Tina Hatton-Evans, regional director, Faithful+Gould (quantity surveyor)

Tina has found success as a quantity surveyor so it’s hard to imagine that she nearly didn’t become a surveyor at all. She started taking a psychology foundation course but soon realised she would prefer a more practical career. RICS were at a careers day and sold her on the idea of quantity surveying – up until that point she had no idea what it was. Her first position after graduation involved very sound training; her technical work seemed repetitive but was closely monitored by her line manager. It’s only now that she truly appreciates the value of having done so much spadework.

Tina on her career

‘My career has been much more varied than I expected. There have been many opportunities to broaden my experience, which now allow me to be parachuted to where I’m needed. I’ve worked on projects in Gibraltar, Germany and Bermuda. I gained qualifications in health and safety and became the safety services co-ordinator for Wales and the South West. I took ICE law exams and became qualified in contract mediation. I spent two years as office director in Exeter, establishing the regional office, and am now based in Cardiff, leading the commercial services team. I enjoy the flexibility of my job: I don’t feel pigeon-holed and don’t get bored.’

TINA ON MAKING A GOOD IMPRESSION
Good eye contact and smiling leave a lasting impression. The person who remembers your enthusiasm could be important to your career.

Tina on her projects

‘When I was an associate director I flew out to Germany at short notice to be part of a claims consultancy team. On arrival, the client insisted on dealing with the most senior member of our team, which, on paper, was me. I stayed seven weeks, undertaking board meetings and preparing documents with the support of the team but with little grasp of German. This made me more confident about coping with high-pressured situations.

Assisting the government of Bermuda in undertaking damage repairs after the 2003 hurricane and working at Dowlais Top in the Welsh valleys have brought home to me that social projects aren’t just about houses; they’re about communities.’

Tina on teamwork

‘Construction is a team business. I used to set off at 100 mph but I’ve learned to take the time to listen and to work smarter. As a line manager, I learn something from my team every day. As a graduate surveyor, keep people informed of your progress.’

Tina on being professional

‘In professional conversations, always look and sound positive – even if you feel nervous, uncertain or bored. Do not let anyone down: be realistic about what you can achieve and ensure that your time is managed correctly.’

Tina's essential career milestones

1984 spent a sandwich year as a commercial assistant with Drake&Scull Engineering
1985 graduated from Bristol Polytechnic with a BSc in quantity surveying; joined EC Harris as a graduate surveyor
1988 joined Faithful+Gould as a project surveyor and then promoted to associate director
2000 appointed regional director 2005 appointed office director, Exeter
2009 appointed Chair of Women in Property South Wales.

With thanks to Women in Property for helping to arrange this article.