Member focus: former CABE Best Final Year Student Liam Nolan

Last year, Building Surveying student Liam Nolan achieved the CABE Best Final Year Student Award. This year, he achieved his RICS Assessment of Professional Competence.

Q What has been your route into the profession?

I began with a broad curiosity about how buildings are constructed, maintained and improved; after work experience in many areas, building surveying stood out. I was fortunate to be approached by Arcus Consulting for an apprenticeship role in building surveying.

While in full-time employment, I completed my HNC in Construction at the University of Salford, achieving a distinction. I went directly into year three of a five-year part-time Building Surveying degree, also with Salford, and graduated with first-class honours.

Q During your studies, has there been any element that stood out as something you would like to specialise in?

Building safety and technical due diligence. The complexity and importance of ensuring buildings are not only well-designed but also fully compliant with regulations – especially for higher-risk buildings – made a strong impression.

Q What were the challenges of your course?

Balancing academic study with practical application was one of the most demanding aspects. Our course was heavily grounded in technical and regulatory learning, so translating that into real-life scenarios – such as contract administration, defect analysis or building pathology – required a steep but rewarding learning curve.

Q What has surprised you most about the profession?

The breadth of the role. As a surveyor, you’re often acting as a bridge between design, compliance, legal obligations and client expectations. You’re expected to have a solid grasp on everything from fire safety legislation to building contracts and sustainability goals. The interdisciplinary nature of the role – and the level of responsibility that comes with it – was surprising yet fulfilling.

Q What advice would you give students who are starting out? 

Be curious, be accountable and ask questions constantly. The industry is built on trust and competence, so taking responsibility early and actively learning from mentors and on-site experience is essential. Also, align yourself with professional bodies like CABE early on – they open doors to support, CPD and a professional mindset that will shape your approach long term.

Q What question do you get asked most often?

“Are you sure you’re the surveyor? We imagined somebody older!” There’s still a perception that construction and surveying are professions for older men in hard hats. Coming into the industry as a young professional, I’ve often been met with surprise on-site or in meetings.

The apprenticeship route, though, gave me an advantage. I believe hands-on learning environment helped build my technical competence and confidence far earlier than a purely academic path may have.

Q What is the biggest challenge facing the profession, in your opinion?

Competency and compliance in the post-Grenfell landscape. The introduction of the Building Safety Act has raised the bar, but it’s now up to professionals. Co-ordinating Golden Thread information, ensuring competent dutyholders and bridging the gap between regulation and implementation are some of the most pressing challenges we face. This is an area where CABE members can lead the way.