Liam Addison, assistant quantity surveyor at We Are Ease, on sustainability ambitions, the unpredictability of construction, and life in Cornwall.
Why did you switch careers to construction?
I was always fascinated with construction and architecture but after leaving school I found myself working in the catering industry. I worked my way up to sous chef in a respected local restaurant, but after five years I decided to pursue my ambitions in construction.
What are your career ambitions now?
My immediate ambitions are to complete a degree in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management after I complete my HNC in construction.
My long-term goals are to focus more around the importance of sustainability within the construction industry and how we as a profession can widen our perspective by teaching, learning and progressing towards a much cleaner and more ethical approach to reduce the carbon footprint.
What do you love about your job and what challenges you?
I enjoy the unpredictability of the job. The cliche phrase ‘no working day is the same’ springs to mind; it keeps me interested and passionate. Quantity surveying offers a wide variety of roles within the job title.
The commercial side of the job suits me while also having the platform to view the operational side of construction and seeing the physical process of a construction project from the foundations to final finishes.
If you could change anything about the industry what would it be?
The way in which the industry looks at sustainability and the environment. I believe more compulsory methods should be in place. And we should be educating all who join the industry on how to do things more ethically. I remain optimistic that change will happen in the near future.
How do you spend your spare time?
Living in small coastal town in Cornwall, I relish the summer months. I spend the majority of my time at the beach, surfing or enjoying a good pub garden. I’m fortunate to live in one of the – if not the – best places in the country to do this. Travel is my biggest interest.
I had the opportunity to spend some time travelling around South America in 2022 and will be journeying out to India later this year.
