Leesa Shevlane is a Building Surveyor with EC Harris.
What first got you interested in surveying?
I think I have construction in my blood; my father, both grandfathers and brothers are all in construction. I have always been really passionate about renovating listed buildings and wanted to study a course that would allow me to be involved with a project from inception to completion. The Building Surveying course provided me with all the skills to achieve this.
Where did you do your training and what did it involve?
I studied a building surveying course at the University of Brighton and I am currently working towards my RICS exams in November. I will be sitting my interview out here in Dubai. The only difference is that I will be tested on UAE laws as opposed to UK laws. I will have been in Dubai nearly a year when I come to sit my interview so I'll hopefully have a good grasp of the laws by this time.
What does your job involve?
I’m working on some amazing developments here in Dubai like the Burj Dubai Business Park and the Atlantis Hotel on Palm Jumeriah.
I am part of the Corporate Real Estate team at EC Harris and therefore get involved in a variety of work. For example, one day I can be carrying out a due diligence survey of a unique 40 storey residential block and another day I can be assisting with a health and safety audit of one of the worlds biggest fish tanks!
My day to day job entails a selection of roles such as project management, facilities management consultancy, technical consultancy, professional work and fund monitoring.
One project that I am currently working on is providing a fund monitoring role for the lenders and investors of the Atlantis Hotel on Palm Jumeriah. We have been appointed to report on the progress and the expenditure of the projects. We therefore have to carry out regular site inspections of the works. This is a fantastic opportunity to see innovative construction first hand.
What has been a career highlight/most interesting project you’ve worked on?
Recently, I would say, standing on the roof of one of the towers the Atlantis hotel was the highlight of my career. The view over the entire palm was breath taking. The scale of this huge development is simply staggering.
In contrast, in the UK, the most interesting (and scary) project I worked on was a survey of the Middlesex Guildhall, in Parliament Square. I had to survey every inch of the building which included the vaults located in the basement beneath the basement!
Have you noticed a change in the position or treatment of women in the industry over the last few years?
I have noticed that there appear to be more women involved in construction now.
When I attended Brighton University just three years ago there were around 10-15% of females on the course. When I joined ECH however, I noticed that there was a substantial number of female professionals. Things are a little different in Dubai, there are still seem to be very few women in construction.
What would you say to women considering surveying as a career – advice, tips, insights?
Go for it! It’s a fascinating career, something a little bit different. For those girls who don't like to be desk bound, it's the ideal career choice. It’s not the most glamorous job in the world, but I definitely get job satisfaction. I wouldn't be put off by the stereotypical male chauvinistic views; I very rarely experience any problems, if anything, being female can work in your favour!
What does the RICS qualification mean to you?
Credibility. It’s a professional qualification that’s recognised the world over – I can’t imagine a meaningful career in surveying without it.
