Name: George Viner
Title: Graduate building surveyor, TFT
What I do: As a graduate building surveyor, my role offers a lot of variety through a mixture of professional services and project work. My day-to-day tasks include, but are not limited to, on-site inspections, report writing and contract administration. I am currently working towards my Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) through the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The APC requires me to record work diaries and submit a written summary of my experience over a period of 24 months. The diaries and summary cover 21 competencies in mandatory and technical areas of the profession.
Why I got into the property industry: I am 34. Prior to joining TFT, I had run my own small business as a multi-skilled tradesman for over 10 years. I have experience and qualifications in plastering, bricklaying, carpentry and various other construction activities. Sadly, I suffered a workplace accident in 2017 that resulted in a serious laceration to my ankle, followed by progressive and degenerative back pain. I didn’t see a future working with tools due to the intensity and degenerative nature of my injuries and decided to look at new careers and opportunities in the built environment.
How I did it: The last construction project I was involved in as a tradesman was a small commercial-to-residential development in Sutton, London. The works involved converting a three-storey building into six self-contained flats which the main developer had instructed a building surveyor to monitor. I had many discussions with the surveyor on his role and this prompted me to research routes into the profession. I discovered RICS-accredited degrees in building surveying were widely available and government loans available to study full-time. I applied to study at the University of Brighton and completed my course in July 2023 with first class (hons) degree.
My first proper job: My first role as a trainee was during the final 18 months of my degree. I found that I could cope with the requirements of full-time degree course in just three to four days a week and this prompted me to search for some paid work and experience in the profession during the remaining time. I landed a role with a construction consultancy working two to three days per week, mainly on large projects in Brighton & Hove.
My first big break: Landing my current full-time position with TFT. I love the company’s ethos and my colleagues have all been genuinely lovely and supportive on my new career journey.
My inspiration(s): I love to read about the property industry and also gain insights from a range of people within the sector as well as from other disciplines. I enjoy podcasts and motivational books. A particular favourite is the B1M YouTube channel with Fred Mills.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Progressing my APC work. I have adopted many useful tools such as meditation and mindfulness to manage workloads and the stress which sometimes results from the demands of the APC programme.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Successfully taking over as lead consultant for one of TFT’s void refurbishment projects since I joined little more than a year ago.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: Many people still assume it’s an all-male industry when there are now so many talented and inspirational women in all types of roles.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: Most project work – particularly as it relates to construction – seems to come down to cost. Sadly, ‘cheap’ doesn’t generally equate with quality. We are currently seeking to improve people’s lives and wellbeing through sustainable solutions; this won’t be achieved if decisions are made simply on the basis of the cheapest price.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: DE&I is key to progressing any modern society. If we limit ourselves to our silos, we will never see the whole picture.
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: ESG provides a framework that allows progress for the greater good. Unless we prioritise values that are widely shared and support common goals rather than just those of a few, we are ultimately doomed to failure.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: I would hope to be working as an associate building surveyor (ideally, at TFT!)
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Friedrich Nietzsche, Boudica and Jesus. Then maybe a few celebrities: Ricky Gervais, Denzel Washington, Jennifer Lawrence and Al Pacino. These are all people whose achievements I respect for a range of different reasons.
What I do in my downtime: I love TV series and films. I’d probably say these are my main way of relaxing. I also enjoy exercising and exploring the natural world, especially on hikes with my girlfriend.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: I would probably continue in higher education with the aim of studying for a masters or doctorate.
My advice for someone just starting out: Be resilient, learn from all your experiences positive and negative. Be driven and have goals!
My motto/mantra: Keep calm and carry on! It may not be original, but I live by it.
