Raymond McNeill Senior Building Surveyor
A Day in the Life of a Building Surveyor at Currie & Brown.
With a team of more than 60 surveyors nationwide, building surveying plays a key role in our growing business. We spoke with Raymond McNeill, a senior building surveyor based in our Glasgow office who shares his perspective on working at Currie & Brown.
Could you describe a typical day in your role?
"No two days are the same, which is what I love about the job. My work usually falls into three main areas: surveying, project management, and report writing. A big part of my time is spent on-site, assessing buildings and carrying out inspections. Project management means I’m overseeing refurbishments, keeping things on track, and working closely with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders. Then there’s reporting—documenting findings and updates so that clients have a clear view of progress. Some days, I’m out visiting sites in the Highlands; others, I’m at my desk pulling everything together. It’s a great mix that keeps things interesting."
How do you typically begin and conclude your workday?
"I start my day by checking emails to see if anything urgent has come in overnight. Then, I put together a to-do list to prioritise tasks and plan out my day. It might include meetings, site visits, or catching up on reports. At the end of the day, I make sure the most important tasks are done and set myself up for the next day. Staying organised helps me stay on top of everything and ensures a smooth workflow."
What is the balance between office work and site visits in your role?
"It really depends on the week. Some weeks, I’m mainly in the office, while others, I’m travelling from site to site and barely see my desk. It keeps the job fresh and means there’s always something new to tackle."
How does travel feature in your duties?
"Travel is a big part of the job, and it varies depending on the project. I could be flying to the Highlands, taking a train to London, or driving for several days between sites. You have to be flexible and ready to go wherever the job takes you."
Can you share some current projects you're involved in?
"Right now, I’m working on three large-scale survey programmes covering Manchester, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, including some stunning locations in the Highlands and Islands. I’ve even had the chance to visit the Isle of Skye, which has been a real highlight. Alongside that, I’m managing refurbishment and maintenance projects, so my workload is always varied."
What challenges do you frequently encounter in your role?
"Juggling multiple projects at once is definitely a challenge. There’s a lot of travel, deadlines to meet, and reports to keep on top of. Good organisation is crucial to making sure everything runs smoothly."
What tools and technologies are integral to your work?
"Technology plays a big role in what we do. We use cutting-edge surveying tools to capture high-resolution images and conduct detailed assessments, which help us assess buildings without invasive inspections. Specialist software helps us sketch, plan, and document findings efficiently. Digital reporting tools also keep information structured and accessible for clients. The right tech makes our work more efficient and helps us provide accurate, insightful assessments."
How has Currie & Brown facilitated your professional growth?
"The support has been fantastic. The APC programme was a huge draw when I joined—I signed up straight away and became chartered within two and a half years. That wouldn’t have happened without the guidance and resources available here. After that, I was promoted to senior surveyor and completed the Leadership Plus programme, which helped me develop even further."
What differentiates Currie & Brown from other firms?
"At first, it was the APC programme that brought me in. But over time, I’ve seen just how much the company invests in its people and the scale of the projects we work on. It’s a great place to grow your career."
What aspects of working at Currie & Brown do you find most rewarding?
"The professional development is a big one. I was one of the first from my university group to get chartered status, which speaks to the level of support here. On top of that, the projects themselves are really engaging—you’re constantly learning and working on something new."
How would you characterise the team culture and work environment?
"The culture is really positive. The Glasgow and Edinburgh teams work closely together, always sharing workloads and supporting each other. There’s a strong sense of teamwork, which makes a huge difference."
Is there a social dimension to the team?
"Absolutely. We’ve got a social committee that organises events regularly, which helps build good relationships. It’s a welcoming, friendly place to work."
What advice would you offer to prospective building surveyors considering Currie & Brown?
"I’d definitely recommend it. The company is growing, and it’s an exciting time to be here. The building surveying team in Scotland alone has grown from four to thirteen people since I joined, so there are plenty of opportunities to develop and be part of something bigger."
To find out more about building surveyor careers with Currie & Brown, please visit our careers pages, or reach out to [email protected] in our recruitment team.
With our team expanding, now is the perfect time to be part of Currie & Brown’s future.
