Robert Foley

NAME: Robert Foley
EMPLOYER: Davis Langdon & Everest
SUBJECT: building surveying

Why building surveying?

I really could not decide what to do at university. I remember flicking through a prospectus and being drawn to the building surveying page. It sounded interesting so I did some more research into the profession. Around the same time some structural damage had occurred at my parents' house and a building surveyor was called in to find out what was going on. After having a chat and seeing the bill for his work and his flash car, I knew building surveying was for me!

Project management

Much of my time is spent carrying out surveys, visiting sites, monitoring the progress of construction work and meeting clients and contractors. The variety of work keeps the job interesting: one day I can be resolving a legal issue, the next investigating a structural problem and the next working on a multi-million pound new build development. I often take a project management role, where I am appointed to manage the construction project right from design through to completion. It's quite satisfying to see my work come to life and know that I am the person that has helped achieve it.