Meet Natalie!

Natalie is a Building Surveyor in the EK North team.

She is a busy lady with multiple qualifications and a passion for Buildings. She has taken a winding path to get to us today, as we found out during the interview…

Q Natalie, what made you decide to become a Building Surveyor?

My career has been extremely varied although when I look back it has always tied in with the property industry. Following completion of my BSc degree I moved to London to start a career in property. At that time, I hadn’t considered becoming a building surveyor, it was however when I really started to gain a passion for property. Since then I completed an MSc in Project Management, worked as a consultant for a property software company, and spent a significant time working within block management. In my previous role I dealt with a large number of existing buildings, particularly listed buildings and those set within conservation areas in and around London, each of which come with their own set of challenges. I wanted to learn as much as I could about maintaining and preserving these buildings and so I enrolled to study for an MSc in Building Surveying at UCEM. The more I learned the more I knew I wanted to become a surveyor, and so here I am!

Q. What is the most unexpected discovery you’ve made on a site visit?

Not so much an unexpected discovery although there was a war bunker in the basement of one building I saw.

Q. What has been your proudest surveying job or project to date?

This takes me back to one of the first major works project I managed for internal and external redecoration and repairs. It had the potential to be an extremely challenging project as there had been a break down in the relationship between the Freeholder and Leaseholders. The property was in desperate need of repair however the leaseholders were disputing and did not want to pay for the works. After a number of meetings, the dispute was resolved and the works progressed, and the end result was just stunning. This really does show the importance of good communication and working with the client and the customers to reach a common end goal.

Q. What is your favourite building in the world?

There are just so many it’s difficult to choose my favourite, although I do have a soft spot for World Heritage Sites such as Westminster Abbey.

Q. Describe EK in 5 words!

Knowledgeable, Hardworking, Friendly, Supportive, Collaborative.

To get in touch with Natalie, send her an email or call the Manchester office on 0161 706 0676.