Quantity Surveyor
Name: Sabrina Tapson
Career stage: Senior - 10+ years' experience
Working: Office
High School Subjects: In South Africa - Maths, Science, Biology, Economics, English, Afrikaans, Life Orientation
Favourite: Maths
Further study: University
where and what: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University - Bsc Construction Economic and Bsc(Hons) in Quantity Surveying
"We're the budget ninjas, hunting down the best sources of materials and build methodologies while always reviewing the overall development cost."
the inside scoop…
What does a Quantity Surveyor actually do? Picture this: you're planning your epic post-grad trip through Europe. Backpacking across ancient ruins, scaling the Alps, partying in Berlin – it's gonna be legendary. But before you grab your backpack and hop on a plane, you need a plan. You wouldn't just wing it, right?
Same goes for construction projects, only instead of hostels and train tickets, you're dealing with concrete, steel, and a budget. That's where a Quantity Surveyor, comes in. Think of us as the financial architect of the whole operation.
We'll dissect plans, calculating how much brick, timber, and every other material is needed to get from blueprint to reality. But it's not just about counting bricks. We're the budget ninjas, hunting down the best sources of materials and build methodologies while always reviewing the overall development cost. We act as the gatekeeper, making sure every expense stays within the lines, preventing the project from becoming a financial black hole. We'll team up with project managers, architects, engineers, and builders, forming a construction dream team to deliver quality projects on time and in budget. There is no limit to the projects we are involved in, from public art pieces, temporary show stadiums, to skyscrapers and train tunnels. You can position yourself in any sector you wish.
What does a day in your life at work look like? 9:00am - Meeting with client to review a cost plan
10:30am - In the office to finish up a tender review
12:00pm - Tender interviews with two contractors at the clients office
3:00pm - Off to site to review a variation
5:30pm - Quick stop back at the office to tidy up
6:00pm - Attend a NAWIC event to network with the industry
What's the best part of your job? The dealing with all the different clients and project teams, in any one week you could be across multiple projects and therefore dealing with loads of different people.
What made you realise construction could be for you? My father owned a construction company, I grew up on sites and loved being part of building something.
Tell us about your journey starting a family whilst working in construction. I have had two children while in the industry and with both I have been able to return to work on my own terms, starting off in a part time basis (working 3 days a week) and working from home where possible. The career of Quantity Surveying allows for flexibility and the opportunity for balance, and I have been fortunate enough to have employers who actively support this.
What's the best thing about working in construction? The seeing the finished product for sure. Knowning you helped create something and that it will hopefully be there for a very long period of time.
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? You will be spending more time at your work, than you will for any single other thing you do in your life. Find something which you enjoy.
Sabrina is open to engaging further via: Mentoring a Student
If you'd like to enquire more, please fill out the form below with the subject name: "Sabrina Tapson" and we'll pass your message on.