Meet the Team – Mark Pennock, Building Surveyor

Mark Pennock joined Concertus back in 2016 as a summer hire in Finance and soon discovered his passion for Building Surveying! Since then, Mark has navigated an inspiring journey, from balancing his studies with hands-on project work to leading transformative renovations. His story highlights the mentorship, support, and career growth that Concertus offers at every step.

We recently sat down with Mark to hear all about his journey, his proudest moments, and how our team has been there to support him over the years.

Tell us about your time at Concertus

I began with Concertus on a fixed-term summer job in 2016, and immediately appreciated the supportive, collaborative environment. After finishing university, I joined the team full-time in 2019 and transitioned into the Building Surveying team in 2021. That same year, I started a part-time Master’s conversion course at LSBU. Balancing work and study required commitment, but the team’s support made all the difference. From their expertise to the encouraging environment, I had a great foundation to develop my skills and confidence.

Concertus provided me with consistent growth opportunities, even as I was navigating the demands of both study and work. Over the past few years, I progressed from a Trainee to an Assistant, then to a Graduate Surveyor upon qualifying, and most recently to Building Surveyor. My journey included shadowing senior colleagues on projects and moving from assisting with tender documents and initial surveys to leading my own projects from client consultation to completion. Recently, I served as project lead on a £500,000 refurbishment of a children’s home, managing the process end-to-end while handling a variety of other capital improvement projects. This step-by-step development, supported by a team eager to share their expertise, has been pivotal to my career.

What interested you in Building Surveying?

While working within the Finance team, I had the opportunity to support project managers on development projects, and that hands-on involvement sparked my interest in project work. One of my colleagues saw potential in my skill set for Quantity Surveying, which prompted me to think seriously about my career direction. During that time, I discussed my options with a close friend in the Building Surveying team, who gave me insight into his role and why it might align well with my skills and interests. His perspective was pivotal, and Building Surveying began to feel like a natural fit.

Building Surveying was actually already part of my family’s background. My uncle is a Chartered Surveyor, and my grandfather was a lifelong builder and Quantity Surveyor who introduced my dad to the trade before he pursued a different path as a golf professional. I’ve always been drawn to practical, hands-on work, so in some ways, I feel like this career path was meant for me.

I soon reached out to others at Concertus, including Mat Self (Managing Director), who also encouraged me to consider Building Surveying. Mat believed it would allow me to develop a broad range of skills and suit my strengths. He arranged an interview for, and the rest, as they say, is history. Getting involved with the PM team turned out to be one of the best decisions of my career.

Can you run us through your role and what it looks like day-to-day?

In my role, I manage projects from initial planning through to final completion. Each day is a blend of site work, technical documentation, and client communication. A typical day might involve defect surveys for condition assessments or addressing specific building issues, followed by client meetings to develop project briefs, budgets, and cost estimates. Using ArchiCAD, I draw up detailed designs that become part of tender packs, and I collaborate closely with contractors during the construction phase, ensuring the work aligns with both our designs and client expectations.

Our clients rely on us for comprehensive project management, where we’re responsible for everything from feasibility to final quality assurance. I enjoy the variety and challenges this brings; it requires constant skill development across technical, communication, and project management areas. Working alongside such a knowledgeable and supportive team only enhances this experience. Knowing that our work positively impacts people’s environments, whether it’s a warmer classroom for students or an improved work setting for professionals, it gives me a real sense of accomplishment.

What support have you received with your studies?

The support from Concertus has been invaluable in balancing my studies with work. Matt Smith, our team Associate, has fostered a fantastic team atmosphere, always ensuring everyone feels supported. Tom Russell (Principal Building Surveyor), my manager, has been particularly influential, helping me grow from day one by encouraging me to take ownership of projects while being available for guidance. He’s gone above and beyond, from lending me textbooks to reviewing my assignments.

I also had early mentors who were instrumental in shaping my technical skills, helping me navigate challenging projects and generously sharing their insights. More recently, I’ve had the chance to work alongside Lawrence Wright (Trainee Building Surveyor), a new team member, and I enjoy helping him develop his skills as others once helped me.

The colleagues I worked with early in my career while in Finance were also great influences on my professional development. Beyond technical and project support, the camaraderie at Concertus has been crucial to my overall wellbeing. Craig Hicks (Principal Building Surveyor), for instance, is someone I can always rely on for a supportive chat if I need advice or perspective. The friendships and trust we have across the team make Concertus a unique place to grow.

What advice would you give to someone looking to follow a similar path?

Becoming a Building Surveyor has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. Each day is different, and the role allows you to develop a diverse skill set. While you may not become a specialist in any one area, being a “jack of all trades” gives you a holistic view of the construction industry. If you’re considering this career path, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s incredibly rewarding, particularly if you’re eager to continually learn and adapt within a supportive team.