Recruiting Building Design & Maintenance Professionals

A Building Surveyor completes detailed reports, known as building surveys; within which defects are identified and advice is given on repair, maintenance and restoration options.

Projects can include existing buildings, buildings of architectural or historic importance and the development of new ones. A building surveyor may implement preventative measures to keep buildings in good condition and look for ways to make buildings sustainable

Project managers oversee the planning and delivery of construction projects. They ensure that work is completed on time and within budget. They organise logistics, delegate work and keep track of spending. Project Managers liaise with clients and construction professionals to arrange schedules and direct activities.

Architects create designs for new construction projects, alterations and redevelopments. They use their specialist construction knowledge and high-level drawing skills to design buildings that are functional, safe, sustainable and aesthetically pleasing.

Architects stay involved throughout the construction process, adapting their plans according to budget constraints, environmental factors and client needs. That means they’re part of an overall project design team, working closely with a range of construction professionals from quantity surveyors to building services engineers.

Quantity surveyors (also known as ‘cost consultants’, ‘commercial managers’, ‘cost managers’ and ‘cost engineers’) manage costs on construction projects. They estimate the cost of materials, work out what labour will be needed, manage budgets while construction is taking place and make sure work is completed within its projected budget.

The tasks involved in the job differ depending on the kind of organisation you work for. If you work for a consultancy, you’ll be involved on the design stage of a project. If you work for a contractor, you’ll be focusing on the construction phase of the work.

Structural engineers are primarily concerned with designing and constructing buildings and structures that are safe and capable of withstanding the elements to which they will be exposed, as well as improving the structural integrity of existing buildings. The job is very closely related to that of a Civil Engineer.

Civil engineers create, improve and protect the environment in which we live. They plan, design and oversee construction and maintenance of building structures and infrastructure, such as roads, railways, airports, bridges, harbours, dams, irrigation projects, power plants, and water and sewerage systems. They also design and build tall buildings and large structures that can withstand all weather conditions.

Generally, civil engineers fall into two types: consulting engineers and contracting engineers. Consultants are responsible for the design work of projects and work predominantly in an office. Contractors then take the designs and implement them during construction. Contractors work on site, managing the construction of the structure.

Mechanical engineers design, develop and install machinery. This can range from the components in artificial heart valves to heating systems for multi-storey buildings and robotic instruments for use in space.

Although mechanical engineers’ work varies greatly, it tends to be driven by problems that need solving. Mechanical engineers will use their knowledge of maths, physics and technology to understand the problem, and to research, design and deliver solutions.

Electrical engineers work on projects involving electrical systems. Engineers work on large-scale initiatives within power generation, manufacturing and transport, for example.

A CDM (construction, design and management) Advisor plays a central role in any construction project. They provide the client or principal designer with sound competent advice on construction design processes, risk mitigation, best practice health and safety application and current legislation.

The primary goal of a sustainable engineer is to design and implement engineering solutions that minimise negative impacts on the environment. The key responsibilities of a sustainable engineer include:

• Environmental protection – design and implement engineering solutions that minimise waste, pollution and resource usage to have a lower impact on the planet.
• Corporate social responsibility – assist businesses in improving their sustainability performance by implementing sustainable practices and technologies.
• Collaboration – work with architects, urban planners, policymakers, and other professionals to promote sustainable practises in various engineering and construction projects.
• Waste management – develop waste management systems to reduce, recycle, and properly dispose of waste generated by industrial processes and communities.
• Sustainable materials – seek out and utilise environmentally friendly and recyclable materials for construction and engineering projects.

Commercial Property Managers are involved in the acquisition, maintenance, and general oversight of premises, such as office blocks, warehouses, industrial sites, and retail outlets. The oversight of tenants and maintenance of buildings is often too time-intensive and stressful to manage in-house and is often outsourced to a third party organisation.

Building services engineers are responsible for ensuring that the electrical, mechanical, telecoms and others systems within buildings work effectively and efficiently.

Typical duties include:

• designing, inspecting, maintaining and testing energy, air conditioning, lifts, drainage and other systems.
• identifying suitable materials and components.
• assessing and advising on the sustainability of systems.
• drawing up plans using computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modelling software.
• managing projects involving installing or dismantling building services, including forecasting costs and keeping clients informed of progress.
• ensuring that systems meet health and safety requirements.
• giving presentations and writing reports highlighting the practical implications of an architect’s designs.
• negotiating contracts with clients, particularly in consultancy work.
• liaising with plumbers, electricians, surveyors, architectural technologists and other construction professionals.

Building services engineering projects can vary from the design of the air filtration system in a forensic lab to the installation of flood lights in a sports stadium.

Highways engineers are responsible for ensuring that the thousands of miles of road across Britain are in good condition. There are three main branches of highway engineering: planning, research, and construction. Most highway engineers specialise in one of these areas.

Commissioning engineers are responsible for making sure that all of the equipment and facilities needed at a client’s site are installed correctly and safely, and that everything works as expected.

Typical tasks include:

• testing equipment on site.
• making improvements to, and offering advice about, operational procedures.
• creating and implementing test procedures.
• investigating problems and diagnosing and repairing faults.
• liaising with clients and installation/project engineers.
• supervising engineering and technical staff.
• gathering and analysing performance and safety data.
• writing reports and documentation.
• providing technical support.
• ensuring safe working conditions.
• training maintenance and operative staff.

CAD engineers design, develop, test, and maintain tools and systems used for computer-aided design processes. They work in conjunction with designers and other internal teams to identify goals and challenges, and determine how to best develop and configure tools and programs to improve efficiency and achieve greater accuracy. They create models, technical drawings, and designs using CAD tools, and perform testing, simulations, and troubleshooting. They may also be responsible for overseeing QA testing programs.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) engineers install and service air quality and temperature systems in homes, businesses and transport.

HVAC technicians spend their time repairing and maintaining HVAC equipment. Often, technicians go to service calls where they meet with customers, diagnose issues and recommend fixes. Many technicians also fabricate HVAC systems and install new HVAC units. HVAC technicians work on various types of equipment, including air conditioners, heaters, furnaces and heat pumps.  Apart from working on heating and air conditioning systems, HVAC technicians also work on refrigeration systems.