Both keen in broadening their skill sets and understanding the role Quantity Surveyors play in the built environment, Henrietta and Anisah had the opportunity to work with some of our Cost Consultants across multiple sectors.
MONDAY
HS: Rachel Hitches, the Office Manager, welcomed us and made sure we were introduced to everyone, including our guide for the week, Daniel Parker.
Our initial task involved using BIM measurement software to complete some measurements, which Dan talked us through. Once I had familiarised myself with the software, I was able to support Senior Cost Consultant, Sean Ingham, with some measurements for a new hospital fit-out at 40 Bank Street.
Afterwards, we were given an overview of MESH’s Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy, which encompassed their sustainability practices.
AR: After lunch, we had the chance to join Managing Director, Tim Molden, and observe a sustainability meeting with a Healthcare client. This meeting focused on the development of a new NHS hospital and provided valuable insights into the NHS’ sustainability practices and regulations. It was great to learn about various construction methods that can be employed to minimise the environmental impact of new hospitals.
We wrapped up the day by talking to Dan and Davina Patel about their roles as Assistant Cost Consultants, who are both studying alongside their employment.
TUESDAY
HS: I started my day by finalising the measurements for the floor materials at the 40 Bank Street project – collating and formatting all measurements into an Excel table.
In the afternoon, I headed over to the new London Clinic on Harley Street for my first site visit and site meeting. During the visit, I had the opportunity to attend a meeting where we reviewed the minutes from previous meetings to ensure that everything was on track. After the meeting, Oliver Sweeney, the Assistant Cost Consultant, and I conducted a valuation assessment of the extensive refurbishment and took photos of the site for the valuation report.
WEDNESDAY
HS: I had the chance to join Senior Associate Zoe Curnow and Oliver on a site visit to Highgate, an NHS Mental Health Facility undergoing a fit-out. During the visit, I sat in on the progress meeting with the Architect, Project Manager, and Building Contractors. On our way back to the office, I had a great conversation with Michael Tsang about his role as a Cost Consultant, and what he enjoys most in his role. Once back at the office I completed the material measures for both the ceiling and floor plan at the 40 Bank Street scheme.
AR: Following our discussion with Michael, I supported Director, Martyn Stokes, and our guide, Daniel, with some measurements, before accompanying Tim on a site visit to Harley Street. I concluded the day by sitting in on a meeting with The Howard De Walden Estate.
THURSDAY
AR: I spent my penultimate day completing measurements for a new project, Brick Street, and supporting the wider team with checking and signing off final accounts and valuation reports. This was a great opportunity to develop my attention to detail.
Once I’d completed my tasks, I caught up with Sean, who discussed his route into Quantity Surveying and offered some invaluable advice on the importance of balancing my professional responsibilities and chartering studies, if I was to pursue a career as a Quantity Surveyor.
FRIDAY
HS: We started the day with Senior Marketing and Bid Executive, Jack Cartwright, who gave us an overview of MESH’s marketing strategy and different tools they use, as well as how they approach responding to bids. I then completed some measures for Dan, for an office fit-out in Mayfair and for a project at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Overall, my week at MESH has given me a well-rounded overview of what it means to be a Quantity Surveyor. MESH specialises in Healthcare, so it was great to see the unique costs involved with hospital projects, which I hadn’t considered before.
AR: Following the Marketing overview, I helped Dan with building a stage 2 cost plan for Brick Street and caught up on some administrative tasks before leaving the office.
My experience at MESH was both enjoyable and exciting. I was actively involved in various tasks, attended meetings, and went on site visits, all while acquiring technical skills. My biggest goal for the week was to become proficient in CAD, and I’m proud to say that I can now comfortably use CAD for measurements.