From conservation repairs to mansions to managing budgets, Katherine Mortlock’s working day as a building surveyor with the National Trust is never dull
Describe a typical day in your job?
As with many surveying roles, there is no such thing as a typical day. My role is a great mix of site-based activity and desk time.
Yesterday was a site day; I try to make best use of my time while at a property, so I visited a couple of our holiday cottages to assess reported damage following the recent storms. I then had a pre-start meeting with a contractor and tenant farmer for an insurance-funded repair project on a barn. The afternoon was spent in one of our mansions with a structural engineer and conservation specialist, discussing repairs to ornate plaster ceilings.
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The remainder of the day was spent returning missed phone calls and answering emails.
Does working for the National Trust demand specialist skills/knowledge?
Yes, obviously traditional skills and conservation repairs feature strongly. There is a wealth of knowledge within the National Trust, so if I don’t know the answer, I have a number of willing colleagues who are happy to share their knowledge.
Having said that, there are also the maintenance issues that you would expect at any site: water leaks, roof leaks and sewage problems to name a few, it’s just that some of the infrastructure is more historic and this can present additional challenges.
What are the challenges/rewards of your role?
Every job has its challenges, and this one is no different; from ensuring we are getting value for money while also maintaining a high quality of workmanship to managing budgets for short-term cyclical tasks, the challenges of my role are probably very similar to most other building surveying roles. As for rewards – I don’t think I will ever lose the thrill of being able to access all areas of these amazing buildings.
To work on these iconic buildings, knowing that the work I do will ensure they continue to survive and be enjoyed by people for years to come makes this my dream job.
Katherine Mortlock is senior building surveyor (Norfolk, Suffolk & Essex Coast) at the National Trust
