Our meet the team spotlight is on quantity surveyor, Kym Godward-Large.

Hear from Kym on how she got into her career and her wants for the industry.

1. Why did you choose quantity surveying?

I didn’t initially! It wasn’t until after doing my masters in Built Environment Studies at Nottingham Trent University that an agency contacted me about a quantity surveying job and said that I had almost all the experience needed to be a QS. They taught me that being a QS is about providing a fair, quality and skilled service and maintaining good relationships with subcontractors and clients.

2. Best thing about being a QS?

Being involved closely in construction projects without having to work on site or get up very early!

3. Hardest thing about being a QS?

I find procurement the trickiest task, to maintain a balance between the contractor’s budget, quality and the subcontractor’s requirements.

4. Favourite project worked on?

My first one in my placement year. A timber frame, extra care facility in Leeds. 50 apartments for over 55s, 20 ensuite rooms for dementia sufferers along with communal spaces.

5. Proudest career moment?

Achieving a profit on a £1m project that was £60k and two subcontractors down in the first six weeks.

6. Favourite building?

I like Cathedrals, for their size and craftsmanship. The inside of the Scottish Parliament building with all the glulam beams is impressive too.

7. What advice would you give someone currently looking at career choices?

Find out what you enjoy, e.g. problem solving, process creation, working indoors or outdoors, and find a job that matches those elements.

8. What would you change about the construction industry?

A key area I would like to see improved is house building quality and automation. Too many companies have not made factory style house construction financially viable. This is key to improving the quality of new houses.

The above also leads into another vital area the construction industry must improve on which is environmental standards. The building regulations need to increase standards for energy consumption and the like a lot quicker. Construction sites also need to drastically reduce waste. Large quantities of new materials go in skips, and while they are recycled, the aim should be to avoid them going in the skip in the first place.

9. If you were not a QS, what would you be?

A project manager or football coach. ⚽️