Graeme Manley
Senior Building Surveyor
I graduated from Southbank University in the summer of 2009 having completed a MSc in Building Surveying. There were very few graduate surveying positions available when I left university and I spent several months cold calling, emailing, and writing to companies asking for employment opportunities or even unpaid work experience
I was frustrated that I’d done my degree and couldn’t continue my development as a building surveyor. So it wasn’t until May the following year that I had the opportunity to apply for a three month paid internship at John Rowan & Partners. After the 3 months my internship was turned into a permanent full time contract.
During my internship I was actively involved in all aspects of building surveying. I was encouraged and afforded the responsibility of undertaking a diverse range of activities, normal building surveying roles, specification writing, condition reports, party wall issues, snagging and shadowing on-site meetings. I worked on a residential refurbishment in Clareville Street, defects management at Universal House, and party wall issues with a residential project in Shepherd’s Bush.
I’ve enjoyed everything so far about working at John Rowan and Partners, but especially the work on the residential refurbishment at Clareville Street. I’ve also enjoyed working with the new build housing team on a project on Fortune Green Road.
My biggest challenge for me was Paris, I got to spend 2 months working with the hotel and leisure team on the renovation of the Renaissance Le Parc Hotel Paris. I was operating in the deep end on a complex project. It was a good learning curve and a great experience over there. It was a big responsibility but I’ve had a lot of responsibility from day one. I’ve been allowed to lead site meetings and pre-commencement meetings for example but always had the support and guidance from my team.
The company also likes to have a lot of fun, if you like sports you will enjoy the off-field side of working here, with cricket and football teams and social days like bowling and quiz nights.