Name: James Ingall
Job title: Director – geomatics at TFT
What I do: As a geomatics surveyor I am responsible for collecting precise spatial data using tools like GPS, drones and 3D laser scanners. I produce plans, models and reports for construction, refurbishment and development purposes so there is a requirement to work closely alongside design teams, surveyors, architects, engineers and planners. Much of the work I do is about providing a greater depth of understanding and knowledge about an asset or land, to inform better decision-making and support planning, acquisitions, design and land development.
Why I got into the property industry: I’ve always had an interest in problem solving and technology. Data and digital tools are reshaping how properties are bought, sold, managed and maintained and I felt there was an opportunity to utilise my existing experience to capture and utilise data in a more efficient way.
How I did it: I moved to London in 2019 and set about learning industry standards and best practice within the measured survey discipline. Combining this with my previous experience gave me a stepping stone into the depths of the property industry.
My first proper job: A GIS analyst, analysing large scale geospatial data from aerial imagery and LiDAR.
My first big break: Becoming an aerial surveyor; capturing large format data on behalf of the Ordnance Survey, DEFRA and other government contracts.
My inspiration(s): Family and friends.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Adapting to London life!
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Scaling TFT’s geomatics services with a focus on using well integrated technology that makes data gathering easier and more useful for our clients. We’ve expanded the team from a single member (me!) to eight specialists in four years and we’re looking ahead to more growth to come.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: That it’s all about buying and selling property. In reality, it’s a vast ecosystem involving planning, development, surveying, investment, law, technology, sustainability and more. People often underestimate the complexity and the level of problem-solving required.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: A willingness to adapt at a faster pace. There is lots of talk of the golden thread, digitisation and digital twins, but the industry is vast and therefore slow moving.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Tim Peake – for some cosmic perspective!
What I do in my downtime: Travel and mountain biking are my main passions outside of work, if I’m not spending time with family and friends
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: A travel guide in New Zealand or somewhere equally exotic.
My advice for someone just starting out: Be willing to spend the time learning and ask questions when you don’t understand something. Take the time to reflect on what you have learnt and how far you’ve come.
