Meet Zoe... the Director edit!

Zoe is the Director for our EK South team.

She loves the seaside and is full of interesting facts, as we found out during the interview…

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

I’ve always been interested in buildings and the impact that they have on our lives and the areas we live in. Initially I thought about a career in architecture or town planning but the technical aspects of surveying and the opportunity to work with existing buildings really appealed to me.

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

In all honesty it’s usually the residents that surprise me the most. I’ve met some incredibly inspiring women over the past few years whilst undertaking surveys and attending client meetings; one of the most memorable being the chair of a share-of-freehold board in her 90s, keeping all directors, leaseholders and the managing agent firmly in line!

The discovery of a decoratively plastered ballroom in a flat was also a real treat. This wasn’t any ordinary flat. I investigated further and it was a US diplomatic residence which was the venue for parties for John F Kennedy!

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

I am incredibly proud to have worked on two of the piers on the south coast – Brighton and Worthing – preparing maintenance plans for the on-deck building structures and monitoring a commercial licence to alter. It’s fair to say that these building have a tough time taking brunt of the British weather and require more regular maintenance as a result. The added complications of working away from land means material deliveries and waste disposal adds extra challenges for the contractors undertaking the works – particularly on sunny days when hordes of tourists head for the beaches.

Q. What is your favourite building in the world?

Far from an easy one for me to answer, but I would say Casa Milà in Barcelona by Gaudi. I visited Barcelona several times as a child and this building has stayed with me ever since. It’s the attention to detail, the fluidity of form and playful colours that really capture my interest. I have recently found out from our operations director that Gaudi found inspiration for his unique style from the deep gorges in the Spanish Pyrenees where he had been rafting (our ops director was rafting, not Gaudi!).

Q. What types of surveying work do you enjoy the most?

Major works are incredibly satisfying as you are having a tangible impact on the building – aesthetically and structurally. It’s a great feeling when the scaffold comes down to see a completed project.

Similarly, preparing maintenance plans means we can have a long-term impact, helping to ensure well-preserved buildings into the future, so I really enjoy these instructions too.

Q. You are passionate about Brighton and Hove – Tell me why!

If I wasn’t a building surveyor, I could comfortably work in advertising, promoting the South Coast as the best place to live and work in the UK.

Brighton and Hove was the main holiday destination for The Prince Regent and he loved it so much he built a pleasure palace here in the 1700s, purely for his entertainment when escaping from London. His passion for the area is shared by millions who visit Brighton every year. They come for the fun atmosphere, amazing architecture, festivals galore, great food and coffee, alternative shopping and its diverse culture.

Plus, my favourite place to be is beside the seaside; what’s not to love?

Q. Describe EK in 5 words!

A diligent, spirited and supportive Clan!

To get in touch with Zoe, send her an email or call the South office on 01273 974 416.