This is Surveying

Summary
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the property industry.
In this episode of This Is Surveying, Nina Young speaks with Christopher De Gruben, chartered surveyor and Head of AI and Property at Artefact. Chris works at the forefront of AI adoption in real estate, helping major property owners and investors implement data and AI strategies across Europe and the Middle East.
They explore what AI actually means for surveyors, where the real opportunities are, and why parts of the surveying profession may face major disruption.
Chris also shares insights from co-chairing the working group behind the new RICS Responsible Use of AI standard. The discussion covers disclosure, materiality, and how surveyors can safely integrate AI into their workflows.
The episode also tackles the debate around AI and the APC process, and why discouraging candidates from using AI may risk pushing the next generation away from the profession.
If you want to understand how AI is reshaping surveying, property valuation, and the built environment, this is a conversation you do not want to miss.
What We Cover
Chris’s international career and how he moved into AI and property
Real-world examples of AI being used in property companies today
The difference between AI assistants and AI analysts
Over 300 potential AI use cases in property businesses
The RICS Responsible Use of AI standard
Understanding materiality when using AI in surveying work
Why AI should not replace the surveyor’s professional judgement
Concerns about AI restrictions for APC candidates
The impact of AI on junior roles and surveying careers
How the UK property industry compares to Saudi Arabia
Guest Links
Christopher De Gruben on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/degruben
Useful Links
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – https://www.rics.org
Surveyors UK – https://www.surveyors-uk.com
Guest Bio
Christopher De Gruben is a chartered surveyor and Senior Director and Head of AI and Property at Artefact. He advises major property investors and developers across Europe and the Middle East on large-scale data and artificial intelligence programmes. His work focuses on modernising property operating models and embedding AI into real estate businesses in practical ways.
Chris also plays an active role in shaping the surveying profession. He serves as Vice Chair of the RICS Professional Group Panel Board and co-chaired the working group responsible for the new RICS Responsible Use of AI standard. He is also co-authoring new guidance on AI in valuation.
If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  
Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Summary
In this episode of This Is Surveying, Nina Young speaks with Jordan Turner, senior lecturer at the University of the Built Environment. Jordan shares his career journey from residential property to commercial surveying and academia, and explains why sustainability and EPC reform are central to the profession's future.
They also explore skills shortages, education pathways, and the need to make surveying more visible to young people.
 
 What We Cover
Career journey from residential agency into commercial estate management
Why industry experience strengthens surveying education
EPC reform challenges and inconsistencies
Retrofit pressures and Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
Behavioural impacts and policy gaps
Home buying reform and upfront information
Skills shortages and attracting new surveyors
Residential surveying education pathways
Knowledge transfer from experienced professionals
Collaboration across the surveying profession
Guest Links
Jordan Turner LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/jordan-turner-50748a17b
Useful Links
University of the Built Environment – https://www.ube.ac.uk
Guest Bio
Jordan Turner is a senior lecturer at the University of the Built Environment with a professional background spanning residential property, estate agency, property management, and commercial estate management. He is currently undertaking a PhD focused on sustainability and energy performance in the built environment. Jordan is passionate about improving EPC frameworks, strengthening educational pathways, and bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world surveying practice.
If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  
Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Summary
In this episode of This Is Surveying, I’m joined by Elliot Goulding, QS recruiter and Director of ProBuild Recruitment.
We talk about the current state of quantity surveying recruitment in the UK, why flexibility matters more than ever, and how AI is already reshaping construction businesses.
If you’re a quantity surveyor, a hiring manager, or a student looking to enter the profession, this conversation will give you practical insight into what is happening right now and what could be coming next.
What We Cover
Why QSs are one of the hardest roles to recruit in construction
The shift towards freelance and flexible working
How employers can retain commercial teams
The risk of a mid-level skills gap
AI in surveying and construction
Using automation to improve efficiency
Hard Hat AI and digital transformation in construction
The impact of regulation and Gateway delays
Market outlook for 2026
Guest Links
Elliot Goulding – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliotgoulding/
ProBuild Recruitment: https://probuildrec.com/
Useful Links
Hard Hat AI: https://hardhatai159.com/
Guest Bio
Elliot Goulding is a specialist QS recruiter and Director of ProBuild Recruitment. With over 16 years in construction recruitment, Elliot works closely with main contractors and subcontractors across the UK, focusing on quantity surveying and commercial management roles from graduate to director level. He launched ProBuild Recruitment just before COVID and has since built a reputation for strategic hiring advice, market insight, and long term partnerships with construction businesses. He is also the founder of Hard Hat AI, a service helping construction firms use AI and automation to improve efficiency and stay competitive.
If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room
Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Summary
Suzanne Hill, business strategist for AI and founder of AI for SMEs, joins me to talk about AI at a strategic level. We look beyond shiny tools and explore how AI will change business models, client expectations, and the future of surveying and construction firms.
What we cover
Suzanne’s journey from construction into AI
Why AI is 80 percent strategy and people
The risks of jumping into tools without direction
Data ownership and client behaviour
How AI could disrupt traditional surveying and construction roles
What firms need to be thinking about now
Guest links
Suzanne Hill on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannehill1/
Useful links
UCD (University College Dublin) – https://www.ucd.ie/
Guest Bio
Suzanne Hill is a business strategist specialising in AI and the construction sector. She is the founder of AI for SMEs and has over two decades of experience working with construction companies across the UK, Ireland, and internationally. With a background in construction and strategy consultancy, Suzanne helps businesses understand how AI will impact their business models, revenue streams, and long-term competitiveness. She is also a keynote speaker and advisor to senior leadership teams navigating digital transformation.
If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  
Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn

Summary
Lewis Denbow, chartered building surveyor at Harris Associates, joins me to share his journey from an electrical apprenticeship into building surveying. We talk about apprenticeships, the APC, communication skills, and why the trades could play a huge role in solving the surveying skills shortage.
What we cover
An unorthodox route into building surveying
Degree apprenticeships and accessibility
Lessons from the trades
Communication and client relationships
Project management and stakeholder management
Advice for those starting out in surveying
Guest links
Lewis Denbow on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewisdenbow/
Harris Associates – https://www.harrisassociatesuk.com/
Useful links
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – https://www.rics.org/
Guest Bio
Lewis Denbow is a chartered building surveyor at Harris Associates, a national award-winning built environment consultancy. He entered the profession through an unconventional route, starting in the electrical trade before completing a degree apprenticeship and achieving chartership. Lewis now works across building surveying and project management, with a strong focus on communication, stakeholder management, and practical problem-solving.
If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room  
Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn