Qualified surveyors don’t always have to go down the traditional route of a surveying related qualification from university.

The Associate Qualification from RICS (also known as AssocRICS) is suitable if you have work-based experience or vocational qualifications.

We are delighted to announce that Callum Riach in our Inverness office has successfully achieved this qualification and we spent 5 minutes with him to get to know a bit more about it. .

What did you do before DM Hall?

My last job before joining DM hall was as an Estate Agent in Strathspey for over two year. Prior to this, I worked in the furniture design industry in London as a project manager and an account manager for a total of 12 years.

How has the AssocRICS experience been for you?

It has been great. Hard work combined with a lot of help and guidance from my colleagues in the Inverness office. My design degree is recognised by the RICS as a technical degree which allowed me to follow the Associate route.

How has DM Hall assisted you in achieving this qualification?

DM Hall has been very supportive. I have been able to study whilst doing the job which accelerated my understanding of the role and the technical requirements. Accompanying my colleagues to a wide variety of properties around the Highlands has allowed me to gain invaluable experience of the role, the types of surveys and inspections.

What are your plans for the future?

Following on from completing the Associate assessment, I am now about to enrol on the APC Preliminary route working towards Chartered status – hopefully within the next 12 to 18 months so it is a very exciting time for me.

Well done Calum – good luck with the rest of your journey with DM Hall.