Name: Bryce Dunlop

Job Title: Graduate Building Surveyor

Office: Glasgow Commercial

Q1. How long have you worked at DM Hall?

5 Months

Q2. Which department are you operating in at DM Hall? What drew you to work in this area?

I work in the building consultancy department. I was drawn to work in building consultancy as I have always been interested in buildings, specifically, old buildings. I enjoy learning about the history and background of old buildings; what they used to be, how they were used, and how they have changed and evolved through the years. Building consultancy also appealed to me as a career path where I would not be stuck behind a desk all day. I enjoy the opportunity to be out and about on inspections and seeing new places.

Q3. What did the recruitment process involve and how did you approach your application?

My route into DM Hall is perhaps a little different, as I was working in England at the time I interviewed for the position. Initially, I had an informal Teams call with Martin and Stuart, who then invited me to the Glasgow office for a more formal interview. During my interview, I heard more about the job and what DM Hall was able to offer me to help on my path to becoming a RICS-qualified chartered surveyor. I also had the opportunity to ask my own questions, get a feel for the role, and meet a colleague from the graduate management team, which was really helpful. Martin called to offer me the position later the same day and I started a few months afterwards.

Q4. Tell us about your career to date? University / college / full or part time employment prior to joining? Provide a timeline if possible.

Before joining DM Hall, I had quite a varied career. It wasn’t until the Covid-19 pandemic when I took the opportunity to return to university and start studying towards an MSc in Building Surveying. During my studies, I had the opportunity to take on an Assistant Surveyor role with Durham University and moved to Newcastle for around 3 years. At Durham, I had the opportunity to put into practice the skills and knowledge I was learning through my studies, and to work on some interesting academic and listed, historical buildings. In 2025, I was made redundant from the university and joined DM Hall shortly afterwards.

Q5. What qualifications do you have now (or are working towards) which you didn’t have when you started in the business?

I joined DM Hall in July and had enrolled in the AssocRICS pathway by August. The AssocRICS qualification is a stepping stone towards MRICS status and is generally achievable within 9-12 months, dependent upon experience. I have also completed the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Drone pilot licence, which allows me to fly drones for survey purposes.

Q6. Do you have a mentor in the business or someone who has helped you?

Martin and Stuart are my official counsellor and supervisor for the RICS assessment purposes. These positions are key to guiding you through the learning and assessment process. I also have a mentor within the DM Hall Graduate team. Overall, I find everyone in the office is happy to help if you have a question or are just looking for some guidance.

Q7. What was the most memorable / interesting property or site that you have visited?

I visited a large manor house on the outskirts of Paisley to assist on a Level 3 survey, shortly after joining DM Hall. The property had quite an interesting history and connections to my home town in Ayrshire. The property was in need of quite extensive repair works when I visited but you could clearly see it had been a beautiful building. This one stands out as I was inspecting a large attic space with very little light, when my torch decided to die on me. So, this one was memorable for a lot of reasons!

Q8. What do you like about working at DM Hall?

I like the people I work with. Since joining, I have found everyone at DM Hall to be friendly and helpful and open to sharing their experience with you.

Q9. What are your career aspirations?

My main goal at the moment is to work towards gaining RICS status. I would like to gain more experience in the heritage sector and someday move into a role focussed on heritage and conservation, perhaps working oversees to gain experience of different styles of building and construction.

Q10. Any advice you would like to give to future graduates?

Always carry spare torch batteries with you! Or at the very least, your phone!

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