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. 4D AGO

    Rachel Saint on APC Pathways, Senior Professional Route and Support for Surveyors

    Summary In this episode I’m joined by commercial property surveyor and Property Elite co-founder Rachel Saint. We talk about APC pathways, the Senior Professional route, and why structured support matters so much for UK surveyors at every stage. Rachel shares how she went from secretary to chartered surveyor, built a career in landlord and tenant and retail consultancy, and then pivoted into training surveyors across a huge range of pathways. We dig into the reality of the RICS APC, how to choose the right route for you, and what good mentoring and counselling actually looks like in practice. What we cover Rachel’s unconventional route into surveying and early years in residential block managementMoving into commercial property, retail consultancy and mixed use developmentSetting up Property Elite and the surge in demand for support during COVIDHow diverse the surveying profession really is, and why that makes APC complexChoosing the right APC pathway and competencies for your actual workThe role and challenges of APC counsellors and supervisorsWhy structured support is harder in smaller or non-surveying organisationsThe three alternative RICS routes, including Senior Professional, and who they suitSenior Professional interviews, leadership and management-focused competenciesWhy valuation is both science and art, and why you still need to get out and see propertyMarket myths about people “giving up” on APC, and why the picture is more nuancedFree resources and newsletters from Property Elite for APC candidatesGuest links Property Elite website: https://www.property-elite.co.uk/Rachel Saint on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-saint-1103b09/Useful links LionHeart charity for surveyors: https://www.lionheart.org.uk/Guest bio Rachel Saint is a chartered commercial property surveyor with over 30 years of experience across landlord and tenant, retail agency, and retail and mixed use development. She started her career in residential block management before moving into commercial work, advising on shops, supermarkets and wider retail strategy. Rachel is the co-founder and owner of Property Elite, a specialist training and mentoring business that supports surveyors through RICS routes to qualification, including APC, Associate and Senior Professional routes. She now spends most of her time helping UK and international surveyors navigate pathways, competencies and assessments, and is particularly passionate about making the process accessible for candidates who do not have structured in-house support. 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

  2. FEB 3

    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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 This is Surveying
  • Show Website
    This is Surveying