Posted 11/08/2021
Tags Earl Kendrick | EKA Team | Surveying | building surveyor | meet the team
Chris is the Managing Director for our EK London team.
He is well travelled and full of interesting facts, as we found out during the interview…
Q Chris, what made you decide to become a Building Surveyor?
I always liked the idea of finding a career that would allow me to get out and about and not restricted to a desk. For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated in how buildings of all ages are constructed and I particularly liked the idea of being part of something that brings an idea on paper to life with the knowledge that, there will always be someone using and hopefully enjoying it!
This interest lead me to the University of Brighton to embark on a Building Surveying degree which has since opened doors to a huge range of projects allowing me to travel to various parts of the country and on the odd occasion in Europe. Every day is different in our industry with the various people we meet and the knowledge that we are constantly gaining.
Q. What is the most unexpected discovery you’ve made on a site visit?
Following the appointment of a Contractor to carry out major external works on 6 large tower blocks in West London, I received reports of a bin lorry being partially swallowed by a large sink hole on the estate! The contractor had not yet carried out their scans of ground prior to erecting mast climbers as they had only just been appointed so this would have been flagged up but it certainly took us by surprise!
Q. What has been your proudest surveying job or project to date?
I gain great satisfaction from any project that improves the quality of life for the end user. Over the years this has involved primary/secondary school, care homes and various forms of housing where the efforts of the project team involved have made a significant difference.
Q. What is your favourite building in the world?
We have a great view of the city and the shard from our terrace in the office but I do enjoy a historical building!
I’ve been fortunate to see international wonders like the Taj Mahal and the Colosseum but a local tourist attraction in Surrey always captures my interest. And that’s Hampton Court.
From an architectural point of view, I appreciate the different styles – the red brick and black diamond patters, white mortar joints and the large decorative chimneys. They spared no expense when building this estate in the 16th Century but what I really appreciate is that Henry VIII dedicated his estate to fun and frivolity (Beheadings aside) with the tennis courts, mazes and ornate statues. I also recently learnt that the term “eavesdroppers” comes from the faces hanging from the eaves of the Great Hall looking down on courtiers below. A constant reminder back in the day that the walls have ears.
Q. Describe EK in 5 words!
Client-focused, Knowledgeable, Innovative, Adaptable and Driven
To get in touch with Chris, send him an email or call the London office on 020 3667 1510.
London Office
T: 020 3667 1510
enquiries@earlkendrick.com
North Office
T: 0161 706 0676
EKAnorth@earlkendrick.com
South Coast Office
T: 01273 974 416
EKAsouth@earlkendrick.com
Midlands Office
T: 07764 788405
enquiries@earlkendrick.com
West Office (Bristol)
T: 07590 881 621
enquiries@earlkendrick.com
West Office (Exeter)
T: 07590 881 621
enquiries@earlkendrick.com