Waqaas Rashid currently works as Building Control Surveyor in the Department of Building Control, Planning and Place for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Family background in construction
I initially studied Business Management in college which was interesting although at times slightly mind-numbing. Following my completion from college I was baffled about what route or sector to pursue. My father has a background in construction and this led me to study building surveying in Kingston University.
A desire to help the community
After successfully completing my university degree, I wanted to enter a career that allowed me to make a change, help people in their homes and help the community in any way possible. I joined a housing association in Camden working as an Aids and Adaptations Surveyor. My main duties included developing existing and proposed plans, purchasing materials and providing new technologies to aid people with walking difficulties.
Six months into this job role, I found that my duties were becoming repetitive and this had a big effect on my enthusiasm. I tried to take on bigger and more complicated projects and thus entered the world of building control.
The learning never stops
I joined the Building Control department in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
If you're an individual who is hands on, in my opinion, this is perfect job role. As a building control surveyor I never stop learning, every project is unique. After three years in this role I have realised how much I don't know. In the construction industry there are new updates in technology and materials and this allows me to research further and develop to keep up-to-date with the industry.
Continuing Professional Development
The Building Control department provide outstanding support for my CPD. I'm able to consult and discuss projects with experienced colleagues such as senior surveyors, fire engineers and means of escape experts. As a building control surveyor I strive for knowledge and answers to fulfil the needs of clients, architects and builders.
RBKC Building Control provide us with the relevant support by organising internal seminars and tutorials, regular 1-2-1 meetings and specific external seminars to improve knowledge and understanding. I'm currently an Associate Member of CABE and working towards chartership.
As a whole, the working environment in building control is remarkable and with the support of colleagues, training and independent research I'm able to learn, apply my knowledge and complete each unique project successfully.
