6. June 2026

Becoming FRICS: The Story Behind the Title

Becoming a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is not something I see as a title that arrived overnight. For me, it represents a professional journey shaped by resilience, service, teaching, research, leadership and a deep commitment to the future of quantity surveying. It is a recognition I value greatly, not only because of what it says about my career so far but also because of the responsibility it places on me to continue contributing meaningfully to the profession.

From Practice to Purpose: How Quantity Surveying Shaped My Professional Identity

My journey into quantity surveying began long before I entered academia. I started as a practitioner working across construction projects where cost, value, accountability and professional judgement were not abstract ideas, but daily realities. Those early years taught me the discipline of measurement, procurement, contract administration, cost control and professional ethics. They also exposed me to the wider challenges facing the construction industry, particularly in contexts where public funds, weak governance, poor documentation and fragmented project controls can affect project outcomes.

Over time, I became increasingly interested in one question: how can quantity surveyors move beyond technical cost management and become stronger guardians of value, transparency and accountability? That question has followed me through practice, research, teaching, professional engagement and leadership. It shaped my doctoral research on contract auditing in government-funded construction projects. It also influenced my work on digital transformation, artificial intelligence, construction education and professional competence.

Evidence, Impact and Influence: What the FRICS Journey Taught Me

For me, the FRICS journey was not simply about listing achievements. It was about demonstrating sustained impact. I had to reflect carefully on how my work had influenced students, colleagues, institutions, professional bodies and the wider built environment.

The process reminded me that impact is not always loud. Sometimes it is seen in the student who gains confidence, the colleague who is supported, the curriculum that becomes stronger, or the professional discussion that shifts thinking. Testimonials, research outputs, leadership responsibilities, student outcomes and professional body activities all became part of a wider story of contribution.

Teaching, Technology and the Future of Quantity Surveying

One of the strongest parts of my journey has been education. As a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management at the University of Westminster, I have had the privilege of shaping the learning experience of future quantity surveyors. Course leadership has taught me that professional education is not just about delivering modules. It is about building confidence, raising aspirations, improving student experience and connecting learning to professional identity.

I have always believed that students should not wait until graduation before they begin to see themselves as part of the profession. This is why I made RICS student membership an important part of student engagement.

Another important part of my FRICS experience was recognising the value of evidence. It is easy to say that one has made an impact, but Fellowship requires a stronger level of reflection and substantiation. I had to look at my work through the lens of contribution. Testimonials, professional recognition, research outputs, leadership responsibilities, industry engagement, curriculum development, student outcomes and professional body activities all became part of the wider story. The process reminded me that impact is not always loud. Sometimes it is seen in the student who gains confidence, the colleague who is supported, the curriculum that becomes stronger, the professional discussion that shifts thinking, or the industry partnership that opens new opportunities.

My work around artificial intelligence and digital technology in quantity surveying also became part of this journey. I see technology not as a threat to professional judgement, but as an opportunity to strengthen it. The future quantity surveyor must be able to work with data, interrogate assumptions, advise clients intelligently and make decisions under uncertainty. AI, digital tools and data analytics can support this, but they must be used with professional care, ethical awareness and commercial understanding. This is where RICS standards and the role of chartered professionals remain vital.

Fellowship as Service: Responsibility, Mentorship and the Road Ahead

Becoming FRICS also made me reflect on my identity as a migrant professional. My career has moved across different systems, countries and professional cultures. That journey has not always been easy. Like many internationally trained professionals, I have had to navigate questions of recognition, local experience, credibility and belonging. However, those experiences have strengthened my resolve to support others. They have also given me a broader understanding of the profession and the barriers many talented people face when trying to establish themselves in new environments.

This is why Fellowship, for me, is not just personal recognition. It is also a platform for service. It is a reminder that those who progress must also create pathways for others. I see it as part of my responsibility to mentor aspiring chartered surveyors, support APC candidates, encourage ethical professional practice and contribute to conversations about the future of construction education. I also see it as a call to represent the profession positively, especially to students, early career professionals and internationally trained practitioners who may be searching for direction.

The FRICS process also taught me that career progression is not only about accumulation. It is about alignment. A person may have many achievements, but Fellowship requires a coherent professional story. In my case, the story was about quantity surveying, contract auditing, education, student development, digital transformation, professional standards and service to the built environment. Once I understood that thread, the application became more than a form. It became a reflective exercise in professional purpose.

Looking back, I am grateful to the colleagues, students, mentors, professional peers and institutional leaders who have shaped my journey. Nobody becomes a Fellow in isolation. Every recognition is supported by communities of practice, encouragement, challenge and opportunity. I am especially grateful for those who provided testimonials and supported the evidence of my contribution. Their words helped me see my own journey through the eyes of others.

Becoming FRICS is a milestone, but it is not the end of the road. If anything, it raises the standard. It challenges me to continue contributing at a higher level, to remain visible in professional conversations, to support others generously and to keep learning. The built environment is changing rapidly. Climate responsibility, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, public accountability, cost uncertainty and skills development are reshaping the role of the quantity surveyor. Fellows of RICS must not only respond to these changes, but help lead thoughtful, ethical and practical responses to them.

My advice to anyone aspiring to FRICS is simple. Do not wait until the point of application before you begin building your evidence. Serve consistently. Document your impact. Mentor others. Contribute to your profession. Develop a clear area of influence. Build relationships. Ask for feedback. Reflect on your journey. Most importantly, understand that Fellowship is not about status alone. It is about professional responsibility.

For me, becoming FRICS is both an honour and a charge. It recognises where I have been, but more importantly, it reminds me of the work still ahead. I remain committed to advancing quantity surveying education, supporting professional excellence, strengthening ethical practice and helping the next generation of surveyors see themselves not only as cost managers, but as trusted advisers, decision-makers and custodians of value in the built environment.