autism in adulthood, she completed her surveying apprenticeship, master’s and APC while working full time and raising two young children. She is now an RICS counsellor, with a particular passion for supporting neurodivergent surveyors and those balancing family life with the APC. Disclaimer The views expressed in this episode are Layla's own and are not representative of her employer. What We Cover What a Chartered Commercial Surveyor does in rail freight at Network RailManaging sidings, open storage and industrial sites alongside landlord and tenant workLone working on site, safety apps, procedures and the Suzy Lamplugh storyHow Japanese knotweed, asbestos and other risks show up along the railwayLayla’s route into surveying from a psychology degree and local authority workDoing a surveying apprenticeship, a master’s and the APC while raising two young childrenDyslexia, autism, possible ADHD traits and how they affect processing and focus at workReasonable adjustments for the APC and support available from RICSBurnout, sensory overload and the value of workplace coaching and quiet spacesWhy Layla loves leases, landlord and tenant puzzles, and is now training as an RICS counsellorUseful Links Layla Davey LinkedIn Suzy Lamplugh Trust 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

45 min

12/24/2025 · BONUS

Something a bit different - a song for all you surveyors out there!

A song written just for you - all the incredible surveyors and supporters of Surveyors UK. I want to say a personal thank you for all your support, both on this podcast and across The Surveying Room and Surveyors UK. Wishing you all a well-deserved break, and here's to 2026! Nina Young Founder - Surveyors UK, The Surveying Room and This is 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

4 min

12/23/2025

Peter Monk - what clients and surveyors get wrong about damp and the “blame culture.”

Summary In this episode of This Is Surveying, I’m joined by Peter Monk, an independent damp and timber surveyor based on the Isle of Wight. Peter’s route into surveying is not the typical one. He left school at 16, trained as a baker, moved into management, worked as a contractor, then later qualified and moved into surveying. That mix of hands-on experience and deep technical curiosity shapes how he approaches damp, timber, ventilation, heritage buildings, and building pathology. We talk about: – Why damp and timber surveying can be unfairly looked down on – What PCA membership and auditing actually means in practice – Why “further investigation” in a Level 2 or Level 3 survey is often the right call – How mortgage and lending requirements can drive poor outcomes (even when surveyors advise otherwise) – Better ways for surveyors and specialists to work together – The career pathways that exist for tradespeople, and why more people need to know about them Peter also shares a simple rule for making sense of online arguments: the truth usually lies somewhere in between. Chapters and timestamps (ready for YouTube) – 00:00 Intro and welcome – 00:01 Peter’s background, from leaving school to baking – 00:03 Management, systems, and an “accidental” career – 00:04 Music, then the route into damp and timber work – 00:05 Heritage interest, lime, cob, and building pathology – 00:07 Qualifications later in life, moving into surveying – 00:10 Damp and timber “snobbery” and misconceptions – 00:12 What PCA membership involves, auditing and CPD – 00:15 Why the training is not “a quick certificate” – 00:17 Social media blame culture, and what clients actually need – 00:18 When Peter tells clients to get a contractor first – 00:22 Mortgage requirements and damp proofing pressure – 00:25 Careers, apprenticeships, and alternative routes in – 00:39 Graham Coleman, learning resources, and YouTube – 00:41 Closing mindset, “truth lies somewhere in between” Peter Monk Guest Bio Peter is an independent damp and timber surveyor based on the Isle of Wight. His career path spans hands-on contracting, heritage-focused repairs, and later qualification into surveying. Peter is known for his practical, evidence-led approach to diagnosis, with interests including ventilation and condensation, timber defects, traditional buildings, and building pathology. Links mentioned Connect with Peter on LinkedIn Graham Coleman - YouTube Property Care Associations - PCA SAVA 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

44 min

12/16/2025

Nina's Take: Surveying Can Feel Lonely

In this “My Take” solo episode, I talk about what it really feels like to be a surveyor at this time of year. Not just the technical side, but the human side. I dig into independence vs isolation, the quiet pressure of judgement and risk, and why cross-disciplinary community matters more than ever for the surveying profession. I also share how The Surveying Room is helping surveyors connect, and outline my new introductory AI webinar for January, designed to give surveyors practical, safe first steps with generative AI. What we cover How surveyors are listening to the podcast in the car, on site and on the treadmillWhy independence is a strength in surveying, but can slip into isolationThe responsibility surveyors carry around risk, judgement and complex decisionsHow silos form across surveying disciplines, even when experiences overlapWhy The Surveying Room was built to be cross-disciplinary, not boxed into pathwaysReal topics from the Weekly Dig: boundaries, retrofit, dyslexia, neurodiversity and moreHow LinkedIn’s algorithm quietly narrows your professional worldWhy AI in surveying is about connection, clarity and context, not hypeDetails of the 2 hour introductory AI webinar in January for surveyorsA light finish with some “did you know” trivia from around the world Important links AI introductory webinar details and waitlist: https://surveyors-uk.kit.com/1893f79a5b 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

10 min

12/07/2025

Joe Nelson on Retrofit, Social Impact and Opportunities for UK Surveyors

In this episode I’m joined by Joe Nelson, a chartered architectural technologist and chartered building engineer working in retrofit. We talk about what is actually happening on the ground in UK housing, from failed external wall insulation schemes and TrustMark action through to new PAS 2035 requirements, BS 40104 and RICS’ emerging retrofit pathways. Joe brings it back to people. We explore how retrofit affects vulnerable communities, the links to Awaab’s Law and the housing crisis, and where UK surveyors and students can step into this space for meaningful work and new income streams. What we cover Joe’s background in construction, energy assessment and retrofit coordinationHow government grant schemes have grown the retrofit industry, for better and for worseEco4 and GBIS failures, phoenix companies and the “missionaries and mercenaries” of retrofitThe impact on first generation immigrant communities and why trust has been damagedPAS 2035-2023, mandatory site visits and moving design work to chartered professionalsBS 40104 and the push for a higher standard of retrofit surveyingRICS’ new retrofit and sustainability pathways and what they could mean for residential surveyorsArchetypes, social housing providers and why surveyors are ideal for first-in-door surveysNet zero, carbon capture, Awaab’s Law and health impacts from damp and mouldTraining routes, bootcamps and practical first steps for surveyors and studentsGuest links Joe Nelson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-nelson-msc-mciat-c-build-e-mcabe-659284a6/Joe's website https://www.pas2035consultants.comUseful links RICS retrofit standard and guidance: https://www.rics.org/profession-standards/rics-standards-and-guidance/sector-standards/real-estate-standards/retrofitRISE retrofit masterclasses on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RISERetrofitGovernment retrofit and skills bootcamps: https://energy-trust.co.uk/warm-homes-skills-programmeNational Careers Service: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.ukIf 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

43 min

12/02/2025

My Take - Why Surveying Must Become Visible

Summary In this solo episode of This Is Surveying called "My Take", I talk about something I see across the whole profession. Surveying is still largely invisible to the public, to young people choosing careers, and even to some of the industries that rely on us. I share my own story, why I stepped away from qualifying as a residential surveyor to build Surveyors UK and The Surveying Room, and how this podcast is part of making surveyors visible and valued. What we cover Why can most people describe what a solicitor or architect does, but not a surveyorHow my experience training as a residential surveyor during COVID exposed the visibility gapThe “Gandalf in tweed” moment that nearly put me off surveying at schoolWhy I believe the surveying profession is at a crossroads, with an ageing workforce and course closures in areas like building surveying and geospatialThe role of AI, reforms to buying and selling, and low public awareness in shaping the future of surveyingHow a Facebook student community of over 3,000 surveyors showed there was demand for something biggerThe silos between residential, QS, geospatial and other specialisms, and the shared issues of isolation, value, and diversityWhy I chose to focus on building Surveyors UK and The Surveying Room instead of finishing my residential surveying qualificationWhat This Is Surveying is here to do, for both people inside the profession and those outside looking inAn invitation to join The Surveying Room and to be a guest on the podcastLinks Connect with Nina Young on LinkedIn: Join Surveyors UK & The Surveying RoomEmail info@surveyors-uk.com about becoming a guest You can also support the podcast by subscribing in your favourite podcast app, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with someone who needs to hear it. 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

10 min

11/25/2025

A Deep Dive into Surveying's Future: AI, PropTech, and Beyond with Richard Sexton

Summary In this first episode, I speak with Richard Sexton, Commercial Director at Houzecheck. Richard has worked across the property and valuation sector for more than three decades, including corporate roles at LSL and exposure to major market shifts from the 1990s crash through to COVID. We talk about how desktop valuations have developed, how corporates compare with independent practices, and how technology and AI are shaping everything from reporting to customer experience. This is a grounded, honest conversation about the realities of residential surveying today and the opportunities ahead for the profession. What we cover – Richard’s career path across valuations and property services – The rise of desktop valuations and why they are here to stay – Corporate vs independent surveying models – Houzecheck’s flexible consultant model – How PropTech and AI are influencing reporting and quality control – The impact of legislation on upfront condition surveys – PI insurance challenges and what may change – Career advice for new and experienced surveyors – Why residential surveying still has huge long-term potential 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:33 Meet Richard Sexton 00:58 Richard's Career Journey 03:38 The Evolution of Desktop Valuations 05:52 Corporate vs. Independent Surveying 09:47 Houzecheck's Business Model 10:55 The Role of Technology in Surveying 17:29 Legislation and Upfront Condition Surveys 22:41 Professional Indemnity Insurance Challenges 27:36 Final Thoughts and Career Advice 29:34 Closing Remarks and Contact Information Learn more about Houzecheck You can contact Richard on LinkedIn or email at Richard.Sexton@houzecheck.com 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

31 min

TRAILER

This is Surveying - Intro

Welcome to This Is Surveying, the podcast that shines a light on the people, ideas, and stories shaping this incredible profession. Hosted by Nina Young, founder of Surveyors UK and The Surveying Room community, the show goes beyond the stereotypes to explore the real world of surveying, from everyday challenges to the innovations transforming the profession. Subscribe to our podcast today and join us as we bring the surveying profession into the spotlight. 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

1 min

This is Surveying

Episodes

AI, Leases and Small Business Power in Commercial Surveying

Inside A Building Surveying Apprenticeship - Sonya Swaley - RICS Apprentice of the Year

So… What Do Building Inspectors Actually Do?

AI, RICS And The Future Of Surveying

Navigating Rail Freight, Neurodiversity and the APC Journey with Chartered Surveyor Layla Davey

Something a bit different - a song for all you surveyors out there!

Peter Monk - what clients and surveyors get wrong about damp and the “blame culture.”

Nina's Take: Surveying Can Feel Lonely

Joe Nelson on Retrofit, Social Impact and Opportunities for UK Surveyors

My Take - Why Surveying Must Become Visible

A Deep Dive into Surveying's Future: AI, PropTech, and Beyond with Richard Sexton

This is Surveying - Intro

Trailer

This is Surveying - Intro

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