Ian Thomas, head of project and building consultancy in the UK, DTZ (building surveyor)
The head of project and building consultancy in the UK at DTZ has come far since joining his company’s building surveying graduate scheme. Once chartered, Ian Thomas joined the project management team and monitored the progress and financing of projects. Just three years later he became an associate and moved to Cardiff to set up a new project and building consultancy department for Wales and the West of England. He was made a director three years on and, after being head of the Bristol office, took over his current role.
Ian on his career development
‘When choosing my career I considered quantity surveying before realising that I was more interested in property and the physical buildings themselves rather than the costs of constructing them. Starting out, I didn’t anticipate the breadth of knowledge I’d gain, nor the close links I’d develop with the banking world through specialising in debt finance, corporate recovery and insolvency – advising on projects with financial problems.
I’ve also had some focus on management: setting up the project and building consultancy department from scratch helped me gain vital experience of establishing relationships, securing instructions and building teams.’
IAN ON GETTING A GRADUATE JOB
It is going to be challenging to secure your preferred role, so gaining experience of working in property and construction in the UK or abroad will be beneficial.
Ian on his current role
‘I manage a significant team in London as well as being responsible for Wales. My role is split between clients and their projects; people management; and business development. Recently, I’ve worked on part-built residential schemes across Europe and the Caribbean that have run into difficulties due to falling property values, costs and other issues. It’s been particularly interesting to see the different cultures and property structures: understanding local legislation and ways of working is critical to providing clients with the best advice.’
Ian on his most memorable project
‘In the 1980s, I was involved with a part-built, loft-style conversion of a former warehouse that went into receivership and we advised the receivers on completing the works. Having experience early on in my career of the physical, practical and legal issues of ‘rescuing’ a project still helps me now when assessing clients’ risks. In today’s challenging economic climate, I find myself drawing again on the lessons I learned then.’
Ian on advancing your career
‘Proactively seeking out opportunities is important. You don’t have to move around firms to do this: look for ways in your first firm to learn new skills and work with new people and clients.’
Ian’s essential career milestones
1985 graduated with a BSc building surveying from Reading University; joined the graduate scheme of DTZ
1987 gained chartership; joined the project management team
1988 appointed senior surveyor
1990 appointed associate; established a project and building consultancy department for Wales and the West of England
1993 appointed director
1997 appointed head of the Bristol office
2003 appointed head of project and building consultancy in the UK
