After graduating from Birmingham City University in 2020 with a First Class Honours in Architectural Technology, I secured a graduate position at real estate consultancy Hollis in April 2021. Having gained valuable experience in the surveying industry from a work placement during my studies, I knew this was the role I wanted to pursue after graduation. For my final research project at university, I incorporated my surveying knowledge and focused on the advancements in technology for measured surveys; I was delighted that my work was chosen as a finalist in the AT Awards 2020!

Come to work with me

Working at Hollis over the past 2 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects involving 3D point cloud data, CAD and BIM software. I’ve also worked across all stages of the measured survey process:

• Preparing and checking fee quotes, liaising with subcontractors, and communicating with clients to answer any comments and queries they may have.
• Gaining experience working on site, using a variety of equipment from Leica laser scanners to a Disto with a tablet.
• Processing survey data using Cyclone Register 360 software.
• Drawing and modelling the deliverables from point cloud data in AutoCAD and Revit software.
• Performing quality assurance (QA) checks to both 2D drawings and 3D models.
• Issuing the final deliverables to the client and ensuring they are happy with the service we have provided.

What have I been up to?

Recently, we have seen a market increase in demand and interest for 3D Revit models of existing buildings at all levels of detail and information. A recent project I have been involved with was providing an as-built Revit model of a university building in London. The existing building was undergoing refurbishment, therefore a Revit model was required to understand the current space and layout so the client could develop their design. The model we produced was a mix of LOD3 and LOD4 (level of detail), allowing us to provide more detail to certain elements and in the areas where necessary.

Firstly, I was responsible for providing the estimated time required to complete the modelling works using knowledge and experience from other projects, in order to deliver an accurate quote. Additionally, my duties included setting up the Revit model in Ordnance Survey (OS) grid, modelling the externals of the building, and coordinating the modelling team to assign their responsibilities.

Another example of a Revit project I’ve completed is a Central London retail unit with office space above. This model was produced to our standard level of detail (LOD3) and my duties were to quality check the completed building model against the point cloud data we collected on site. As the property is a historic building, there were many detailed elements that required additional attention to detail to ensure overall accuracy of the model.

I was also responsible for managing documentation and the different versions at each stage of the process, keeping track of any revisions that were subsequently made. Once the modelling was complete, I modified and exported the floor plan views into AutoCAD, enabling the area referencing team to undertake their calculations in line with RICS and IPMS standards.

Continuing to grow

Joining Hollis as a graduate has allowed me to work with many of the different service teams we have, from the M&E team to the project management team. This has enabled me to gain more experience and a deeper practical understanding of the industry across a range of sectors. Alongside providing access to a range of services and sectors, Hollis has encouraged my personal and professional development through offering CPD sessions and mentoring. This has truly helped to build both my knowledge and confidence in the field.

Hollis is a social company to work for, hosting monthly payday drinks and quarterly lunches, alongside providing opportunities to attend Women in Property networking events. A recent highlight for me was HollisFest, a teambuilding day for the whole company, which took place in June 2022. The day provided the chance to network with those across all offices and departments, catch up with colleagues and have lots of fun together; a true demonstration of the ‘One Team’ culture we have at Hollis.

In the future, I look forward to progressing my career by managing more projects at Hollis and working towards becoming a Chartered Architectural Technologist with the support of my colleagues. It has been an exciting start to my career, and I look forward to what is to come!